bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D finite‐difference synthetic acoustic logging in cylindrical coordinates
Authors: Pissarenko D. , Reshetova G.V. , Tcheverda V.A. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTOn the basis of the application of a finite‐difference approximation of an initial boundary value problem for elastic wave equations (velocity/stress formulation), a numerical method and its algorithmic implementation have been developed in order to perform a computer simulation of sonic logging. A very general statement is dealt with – the surrounding medium is allowed to be 3D heterogeneous and the source can be located at any point inside or outside the well. To provide the most precise description of the sharpest interface of the problem – the interface of the well, we formulate the problem in cylindrical coordinates with a z axis directed along the well. In order to avoid excessive azimuth inflation of grid cells with radius increase, we perform periodical refinement of the grid step in the azimuth direction. This guarantees the quasi‐uniform size of the grid cells throughout the area of computation.In order to truncate area of computation, a classical version of a perfectly matched layer is developed and implemented for cylindrical coordinates. Its main advantage in comparison with other approaches is an extremely low level of artificial reflections and it is not necessary to perform splitting of variables in the azimuth direction.Implementation of parallel computations is performed via domain decomposition: the area of computation is sliced into a number of adjoining discs and each disc is assigned to its own processor unit. Data exchange between processor units is performed with the help of a message‐passing interface library. Results of numerical experiments for an elastic medium with a circular crack are presented and discussed.
A systematic review of the effect of diet in prostate cancer prevention and treatment
Authors: Ma R. W.‐L. , Chapman K. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractDietary therapy has been proposed as a cost effective and noninvasive means of reducing the risk of prostate cancer (PC) and its progression. There is a large volume of published studies describing the role of diet in the prevention and treatment of PC. This article systematically reviews the data for dietary‐based therapy in the prevention of PC, as well as in the management of patients with PC, aiming to provide clarity surrounding the role of diet in preventing and treating PC. Although conclusive evidence is limited, the current data are indicative that a diet low in fat, high in vegetables and fruits, and avoiding high energy intake, excessive meat, excessive dairy products and calcium intake, is possibly effective in preventing PC. However, caution must be taken to ensure that members of the public do not take excessive amounts of dietary supplements because there may be adverse affects associated with their over consumption. The dietary recommendations for patients diagnosed with PC are similar to those aiming to reduce their risk of PC.
The impact of visual media to encourage low protein cooking in inherited metabolic disorders
Authors: Evans S. , Daly A. , Hopkins V. , Davies P. , MacDonald A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground:  The use of educational visual aids is one way to help children with inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) understand and develop a positive attitude towards their low protein diet. However, it is difficult to establish their effectiveness in the clinical setting. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of a low protein recipe book and accompanying DVD for children with IMD.Methods:  One hundred and five children (53% female; median age = 6–8 years) with IMD on low protein diets were each given a low protein recipe book and DVD. After 6 months, children and carers were posted a questionnaire asking whether they used these resources; identifying any change in frequency of low protein cooking; and the outcome when preparing recipes.Results:  One hundred and two questionnaires were returned, representing 105 patients. Seventy percent (n = 71) of questionnaires were from carers. Ninety‐three percent (n = 66) of carers acknowledged receipt of the resource; one‐third (n = 22) had not watched the DVD and 23% (n = 15) had not opened the recipe book; 55% (n = 36) had tried the recipes; and 71% (n = 47) said the recipe book and/or DVD motivated them to try new recipes. Children were more likely to have watched the DVD (75%; n = 21/28) and read the recipe book (86%; n = 24/28) than carers.Conclusions:  Although a helpful educational tool, just over one‐half of respondents had used the resource. Identifying visual media that, by itself, will motivate most families of children with IMD to prepare low protein recipes may be unrealistic. The combined approach of visual aids and ‘hands‐on’ practical experience, such as low protein cooking workshops and individual counselling, may be more beneficial.
Molecular and Conventional Identification and Pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani Isolates from Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in Samsun, Turkey
Authors: Gurkanli Cem Tolga , Ozkoc Ibrahim , Gunduz Islam 
Published: April 2009

