bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significance and outcome of left heart hypoplasia in fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Vogel M. , McElhinney D. B. , Marcus E. , Morash D. , Jennings R. W. , Tworetzky W. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveIn patients with a left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), the left ventricle (LV) is often compressed and smaller than normal. The objective of this study was to investigate whether small left heart dimensions prenatally normalize after birth in patients with CDH, or whether prenatal indices of left heart size and flow predict postnatal outcome.MethodsClinical and echocardiographic data were reviewed for patients diagnosed with left‐sided CDH prenatally. Cardiac dimensions and flows were compared with normative data. Among liveborn patients, pre‐ and postnatal Z‐scores of left heart structures were compared, and associations between prenatal indices and outcome were assessed.ResultsOf 125 patients diagnosed prenatally with CDH, 111 had a left‐sided defect. Of these, 85 were liveborn, including 20 with congenital heart disease. Gestational age‐adjusted dimensions of fetal left heart structures, including aortic valve diameter, mitral valve (MV) diameter, LV long‐axis, LV short‐axis and LV volume, were all smaller than normal (P < 0.001). On average, the LV contributed 33 ± 8% of combined ventricular output, lower than the normal 40–50%. Z‐scores of left heart structures increased from the prenatal echocardiogram to the postnatal study, with average changes ranging from 0.56 ± 1.68 (aortic valve) to 1.39 ± 1.85 (LV volume). Among liveborn patients, there was no association between prenatal left heart Z‐scores and postnatal survival.ConclusionsHypoplasia of and reduced flow through the left heart are common among fetuses with CDH. After birth and CDH repair, left heart dimensions generally normalize, with adequate size to support a biventricular circulation, even when there is very low flow through the left heart in mid‐ and late‐gestation. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Peculiar Site Preference of Boron in MgAl2–xBxO4 (x = 0.0, 0.11, and 0.13) Spinel under High‐Pressure and High‐Temperature
Authors: Yoshiasa Akira , Ito Tomokazu , Sugiyama Kazumasa , Nakatsuka Akihiko , Okube Maki , Kurosawa Masanori , Katsura Tomoo 
Published: February 2010

AbstractSingle crystals of MgAl2–xBxO4 (x = 0.0, 0.11 and 0.13) spinel were synthesized under high pressure (5 and 11 GPa) and high temperature (1873 and 1273 K) using a 1000 ton “6–8” type uniaxial split‐sphere apparatus. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements were carried out using a laboratory diffractometer with a Weissenberg‐type imaging plate detector and using a four‐circle diffractometer with synchrotron radiation at Photon Factory, Japan. The maximum content of boron was about x = 0.13 at 1273K and 11GPa. The smallest boron ion occupies the octahedral site in top priority in the spinel solid solution of the Mg/Al/B systems. The B3+ ions can replace considerably bigger Al3+ ion under pressure. We estimated the cation distribution of each site from the reproduction of the observed average distance using the observed local bond lengths for Mg–O and Al–O and the normal B–O distance. The chemical formula of boron‐bearing spinels are estimated as (Mg0.47,Al0.53)[Al1.36,Mg0.53,B0.11]O4 (x = 0.11) and (Mg0.50,Al0.50)[Al1.37,Mg0.50,B0.13]O4 (x = 0.13), respectively. These spinel solid solutions are largely disordered crystals and the inversion parameter grow up to 0.5 in the tetrahedral site. The temperature factor Beq for oxygen site in boron‐bearing spinels were significantly larger than that in pure MgAl2O4 spinel. Only the positional shifts of oxygen ions have, therefore, been relaxing the disorder in structure.
