bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiative decays of scalar mesons σ(600), f
0(980) and a
0(980) in the local Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model
Authors: Volkov Mikhail , Kuraev Eduard , Bystritskiy Yury 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The two-photon decay widths of scalar mesons σ(600), f
0(980) and a
0(980) as well a
0 → ju(ω)γ and f
0 → ju(ω)γ are calculated in the framework of the local Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model. The contributions of the quark loops (Hartree-Fock approximation) and the meson loops (next 1/N
c-approximation where N
c is the number of colors) are taken into account. The values of these contributions, as we show, are of the same order of magnitude. For the f
0 decay the K-loop contribution plays the dominant role. The results for two-gamma decays are in satisfactory agreement with modern experimental data. The predictions for a
0 → ju(ω)γ and f
0 → ju(ω)γ widths are given.
New analytical independent-particle model potential for atoms
Authors: Yu Fei , Sun Jiu-Xun 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
A new analytical, independent-particle model potential with four shell-independent parameters is proposed, which is suitable for high, medium, and low Z atoms. The four parameters are determined for 101 atoms from Li to Lr by fitting the results of the X
a method found in the literature. The average fitting error 0.675% of the new potential for the 101 atoms is far better than 3.92% of the widely used Green’s potential. The radial Schrödinger equation with the new potential is solved by using Numerov’s numerical method for 7 typical atoms: Ne, Ca, Zn, Zr, Sn, Yb, and Th. The energy eigenvalues, radial wave functions, and atomic ground-state energy are in good agreement with the results of the X
a method. The new potential here shows greater flexibility and better accuracy compared with the Green’s potential.
A new marine fish leech species of the genus Oceanobdella (Clitellata, Piscicolidae) from coastal waters of Sakhalin Island
Authors: Utevsky Serge 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA new species of marine fish leeches is described and compared with its congeners. Oceanobdella sakhalinica possesses a unique combination of characters: the anterior sucker is small; one of posterior transverse bands on the urosome is very dark; a wedge-shaped patch is located on the posterior sucker; posterior crop caeca are separate for their entire length; accessory glands on the atrium are lacking; five pairs of testisacs are present; the copulatory area and the conductive tissue are lacking. Hosts include a sculpin Myoxocephalus sp. and the blackline prickleback Acantholumpenus mackayi. The leeches were collected in Aniva Bay, southern Sakhalin.
Allopodocotyle tunisiensis sp. nov. (Digenea, Opecoelidae), a parasite of Solea aegyptiaca (Teleostei, Soleidae) off Tunisia
Authors: Derbel Hela , Neifar Lassad 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAllopodocotyle tunisiensis sp. nov. is described from the intestine of Solea aegyptiaca Chabanaud collected from the Gulf of Gabès in the Mediterranean Sea off Tunisia. The new species belongs to the group C of Allopodocotyle Pritchard, 1966 species (sensu Bray 1987). It differs from its congeners in this group by the shape of the seminal vesicle and the anterior extend of the vitellarium which varies between just posterior to the ventral sucker and anterior margin. A key to the Allopodocotyle species of group C is presented. The status of the genera Allopodocotyle and Macvicaria (Gibson and Bray 1982) are briefly discussed.
Redescription of Myxidium sphaericum Thélohan, 1895 and Ceratomyxa beloneae Lubat et al., 1989 from the gall bladder of the garpike, Belone belone in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Mladineo Ivona , Šegvić Tanja , Bočina Ivana , Grubišić Leon 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe garpike Belone belone (L.) is an epipelagic fish abundant in the Mediterranean, parasitized by two coelozoic myxosporidians in the gall bladder — Myxidium sphaericum Thélohan, 1895 and Ceratomyxa beloneae Lubat, Radujković, Marques et Bouix, 1989. In order to redescribe these intriguing and taxonomically complex species, whose original descriptions are limited only to line drawings based on light microscopy, we studied the morphology and ultrastructure of their vegetative and sporogenic stages. M. sphaericum has an oval to sigmoid or mild crescent shape in the frontal view, large conical polar capsules, opening at the spore end, in opposite direction of the spore length, with 8–9 coils of polar filament. C. beloneae has elongated and slightly arched valves; symmetrical and smooth, with the posterior surface almost straight and anterior surface mildly inclinated, having 5 coils of the polar filament.
First record of the nematode Aviculariella alcedonis (Yamaguti et Mitunaga, 1943) (Spirurida, Acuariidae) in Europe, with SEM observations and comments on its taxonomic position
Authors: Mutafchiev Yasen , Zehtindjiev Pavel , Georgiev Boyko 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAviculariella alcedonis (Spirurida, Acuariidae) is recorded from Alcedo atthis (Coraciiformes, Alcedinidae) from Bulgaria (new geographical record). A description of female specimens based on light-microscopy and SEM studies is presented. On the basis of the observations of the cephalic end, the position of the genus is considered to be in the subfamily Acuariinae, not in the Seuratiinae where it was previously placed. The host range of Aviculariella spp. is recognised as restricted to birds of the family Alcedinidae. A new morphological peculiarity described in A. alcedonis is the presence of a pair of sublateral ribs at the anterior end of each pseudolabium.
Modified fenestration with restorative spinoplasty for lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Matsudaira Ko , Yamazaki Takashi , Seichi Atsushi , Hoshi Kazuto , Hara Nobuhiro , Ogiwara Satoshi , Terayama Sei , Chikuda Hirotaka , Takeshita Katsushi , Nakamura Kozo 
Published: September 2009