AbstractA total of 101 fungal samples were isolated from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants in Samsun, Turkey and identified as Rhizoctonia solani. Of these samples, three were identified as belonging to Anastomosis Group (AG) ‐1‐IB, 6 to AG‐2‐1, 25 to AG‐4‐HG‐I and 67 to AG‐4‐HG‐II, using ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 rDNA RFLP analysis, base sequence phylogenies and conventional characters, such as anastomosis reactions, morphology and thiamine requirement. For five isolates from both the AG‐4‐HG‐I and AG‐4‐HG‐II groups and for all isolates of the AG‐1‐IB and AG‐2‐1 groups, molecular analysis and pathogenicity tests were performed. All selected Rhizoctonia solani isolates were highly virulent to tobacco plants, causing symptoms resembling damping‐off, except for isolate 55TkTB63, which was only moderately virulent.
INTERNATIONAL VARIATIONS IN LIFE EXPECTANCY: A SPATIO‐TEMPORAL ANALYSIS
Authors: JEN MIN HUA , JOHNSTON RON , JONES KELVYN , HARRIS RICHARD , GANDY AXEL 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTLife expectancy at birth has increased substantially at the global scale over recent decades, but the improvements have not been experienced equally across all countries – in large part reflecting changes in economic and social situations. To identify the spatial variations in life expectancy at birth across a large number of countries over a 33‐year period, this paper provides an expository account of a developing modelling methodology for the analysis of spatio‐temporal trajectories. It identifies broad patterns of change and simultaneously examines between‐ and within‐country variation to assess the degree to which patterns of life expectancy are becoming more or less similar at national and sub‐national scales.
Coping with a two‐dimensional political space: Party mobilisation in referendums on European integration
Authors: SHU MIN 
Published: April 2009

AbstractEuropean Union referendums invite national electorates to vote on transnational cooperation and regional integration, thereby creating tension between transnational ballot issues and domestic electoral mobilisation. Because of the tension, domestic political parties are forced to confront a two‐dimensional political space in EU referendums. In the referendum‐generated political space, unless integration issues are more salient than domestic concerns, intra‐divided and inter‐converged mainstream parties tend strategically to abstain from the campaigns. Yet, explicit inter‐party collusion may allow the pro‐integration mainstream to form a party cartel in EU referendums. Suggestive evidence is drawn from a case study of the two Irish referendums on the Nice Treaty. Based on a party‐candidate survey, Irish parties are mapped onto a latent two‐dimensional political space. The findings shed new light on the initial abstention of Irish mainstream parties in the first Nice campaign and their subsequent mobilisation in the second referendum.
Commentary: Knowles RE, Tarrier N (2009). Evaluation of the effect of prospective patient diaries on emotional well‐being in intensive care unit survivors: a randomized control trial
Authors: Jones Christina 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjective:  To evaluate the effect of a prospective diary intervention on levels of anxiety and depression in a group of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors.Design:  Pragmatic randomized controlled trial.Setting:  Adult ICU, medical/surgical wards of a district general hospital and community bases.Patients:  A total of 36 patients who were admitted to the ICU between March 2006 and March 2007 for a minimum of 48 h.Interventions:  Prospective diary kept by nursing staff for the duration of the patient’s stay on ICU, containing daily information about their physical condition, procedures and treatments, events occurring on the unit, and significant events from outside the unit.Measurement and main results:  At initial assessment, almost half of patients fell into the ‘disorder likely’ category on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (44% for anxiety and 47·2% for depression). Paired samples Student’s t‐tests to compare the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores at time 1 and time 2 in the two participant groups revealed that the experimental group displayed statistically significant decreases in both anxiety [t(1, 17) = 2·65, p < 0·05) and depression [t (1, 17) = 3·33, p < 0·005] scores, while the control group did not, a difference attributed to the diary intervention.Conclusions:  Survivors of critical illnesses are likely to experience clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression following their discharge from hospital. The prospective diary intervention was designed to help patients understand what happened to them in intensive care, and it has a significant positive impact on anxiety and depression scores almost 2 months after patients’ discharge from ICU. Attempts to replicate these results using larger samples are therefore encouraged, with the aim of informing best practice guidelines. Abstract reprinted from the Critical Care Medicine, volume 37, Knowles and Tarrier, ‘(2009) Evaluation of the effect of prospective patient diaries on emotional well‐being in intensive care unit survivors: A randomized control trial’, pages 184–191. © 2009, reproduced with permission from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Experimental Study of Bone Lengthening in Dogs by Means of Backscattered Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: LAFUENTE PILAR , FRANCH JORDI , DURALL IGNACIO , MANZANARES CRISTINA 
Published: April 2009

