bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of juvenile salmonid growth to future climate trends
Authors: Beer W. N. , Anderson J. J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSeasonal temperature and bioenergetic models were coupled to explore the impacts on juvenile salmonid growth of possible climate‐induced changes to mean annual water temperature and snowpack in four characteristic ecoregions. Increasing mean temperature increases juvenile growth in streams that currently experience cool spring temperatures. In streams with currently warm spring temperatures, an increase shortens the duration of optimal conditions and truncates growth. A loss of snow enhances growth in cool‐summer streams and decreases growth in warm‐summer streams. The relative impacts of such climate change trends will vary significantly across ecoregions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transfer functions
Authors: Pollock Stephen 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn statistical time‐series analysis, signal processing, and control engineering, a transfer function is a mathematical relationship between a numerical input to a dynamic system and the resulting output. The theory of transfer functions describes how the input/output relationship is affected by the structure of the transfer function. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data
The Imperial Stress Assessment Tool (ISAT): A Feasible, Reliable and Valid Approach to Measuring Stress in the Operating Room
Authors: Arora Sonal , Tierney Tanya , Sevdalis Nick , Aggarwal Rajesh , Nestel Debra , Woloshynowych Maria , Darzi Ara , Kneebone Roger 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundStress can impair surgical performance and may compromise patient safety. This prospective, cross‐sectional study describes the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the Imperial Stress Assessment Tool (ISAT) as an approach to measuring stress during surgery.MethodsA total of 54 procedures were observed with 11 surgeons (4 attendings, 4 senior residents and 3 junior residents) in a large university teaching hospital in London, UK. Data collection involved physiological measures of operating surgeons [heart rate (HR) and salivary cortisol] and self‐report questionnaires (State Trait Anxiety Inventory, or STAI).ResultsIn all, 23 of 54 procedures were stressful, as identified by self‐reporting. For stressful procedures compared to nonstressful ones, STAI was higher (mean ± SD) 9.81 ± 2.20 vs. 12.87 ± 4.27, t (30.64) = 3.15 as was the HR (mean ± SD) 79.94 ± 8.55 vs. 93.17 ± 14.94, t(32.57) = 3.81) (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were obtained between the measures indicating concurrent validity: Pearson’s r = 0.47 (HR vs. STAI), 0.34 (cortisol vs. STAI), and 0.57 (HR vs. cortisol) (p < 0.05). Perfect correlation of subjective and objective measures was found for 70% of the procedures. HR and cortisol had specificities of 78% and 91% and sensitivities of 91% and 70% respectively for detecting stress during surgery.ConclusionISAT is a nonintrusive, feasible approach that combines subjective and objective methods for measuring stress in the operating room. The ISAT may increase understanding of the effects of stress on clinical performance and outcomes, leading to improved patient care.
Intraperitoneal use of local anesthetic in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kahokehr Arman , Sammour Tarik , Soop Mattias , Hill Andrew G. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground/purposeWith the advent of minimally invasive gallbladder surgery, and now with natural orifice techniques emerging, visceral nociception has been neglected as a cause of postoperative pain. A systematic review and metaanalysis was carried out to investigate the use of intraperitoneal local anesthetic (IPLA) in order to assess its role in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The aim of this systematic review was to appraise the clinical effects of this modality.MethodsComprehensive searches were conducted independently without language restriction. Studies were identified from the following databases from inception to September 2009: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL/CCTR), Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL). Relevant meeting abstracts and reference lists were manually searched. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.0 software.ResultsThirty randomized controlled trials were identified for review. The clinical heterogeneity of IPLA use was high. However, there appeared to be reduced pain, opioid use, and need for rescue analgesia, and reduced postoperative cortisol and glucose responses.ConclusionThere is evidence in favor of IPLA in LC. Further trials of this modality in LC are not needed as these are unlikely to reduce clinical heterogeneity. IPLA should be trialled as future minimally invasive surgical techniques approach.
