bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The anatomic relationships of the axillary nerve and surgical landmarks for its localization from the anterior aspect of the shoulder
Authors: Apaydin Nihal , Uz Aysun , Bozkurt Murat , Elhan Alaittin 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe axillary nerve has long been known to be one of the nerves vulnerable to damage during shoulder arthroscopic and open surgical procedures. The relationship of the axillary nerve to the shoulder capsule and the subscapularis muscle has not been well defined in orthopedic literature. This descriptive anatomical study aimed to present the course and the relations of the axillary nerve with neighboring neurovascular structures and the shoulder capsule and to define anatomical landmarks and regions that can be used practically in anterior surgical approaches to the shoulder region. To investigate the course of the axillary nerve and its relationship with neighboring structures, 30 shoulders of 15 fixed adult cadavers were dissected under the microscope through an anterior approach. A triangle‐shaped anatomic area containing the axillary neurovascular bundle was defined. The closest distance between the axillary nerve and the anteromedial aspect of the coracoid tip and the glenoid labrum was measured as 3.7 cm and 1.1 cm on average, respectively. The distance between the anteromedial aspect of the coracoid tip and the point where the nerve passes through the medial edge of the subscapularis was measured as 2.5 cm on average. The results of this study demonstrate the anatomic pattern and the course of the axillary nerve and its relations with the shoulder capsule. Knowing the exact localization of the axillary nerve under the guidance of the defined anatomic triangle may provide a safer surgery. Clin. Anat. 20:273–277, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Membrane Binding and Structure of De Novo Designed α‐Helical Cationic Coiled‐Coil‐Forming Peptides
Authors: Vagt Toni , Zschörnig Olaf , Huster Daniel , Koksch Beate 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe introduce a de novo designed peptide model system that enables the systematic study of 1) the role of a membrane environment in coiled‐coil peptide folding, 2) the impact of different domains of an α‐helical coiled‐coil heptad repeat on the interaction with membranes, and 3) the dynamics of coiled‐coil peptide–membrane interactions depending on environmental conditions. Starting from an ideal α‐helical coiled‐coil peptide sequence, several positively charged analogues were designed that exhibit a high propensity toward negatively charged lipid membranes. Furthermore, these peptides differ in their ability to form a stable α‐helical coiled‐coil structure. The influence of a membrane environment on peptide folding is studied. All positively charged peptides show strong interactions with negatively charged membranes. This interaction induces an α‐helical structure of the former random‐coil peptides, as revealed by circular dichroism measurements. Furthermore, vesicle aggregation is induced by a coiled‐coil interaction of vesicle‐bound peptides. Dynamic light scattering experiments show that the strength of vesicle aggregation increases with the peptide’s intrinsic ability to form a stable α‐helical coiled coil. Thus, the peptide variant equipped with the strongest inter‐ and intra‐helical coiled‐coil interactions shows the strongest effect on vesicle aggregation. The secondary structure of this peptide in the membrane‐bound state was studied as well as its effect on the phospholipids. Peptide conformation within the peptide–lipid aggregates was analyzed by 13C cross‐polarization magic‐angle spinning NMR experiments. A uniformly 13C‐ and 15N‐labeled Leu residue was introduced at position 12 of the peptide chain. The 13C chemical shift and torsion angle measurements support the finding of an α‐helical structure of the peptide in its membrane‐bound state. Neither membrane leakage nor fusion was observed upon peptide binding, which is unusual for amphiphatic peptide structures. Our results lay the foundation for a systematic study of the influence of the α‐helical coiled‐coil folding motif in membrane‐active events on a molecular level.