Objective— To describe the morphology of calcified tissues involved in distraction osteogenesis (DO) by means of backscattered scanning electron microscopy (BS‐SEM).Study Design— Experimental study.Animals— Adult female Beagle dogs (n=12).Methods— Nonsimultaneous and bilateral transverse mid‐diaphyseal osteotomies performed in tibiae were stabilized and distracted by a Type Ia external skeletal fixation device. After a latency period of 5 days, distraction was applied at a rate of 0.5 mm every 12 hours for 10 days. Then, the external fixator was maintained in a static mode during the consolidation period until bone healing or euthanasia at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 18 weeks after operations, whichever came first. Distracted regions were isolated and their structure was examined by BS‐SEM.Results— Calcified chondroid tissue was prominent during distraction and calcified cartilaginous tissue during consolidation; both tissues were successively replaced by woven, lamellar, and osteonal bone.Conclusions— In osteotomized tibia, chondroid tissue is the main component of the mineralization front during distraction, calcified cartilaginous tissue during consolidation, and then both tissues are replaced by woven, lamellar, and osteonal bone. The ossification mechanism of distraction callus is transchondroidal.Clinical Relevance— BS‐SEM is an effective technique for studying progression of bone healing during DO. The presence of chondroid tissue during DO explains why callus mineralization occurs more rapidly during distraction than during static stabilization.
Effects of Sustained Ventricular Pacing During Cardioplegic Arrest on Global and Regional Postischemic Left Ventricular Performance
Authors: LAZAR HAROLD L. , WILCOX KENNETH , LEVINE PAUL A. 
Published: April 2009

Although coronary artery bypass graft surgery is frequently performed in patiejits with permanent ventricular pacemakers, the effects of pacemaker generator stimuli during cardioplegic arrest are unknown. This study was undertaken to detennine whether, during cardioplegic arrest in the presentee of a coronary occlusion, pacemaker stimuli accentuate postischemic LV damage.Twelve pigs were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass and subjected to 80 min ofischemic arrest with multiple doses of crystalloid potassium crystalloid caidioplegia supplemented with topical and systemic (28C) hypothermia. During arrest, the mid LAD was occluded with a snare that was released upon reperfusion. In all animals, epicardial ventricular pacing wires were placed and capture was confirmed. In 6 pigs, pacing was instituted prior to ischemic arrest and continued throughout the ischemic and postischemic periods. Six other pigs were not paced and served as controls.Pacemaker stimuli during arrest had no effect on LV temperature. There was no difference in postischemic Lt mass, compliance curves, wall‐motion scores, or stroke xvork itidex between the paced and nonpaced hearts.We conclude that sustained pacemaker stimuli during cardioplegic arrest does not impair global and regional postischemic LV function.
Computer Modelling of Cardiac Recovery Processes and Repolarization Sequences
Authors: MALIK MAREK , CAMM A. JOHN 
Published: April 2009

A computer model has been developed which simulates both excitation and recovery processes within a block of heart muscle tissue. The model emphasizes the electro physiologic features of repolarization processes. It is comprised of artificial images of myocardial tissue consisting of several thousand elements and introduces phenomena that are omitted or seriously simplified in most of the existing computer models of cardiac electrophysiology. These phetiomeria include the abnormal shapes of action‐potential curves corresponding to premature excitation of cells that have not fully recovered, different durations of the repolarization phase in endoepicardial layers of tissue, and the tissue anisotropy of excitation transmission and electric resistivity.The model has been used in several experiments. Results of simulation studies are presented in the form of modelled 3‐lead electrocardiographic records. In spite of simple assumptions used at model construction, the results of simulation experiments reproduce natural phenomena. The experimental series include: simulation of regular activation sequences, models of ischemia and infarction, models of pnemature beats, simulation of effects due to fast sequential excitation, and simulation of reentry mechanisms with special reference to the initiation of ventricular fibrillation.The future development of more realistic models of cardiac recovery processes is also discussed.
Defibrillation Energy Requirements Differ Between Anesthetic Agents
Authors: WANG MICHELE , DORIAN PAUL 
Published: April 2009

