bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Clinical Monitoring System for Centrifugal Blood Pumps
Authors: Holzer Stefan , Scherer Reinhard , Schmidt Christian , Schwendenwein Ilse , Wieselthaler Georg , Noisser Robert , Schima Heinrich 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: In clinical application of rotary blood pumps, flow obstruction as a result of suction of the inflow can‐nula, kinking of tubing, or thrombus formation occurs quite frequently. Early detection of such problems is essential to avoid hemolysis, tissue degradation, or release of thrombi to the patient. A program was developed for automatic observation of pump performance, tubing resistance, and suction effects, which requires only the measurement of already available parameters (i.e., pump speed, pump flow, aortic pressure). The software is based on Visual‐C and provides a user surface formatted in Windows. Pump flow, its time derivate, and the relationship between the pulsatile component and the mean graft flow are observed to detect suction in the left atrium.Furthermore, the generated pressure head is predicted from pump speed, graft flow, and the resistance of tubing/ cannula and compared with the actually measured aortic pressure. An alarm sounds if a given limit between prediction and measurement is exceeded. In a mock circulation, suction events were detected in more than 95% with a mean deviation of actual aortic pressure from its predicted value of less than 5%. For in vivo application, even incomplete suction could be detected reliably in more than 90% of events. This system improves and standardizes monitoring of pump performance; it should therefore lead to greater safety during application of such devices.
Fractal Dimension Analysis of the Oscillated Blood Flow with a Vibrating Flow Pump
Authors: Yambe Tomoyuki , Sonobe Taro , Naganuma Shigeru , Kobayashi Shin‐ichi , Nanka Shunsuke , Akiho Hiroshi , Kakinuma Yoshito , Mitsuoka Mikio , Chiba Shigeki , Ohsawa Noboru , Haga Youichi , Idutsu Kenji , Nitta Shin‐ichi , Fukuju Takeo , Miura Makoto , Uchida Naoki , Sato Naoshi , Tabayashi Kouichi , Tanaka Akira , Yoshizumi Naohiko , Abe Kenichi , Takayasu Misako , Takayasu Hideki , Yoshizawa Makoto , Maekawa Toshihiro , Hashimoto Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: To analyze the hemodynamic parameters during circulation with oscillated blood flow, nonlinear mathematical analyzing techniques, including fractal theory, were utilized. Vibrating flow pumps (VFP) were implanted as a left heart bypass, and the ascending aorta was clamped to constitute the total left heart circulation with oscillated blood flow in acute animal experiments using 7 adult goats. Using nonlinear mathematical analyzing techniques, reconstructed attractors of the arterial blood pressure waveform in the phase space during natural circulation and oscillated circulation were analyzed.Using the Grassberger‐Procaccia correlation dimension analyzing technique, fractal dimension analysis of the reconstructed attractor was performed. During VFP bypass, lower fractal dimensions of the reconstructed attractor were shown compared with those during natural heart circulation. The results suggest that lower dimensional chaotic dynamics contributed to the circulation with oscillated blood flow.
ADAMTS13 binds to CD36: a potential mechanism for platelet and endothelial localization of ADAMTS13
Authors: Davis Amanda K. , Makar Robert S. , Stowell Christopher P. , Kuter David J. , Dzik Walter H. 
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: ADAMTS13 cleaves ultralarge von Willebrand factor (VWF) and plays a significant role in vascular biology and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. CD36, a transmembrane protein present on endothelial cells and platelets (PLTs), binds to thrombospondin via three thrombospondin type 1 repeats. ADAMTS13 contains eight thrombospondin type 1 repeats.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An enzyme‐linked immunoassay was used to explore the binding of recombinant human CD36 (rHuCD36) to recombinant human ADAMTS13 (rHuADAMTS13). A competition assay between rHuADAMTS13 and recombinant human (rHu)‐thrombospondin‐2 for binding to CD36 was then performed. Subsequently, binding of rHuADAMTS13 to PLT membrane fragments expressing CD36 (PLT glycoprotein IV) and glycoprotein Ib/IX was assessed. To examine the functional significance of an ADAMTS13‐CD36 interaction, ADAMTS13 activity measured by a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay was investigated in the presence of either rHuCD36 or concentrated PLTs.RESULTS: rHuCD36 bound to rHuADAMTS13 in a dose‐dependent fashion. rHu‐thrombospondin‐2 competed with ADAMTS13 for CD36 occupancy, but even high concentrations of rHu‐thrombospondin‐2 failed to completely block binding of rHuADAMTS13 to rHuCD36. rHuADAMTS13 bound to PLT membrane fragments expressing CD36 (PLT glycoprotein IV) in preference to PLT membrane fragments expressing glycoprotein Ib/IX. ADAMTS13 activity was not inhibited by the presence of either rHuCD36 or concentrated PLTs.CONCLUSION: rHuADAMTS13 binds to both rHuCD36 and PLT membrane CD36 in vitro. The binding of CD36 to rHuADAMTS13 with retention of its enzymatic activity is consistent with a proposed role for CD36 in localizing ADAMTS13 on the endothelial cell surface where it regulates the cleavage of VWF.
