bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Observing and modeling changes in the Atlantic MOC
Authors: Cunningham Stuart A. , Marsh Robert 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) is defined, and our present understanding of MOC driving mechanisms is summarized. Evidence for the changing MOC is reviewed, covering recent developments in observing and modeling the MOC, and the climatic consequences of MOC variability. On a timescale of the next 5‐10 years, further developments in MOC monitoring, modeling and prediction are both anticipated and recommended. In the context of what is presently known about the MOC, the evidence for a recent slowing trend is considered. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Paleoclimate
Numerical simulation of the casting process of a wind turbine rotor hub
Authors: Yeh Chun‐Ping , Hwang Weng‐Sing 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAn integrated numerical model was applied to simulate the mold filling and solidification process as well as predict the occurrence of relative casting defects for a rotor hub casting. The goal was to conduct a numerical experimentation to obtain an optimal alloy design of ductile cast iron for the rotor hub casting. A computer‐aided engineering software based on the finite element method was employed in this study. Numerical simulations were conducted for the rotor hub casting with two different types of alloy composition for ductile cast iron. The mold filling and solidification process were examined to predict the occurrence and extent of casting defects and a better alloy design was then proposed based on the simulated results to alleviate casting defects of the rotor hub casting. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proton µ‐PIXE mapping, AFM imaging and size statistics of mineral granules in a dental composite
Authors: Preoteasa Eugen A. , Preoteasa Elena , Harangus Livia , Moldovan Antoniu , Dinescu Maria , Grambole Dieter , Herrmann Folker 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe applied proton microbeam particle‐induced X‐ray emission (µ‐PIXE) for mapping Ca, Zr, Ba and Yb, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for imaging the surface landscape of a dental composite which releases Ca2+ and F− for the protection of hard dental tissues. Three areas ∼250 × 250 µm2 located ∼0.5–2 mm apart on a smooth surface specimen were mapped with 3.1 MeV protons focused to a ∼3.0 µm spot and at ∼3.9 µm pixel size sampling. The maps evidenced particles with diameters of 3.2–32 µm (Ca), 20–60 µm (Zr), ≤ 4 µm (Ba) and 10–50 µm (Yb). Cross‐section area histograms of Ca‐rich particles fitted with 2–6 Poisson functions revealed a polydisperse size distribution and substantial differences from an area to another, possibly implying large local variations of Ca2+ released in the hard tissue near a dental filling of a few millimeters in diameter. Such imbalances may lead to low local Ca2+ protection of the dental tissue, favoring the onset of secondary caries. Similarly, AFM images showed high zone‐dependent differences in the distributions of grains with apparent diameters of 1–4 µm, plausibly recognized as Ca‐ and Ba‐containing particles. In a simple model based on demineralization data, lateral diffusion of Ca2+ between adjacent domains containing high‐ and low‐area Ca‐rich grains is described by exponential concentration gradients. These gradients may generate appreciable electromotive forces, which may enhance electrochemically the local tissue demineralization. Similar effects are to be expected in the protective action of F− ions released from microgranules of YbF3 and of Ba fluoroaluminosilicate glass. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoscopic Exploration of the Common Bile Duct with a Rigid Scope in Patients with Problematic Choledocholithiasis
Authors: Tekin Ahmet , Ogetman Zekai 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe development of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a minimally invasive approach to eliminate gallstones, in conjunction with increasingly sophisticated techniques for removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones by endoscopic sphincterotomy, has revolutionized the treatment of choledocholithiasis. We describe a new technical approach to laparoscopic exploration of the CBD after unsuccessful endoscopic stone extraction.MethodsEleven patients were subjected to laparoscopic exploration of the CBD with choledochotomy using a rigid scope (24‐Fr nephroscope) during the last 2 years. Of these patients, 10 had unsuccessful preoperative (7 cases) or intraoperative (3 cases) stone extraction, and 1 case had a single impacted stone 2.3 cm in diameter. Five patients had a single bile duct stone and 6 patients had multiple stones. The size of the stones ranged from 9.5 to 24 mm (mean = 12.6 ± 4 mm).ResultsBalloon dilation of the papilla of Vater was done in all patients. Most of the stones were fractured and pushed into the duodenum with rigid grasping forceps but a lithotripter was required in 2 patients. Stone clearance was 100%; complications related to the procedure were not observed. After CBD clearance, primary closure of the choledochotomy was achieved in 10 patients. In 1 patient who had CBD perforation during a previous procedure, choledochotomy was closed over a T‐tube. The mean operative time was 124 ± 26.7 min (range = 84–165 min) and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 4 ± 1.7 days (range = 3–7 days).ConclusionsLaparoscopic exploration of the CBD with a rigid scope is an efficacious procedure in dealing with unsuccessful endoscopic stone extraction.
