bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robotic choledochojejunostomy with intracorporeal Roux limb construction
Authors: Kohn Geoffrey P. , Overby D. Wayne , Martinie John B. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundBiliary surgery can often be very complex, with difficult access issues, small structures to be manipulated and sutured and proximity to major vessels. Additionally, biliary surgery is often reoperative. All of these issues have the potential to be aided by the use of technology which provides three‐dimensional (3D) vision, excellent illumination and access, with steady instrument control under maximal magnification. The robot is such a technology which is currently available.MethodsThe Da Vinci® robot was used to perform a robotic choledochojejunostomy, using five ports and a totally intracorporeal technique.ResultsTwo patients were studied. There were no conversions to open operation. There was no mortality. One patient experienced a postoperative bile leak, which was successfully managed endoscopically.ConclusionsRobotic choledochojejunostomy with intracorporeal Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis is a feasible operation with a definite learning curve. It has potential benefits to the patient. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy
Authors: Khan Mohammad Shamim , Shah Shahzad Saleem , Hemel Ashok , Rimington Peter , Dasgupta Prokar 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the emerging role of robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in the management of bladder cancer.MethodsReview of the published literature on robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy, including data from our cystectomy series of 30 patients.ResultsNearly 150 procedures have been performed worldwide. The benefits of robotic‐assisted operations are similar to those of laparoscopically‐performed procedures. RARC appears to be technically safe, oncologically and functionally equivalent to open (ORC) and laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC). However, RARC offers superior ergonomics and better vision. These benefits come at extra initial capital expenditure and subsequent higher maintenance costs.ConclusionWith the rapid spread of robotics, it is likely that RARC will become the standard of care in units with access to the technology. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient soft tissue characterization algorithm from in vivo indentation experiments for medical simulation
Authors: Kim Jung , Ahn Bummo , De Suvranu , Srinivasan Mandayam A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundRealistic virtual reality surgical training simulators require an accurate biomechanical model of in vivo soft tissue behaviour. One of the challenges in modelling is to characterize soft tissue properties incorporating the experimental measurements of organ behaviour.MethodOrgan measurements were collected from intra‐abdominal organs of pigs, using a robotic indenter and a force transducer. The constitutive model was fitted to the in vivo data using the Levenberg–Marquardt optimization algorithm, combined with a three‐dimensional non‐linear finite element (FE) simulation.ResultsThis paper presents an integrated framework for measuring, modelling and calibrating organs' material properties and provides parameters for modelling pigs' intra‐abdominal organs.ConclusionThe calibrated mechanical models are suitable for computing accurate reaction forces on surgical instruments and for computing the deformations of organs. They also provide a useful benchmark for measuring the realism of real‐time tissue models used in virtual reality‐based surgical trainers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Periphyton contribution to nitrogen dynamics in the discharge from a wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Ogura Asami , Takeda Kazuhiko , Nakatsubo Takayuki 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTo evaluate the importance of periphyton to nitrogen dynamics in the discharge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), we examined changes in total and inorganic nitrogen content downstream from a WWTP on the Kurose River in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. At 0.7 km downstream of the WWTP (point A), NH4+−N was the dominant form of inorganic nitrogen, but concentrations decreased rapidly to 5 km downstream (point B). In contrast, no significant change in the [NO2−+ + NO3−]−N concentration was observed between the two points. Total nitrogen (TN) load decreased significantly between the two points, suggesting that sorption and/or denitrification occurred in the river channel. Potential rates of nitrogen sorption and transformation by periphyton were determined in a loboratory experiment in which changes in the nitrogen content of river water were examined in an acrylic chamber with periphyton. Nitrification and nitrogen removal occurred mainly in the periphyton. The contributions of periphyton activity to TN and NH4+−N decrease in the field, as estimated from the results of the laboratory experiments, were 6–18% and 23–72%, respectively. These results suggest that periphyton plays an important role in decreasing NH4+−N concentration in the discharge from wastewater treatment plants.