Intestinal Ascariasis in Children
Authors: Wani Imtiaz , Rather Muddasir , Naikoo Ghulam , Amin Abid , Mushtaq Syed , Nazir Mir 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundAscariasis is a staggering health problem commonly seen in children of endemic areas. In the abdomen, ascaris lumbricoides can cause a myriad of surgical complications. Intestinal obstruction by ascaris lumbricoides is commonly seen in children. Most cases are managed conservatively. The purpose was to study the clinical presentation and management of symptomatic intestinal ascariasis in children.MethodsA 3‐year study was performed from April 2006 to April 2009 of pediatric‐age patients who had symptomatic intestinal ascariasis. All patients had detailed clinical history, examination, plain X‐ray of abdomen, and ultrasonography of abdomen. Peroperative findings were recorded in all patients who had surgical intervention.ResultsThis prospective study had 360 patients. Male to female ratio was 1.37:1. 187 patients (52%) presented within 2–4 days of duration of illness. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of patients was 6.35 ± 2.25 years. Age group of 4–7 years (80%) was commonest group affected. Abdominal pain was a leading symptom in 357 patients (99%) with the pain in periumbilical area present in 215 patients (60%). In 227 patients (63%) abdominal distension was seen and was the commonest physical finding. Palpable worm masses were seen in 129 patients (36%); 81 patients (63%) had palpable worm masses in the umbilical quadrant. On X‐ray of abdomen, visible worm masses were seen in 83 patients (23%). Abdominal sonography showed interloop fluid in 177 patients (49%) and free fluid in the pelvis of 97 patients (27%). The number of patients who were managed conservatively was 281 (78%), and 79 patients (22%) had surgical intervention. In patients who had surgical intervention, 39 patients (49%) had enterotomy and 7 patients (9%) had kneading of worms. Postoperative complications occurred in 33 patients, and an overall mortality of 1% (1 patient) was seen.ConclusionsAscaridial intestinal obstruction is common in children in the Kashmir. Abdominal pain is the leading symptom in intestinal ascariasis. Plain X‐ray and ultrasonography of the abdomen are used to diagnosis intestinal ascariasis. The majority of the patients can be managed conservatively.
Roux‐en‐Y Reconstruction is Superior to Billroth I Reconstruction in Reducing Reflux Esophagitis After Distal Gastrectomy: Special Relationship with the Angle of His
Authors: Namikawa Tsutomu , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Okabayashi Takehiro , Sugimoto Takeki , Kobayashi Michiya , Hanazaki Kazuhiro 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the angle of His in Roux‐en‐Y (RY) or Billroth I (BI) reconstruction and reflux esophagitis after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.MethodsResults for 47 patients undergoing BI reconstruction and 38 patients undergoing RY reconstruction were examined retrospectively. The angle of His and the incidence of reflux esophagitis were determined, and the quality of life (QOL) was evaluated with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS).ResultsThe angle of His was significantly greater in patients who underwent BI compared with RY reconstruction, as well as in patients with reflux esophagitis. Scores for reflux, diarrhea, and total symptoms on the GSRS were significantly better in the RY group than in the BI group.ConclusionsThe angle of His is an important determinant of reflux esophagitis following distal gastrectomy. The decreased angle of His in patients after RY compared with BI reconstruction may contribute significantly to the reduced incidence of reflux esophagitis and improved QOL in patients who undergo RY reconstruction.
Posterior Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy for Clinical and Subclinical Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Alesina Pier F. , Hommeltenberg Silvia , Meier Beate , Petersenn Stephan , Lahner Harald , Schmid Kurt W. , Mann Klaus , Walz Martin K. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundBecause of co‐morbidity, adrenalectomy for adrenal Cushing’s syndrome may be associated with an increased complication rate and long operating times. In the present study we report our experience with the posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in a large group of patients with clinical or subclinical Cushing’s syndrome.Patients and methodsBetween July 1994 and June 2009, 170 patients (17 males, 153 females age 50 ± 13 years; range: 12–78 years) affected by Cushing’s syndrome underwent operation via posterior retroperitoneoscopic access. Patients were divided into two groups, those with manifest Cushing’s syndrome (mCS) [99 patients: 6 male, 93 female; age 45 ± 13 years] and those with subclinical Cushing’s syndrome (sCS) [71 patients: 11 male, 60 female; age: 56 ± 11 years]. The sCS classification was assumed in cases without typical clinical symptoms but with a pathological dexamethasone suppression test. Partial adrenalectomy was performed in 35 cases (24 in the mCS‐group and 11 in the sCS‐group).ResultsMortality was zero; major complications did not occur. The incidence of postoperative minor complications was 5.3%. Mean operating time was 58 ± 36 min (range: 20–230 min) and did not differ between mCS and sCS patients (58 versus 59 min; p = ns). Postoperative oral steroids supplementation (POSS) was administered in 136 patients (99 mCS, 37 sCS). If POSS was started, mean duration of therapy was 12.3 months (mCS) and 10.3 months (sCS) [p = 0.08], respectively. After a mean follow‐up of 70.9 ± 46.5 months the cure rate was 99.4%.ConclusionsThe posterior retroperitoneoscopic approach is fast and safe even in patients with Cushing’s syndrome. Partial adrenalectomy represents a new option in the treatment of cortisol‐producing adenomas.