Partial Breast Reconstruction for an Inferomedial Breast Carcinoma Using an Omental Flap
Authors: Zaha Hisamitsu , Sunagawa Hiroki , Kawakami Kouji , Touyama Tetsuo , Yonaha Toshimi , Ohshiro Naoto 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundVarious oncoplastic techniques are used for partial reconstruction after breast‐conserving surgery (BCS), but treatment of an inferomedial breast carcinoma (IMBC) can be difficult, especially in a small breast. We review our experience with immediate partial breast reconstruction after BCS for an IMBC using a laparoscopically harvested omental flap (OF).MethodsThe subjects were 24 patients with an IMBC who underwent immediate partial breast reconstruction with the OF between April 2002 and June 2009. A wide excision (>20% of the breast tissue) was performed through a skin incision along the medial inframammary fold. The pedicled OF was harvested laparoscopically and used to fill the dead space in the inferomedial quadrant.ResultsThe mean follow‐up period was 35 months. The mean tumor size was 3.2 cm. The mean volume of resected breast tissue was 180 g and the mean extent of resection was 40%. The complication rate was 12.5% and all were minor and treated conservatively. Laparoscopy‐associated complications did not occur, except for one minor injury of the gastroepiploic artery. The surgical margin was positive in only 1 patient (4.2%) and neither local nor systemic recurrence has occurred to date in any patients. Cosmetic outcomes were mostly satisfactory, with minimal donor‐site scars in the abdominal wall. Cosmetic failure occurred in 1 patient (4.2%) due to an inadequate OF volume.ConclusionsLaparoscopic harvesting of the OF is a safe procedure with minimal donor‐site morbidities and deformities. This approach is an option for immediate partial reconstruction after BCS for an IMBC.
High incidence of cholesterol gallstone disease in type 1 Gaucher disease: characterizing the biliary phenotype of type 1 Gaucher disease
Authors: Taddei Tamar H. , Dziura James , Chen Shu , Yang Ruhua , Hyogo Hideyuki , Sullards Cameron , Cohen David E. , Pastores Gregory , Mistry Pramod K. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundIn Gaucher disease (GD), lysosomal glucocerebrosidase deficiency results in glucosylceramide accumulation in macrophage lysosomes. Hepatocytes do not accumulate glucosylceramide due in part to biliary secretion. Although gallstones (GS) occur in type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1), the chemical nature of stones, their association with metabolic parameters, and whether bile composition is altered are not understood. We assessed the prevalence of GS, their chemical composition, biliary lipids, and associated metabolic factors.MethodsThe study cohort comprised 417 patients comprehensively evaluated for GD1 severity. Ascertainment of GS, fasting lipoprotein profile, and bile lipid analyses were performed.ResultsThe prevalence of GS in GD1 was 32%. Compared with men, the prevalence of GS was higher in women, increasing from 4.2% and 11.8% at age 20–29 years to 71% and 60% at age >70 years, respectively. Patients with GS were more likely to be asplenic (p < 0.0001), older (p < 0.0001), have higher low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p = 0.002), and more severe GD1 disease compared with those without GS. On multiple logistic regression analysis, factors associated with GS were age (p < 0.001), female sex (p = 0.03), and splenectomy (p = 0.005). Compared with the general population, prevalence of GS was ∼5‐fold higher. Bile lipid analyses revealed cholesterol stones in five patients and pigment stones in one. Bile lipid composition was abnormal and contained glucosylceramide.ConclusionsOur results point to a metabolic syndrome in GD1 consisting of a propensity to cholesterol GS, low high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI) associated with abnormal biliary lipid secretion.