Teachers' use of curriculum to support students in writing scientific arguments to explain phenomena
Authors: McNeill Katherine L. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe role of the teacher is essential for students' successful engagement in scientific inquiry practices. This study focuses on teachers' use of an 8‐week chemistry curriculum that explicitly supports students in one particular inquiry practice, the construction of scientific arguments to explain phenomena in which students justify their claims using evidence and reasoning. Participants included 6 teachers and 568 students. Videotapes, teacher questionnaires, and student pre‐ and posttests were analyzed to develop case studies that characterized the support the teachers provided their students for scientific argumentation and subsequent student learning. Patterns from the case studies suggest that one particular instructional practice, the way teachers defined scientific argumentation, characterized teachers' support and influenced the other practices they used in their classrooms. In some cases, the teachers' definitions of scientific argumentation did not align with the intended learning goal in the curriculum materials. These teachers' greater simplification of this complex inquiry practice resulted in decreased learning gains in terms of students' ability to write scientific arguments to explain phenomena using appropriate evidence and reasoning. Educative curriculum materials can have a positive impact on teachers' classroom support for scientific argumentation, but how the teachers use these materials influences student learning. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 93: 233–268, 2009
Conversion‐coating treatment applied to in situ TiB2p reinforced AlSi‐alloy composite for corrosion protection
Authors: Sun H. H. , Wang H. W. , Chen D. , Ma N. H. , Li X. F. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn this work, continuous conversion coatings on the surface of in situ TiB2 particulate reinforced A356 composite were formed successfully by cerium surface treatment for the first time. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed that the conversion coatings were inhomogeneous and could be divided into two types of regions, namely, fine crack region and noncrack region. Many cerium‐rich nano‐nodules were uniformly distributed in the whole coatings. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis testified that the crack coatings mainly covered the interdendritic sites occupied by TiB2 particulates and Si phases. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated that the conversion coatings were composed of CeO2, Ce2O3, Ce(OH)4, Ce(OH)3, and a little amount of Al2O3. The electrochemical polarization tests showed that the cerium‐conversion treatment markedly improved the corrosion resistance of in situ TiB2p/A356 composite in chloride environment, and the protection degree of the coatings was superior to that of conventional chromate‐conversion coating. According to these results, the formation mechanism of cerium‐conversion coatings was discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption of trisilylamine on the Si(100) surface
Authors: Bush B. W. , Marquis A. H. , Egwu O. , Craig J. H. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAdsorption of trisilylamine (TSA) on the Si(100) surface has been studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and time‐of‐flight electron stimulated desorption (TOFESD). TPD spectra exhibit the presence of three desorption states denoted by β1, β2, and β3 associated with the presence of a mono‐, di‐, and tri‐hydride state respectively. This behavior is identical with previously observed desorption studies resulting from atomic hydrogen adsorption, indicating that the nitrogen species in the adsorbate has minimal impact on the surface structure of the hydride. Preliminary electron irradiation studies are reported and indicate that the formation of a thin silicon nitride layer is induced as a result of the irradiation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes of surface chemical structure and composition of phenolphthalein poly(ether sulfone) in different radiations
Authors: Pei Xianqiang , Sun Xiaojun , Wang Qihua 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTo understand the different action mechanisms of space irradiation on polymers, phenolphthalein poly(ether sulfone) (PES‐C) blocks were irradiated by electrons and atomic oxygen. The changes in surface chemical structure and composition of PES‐C in different radiations were studied by attenuated total‐reflection FTIR (FTIR‐ATR) and XPS. It was found that PES‐C was prone to be influenced by space irradiation. Electron and atomic oxygen irradiation can destroy the molecular chain of PES‐C and result in changes of surface chemical composition of the polymer. But due to the different nature of the radiation sources, electron irradiation induced the carbonization of the polymer surface, while atomic oxygen irradiation resulted in the oxidation of the polymer surface. Besides this, the sulfone structure was reduced or oxidized depending on the nature of the radiation sources. So, different radiation sources might influence the surface chemical structure and composition of polymers differently. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk‐aversion in water allocation policies in semi‐arid regions
Authors: Ford David N. , Andersen Jennifer M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe critical role of water infrastructure systems in sustainable development and the limitations of supply management have increased the importance of demand management in meeting water needs. As an integral part of demand management in water‐stressed regions, water allocation policies address the competition among user groups for scarce water resources. This paper presents a dynamic simulation model of a water system in semi‐arid regions and analyses the effectiveness of allocation policies in meeting two objectives: satisfy current demands and preserve adequate supply for future use. Field data identified risk aversion in managers, as reflected in their allocation policies, as a potentially important influence on policy effectiveness. The model was tested with data and policies from the island of Cyprus. Sensitivity analyses reveal the important role of managerial expectations and responses to supply and demand in determining system performance. Analysis of water allocation policies revealed that the level of risk in policies shifts performance between satisfying current demands and protecting against future drought conditions. Potential changes by managers for improved performance and research needs are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoactivatable GFP tagging cassettes for protein‐tracking studies in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Vorvis Christina , Markus Steven M. , Lee Wei‐Lih 