Fibrous Membranes Electrospinning from Acrylonitrile‐Based Polymers: Specific Absorption Behaviors and States of Water
Authors: Wan Ling‐Shu , Xu Zhi‐Kang , Jiang Hong‐Liang 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSummary: Fibrous membranes with a fiber diameter ranging from 80 to 800 nm are prepared from polyacrylonitrile and poly[acrylonitrile‐co‐(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone)] by the electrospinning process. The parameters can be controlled to fabricate fibrous membranes with similar fiber diameters (between 600 and 800 nm) for further studies on the swelling behaviors and water states. Water swelling experiments indicate that the fibrous membrane has a great capacity for water sorption, which reaches a maximum in a few minutes because of its extremely high porosity. Furthermore, a remarkable overshoot occurs as a result of polymer chain relaxation and the non‐compact structure of the fibrous membranes. Contrary to the dense membrane, the equilibrium water content in the fibrous membrane decreases with the content of hydrophilic NVP though the maximum is almost the same. Results from DSC experiments demonstrate that only non‐freezable bound water and free water can be distinguished in the fibrous membrane. On the basis of the results of water swelling and DSC experiments, it is concluded that the specific behaviors of the fibrous membranes are induced by the non‐compact and pore‐fiber discontinuous structure, which is different from either dense membranes or hydrogels.DSC curves of fully swollen electrospun fibrous membranes and of fully swollen dense membranes with different NVP contents.magnified imageDSC curves of fully swollen electrospun fibrous membranes and of fully swollen dense membranes with different NVP contents.
Exciton creation in LuAlO3 single crystalline film
Authors: Kolobanov Vitaly , Mikhailin Vitaly , Petrovnin Nikolai , Spassky Dmitry , Zorenko Yurij 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSingle crystalline films (SCF) of LuAP attract attention because of the perspective of its application as 2D screens for X‐ray registration with high spatial resolution. An intensive sharp reflectivity peak at the edge of the fundamental absorption region with maximum at 8.37 eV at 10 K was found for a series of LuAP SCF grown by liquid phase epitaxy on YAP substrate. The dependence of the peak maximum and profile on temperature demonstrates its exciton origin. The absorption spectrum was calculated from reflectivity using Kramers–Kronig relations; the bandgap value was determined for LuAP as Eg = 8.44 eV at 10 K. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A data‐driven methodology for assessing impact of earthquakes on the health of building structural systems
Authors: Bernal Dionisio , Hernandez Eric 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA data‐driven approach for post‐earthquake posting of buildings is presented. The approach is based on the analysis of residuals obtained as differences between measured responses and reference signals computed using a set of observers. The observers are particular to every output channel and can be described as mathematical structures that offer a reference signal for the channel in question when response at all the other channels is prescribed. The basic feature of the reference signals is that when there is no damage they closely match the actual measurements. The time histories of the residuals are used to calculate two metrics: the first one measures the extent of nonlinearity and the second captures how much the nonlinear response leads to permanent loss of stiffness. A suggested mapping from the selected metrics to the current ATC‐20 posting categories is provided. The approach is tested, with encouraging results, using a number of buildings taken from the CSMIP database.
Leptin and ghrelin expression in adipose tissues and serum levels in gastric banding patients
Authors: Knerr I. , Herzog D. , Rauh M. , Rascher W. , Horbach T. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground  To determine how leptin and ghrelin are expressed in the adipose tissues of obese adults undergoing gastric banding (LAGB), and to correlate tissue expression with serum concentrations and parameters of the metabolic syndrome.Materials and methods  A cross‐sectional analysis of 92 patients: 61 obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) 49·2 ± 1 kg m−2 received LAGB, 20 patients underwent band exchange (BMI, 36·6 ± 1·4 kg m−2) and 11 adult patients (BMI, 24·3 ± 0·6 kg m−2) with fundoplication served as controls. Clinical data such as BMI and blood pressure were evaluated along with subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue gene expression and fasting levels of leptin and ghrelin. Tissue transcripts were measured using real‐time PCR, serum protein concentrations radio‐immunologically.Results  Leptin gene expression was highest in the primary LAGB group and more pronounced in subcutaneous fat in both sexes (P < 0·0001). Serum leptin concentrations were highest in the LAGB group (P < 0·001), whereby women exhibited higher serum levels than men. Leptin concentrations correlated positively to expression in subcutaneous fat (P < 0·0001), and leptin expression was also correlated to BMI and systolic blood pressure. We detected ghrelin gene expression in both types of fat. The ghrelin mRNA amounts in adipose tissues were similar in both sexes and comparable within groups; serum concentrations were lower in patients with primary LAGB than in controls (P < 0·05).Conclusions  Human adipose tissue expression of leptin is weight‐course dependent and ghrelin is constitutional. Serum levels of leptin, but not of ghrelin, are indicative of an adaptive pattern of local gene expression in obese subjects undergoing weight reduction.