Effects of ingestion of seeds by sika deer (Cervus nippon) and dung presence on their germination in a herbaceous community
Authors: Ishikawa Haruna 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn a herbaceous community subjected to continual impacts of sika deer (Cervusnippon), I examined the effects of seed ingestion by deer on seeds by comparing the ripening and germination rates of seeds of two dominant species, Zoysia japonica and Hydrocotyle maritima, between seeds taken out of fecal pellets (deer‐ingested seeds) and mature seeds collected directly from living plants (control seeds). Seeds of Z. japonica were likely to have tolerance to ingestion from earlier periods of seed maturity. In contrast, only ripened seeds of H. maritima may have tolerance to ingestion. When the seeds ripened, the germination rates of two species did not differ significantly between deer‐ingested seeds and control seeds. Thus, although immature seeds may be crushed by ingestion, many mature seeds can be dispersed by sika deer with no alteration of germination rate. However, the other germination experiment showed that the germination rates were significantly higher for seeds of Juncus tenuis in artificially broken fecal pellets than for those kept confined in the pellets, and all seeds germinated from intact pellets were situated near the surface of the pellets. These results suggest that dung may physically prevent seeds inside from germinating and decomposition of dung enables herbaceous small seeds in the dung to germinate.
CCN3/CCN2 regulation and the fibrosis of diabetic renal disease
Authors: Riser Bruce L. , Najmabadi Feridoon , Perbal Bernard , Rambow Jo Ann , Riser Melisa L. , Sukowski Ernest , Yeger Herman , Riser Sarah C. , Peterson Darryl R. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractPrior work in the CCN field, including our own, suggested to us that there might be co‐regulatory activity and function as part of the actions of this family of cysteine rich cytokines. CCN2 is now regarded as a major pro‐fibrotic molecule acting both down‐stream and independent of TGF‐β1, and appears causal in the disease afflicting multiple organs. Since diabetic renal fibrosis is a common complication of diabetes, and a major cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD), we examined the possibility that CCN3 (NOV), might act as an endogenous negative regulator of CCN2 with the capacity to limit the overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM), and thus prevent, or ameliorate fibrosis. We demonstrate, using an in vitro model of diabetic renal fibrosis, that both exogenous treatment with CCN3 and transfection with the over‐expression of the CCN3 gene in mesangial cells markedly down‐regulates CCN2 activity and blocks ECM over‐accumulation stimulated by TGF‐β1. Conversely, TGF‐β1 treatment reduces endogenous CCN3 expression and increases CCN2 activity and matrix accumulation, indicating an important, novel yin/yang effect. Using the db/db mouse model of diabetic nephropathy, we confirm the expression of CCN3 in the kidney, with temporal localization that supports these in vitro findings. In summary, the results corroborate our hypothesis that one function of CCN3 is to regulate CCN2 activity and at the concentrations and conditions used down‐regulates the effects of TGF‐β1, acting to limit ECM turnover and fibrosis in vivo. The findings suggest opportunities for novel endogenous‐based therapy either by the administration, or the upregulation of CCN3.
Strontium isotope evidence for the age of Eocene fossil whales of Kutch, western India
Authors: RAVIKANT VADLAMANI , BAJPAI S. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe Indian subcontinent is widely considered to be the birthplace of whales (Cetacea), and the middle Eocene Harudi Formation of Kutch has long been known to be a major source of early whales. The Kutch cetaceans are of critical importance in understanding the evolutionary transition of whales from land to sea. Strontium isotope analysis of marine biogenic carbonates from the Harudi Formation was conducted to obtain a numerical age of the whale-bearing strata. Although the measured87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.707742 to 0.707764) correspond to two distinct age clusters of 46–47.5 Ma or 41–42.5 Ma, we prefer the latter, late Lutetian, age cluster.