Published: August 2008

AbstractYeast cell biologists use a variety of fluorescent protein tags for determining protein localization and for measuring protein dynamics using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Although many modern fluorescent proteins, such as those with photoactivatable and photoconvertible characteristics, have been developed, none has been exploited for studies in budding yeast. We describe here the construction of yeast‐tagging vectors containing photoactivatable green fluorescent protein (PA–GFP) for analysis of protein behaviour. We tagged two yeast proteins, Erg6p and Num1p, with PA–GFP and demonstrated specific photoactivation of the fusion proteins in live cells. Fluorescence intensity measurements showed that a short 5 s exposure to 413 nm light is sufficient to produce the maximum level of activated GFP fluorescence. Local photoactivation of cortical Num1p‐PA–GFP showed movement of the marked proteins, providing new insights into the behaviour of Num1p at the cell cortex. Since photoactivation can be achieved using standard mercury arc illumination, the PA–GFP tag represents a convenient and economical way to determine protein dynamics in the cell. Thus, the tagging modules should facilitate protein‐tracking studies in a wide variety of cell biological processes in yeast. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exometabolic and transcriptional response in relation to phenotype and gene copy number in respiration‐related deletion mutants of S. cerevisiae
Authors: Pir Pınar , Kırdar Betül , Hayes Andrew , Önsan Z. İlsen , Ülgen Kutlu Ö. , Oliver Stephen G. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe transcriptional and metabolic impact of deleting one or both copies of a respiration‐related gene has been studied in glucose‐limited chemostats. Integration of literature information on phenotype with our exometabolome and transcriptome data enabled the identification of novel relationships between gene copy number, transcriptional regulation and phenotype. We found that the effect of complete respiratory deficiency on transcription was limited to downregulation of genes involved in oxidoreductase activity and iron assimilation. Partial respiratory deficiency had no significant impact on gene transcription. Changes in the copy number of two transcription‐factor genes, HAP4 and MIG1, had a major impact on genes involved in mitochondrial function. Regulation of respiratory chain components encoded in the nucleus and mitochondria appears to be divided between Hap4p and Oxa1p, respectively. Similarly, repression of respiration may be imposed by the action of Mig1p and Mba1p on nuclear and mitochondrial gene expression, respectively. However, it is not clear whether Oxa1p and Mba1p regulate mitochondrial gene expression via their interaction with mitochondrial ribosomes or by some indirect means. The phenotype of nuclear petite mutants may not simply be due to the absence of respiration; e.g. Oxa1p or Bcs1p may play a role in the regulation of ribosome assembly in the nucleolus. Integration between respiration and cell growth may also result from the action of a single transcription factor. Thus, Hap4p targets genes that are required for respiration and for fitness in nutrient‐limited conditions. This suggests that Hap4p may enable cells to adapt to nutrient limitation as well as diauxy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global gene expression profile of Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced by dictamnine
Authors: Guo Na , Yu Lu , Meng Rizeng , Fan Junwen , Wang Dacheng , Sun Guang , Deng Xuming 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDictamnine, a natural plant product, has been reported to have antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi; however, the dictamnine response mechanisms of microorganisms are still poorly understood. We have shown that dictamnine has antimicrobial activities against the model fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 64 µg/ml. Commercial oligonucleotide microarrays were used to determine the global transcriptional response of S. cerevisiae triggered by treatment with dictamnine. We interpreted our microarray data using the hierarchical clustering tool, T‐profiler. Several major transcriptional responses were induced by dictamnine. The first was the induced environmental stress response, mainly under the control of the Msn2p and Msn4p transcription factors, and the repressed environmental stress response in genes containing the PAC (RNA polymerase A and C box) and rRPE (ribosomal RNA processing element) motifs. The second was the Upc2p‐mediated response involved in lipid biosynthesis. The third comprised the PDR3‐ and RPN4‐mediated responses involved in multidrug resistance (MDR). Finally, the TBP‐mediated response was induced with dictamnine treatment. TBP is an essential general transcription factor involved in directing the transcription of genes. Quantitative real‐time RT–PCR was performed on selected genes to verify the microarray results. Furthermore, morphological transitions during dictamnine exposure to S. cerevisiae L1190 (MATa/α) were examined, using confocal laser microscopy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
History, epidemiology and regional diversities of urolithiasis
Authors: López Michelle , Hoppe Bernd 
Published: August 2008

AbstractArcheological findings give profound evidence that humans have suffered from kidney and bladder stones for centuries. Bladder stones were more prevalent during older ages, but kidney stones became more prevalent during the past 100 years, at least in the more developed countries. Also, treatment options and conservative measures, as well as ‘surgical’ interventions have also been known for a long time. Our current preventive measures are definitively comparable to those of our predecessors. Stone removal, first lithotomy for bladder stones, followed by transurethral methods, was definitively painful and had severe side effects. Then, as now, the incidence of urolithiasis in a given population was dependent on the geographic area, racial distribution, socio-economic status and dietary habits. Changes in the latter factors during the past decades have affected the incidence and also the site and chemical composition of calculi, with calcium oxalate stones being now the most prevalent. Major differences in frequency of other constituents, particularly uric acid and struvite, reflect eating habits and infection risk factors specific to certain populations. Extensive epidemiological observations have emphasized the importance of nutritional factors in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis, and specific dietary advice is, nowadays, often the most appropriate for prevention and treatment of urolithiasis.