Pancreatobiliary reflux and the length of a common channel
Authors: Kamisawa Terumi , Suyama Masafumi , Fujita Naotaka , Maguchi Hiroyuki , Hanada Keiji , Ikeda Seiyo , Igarashi Yoshinori , Itoi Takao , Kida Mitsuhiro , Honda Goro , Sai Jinkan , Horaguchi Jun , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Sasaki Takamitsu , Takuma Kensuke , Itokawa Fumihide , Ando Hisami , Takehara Hiroo ,   The Committee of Diagnostic Criteria of The Japanese Study Group on Pancreaticobiliary Maljunction
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground/purposeGallbladder cancer occurs frequently in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction due to pancreatobiliary reflux. Pancreatobiliary reflux is also detected in some patients with a relatively long common channel. This study aimed to clarify the correlation between pancreatobiliary reflux and the length of a common channel.MethodsTwo hundred and three patients, in whom both the length of a common channel and amylase level in the bile were measured, were enrolled from nine centers.ResultsBile amylase level was correlated with the length of a common channel (p < 0.01). The minimum length of a common channel that could induce a markedly elevated amylase level in the bile (>1,000 mg/dl) was determined as 5 mm. We redefined high confluence of pancreatobiliary ducts (HCPBD) as cases with a common channel ≥5 mm, in which the communication between the pancreatic and bile ducts was occluded with the sphincter contraction. Gallbladder cancer was found in 20% of 56 redefined HCPBD patients. Bile amylase level >1,000 mg/dl and biliopancreatic reflux were detected in 79 and 95% of the patients, respectively.ConclusionsPatients with a common channel ≥5 mm (redefined HCPBD) should be monitored for the development of gallbladder cancer, as they frequently showed significant pancreatobiliary reflux.
Successful allogeneic bone marrow transplant for Niemann–Pick disease type C2 is likely to be associated with a severe ‘graft versus substrate’ effect
Authors: Bonney Denise K. , O'Meara Anne , Shabani Abdu , Imrie Jackie , Bigger Brian W. , Jones Simon , Wraith James E. , Wynn Robert F. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractNiemann–Pick disease type C2 (NPC2) is caused by the inherited deficiency of a lysosomal cholesterol transport protein, NPC2 protein. Many cases of NPC2 present in early infancy with inflammatory lung disease, with subsequent severe neurological disease and death in early childhood. This disease is theoretically correctable by bone marrow transplantation (BMT), as the NPC2 protein is small and soluble and secreted and recaptured by the mannose‐6‐phosphate pathway. In this report we describe the first successful allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for this condition in a 16‐month‐old boy homozygous for the NPC2 p.E20X mutation, which has hitherto been reported to cause disease with a severe phenotype. During BMT there was an initial improvement of the established respiratory illness, with the immune suppression associated with transplant conditioning, but there was subsequent marked deterioration at the time of immune reconstitution and donor cell engraftment. This ‘graft versus substrate’ reaction was managed with intensive immune suppressant therapy, and it gradually resolved as the substrate was cleared by the engrafted donor macrophages. All immune suppression was withdrawn 18 months after transplantation, and his respiratory illness has resolved. He walked independently at 24 months and is continuing to reach developmental milestones after receiving his transplant. We conclude that the successful treatment of Niemann–Pick C2 therefore seems likely to be associated with a severe post‐transplantation ‘graft versus substrate’ reaction that requires intense immune suppression before eventual resolution.
Sex‐discordant twins despite single embryo transfer: a report of two cases
Authors: Sugawara Nobuo , Fukuchi Hideyuki , Maeda Machiko , Komaba Rie , Araki Yasuhisa 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe report two extremely rare cases in which the patients delivered male and female infants that were dizygotic twins (DZT) despite single embryo transfer. Case 1: The patient was a 35‐year‐old woman with a 9‐year history of unexplained infertility. In an oocyte retrieval cycle, one blastocyst was transferred; at 26 weeks of gestation, she delivered a 704‐g female infant and a 420‐g male infant by cesarean section. Because both infants were of extremely low birth weight, they were placed in the neonatal intensive care unit. Congenital anomalies were not found in either infant. Case 2: The patient was a 30‐year‐old woman with a 1‐year history of infertility. Hysterosalpingogram revealed bilateral tubal occlusion. In a frozen/thawed cycle one blastocyst was transferred during her natural ovulation cycle. She achieved a pregnancy and delivered a 2,877‐g female infant and a 2,544‐g male infant at 36 weeks of gestation by cesarean section. The female infant was diagnosed with a neural tube defect. No congenital anomalies were detected in the male infant. We hypothesize that the DZTs might have been the result of concurrent embryo transfer and natural ovulation and intercourse.