Swinburne on divine necessity
Authors: LEFTOW BRIAN 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMost analytic philosophers hold that if God exists, He exists with broad logical necessity. Richard Swinburne denies the distinction between narrow and broad logical necessity, and argues that if God exists, His existence is narrow-logically contingent. A defender of divine broad logical necessity could grant the latter claim. I argue, however, that not only is God's existence broad-logically necessary, but on a certain understanding of God's relation to modality, it comes out narrow-logically necessary. This piece argues against Swinburne's overall account of modality and rebuts his argument for narrow-logical contingency.
The meaning of representation in animal memory
Authors: Roitblat H. L. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA representation is a remnant of previous experience that allows that experience to affect later behavior. This paper develops a metatheoretical view of representation and applies it to issues concerning representation in animals. To describe a representational system one must specify the following: thedomainor range of situations in the represented world to which the system applies; thecontentor set of features encoded and preserved by the system; thecodeor transformational rules relating features of the representation to the corresponding features of the represented world; themedium, or the representation's physical instantiation; and thedynamics, or how the system changes with time. In part because of the behaviorist assumption that the hypothetical, covert changes occurring in an organism during learning correspond to the overt physical changes that are observed, issues of representation in animal behavior have been largely ignored as irrelevant or misleading. However, it can be inferred that representations, acting as models of environmental regularities, operate at many levels of behavioral functioning, both cognitive and noncognitive. Objections to the use of this concept in explanations of animal behavior, based on the claim that it is indeterminate and on behaviorist considerations of parsimony, can be answered. Animal representations may be specialized in terms of tasks and species. Data from tasks involving spatial memory, delayed matching-to-sample, and sequence learning suggest some foundations for a general theory of animal representations.
Sounds can affect visual perception mediated primarily by the parvocellular pathway
Authors: JAEKL PHILIP M. , HARRIS LAURENCE R. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe investigated the effect of auditory–visual sensory integration on visual tasks that were predominantly dependent on parvocellular processing. These tasks were (i) detecting metacontrast-masked targets and (ii) discriminating orientation differences between high spatial frequency Gabor patch stimuli. Sounds that contained no information relevant to either task were presented before, synchronized with, or after the visual targets, and the results were compared to conditions with no sound. Both tasks used a two-alternative forced choice technique. For detecting metacontrast-masked targets, one interval contained the visual target and both (or neither) intervals contained a sound. Sound–target synchrony within 50 ms lowered luminance thresholds for detecting the presence of a target compared to when no sound occurred or when sound onset preceded target onset. Threshold angles for discriminating the orientation of a Gabor patch consistently increased in the presence of a sound. These results are compatible with sound-induced activity in the parvocellular visual pathway increasing the visibility of flashed targets and hindering orientation discrimination.
Tracing a morphosyntactic change in Quebec French: the non-standard conditional in si-clauses
Authors: LEBLANC CARMEN L. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTWe follow the trajectory of a change in progress in Québec French. The study is based on interviews with speakers born between 1895 and 1965. The results show an increase in conditional morphology in thesi-clauses of hypothetical complexes. After WWII, the conditional becomes the quantitative norm. The analysis of a number of demographic and socio-economic factors reveals that the usage likely originated in the working class male group. Today, use of the conditional is generalised in the community and it is the preferred form for the younger speakers; only the most educated hold on to the old rule.
Snoopy—a unifying Petri net framework to investigate biomolecular networks
Authors: Rohr Christian , Marwan Wolfgang , Heiner Monika 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Summary: To investigate biomolecular networks, Snoopy provides a unifying Petri net framework comprising a family of related Petri net classes. Models can be hierarchically structured, allowing for the mastering of larger networks. To move easily between the qualitative, stochastic and continuous modelling paradigms, models can be converted into each other. We get models sharing structure, but specialized by their kinetic information. The analysis and iterative reverse engineering of biomolecular networks is supported by the simultaneous use of several Petri net classes, while the graphical user interface adapts dynamically to the active one. Built-in animation and simulation are complemented by exports to various analysis tools. Snoopy facilitates the addition of new Petri net classes thanks to its generic design.