Comparison of prevalence rates of microbiological markers between bone/tissue donations and new blood donors in Scotland
Authors: Galea G. , Dow B. C. 
Published: May 2006

Background and Objectives  Blood‐borne virus prevalence rates of samples accompanying tissue donors are not widely available. This article compares the rates in Scottish bone/tissue donors with those of new blood donors for the 7‐year period, 1998–2004.Materials and Methods  Data were collated from existing internal reports. Age distributions of the donor populations were obtained by extracting information from existing computer databases.Results  Scottish bone/tissue donors were found to have a fourfold higher prevalence for hepatitis B virus (HBV), a 1·6‐fold higher prevalence for hepatitis C virus (HCV), an 11‐fold higher prevalence for human T‐cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) and a 34‐fold higher prevalence for syphilis compared with new blood donors. Excluding confirmed positives, the repeat‐reactive rates for bone/tissue donors were similar to those of new blood donors.Conclusions  The data demonstrated that the prevalence of blood‐borne viruses in Scottish bone/tissue donors is higher than in new blood donors. We believe that the different age profiles of the two donor populations plays a significant role.
Successful treatment of premature rupture of membranes after genetic amniocentesis by intra‐amniotic injection of platelets and cryoprecipitate (amniopatch): a case report
Authors: Sipurzynski‐Budraß S. , Macher S. , Haeusler M. , Lanzer G. 
Published: May 2006

Background and Objectives  Iatrogenic premature rupture of membranes (PROM) occurs in approximately 1% of patients after genetic amniocentesis. If membranes do not seal spontaneously, fluid leakage through the vagina may cause infection and pregnancy loss. Intra‐amniotic infusion of a platelet concentrate followed by a cryoprecipitate (amniopatch) is a possible therapeutic approach to restore the amnio‐corial link and to facilitate the amniotic repair process.Materials and Methods  The autologeous platelet concentrate was produced by apheresis (MCS+, Haemonetics) and contained a total amount of 48 × 109 platelets in a volume of 30 ml. The concentration of fibrinogen in our cryoprecipitate (20 ml) was 680 mg/dl. An amniocentesis was performed to apply the amniopatch. The platelet concentrate was administered first followed by the cryoprecipitate.Results  We report the successful treatment of a 38‐year‐old woman with ruptured membranes after genetic amniocentesis in the 16th gestational week. Ten days after placement of the amniopatch we found a complete closure of the rupture, and in the 36th week of gestation the patient delivered a healthy infant by Caesarean section.Conclusions  Intra‐amniotic injection of platelets and cryoprecipitate was a successful and safe therapy for PROM in this patient. Knowledge of the site of rupture is not necessary for the amniopatch, as platelets seem to find their way to the defect and seal it. We consider that amniopatch therapy for iatrogenic PROM is a possible therapeutic alternative for prolonging and preserving pregnancy and improving the fetal outcome.