Effects of dietary arginine on inflammatory mediator and receptor of advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) expression in rats with streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pai Man-Hui , Huang Kuan-Hsun , Wu Ching-Hsiang , Yeh Sung-Ling 
Published: April 2010

Arginine (Arg) is known to possess numerous useful physiological properties and have immunomodulatory effects.In vitrostudies reported that Arg inhibits advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) formation; however, the effects of Arg on the receptor of AGE (RAGE) expression in inflammatory conditions are not clear. The present study investigated the effects of dietary Arg supplementation on inflammatory mediator production and RAGE expression in type 2 diabetic rats. There were one normal control (NC) group and two diabetic groups in the present study. Rats in the NC group were fed with a regular chow diet. One diabetic group (DM) was fed a common semi-purified diet while the other diabetic group received a diet in which part of the casein was replaced by Arg (DM-Arg) for 8 weeks. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide followed by streptozotocin. Rats with blood glucose levels exceeding 1800 mg/l were considered diabetic. Blood samples and the liver and lungs of the animals were collected at the end of the study for further analysis. Results showed that plasma glucose and fructosamine contents were significantly higher in the diabetic groups than those in the NC group. The DM group had higher fructosamine and C-reactive protein than the DM-Arg group. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expressions of RAGE in liver and lung tissues were significantly lower in the DM-Arg group than in the DM group. These results suggest that supplemental dietary Arg can decrease AGE–RAGE interactions and consequently reduce tissue damage in rats with type 2 diabetes.
Characteristics of Fasciola hepatica infections in Galba truncatula originating from riverbank populations
Authors: Vignoles P. , Rondelaud D. , Dreyfuss G. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractFour geographical strains of Galba truncatula living on riverbanks (the first on a sedimentary soil and the other three on an acid soil) were subjected to bimiracidial exposures with Fasciola hepatica to study their aptitude for cercarial shedding and to count metacercariae in snails dissected at day 42 post-exposure. All snails were reared in 14-cm Petri dishes at 24°C, with the same spring water (60–73 mg/l of Ca2+) and the same diet (grass and lettuce leaves). Metacercariae of F. hepatica were noted in the four populations after a cercarial shedding or after snail dissection. However, in spite of the breeding method used, the characteristics of snail infections varied with the origin of each geographical strain. For example, the shell heights of infected snails at day 42 were close to those found for the corresponding adults in the field (6.8–8.0 mm for the population living on the sedimentary soil, but only 4.6–5.5 mm for another strain originating from the acid soil). This variability may be explained by assuming that the diet of these riverbank G. truncatula would be different from that of snails living in swampy meadows. However, another hypothesis based on the influence of snail habitat on the characteristics of snail life cannot be excluded.
Use of multiple biological markers in radiotherapy-treated head and neck cancer
Authors: Silva P , Slevin N J , Sloan P , Valentine H , Ryder D , Price P , West C M L , Homer J J 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjective:Management of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is often based on clinical parameters, with little appreciation of the underlying tumour biology. Single biological marker studies fail to acknowledge the complexity of these tumours. Our aim was to define a profile of biological markers associated with outcome.Design:This retrospective study involved consecutive patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with primary radiotherapy between 1996 and 2001. Pre-treatment biopsies were used to study the immunohistochemical expression of nine biological markers. Markers were chosen to reflect biologically relevant pathways.Results:Following analysis of nine markers, a profile of two markers was derived (carbonic anhydrase 9 and major vault protein), the co-expression of which conferred a significantly poor probability of locoregional control. The prognostic effect of these biomarkers in combination was greater than their effect individually.Conclusion:Biomarker profiles can be established which highlight large differences in locoregional control. Identifying tumours that express both carbonic anhydrase 9 and major vault protein may facilitate patient selection for more aggressive treatment.