The authors developed an original procedure, modified fenestration with restorative spinoplasty (MFRS) for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. The first step is to cut the spinous process in an L-shape, which is caudally reflected. This procedure allows easy access to the spinal canal, including lateral recesses, and makes it easy to perform a trumpet-style decompression of the nerve roots without violating the facet joints. After the decompression of neural tissues, the spinous process is anatomically restored (spinoplasty). The clinical outcomes at 2 years were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale and patients' satisfaction. Radiological follow-up included radiographs and CT.
Between January 2000 and December 2002, 109 patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication with or without mild spondylolisthesis underwent MFRS. Of these, 101 were followed up for at least 2 years (follow-up rate 93%). The average score on the self-administered JOA scale in 89 patients without comorbidity causing gait disturbance improved from 13.3 preoperatively to 22.9 at 2 years' follow-up. Neurogenic intermittent claudication disappeared in all cases. The patients' assessment of treatment satisfaction was “satisfied” in 74 cases, “slightly satisfied” in 12, “slightly dissatisfied” in 2, and “dissatisfied” in 1 case. In 16 cases (18%), a minimum progression of slippage occurred, but no symptomatic instability or recurrent stenosis was observed. Computed tomography showed that the lateral part of the facet joints was well preserved, and the mean residual ratio was 80%. The MFRS technique produces an adequate and safe decompression of the spinal canal, even in patients with narrow and steep facet joints in whom conventional fenestration is technically demanding.
Minimally invasive anterior lumbar interbody fusion followed by percutaneous translaminar facet screw fixation in elderly patients
Authors: Park Sung Hun , Park Woo Min , Park Cheul Woong , Kang Kwan Soo , Lee Young Keun , Lim Sang Rak 
Published: September 2009

Object
The purpose of this study was to determine whether anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) followed by percutaneous translaminar facet screw fixation is effective in elderly patients with degenerative spinal disease.

Methods
Twenty-nine patients > 60 years old who underwent ALIF with percutaneous translaminar facet screw fixation from January to June 2004 were studied. The radiological and clinical data of these patients were collected and analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 14.6 months (range 12–17 months).

Results
The mean preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 6- and 12-month postoperative posterior disc heights were 7.1, 11.6, 9.8, and 9.8 mm, respectively. Subsidences of posterior disc height > 20% developed in 9 patients (30%). The significant risk factor for subsidence was found to be 2-level operations (p = 0.023). The mean preoperative Oswestry Disability Index score and visual analog scale scores for the back and leg were 24.4, 6.6, and 7.5, respectively, and improved postoperatively to 14.2, 1.5, and 1.8, respectively.