Psycho‐social Counselling in Predictive Genetic Testing for Cancer: The Association Between Number of Supportive Sessions and Client Characteristics as Assessed by Psycho‐social Workers
Authors: Mollema E. D. , Smets E. M. A. , Richard M. E. , Schiphorst A. M. , Leschot N. J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractGiven the increased demand on genetic services, it is important to identify clients who may require relatively more extensive psychosocial support. This paper describes which client characteristics, as assessed in the first psycho‐social counselling session, were associated with requiring relatively more psycho‐social support (≥3 sessions) in the process of predictive testing for cancer. The study population consisted of 244 counselees for hereditary cancer. Data were derived from an electronic data‐base, used by psycho‐social workers for the systematic registration of relevant details of each counselling session. Data were analysed for two respective groups: (A) patients who had a known mutation in the family and (B) patients with an as yet unknown mutation in the family. Results show that two or more psychosocial sessions were given if the information derived from the first session indicated the client to have childhood experiences with cancer (in group A), to experience the family role and/or the psychological impact as burdensome (in both groups) or to experience the social impact as burdensome (in group B). We conclude that the first assessment by a psychosocial worker already provides valuable information on the psychological support needs of patients. These findings provide insight into possible problem areas for clients dealing with predictive genetic testing.
Women and Smokers Have Elevated Urinary F2‐Isoprostane Metabolites: A Novel Extraction and LC–MS Methodology
Authors: Taylor Alan W. , Bruno Richard S. , Traber Maret G. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractF2‐Isoprostanes (F2‐IsoPs), regio‐ and stereoisomers of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), and urinary F2‐IsoP metabolites including 2,3‐dinor‐5,6‐dihydro‐8‐iso‐PGF2α [2,3‐dinor‐8‐iso‐PGF1α (2,3‐dinor‐F1)] and 2,3 dinor‐8‐iso‐PGF2α (2,3‐dinor‐F2), have all been used as biomarkers of oxidative stress. A novel method was developed to measure these biomarkers using a single solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge, separation by HPLC, and detection by negative mode selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry (MS), using authentic standards of PGF2α; 8‐iso‐PGF2α; 2,3‐dinor‐F1 and 2,3‐dinor‐F2 to identify specific chromatographic peaks. The method was validated in a population of healthy, college‐aged nonsmokers (n = 6 M/8F) and smokers (n = 6 M/5F). Urinary F2‐IsoP concentrations were ~0.2–1.5 μg/g creatinine, 2,3‐dinor‐F1 was ~1–3 μg/g and 2,3‐dinor‐F2 was ~3–5 μg/g. Additional F2‐IsoPs metabolites were identified using SRM. The sum of all urinary F2‐IsoP metabolites was 50–100 μg/g creatinine indicating their greater abundance than F2‐IsoPs. Women had higher F2‐IsoP metabolite concentrations than did men (MANOVA, main effect P = 0.003); cigarette smokers had higher concentrations than did nonsmokers (main effect P = 0.036). For men or women, respectively, smokers had higher metabolite concentrations than did nonsmokers (P < 0.05). Thus, our method simultaneously allows measurement of urinary F2‐IsoPs and their metabolites for the determination of oxidative stress.