Auditory steady state response in auditory neuropathy
Authors: Emara A A , Gabr T A 
Published: April 2010

AbstractReview:Auditory neuropathy is a disorder characterised by preservation of outer hair cell function, with normal otoacoustic emissions and/or cochlear microphonics, but an absent or distorted auditory brainstem response.Purpose:This study aimed to objectively assess hearing thresholds in patients with auditory neuropathy, using the auditory steady state response.Materials and methods:Thirteen patients with auditory neuropathy and 15 normal hearing subjects were examined. Audiological evaluation included basic audiological tests, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response.Results:In the auditory neuropathy patients, the auditory brainstem response was absent in 11 patients, while the auditory steady state response was absent in only three.Conclusion:The auditory steady state response may serve as a valuable objective measure for assessing the hearing threshold across different frequencies in patients with auditory neuropathy. We recommend that auditory steady state response be used to complete the evaluation of patients with auditory neuropathy.
The ecology ofBartonellaspp. infections in two rodent communities in the Mazury Lake District region of Poland
Authors: WELC-FALĘCIAK RENATA , BAJER ANNA , BEHNKE JERZY M. , SIŃSKI EDWARD 
Published: April 2010

SUMMARYPrevalence and abundance ofBartonellaspp. infections were studied over a 3-year period in woodland and grassland rodents in North-Eastern Poland. Prevalence of bacterial infections was similar in the two rodent communities, with one leading host species in each habitat (46·3% inApodemus flavicollisversus 29·1% inMyodes glareolusin forest, or 36·9% inMicrotus arvalisversus 13·7% inMi. oeconomusin grassland). Prevalence/abundance of infections varied markedly across the 3 years with 2006 being the year of highest prevalence and abundance. Infections were more common during autumn months inMy. glareolusandA. flavicollis, and in juvenile and young adult (age classes 1 and 2)My. glareolusandMi. oeconomusthan in adults (age class 3). Higher prevalence and abundance ofBartonellainfections were found in maleA. flavicollisin comparison to females. These data are discussed in relation to the parasite genotypes identified in this region and with respect to the role of various ecological factors influencingBartonellaspp. infections in naturally infected host populations.
Detection of quantitative trait loci for internal parasite resistance in sheep. I. Linkage analysis in a Romney×Merino sheep backcross population
Authors: DOMINIK S. , HUNT P. W. , McNALLY J. , MURRELL A. , HALL A. , PURVIS I. W. 
Published: April 2010

SUMMARYThis study aimed to identify putative quantitative trait loci (QTL) that significantly affect internal parasite resistance in a backcross sheep population. A Romney×Merino backcross (to Merino) flock was challenged in 3 separate infections withTrichostrongylus colubriformis(primary and secondary) andHaemonchus contortus(tertiary). Haematological parameters were measured and faecal worm egg counts (FWEC) were established to estimate parasite burden. QTL mapping was conducted for FWEC and for the changes in haematocrit followingH. contortuschallenge and in eosinophil numbers followingT. colubriformischallenge. Animals were genotyped for 55 microsatellite markers on selected chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 11, 13, 15, 21, and 22. Four putative quantitative trait loci were found; these being for eosinophil change in the primary infection (OAR 21), for FWEC in the first infection and eosinophil change in the secondary infection (OAR 3) and for FWEC in the secondary infection (OAR 22). No significant quantitative trait loci were detected for FWEC or haematocrit change during theHaemonchus contortusinfection. The position of the putative quantitative trait loci for eosinophil change on OAR 3 is consistent with other reports of parasite resistance quantitative trait loci, implying some commonality between studies.