Laparoscopic vs open subtotal colectomy for benign and malignant disease
Authors: Tilney H. S. , Lovegrove R. E. , Purkayastha S. , Heriot A. G. , Darzi A. W. , Tekkis P. P. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAim  The present meta‐analysis aims to compare short‐term and long‐term outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic or open subtotal colectomy for benign and malignant disease.Methods  A literature search of Medline, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies published between 1992 and 2005, comparing laparoscopic (LSC) and open (OSC) subtotal colectomy. A random effect meta‐analytical technique was used and sensitivity analysis performed on studies published since the beginning of 2000, higher quality papers, those reporting on more than 40 patients, and those studies reporting on adult cases or acute colitis.Results  A total of eight studies satisfied the criteria for inclusion. These included outcomes on 336 patients, 143 (42.6%) of whom had undergone laparoscopic resection, with an overall conversion rate to open surgery of 5% (range 0–11.8%). Operative time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group by 86.2 min (P < 0.001) and throughout subgroup analysis, although it was only in patients with acute colitis that this finding was without significant heterogeneity. Operative blood loss was less in the laparoscopic group by 57.5 millilitres in high quality and studies published since 2000, and 65.3 millilitres in those reporting on more than 40 patients. There was no significant difference in early or long‐term complications between the groups. A statistically significant reduction in length of postoperative stay was observed in the laparoscopic groups by 2.9 days (P < 0.001).Conclusion  Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy was associated with longer operating times but a reduced length of stay compared to open surgery. Although short‐term outcomes were equivalent in both groups, the suggested benefits in terms of reduced long‐term obstructive complications were not supported by this meta‐analysis.
Undulatory fish swimming: from muscles to flow
Authors: Müller Ulrike K. , Van Leeuwen Johan L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractUndulatory swimming is employed by many fish for routine swimming and extended sprints. In this biomechanical review, we address two questions: (i) how the fish's axial muscles power swimming; and (ii) how the fish's body and fins generate thrust. Fish have adapted the morphology of their axial musculature for high power output and efficiency. All but the superficial muscle fibres are arranged along curved trajectories, and the myomeres form nested cones. Two conflicting performance goals shape the fibre trajectories of the axial muscles. Maximum power output requires that all fibres contract uniformly. In a bending fish, uniform contraction in a single myomere can be ensured by curved fibre trajectories. However, uniform strain is only desirable if all muscle fibres have the same contractile properties. The fish needs several muscle‐fibre types that generate maximum power at different contraction speeds to ensure effective muscle power generation across a range of swimming speeds. Consequently, these different muscle‐fibre types are better served by non‐uniform contractions. High power output at a range of swimming speeds requires that muscle fibres with the same contractile properties contract uniformly. The ensuing helical fibre trajectories require cone‐shaped myomeres to reduce wasteful internal deformation of the entire muscle when it contracts. It can be shown that the cone‐shaped myomeres of fish can be explained by two design criteria: uniform contraction (uniform strain hypothesis) and minimal internal deformation (mechanical stability hypothesis). So far, only the latter hypothesis has found strong support. The contracting muscle causes the fish body to undulate. These body undulations interact with the surrounding water to generate thrust. The resulting flow behind the swimming fish forms vortex rings, whose arrangement reflects the fish's swimming performance. Anguilliform swimmers shed individual vortex rings during steady swimming. Carangiform swimmers shed a connected chain of vortex rings. The currently available sections through the total flow fields are often not an honest representation of the total momentum in the water – the wake of carangiform swimmers shows a net backward momentum without the fish accelerating – suggesting that our current picture of the generated flow is incomplete. To accelerate, undulatory swimmers decrease the angle of the vortex rings with the mean path of motion, which is consistent with an increased rate of backward momentum transfer. Carangiform swimmers also enlarge their vortex rings to accelerate and to swim at a higher speed, while eel, which are anguilliform swimmers, shed stronger vortex rings.
Does Transparency of Central Banks Produce Multiple Equilibria on Currency Markets?
Authors: Lindner Axel 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA recent strand of literature shows that multiple equilibria in models of markets for pegged currencies vanish if there is slightly diverse information among traders; see Morris and Shin (2001). It is known that this approach works only if the common knowledge in the market is not too precise. This has led to the conclusion that central banks should try to avoid making their information common knowledge. We develop a model in which more transparency of the central bank implies better private information, because each trader utilises public information according to her own private information. Thus, transparency makes multiple equilibria less likely.