Should transcobalamin deficiency be treated aggressively?
Authors: Schiff Manuel , Ogier de Baulny Hélène , Bard Ghislaine , Barlogis Vincent , Hamel Christian , Moat Stuart J. , Odent Sylvie , Shortland Graham , Touati Guy , Giraudier Stéphane 
Published: March 2010

AbstractTranscobalamin (transcobalamin II, TC) transports plasma vitamin B12 (cobalamin, Cbl) into cells. TC deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder causing intracellular Cbl depletion, which in turn causes megaloblastic bone marrow failure, accumulation of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, and methionine depletion. The clinical presentation reflects intracellular Cbl defects, with early‐onset failure to thrive with gastrointestinal symptoms, pancytopenia, and megaloblastic anemia, sometimes followed by neurological complications. We report the clinical, biological, and molecular findings and the outcome in five TC‐deficient patients. The three treated early had an initial favorable outcome, whereas the two treated inadequately had late‐onset severe neuro‐ophthalmological impairment. Even if the natural course of the disease over time might also result in late‐onset symptoms in the aggressively treated patients, these data emphasize that TC deficiency is a severe disorder requiring early detection and probably long‐term aggressive therapy. Mutation analysis revealed six unreported mutations in the TCN2 gene. In silico structural analysis showed that these mutations disrupt the Cbl‐TC interaction domain and/or the putative transcobalamin–transcobalamin receptor interaction domain.
Health Care Professionals’ Views of Sharing Information with Families Who Have a Child with a Genetic Condition
Authors: Gallo Agatha M. , Angst Denise B. , Knafl Kathleen A. , Twomey John G. , Hadley Emily 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine health care professionals’ views and strategies for individualizing information sharing in families who have a child with a genetic condition. The sample consisted of 37 health professionals from three clinical sites in the greater metropolitan area of a large Midwestern city. Qualitative content thematic analysis was used to analyze data from the health professionals’ semi‐structured interviews. Four themes captured how health care professionals work with families around information management: Sharing Information with Parents, Taking into Account Parental Preferences, Understanding of the Condition, and Helping Parents Inform Others. These findings contribute to understanding the processes that health professionals use in sharing information with parents who have children with a genetic condition, and they provide guidance for clinical practice, professional training, and future research.
Corpectomy and circumferential spinal fusion in dystrophic neurofibromatous curves
Authors: Shahcheraghi G. Hossain , Tavakoli Ali Reza 
Published: March 2010

Purpose Spinal deformity in neurofibromatosis, when associated with dystrophic change, is a major treatment challenge. Early anterior and posterior spinal fusion is the accepted treatment plan for severe progressive kyphoscoliosis. Resection of the vertebral body as an additional step in correction and fusion has not been previously investigated. Information on the functional status of the neurofibromatous curves is also scarce in the literature. The purpose of this study is to report an experience with corpectomy and circumferential fusion in dystrophic spines of neurofibromatosis. Methods Among 16 patients with dystrophic spinal curves, nine cases who had undergone anterior and posterior fusion with 6.7 years (range 2–11.9) average follow-up were evaluated clinically, radiographically, and functionally (SRS-22). Results Nine cases with a mean age of 11.8 years (range 7.8–17) at surgery consisted of seven kyphoscoliotic patients, who had received one or two levels of cord decompression and corpectomy, and two cases of scoliosis with hypokyphosis. Surgery improved the mean preoperative scoliosis of 87 (range 60–110) and local kyphosis of 69.3° (range 50–100) to 49 (range 15–85) and 49° (range 35–70), respectively. Loss of correction of 5° in the scoliosis and 13° in the kyphosis angles was observed in the final follow-up. One surgery resulted in an immediate postoperative mortality. Fusion was achieved in all cases. The average SRS-22 score of 4.1 (range 3–4.6) was obtained. Conclusions Simultaneous anterior and posterior fusion with corpectomy for dystrophic neurofibromatous spinal deformities is associated with a high fusion rate, good correction, and also good functional outcome.