Availability: Our tool with Petri net samples is available free of charge for non-commercial use at http://www-dssz.informatik.tu-cottbus.de/snoopy.html; supported operating systems: Mac OS X, Windows and Linux (selected distributions).
Contact: snoopy@informatik.tu-cottbus.de
Epidermal growth factor‐dependent enhancement of invasiveness of squamous cell carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Kimura Fuyo , Iwaya Keiichi , Kawaguchi Tokuichi , Kaise Hiroshi , Yamada Kimito , Mukai Kiyoshi , Matsubara Osamu , Ikeda Norihiko , Kohno Norio 
Published: February 2010

Factors that promote the aggressiveness of squamous cell carcinoma of the breast are not well understood. To examine the involvement of cell motility and the mechanism of this behavior, a squamous cell carcinoma cell line of the breast (HBC9) was established from a metastatic lymph node of a Japanese woman. HBC9 expressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), but was negative for Her2 or Her3.The invasive ability of HBC9 was compared with that of four breast ductal carcinoma cell lines by Matrigel invasion assay. EGF stimulation induced the formation of surface protrusions and cell migration in HBC9 cells, and significantly increased the number of cells migrating through the Matrigel. The invasive ability of HBC9 was compared with other cell lines of breast carcinoma; it was much greater than that of MCF‐7, BT474, or HBC5, but did not differ significantly from that of MDA‐MB‐231. Observation of the surface protrusions of HBC9 by confocal laser microscopy revealed co‐localization of Arp2 and N‐WASP with actin polymerization, detected by visualization with phalloidin, indicating that the protrusions induced by EGF were invadopodia. In HBC9 cells, cortactin also co‐localized with the N‐WASP/Arp2/3 complex in the protrusions. Immunohistochemistry of 12 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the breast revealed expression of cortactin and EGFR in all of them, and this was confirmed by western blotting in two cases. These results suggest that EGF‐dependent enhancement of cell motility by formation of invadopodia associated with cortactin is a cause of the clinical aggressiveness of squamous cell carcinoma of the breast.(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1133–1140)
Omeprazole‐Mg 20.6 mg is superior to lansoprazole 15 mg for control of gastric acid: a comparison of over‐the‐counter doses of proton pump inhibitors
Authors: MINER P. B. , MCKEAN L. A. , GIBB R. D. , ERASALA G. N. , RAMSEY D. L. , MCRORIE J. W. 
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 846–851SummaryBackground  Over‐the‐counter (OTC) proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) relieve heartburn by decreasing the production of gastric acid, but may not do so with equal effectiveness. It is important for healthcare professionals to compare the ability of OTC PPIs to control gastric acid when recommending them for patients with frequent heartburn.Aim  To compare the effects of omeprazole‐Mg 20.6 mg and lansoprazole 15 mg (OTC doses in the US) on 24‐h steady state gastric acid suppression.Methods  This single‐centre, randomized, double‐blind clinical study compared the steady‐state gastric acid control of omeprazole‐Mg 20.6 mg vs. lansoprazole 15 mg, dosed before breakfast. Volunteers were enrolled in a 3‐period, cross‐over design (ABB, BAA) with 24‐h gastric pH monitoring on dosing day 5. The primary efficacy variable was the percentage time intragastric pH was >4.0 over 24 h on day 5 of dosing.Results  Forty subjects were enrolled; all completed the study. The mean (SE) percentage time pH was >4.0 was 45.7% (3.45%) for omeprazole‐Mg 20.6 mg and 36.8% (3.45%) for lansoprazole 15 mg, an absolute difference of 8.9% (P < 0.0001), and a relative difference of 24.2%. Both drugs were well tolerated.Conclusion  Omeprazole‐Mg 20.6 mg provided a statistically significantly (P < 0.0001) greater acid control than lansoprazole 15 mg.