Conclusions
Minimally invasive ALIF followed by percutaneous translaminar facet screw fixation was performed as a minimally invasive surgical technique in elderly patients. However, in certain circumstances such as multilevel operations or in patients with severe osteoporosis, significant cage subsidence can develop.
Conservative treatment of upper cervical spine injuries with the halo vest: an appropriate option for all patients independent of their age?
Authors: Daentzer Dorothea , Flörkemeier Thilo 
Published: September 2009

Object
Most upper cervical spine injuries are able to heal conservatively by halo vest application. The acceptance of the halo is different among patients due to the weight of the apparatus and the limited mobility it causes. Additionally, the fracture healing rate in older patients seems to be inferior to that in younger patients, which would make an operative stabilization procedure more appropriate for the elderly. Furthermore, the risk of complications is assumed to be higher in older people. The purpose of this retrospective study was to find out if there are differences in the clinical and radiological results and in complication rates between 2 patient groups with upper cervical spine injuries and halo vest treatment with special interest of their age group.

Methods
A total of 29 patients with upper cervical spine injuries were treated by halo vest application. The clinical and radiological results and the complication and revision surgery rates were identified. Patients were divided into 2 groups (18 patients were < 65 years and 11 were > 65 years), and the results were evaluated to examine whether there were any differences.

Results
The clinical and radiological results and the complication rate were not statistically significantly different between the 2 patient groups; however, there was a tendency for a longer time interval for fracture healing and more complications in the elderly people.

Conclusions
If the conditions for conservative treatment of upper cervical spine injuries with halo fixation are right, the clinical and radiological results are good and almost similar in patients regardless of their age, although there is a tendency for more complications in older people.
The regenerative capacity of the notochordal cell: tissue constructs generated in vitro under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Erwin W. Mark , Heras Facundo Las , Islam Diana , Fehlings Michael G. , Inman Robert D. 
Published: September 2009

Object
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a highly avascular structure that is occupied by highly specialized cells (nucleus pulposus [NP] cells) that have adapted to survive within an O2 concentration of 2–5%. The object of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term hypoxic and normoxic tissue cultures of nonchondrodystrophic canine notochordal cells—cells that appear to protect the disc NP from degenerative change.

Methods
The authors obtained notochordal cells from nonchondrodystrophic canines according to their established methods and placed them into monolayer and 3D culture using sodium alginate globules under either hypoxic (3.5% O2) or normoxic (21% O2) conditions. Histological, immunohistochemical, scanning electron microscopy, and histomorphometric methods were used to evaluate the cells within the globules after 5 months in culture.

Results
Notochordal cells under in vitro hypoxic tissue culture conditions produced a highly complex, organized, 3D cellular construct that was strikingly similar to that observed in vivo. In contrast, traditional normoxic tissue culture conditions resulted in notochordal cells that failed to produce an organized matrix. Hypoxia resulted in a matrix rich in aggrecan and collagen II, whereas normoxic cultured cells did not produce any observable aggrecan or collagen II after 5 months of culture.

Conclusions
Hypoxia induces notochordal cells to organize a complex 3D cellular/extracellular matrix without an external scaffold other than suspension within sodium alginate. These cells produce an extracellular matrix and large construct that shares exactly the same characteristics as the in vivo condition—robust aggrecan, and type II collagen production. Normoxic tissue culture conditions, however, lead to a failure of these cells to thrive and a lack of extracellular matrix production and significantly smaller cells. The authors suggest that future studies of NP cells and, in particular, notochordal cells should utilize hypoxic tissue culture conditions to derive meaningful, biologically relevant conclusions concerning possible biological/molecular interventions.
Biomechanical, biochemical, and histological characterization of canine lumbar facet joint cartilage
Authors: Elder Benjamin D. , Vigneswaran Krishanthan , Athanasiou Kyriacos A. , Kim Daniel H. 
Published: September 2009

Object
Tissue engineering appears to be a promising strategy for articular cartilage regeneration as a treatment for facet joint arthritis. Prior to the commencement of tissue engineering approaches, design criteria must be established to determine the required functional properties of the replacement tissue. As characterization of the functional properties of facet joint cartilage has not been performed previously, the objective of this study was to determine the biomechanical, biochemical, and histological properties of facet joint cartilage.

Methods
The in vitro testing was conducted using 4 lumbar spinal segments obtained from skeletally mature canines. In each specimen, articular cartilage was obtained from the superior surface of the L3–4 and L4–5 facet joints. Creep indentation was used to determine the compressive biomechanical properties, while uniaxial tensile testing yielded the Young modulus and ultimate tensile strength of the tissue. Additionally, biochemical assessments included determinations of cellularity, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, and collagen content, as well as enzymelinked immunosorbent assays for collagen I and II production. Finally, histological characterization included H & E staining, as well as staining for collagen and GAG distributions.