Contribution of peripheral endothelin ETA and ETB receptors in neuropathic pain induced by spinal nerve ligation in rats
Authors: Werner Maria Fernanda P. , Trevisani Marcello , Campi Barbara , André Eunice , Geppetti Pierangelo , Rae Giles A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractEndothelins (ETs) contribute to the sensory changes seen in animals models of inflammatory, cancer and diabetic neuropathic pain, but little is known about their nociceptive role following peripheral nerve injury. The current study evaluated mechanisms by which ETs can drive changes in nociceptive responses to thermal stimulation of the hind paw of rats induced by unilateral lumbar L5/L6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) injury. SNL sensitizes rats to acetone‐evoked cooling of and radiant heat application (Hargreaves test) to the ipsilateral hind paw (throughout 3–40 and 9–40 days after surgery, respectively). At 12 days after SNL, intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1, 10 pmol) induces greater overt nociception that was reduced only by treatment with the selective ETA peptidic antagonist (BQ‐123, 10 nmol, i.pl), but unchanged by the selective ETB peptidic antagonist (BQ‐788). Cold allodynia evoked by cooling the ipsilateral hind paw with acetone was reduced by i.pl. injection of both antagonists BQ‐123 or BQ‐788 (3 or 10 nmol). In contrast, heat hyperalgesia evaluated by Hargreaves method was reduced only by BQ‐123. SNL enhanced the [Ca+2]
i increases induced by ET‐1 (100 nM) in neurons from L5/L6 (injured) and L4 (intact) cultured dorsal root ganglion, but did not change the responses of non‐neuronal cells. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed that SNL increased ETA and ETB receptor protein expression in spinal nerves. Thus, SNL induces marked hind paw hypersensitivity to thermal stimulation in part via up‐regulation of peripheral sensory nerve pronociceptive ETA and ETB receptor‐operated mechanisms.
Virgin olive oil administration improves the effect of aspirin on retinal vascular pattern in experimental diabetes mellitus
Authors: De La Cruz Jose Pedro , Del Río Sergio , López-Villodres Juan Antonio , Villalobos Maria Auxiliadora , Jebrouni Nuria , González-Correa Jose Antonio 
Published: March 2010

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the possible influence of virgin olive oil (VOO) on the effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in platelet aggregation, prostanoid and NO production and retinal vascular pattern in rats with experimental type 1-like diabetes. We used 100 male Wistar rats that were distributed into five groups: (1) non-diabetic rats (NDR); (2) untreated diabetic rats (DR); (3) DR treated with ASA (2 mg/kg per d per os (p.o.)); (4) DR treated with VOO (0·5 ml/kg per d p.o.); (5) DR treated with ASA plus VOO. The duration of diabetes was 3 months, and each treatment was administered from the first day of diabetes. Variables that were quantified were platelet aggregation (Imax), thromboxane B2(TxB2), aortic prostacyclin (6-keto-PGF1α) and NO, and the percentage of retina with horseradish peroxidase-permeable vessels (HRP-PV). Diabetic rats showed a higherImax(35 %) and TxB2(63 %) than NDR, and a lower 6-keto-PGF1α, NO and HRP-PV than NDR ( − 74·6 %). ASA and VOO administration reduced these differences and prevented the percentage of HRP-PV ( − 59·7 % with ASA and − 46·7 % with VOO). The administration of ASA plus VOO showed a strong platelet inhibition (80·2v.23·4 % for VOO and 50·6 % for ASA+VOO,P < 0·0001), and reduced HRP-PV differences to − 31·6 % (P < 0·001 with respect to DR andP < 0·0001 with respect to DR treated with ASA). In conclusion, the administration of VOO to rats with type 1-like diabetes mellitus improves the pharmacodynamic profile of ASA, and increases its retinal anti-ischaemic effect.