The role ofOnchocerca volvulusin the development of epilepsy in a rural area of Tanzania
Authors: KÖNIG REBEKKA , NASSRI AMIR , MEINDL MICHAEL , MATUJA WILLIAM , KIDUNDA ASLAM R. , SIEGMUND VERA , BRETZEL GISELA , LÖSCHER THOMAS , JILEK-AALL LOUISE , SCHMUTZHARD ERICH , WINKLER ANDREA SYLVIA 
Published: April 2010

SUMMARYIntroduction.Several reports indicate high prevalences of both onchocerciasis and epilepsy in some regions of Africa. This raises the question of whether these diseases are associated. We therefore investigated people with epilepsy and/or onchocerciasis living in an area in Tanzania endemic forOnchocerca volvulus(O. volvulus).Methods.We collected clinical information, skin snips, and blood from 300 individuals, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 197. Participants were allocated to 4 groups consisting of people with epilepsy and onchocerciasis (n=135), those with either epilepsy (n=61) or onchocerciasis only (n=35), and healthy individuals (n=69). Samples were evaluated for microfilaria, IgG4antibodies againstO. volvulus,O. volvulusantibody index (CSF/serum), and CSF routine parameters. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on skin snips and CSF.Results.No difference was found in microfilarial density between participants with and without epilepsy (P=0·498). The antibody index was raised in 2 participants. CSF PCR was negative in all samples tested.Discussion.Our results do not give evidence of a relationship betweenO. volvulusand epilepsy. Despite the fact that 2 participants had raised antibody index, the existence of cerebral onchocerciasis caused by migration of microfilariae into the CSF appears unlikely. However, to date unexplored reactions to the infestation withO. volvuluscausing epilepsy cannot be excluded.
Studies of the interaction of an intense laser beam normally incident on an overdense plasma
Authors: Shoucri Magdi , Afeyan Bedros 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe present two contrasting cases of the interaction of a high intensity laser beam with overdense plasma, namely the case of a circular polarization, and the case of a linear polarization of the laser beam. An Eulerian-Vlasov code is used for the numerical solution of the one-dimensional relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell set of equations, for both electrons and ions. The laser beam is incident normally on the plasma surface. We consider the case when the laser wave free space wavelength λ0 is greater than the scale length of the jump in the plasma density at the plasma edge Ledge (λ0 ≫ Ledge) and the ratio of the plasma density to the critical density is such that n/ncr ≫ 1. The incident high intensity laser radiation is pushing the electrons at the plasma surface through the ponderomotive pressure, producing a sharp density gradient at the plasma surface. There is a build-up of the electron density at this sharp edge that creates a space-charge, giving rise to a longitudinal electric field. The results obtained differ substantially in several aspects when circular or linear polarization for the incident laser wave is considered. In the case of a circular polarization, the radiation pressure is pushing the sharp edge in the forward direction, and the ions are accelerated and reach a free streaming expansion phase where they are neutralized by the electrons. For the case of a linear polarization, there is a standing structure with a sharp edge that forms at the wave front, and in this case, the electrons at the plasma edge oscillate nonlinearly in the field of the wave, which periodically goes to zero. This results in an important distorsion in the reflected electromagnetic wave that includes the generation of harmonics. We present two simulations to illustrate the differences between these two cases. The generation and propagation of collisionless shock waves in these systems are investigated. The results underline the importance of including the ion dynamics in the interaction of high intensity laser waves with overdense plasmas.
The evaluation of transmutation of hazardous nuclear waste of 90Sr, into valuable nuclear medicine of 89Sr by ultraintense lasers
Authors: Sadighi S. K. , Sadighi-Bonabi R. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe analytical evaluation of the capability of Bremsstrahlung highly directional energetic γ-beam to induce photo transmutation of 90Sr (γ,n) 89Sr is presented. Photo transmutation of hazardous nuclear waste of 90Sr, one of the two main sources of heat and radioactivity in spent fuel into valuable nuclear medicine radioisotope of 89Sr is explained. Based on the calculations, a fairly decent fraction of gamma rays in this range are used in transmuting of 90Sr into 89Sr where according to the available experimental data it is shown that by irradiating a 1-cm thick 90Sr sample with lasers of intensity of 1021 W/cm2 and repletion rate of 100 Hz for an hour, the reaction activity would be 1.45 kBq. It is shown that there is not a linear relationship between the growth of the activity and increasing the laser intensity, but there is a dramatic increase in the growth rate especially between 1020and 1021 W/cm2. In this work, the advantage of photonuclear transmutation over the neutron capture transmutation for 90Sr isotope is also discussed.