Results
The means ± standard deviation values were determined. There were no differences between the 2 spinal levels for any of the assessed properties. Averaged over both levels, the thickness was 0.49 ± 0.10 mm and the hydration was 74.7 ± 1.7%. Additionally, the cells/wet weight (WW) ratio was 6.26 ± 2.66 × 104 cells/mg and the cells/dry weight (DW) ratio was 2.51 ± 1.21 × 105 cells/mg. The GAG/WW was 0.038 ± 0.013 and the GAG/ DW was 0.149 ± 0.049 mg/mg, while the collagen/WW was 0.168 ± 0.026 and collagen/DW was 0.681 ± 0.154 mg/ mg. Finally, the aggregate modulus was 554 ± 133 kPa, the Young modulus was 10.08 ± 8.07 MPa, and the ultimate tensile strength was 4.44 ± 2.40 MPa.

Conclusions
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to provide a functional characterization of facet joint articular cartilage, thus providing design criteria for future tissue engineering studies.
Ergebnisse aus Untersuchungen zum Wildtiereinfluss auf die Waldverjüngung in der Schweiz | Results of various studies on the influence of wildlife on forest regeneration in Switzerland
Authors: Odermatt Oswald 
Published: September 2009

Ten years ago the working group “Forest and Wildlife” of the Swiss Forestry Society described the situation at the time regarding forest and game in Switzerland. Since then data collection and evaluation methods for assessing browsing damage, but also forest and wildlife management concepts have evolved. A selection of the many activities in this field are presented in this article, namely the cantonal overviews of Cantons Glarus, Schwyz and Berne, the surveys on browsing intensity on indicator plots in Cantons St. Gallen, Glarus, Zurich, Schwyz and in the Bernese Oberland, as well as the Forest and Wildlife Reports and the Silver Fir Action Program of Canton Grisons. Furthermore the results of the Effor2 pilot program “forest and wildlife” and of the studies on the development of natural regeneration and the behaviour of wild ungulates in areas damaged by storm Lothar are presented, together with results from the 3rd National Forest Inventory.
The results show: the proportion of forest area in the cantons with intolerable browsing damage seldom exceeds 25%. Browsing problems are more frequent in game protection areas. According to the 3rd National Forest Inventory browsing intensity has increased in Switzerland, but decreased in the Plateau. A diminution of the browsing intensity is also shown by the the surveys on indicator plots in Cantons St. Gallen, Glarus, Zurich, Schwyz and in the Bernese Oberland. In some regions one has succeeded in avoiding a loss of stem numbers due to browsing, even concerning the particularly vulnerable silver fir. This however remains the exception rather than the rule. This is the reason why Canton Grisons has launched the Silver Fir Action Program.
The Effect of Race on the Incidence of Retinoblastoma
Authors: Krishna Sheila M. , Yu Guo-Pei , Finger Paul T. 
Published: September 2009

Purpose:
To examine the incidence of retinoblastoma for regional variations by race.

Methods:
Age-adjusted incidence rates, rate ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were determined in 109 regions from 1993 to 1997 using compiled data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Results:
The rate ratio was 1.12 (range: 0.35 to 4.15) between white populations in the United States and Europe/Australia, 0.98 (range: 0.37 to 2.65) between Hispanic populations in Spain and the United States, and 1.44 (range: 0.29 to 1.79) between Hispanic populations in Uruguay and the United States. The rate ratio between Hispanic and white populations within the United States was 0.94 (range: 0.33 to 2.56). No differences were significant.

Conclusions:
Because retinoblastoma is a genetic disease, its incidence is similar among varied populations.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2009;46:288–293.]
New Methods for the Assessment of Accommodative Convergence
Authors: Asakawa Ken , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Shoji Nobuyuki 
Published: September 2009

Purpose:
The authors introduced a new objective method for measuring horizontal eye movements based on the first Purkinje image with the use of infrared charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras and compared stimulus accommodative convergence to accommodation (AC/A) ratios as determined by a standard gradient method.