A SUFFICIENT CONDITION FOR A GRAPH TO BE A FRACTIONAL (f, n)-CRITICAL GRAPH
Authors: ZHOU SIZHONG 
Published: March 2010

AbstractLet a, b and n be non-negative integers such that 1 ≤ a ≤ b, and let G be a graph of order p with $\(p\geq\frac{(a+b-1)(a+b-2)+bn-2}{a}\)$ and f be an integer-valued function defined on V(G) such that a ≤ f(x) ≤ b for all x ∈ V(G). Let h: E(G) → [0, 1] be a function. If ∑e∋xh(e) = f(x) holds for any x ∈ V(G), then we call G[Fh] a fractional f-factor of G with indicator function h, where Fh = {e ∈ E(G): h(e) > 0}. A graph G is called a fractional (f, n)-critical graph if after deleting any n vertices of G the remaining graph of G has a fractional f-factor. In this paper, it is proved that G is a fractional (f, n)-critical graph if $\(|N_G(X)|>\frac{(b-1)p+|X|+bn-1}{a+b-1}\)$ for every non-empty independent subset X of V(G), and $\(\delta(G)>\frac{(b-1)p+a+b+bn-2}{a+b-1}\)$. Furthermore, it is shown that the result in this paper is best possible in some sense.
Modelling egg production and nutrient responses in broiler breeder hens
Authors: GOUS R. M. , NONIS M. K. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYThe model described simulates the response of a population of broiler breeders to a daily allowance of a feed of specified composition for up to 280 days from sexual maturity. The population is generated using normally distributed values for initial bodyweight, initial body lipid and protein weight, age at first egg, yolk weight constant and ‘aggressiveness’, the latter producing different feed intakes around the controlled mean. Age at sexual maturity for each bird is predicted from bodyweight and from information about rearing lighting programmes. Egg production, clutch patterns, yolk weights, egg component weights, double-yolked eggs, internal laying and soft-shelled eggs are predicted. Body protein growth, including feathers, is assumed to cease at sexual maturity, thus bodyweight changes after maturity are due entirely to accumulation or utilization of lipid.Energy transactions are expressed in units of effective energy. Protein required for egg production is calculated from the composition of the next egg to be laid and an assumed fixed chemical composition. Assumptions for protein partition rules are that maintenance has highest priority, yolk protein deposition second and albumen protein third. Provided that sufficient energy and nutrients are available, yolk protein deposition is assumed to occur continuously to meet the predicted growth rate, unless inter-clutch intervals exceed 2 days (user defined), when yolk growth ceases. Energy and nutrients (amino acids) for albumen production accumulate in a pool which has some controlling influence over ovulation. If the energy and nutrients in the albumen pool will support the predicted development of the next egg then ovulation will occur, otherwise ovulation is delayed until sufficient energy and nutrients are available. All events are timed within a 24 h day assuming that feeding is at one time in the morning.The desired feed intake is calculated each day according to the supply of the first limiting energy or nutrient (invariably an amino acid) in relation to potential need. Actual feed intake is either the desired intake or the feed allowance, whichever is the lower. The additional energy required for thermogenesis is taken into account, but not the constraining effects of high temperature or the bulkiness of the food as a constraint to voluntary food intake.Some shortcomings of the current model are discussed, these being areas suitable for further research on broiler breeder nutrition.