We examined the effect of anesthesia on the energy requirements for internal defibrillation (DF) in dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital (30 mg/kg IV followed by 2–3 mg/kg/hr constant infusion) (n = 20), fentanyl (25 μg/kg/hour) (n = 25), and enflurane (0.5%–1.5%) (n = 8). Multiple shocks of varying energies were applied through left and right ventricular epicardial patch electrodes to relate delivered energy to percent success in DF. The energies required for 50% success (E50) and 80% success (E80) in DF were estimated using logistic regression. E50 in fentanyl anesthetized animals (3.8 ± 2.3 J) was significantly lower than in those given pentobarbital (6.9 ± 3.0 J) (P < 0.01), and lawer than those given enflurane (5.7 ± 2.8 J) (NS). E80 with fentanyl (6.5 ± 4.0 J) was also lower than that of pentobarbital (10.4 ± 4.9 J) (P < 0.01) and enflurane (7.6 ± 4.3 J) (NS) animals. lawer defibrillation energy requirements (DER) with fentanyl anesthesia, when compared with pentobarbital, were associated with significantly longer ventricular effective refractory periods (VERP) (171 ± 20 versus 142 ± 15 msec: P < 0.01), lower mean arterial pressures (114 ± 20 vs 136 ± 25 mmHg: P < 0.01), and Iower heart rates (90 ± 37 versus 164 ± 19 b/m; P < 0.01).Anesthetic agents may modify DER; their effects need to be taken into account in the assessment of DER in patients receiving implanted defibrillators and in the evaluation of the results of defibrillation research in anesthetized animals.
Potassium and Magnesium Changes Associated with Programmed Electrical Stimulation
Authors: BLESKE BARRY E. , KLUGER JEFFREY , COLUCCI ROBERT , CHOW MOSES S.S. 
Published: April 2009

Serum potassium and magnesium concentrations decrease secondary to an increase in catecholamine concentrations. We hypothesized that during programmed electrical stimulation (PES), where stress of the procedure may elevate catecholamine levels, potassium and magnesium concentrations would decrease. To test this hypothesis, potassium and magnesium concentrations were measured at baseline, during, and after PES in 16 patients. Potassium concentrations (mean ± standard deviation) decreased from 4.5 ± 0.3 (mEq/L) at baseline to 3.9 ± 0.2 during PES (P < 0.05). At 2 hours post‐PES, serum potassium concentrations returned to baseline values (mean 4.2 ± 0.5 mEq/L, P > 0.05 compared to baseline). Mean magnesium concentrations (mmol/L) decreased from 0.84 ± 0.07 at baseline to 0.81 ± 0.07 at the end of PES (P < 0.05) but did not decrease significantly during PES.In conclusion, potassium concentrations decreased significantly during PES, whereas magnesium concentrations decreased slightly but significantly at the end of PES. These changes in electrolyte concentrations may be due to catecholamine influence secondary to the PES procedure. In light of these observations, serum concentrations of potassium and magnesium should be normalized prior to PES procedure in order to prevent hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Functional Changes of Human Peripheral B‐Lymphocytes in Pre‐Eclampsia
Authors: Liao Ai‐Hua , Liu Li‐Ping , Ding Wen‐Ping , Zhang Ling 
Published: April 2009