Monetary Institutions, Monopolistic Competition, Unionized Labor Markets and Economic Performance*
Authors: Coricelli Fabrizio , Cukierman Alex , Dalmazzo Alberto 
Published: May 2006

AbstractRecent literature on the interactions between labor unions and monetary institutions features either a supply or a demand channel of monetary policy, but not both. This leads to two opposing views about the effects of central bank conservativeness. We evaluate the relative merits of those conflicting views by developing a unified framework. We find that: (i) the effect of conservativeness on employment depends on unions’ relative aversion to unemployment versus inflation, and (ii) for plausible values of this relative aversion (and more than one union), social welfare is maximized under a highly conservative central bank. We also evaluate the effects of centralization of wage bargaining and product market competition on unemployment and inflation.
High Rate of Helicobacter pylori Reinfection in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Halitim Fairouz , Vincent Pascal , Michaud Laurent , Kalach Nicolas , Guimber Dominique , Boman Françoise , Turck Dominique , Gottrand Frederic 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAims:  Primary Helicobacter pylori infection occurs predominantly in childhood. The aims of this study were to establish the rate of H. pylori reinfection after successful eradication in children and adolescents and to determine the risk factors associated with reinfection.Patients and Methods:  This retrospective study involved 45 children (20 girls, 25 boys) who met the following criteria: eradication of H. pylori confirmed at least 4 weeks after the completion of therapy, and the search for reinfection at least one year after control of eradication of H. pylori. Demographic data, socioeconomic status and living conditions were recorded.Results:  Forty‐five children aged 1.2–17.6 years (median, 10.9 years) at the time of H. pylori treatment were reviewed 1 to 9 years after H. pylori eradication. Eight children (18%) had been reinfected (5.4% to 6% per patient‐year). Six of 25 (24%) children older than 10 years at the time of diagnosis became reinfected. None of the studied risk factors was associated with reinfection. However, having a sibling younger than 5 years was found in four of seven (57%) reinfected children versus five of 24 (21%) nonreinfected children (p = .08).Conclusion:  Children become reinfected more frequently than adults. Adolescents become reinfected, whereas acquisition of primary H. pylori infection occurs predominantly in early childhood. Close contact with young children, especially siblings, younger than 5 years could be a more important risk factor than the age of the patient at the time of treatment for the high rate of reinfection in childhood.
An Assessment of the Potential Value of Elevated Homocysteine in Predicting Alcohol‐withdrawal Seizures
Authors: Bleich Stefan , Bayerlein Kristina , Hillemacher Thomas , Degner Detlef , Kornhuber Johannes , Frieling Helge 
Published: May 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Higher homocysteine levels were found in actively drinking patients with alcohol dependence. Recent studies have shown that high homocysteine levels are associated with alcohol‐withdrawal seizures. The aim of the present study was to calculate the best predictive cutoff value of plasma homocysteine levels in actively drinking alcoholics (n = 88) with first‐onset alcohol‐withdrawal seizures. Methods: The present study included 88 alcohol‐dependent patients of whom 18 patients had a first‐onset withdrawal seizure. All patients were active drinkers and had an established diagnosis of alcohol dependence, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by using every homocysteine plasma level found in the study population as cut‐off value. A Bayes theorem was used to calculate positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values for all cutoff values used. Results: The highest combined sensitivity and specificity was reached at a homocysteine plasma cutoff value of 23.9 μM. Positive predictive values ranged from 0.23 to 0.745; the maximum was reached at a homocysteine plasma level of 41.7 μM. Negative predictive values ranged from 0.50 to 0.935, with a maximum at a homocysteine plasma level of 15.8μM. Conclusions: Homocysteine levels above this cutoff value on admission are a useful screening tool to identify actively drinking patients at higher risk of alcohol‐withdrawal seizures. This pilot study gives further hints that biologic markers may be helpful to predict patients at risk for first‐onset alcohol‐withdrawal seizures.