Methods:
The study included 20 patients, 5 to 9 years old, who had intermittent exotropia (10 eyes) and accommodative esotropia (10 eyes). Measurement of horizontal eye movements in millimeters (mm), based on the first Purkinje image, was obtained with a TriIRIS C9000 instrument (Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan). The stimulus AC/A ratio was determined with the far gradient method. The average values of horizontal eye movements (mm) and eye deviation (Δ) (a) before and (b) after an accommodative stimulus of 3.00 diopters (D) were calculated with the following formula: horizontal eye movements (mm/D) and stimulus AC/A ratio (Δ/D) = (b – a)/3.

Results:
The average values of the horizontal eye movements and the stimulus AC/A ratio were 0.5 mm/D and 3.8 Δ/D, respectively. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between these two parameters (r = 0.92). Moreover, horizontal eye movements are directly proportional to the AC/A ratio measured with the gradient method.

Conclusions:
The methods used in this study allow objective recordings of accommodative convergence to be obtained in many clinical situations.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2009;46:273–277.]
Thermal injury in pregnancy: predicting maternal and fetal outcome
Authors: Agarwal P 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTThis study was undertaken to assess the parameters that may predict maternal and foetal outcome in 49 thermally injured pregnant women in a Plastic surgery unit in tertiary referral center in the last five years. There were 33 maternal deaths and 34 fetal deaths. In general, pregnancy as such does not influence maternal outcome after thermal injury. In first and second trimester best chance for foetal survival is to ensure maternal survival and in the last trimester fetal survival depends upon fetal maturity. Maternal survival is less likely if the burn wound exceeds 50% total body surface area. Thermal injury does increase the risk of spontaneous abortion and premature labour. Early obstetric intervention is indicated in patients with fatal burn and complications.
Hydroxyapatite/SiO2 Composites via Freeze Casting for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Blindow Silke , Pulkin Maxim , Koch Dietmar , Grathwohl Georg , Rezwan Kurosch 
Published: September 2009

AbstractFreeze casting is a fabrication method that allows producing near‐net‐shaped ceramics with variable porosity. Hydroxyapatite (HA) was modified by the addition of different amounts of SiO2 nanoparticles during freeze cast preparation. The addition of SiO2 introduced a partial phase transformation of HA to β‐tricalcium phosphate and improved the form stability due to less shrinkage after sintering. The impact of surface roughness of pure HA ceramics and the influence of SiO2 introduction during freeze casting on adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of human osteoblast‐like cells (MG‐63) was investigated. While both cell attachment and proliferation of smooth pressed HA was significantly enhanced compared to rough freeze cast HA, the addition of SiO2 improved the cell numbers of the latter. The expression of cell differentiation markers osteocalcin and collagen I was found to be supported by rough surfaces (Ra = 5–6 µm) in particular on ceramics containing SiO2
Photoinduced Shuttling Dynamics of Rotaxanes in Viscous Polymer Solutions
Authors: Jagesar Dhiredj C. , Fazio Sandro M. , Taybi Jimmy , Eiser Erika , Gatti Francesco G. , Leigh David A. , Brouwer Albert M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe effect of external friction, caused by medium viscosity, on the photoinduced translational motion in a rotaxane‐based molecular shuttle 1 is investigated. The shuttle is successfully operated in solutions of poly(methacrylonitrile) (PMAN) of different molecular weights in MeCN and PrCN. The viscosity of the medium is tuned by changing the PMAN concentration. The rheological behavior of the polymer solution gives insight into the structure of the polymer solution on the microscopic scale. In PrCN, the entanglement regime is reached at lower concentration than in MeCN. This is also reflected by the effect on the shuttling: in the PrCN/PMAN system, a larger viscosity effect is observed compared to MeCN/PMAN. The shuttle is found to be slowed down in the polymer solutions but is still active at high viscosities. The observed retardation effect on the kinetics of shuttling in MeCN/PMAN and PrCN/PMAN can be correlated to the PMAN concentration through the hydrodynamic scaling model. The Stokes–Einstein relationship proves inadequate to correlate the shuttling rates to macroscopic viscosity, but the dependence of the shuttling rate on the bulk viscosity fits well to a commonly observed power‐law relationship. The viscosity effect on the shuttling is found to be weak in all cases.