Problem  The aim of our study was to investigate the functional changes of human peripheral B‐lymphocytes in healthy and pre‐eclamptic pregnancies.Method of study  Twenty patients with pre‐eclampsia and 15 healthy third‐trimester pregnant women were recruited in this study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and directly stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled anti‐CD27 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and phycoerythrin (PE)‐labeled anti‐CD38 mAb. The percentages of the individual B‐cell subsets were estimated out of total lymphocytes by flow cytometric analysis. Additionally, the enriched PBMCs were cultured with or without the stimulation of pokeweed mitogen (PWM) for 5 days. Then morphologic observation of plasma cells was analysed by Wright‐Giemsa stain, and antibody‐producing cells were detected by enzyme‐linked immunospot assay.Results  The percentage of CD27−CD38− naïve B‐cells and CD27−CD38+ plasma cells did not differ between study groups (P > 0.05). The percentage of CD27+CD38− memory B‐cells and CD27+CD38+ plasma cell pre‐cursors increased in pre‐eclamptic women compared with the controls (P < 0.05). Irrespective of whether the PBMCs were stimulated with or w/o PWM in vitro, the mean percentages of generated plasma cells were significantly higher in pre‐eclamptic group than in the controls (P < 0.05). There were more antibody‐producing cells in pre‐eclamptic women following the activation of PWM than those in the controls (P < 0.01).Conclusion  Our findings implicate that the functional changes of human circulating B‐cells might contribute to the etiology of pre‐eclampsia.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Allergic Women have Reduced sHLA‐G Plasma Levels at Delivery
Authors: Rizzo Roberta , Stignani Marina , Amoudruz Petra , Nilsson Caroline , Melchiorri Loredana , Baricordi Olavio , Sverremark‐Ekström Eva 
Published: April 2009

Problem  HLA‐G antigen maintains a tolerogenic condition at the foeto‐maternal interface, counteracts inflammation in autoimmune diseases and soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) levels decrease in allergic‐asthmatics. Taking into consideration these findings, we analyzed if sHLA‐G and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) could be influenced by pregnancy and labour in allergic and non‐allergic women.Method of study  sHLA‐G isoforms and IL‐10 levels were determined in the plasma samples of 43 women (15 non‐allergic, 28 allergic) during third trimester, at delivery and 2 years after pregnancy by immunoenzymatic assays.Results  A significant increase in sHLA‐G and IL‐10 levels was documented at delivery in both allergic and non‐allergic women. Allergic women showed lower sHLA‐G concentrations. sHLA‐G1 was evidenced as the predominant plasma isoform.Conclusion  The data showed increased sHLA‐G and IL‐10 concentrations at delivery, regardless of the allergic status. The sHLA‐G1 isoform is mainly responsible for the increased sHLA‐G levels at delivery.
Psoriasis – a systemic inflammatory disorder: clinic, pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Sterry Wolfram 
Published: April 2009

SummaryPsoriasis has seen a dramatic change in its perception by dermatologists as well as other medical specialties. Its well‐recognized association with several other diseases makes a complete switch in its management necessary. This review summarizes current epidemiological data on the comorbidities of psoriasis. Subsequently, the evidence for insulin resistance as a cause for endothelial cell dysfunction with its relevant pathogenetic link to the development of cardiovascular comorbidity is discussed. Based on these novel insights, we propose a possible state‐of‐the‐art approach towards comprehensive psoriasis management.
INFANTICIDE, MATRICIDE OR SUICIDE
Authors: Minne Carine 
Published: April 2009

abstractThis chapter gives an account of a young woman suffering from a personality disorder who killed her baby and her psychoanalytic psychotherapy treatment in high security over several years. The focus is on three main areas. Firstly, the severity of her family dysfunction, especially her relationship with her own mother, gradually emerged in the course of treatment and this led to the infanticide also being viewed as a suicidal or even matricidal act as the patient's identifications with mother and baby altered repeatedly. Secondly, the course of treatment also raised particular countertransferential difficulties with this patient who was, at times, extremely hostile and occasionally violent during sessions and these are also described. Lastly, prognostic expectations and hopes for patients with this degree of disturbance are reviewed
Eleven new microsatellite loci for the tiger rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris)
Authors: MUNGUIA‐VEGA A. , PELZ‐SERRANO K. , GOODE M. , CULVER M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractEleven microsatellite loci were isolated from an enriched genomic library from the tiger rattlesnake Crotalus tigris. Average observed heterozygosities in two populations were 0.456 and 0.427, respectively, and mean number of alleles were 7.54 (range 2–14) and 4.72 (range 2–13) respectively. No evidence of linkage disequilibrium was found across pairs of loci. The markers will be used in a long‐term study examining the potential effects of urbanization on population dynamics and connectivity of this species in the mountain ranges surrounding Tucson, Arizona.