Mobilization kinetics of CD133+ hematoprogenitor cells for hematopoietic grafting
Authors: Jaime‐Pérez José C. , Hernández‐Alcántara Arely E. , Méndez‐Ramírez Nereida , Vázquez‐Garza Eduardo , Cantú‐Rodríguez Olga G. , Gómez‐Almaguer David 
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: Quantification of CD34+ mononuclear cells is the most important quality control measure for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation. A fraction of CD34+ cells also express the CD133 antigen. These cells constitute a group of earlier, less‐differentiated HSCs with a potentially higher capacity for engraftment. The correlation between total CD34+ peripheral HSCs and the fraction of these cells that coexpress CD133 was determined before and after automated collection by leukapheresis, as well as the effect of HSC CD133+ dose on hematopoiesis recovery.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor mobilization of HSCs from the marrow to the peripheral blood (PB) of allogeneic and autologous donors was followed by automated collection through leukapheresis on the fifth day. Quantification of CD34+ and CD133+ cells was performed on PB before collection and in the hematopoietic graft (HG) by flow cytometry.RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between CD133+ and CD34+ HSCs in the PB before collection and in the final product for grafting (r = 0.62 and 0.64; p < 0.01). CD34+ HSCs per µL in PB and the HG was the only variable that did not correlate (r = 0.18). CD34+/CD133+ correlation increased from 0.33 on PB to 0.94 on the leukapheresis product (p < 0.01). Time to recovery was not related to CD133+ HSCs infused.CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation of both number per µL and percentage of CD34+/CD133+ HSCs before and after collection for transplantation; number of CD133+ cells had no apparent clinical impact on time to hematopoiesis regeneration.
Penetration into rice tissues by brown planthopper and fine structure of the salivary sheaths
Authors: Wang Yanchang , Tang Ming , Hao Peiying , Yang Zhifan , Zhu Lili , He Guangcun 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe fine structure of the salivary sheaths in plant tissues can provide important information on homopteran probing and ingestion behaviors. Salivary sheaths secreted by the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Homoptera: Delphacidae), and their tissue pathway were investigated using light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. About half of the salivary flanges on the surface of the food substrate were connected with internal salivary sheaths. Only 43% of the salivary sheaths showed side branches. Many sculpture‐like protuberances and small cavities had been formed on the outer surface of the salivary sheath, but the sheath lumen circumferences were sealed. Brown planthoppers showed a preference for probing and leaving salivary sheaths in the susceptible rice variety TN1 rather than in the resistant variety B5 during the first 2 days of the experiments. The salivary sheaths in rice tissues reached the inner tissue layer of the leaf sheaths and stems, but were mostly observed to end in the first and second layer of the leaf sheaths. Brown planthoppers also preferred to probe into the thick segment of the outer leaf sheath. After ingestion by the insect, the cytoplasm in both phloem and companion cells degraded and the main organelles were lost. Numerous small vesicles were found in most of the phloem cells, but cell walls remained intact. Large numbers of symbiont‐like structures were observed inside the salivary sheath lumen. These results indicated that BPH has complicated feeding behaviors, which warrants further investigation.
The serotonin transporter 5‐HTTPR polymorphism is associated with current and lifetime depression in persons with chronic psychotic disorders
Authors: Contreras J. , Hare L. , Camarena B. , Glahn D. , Dassori A. , Medina R. , Contreras S. , Ramirez M. , Armas R. , Munoz R. , Mendoza R. , Raventos H. , Ontiveros A. , Nicolini H. , Palmer R. , Escamilla M. 
Published: November 2008

Objective:  Variation in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) promoter region has been shown to influence depression in persons who have been exposed to a number of stressful life events.Method:  We evaluated whether genetic variation in 5‐HTTLPR, influences current depression, lifetime history of depression and quantitative measures of depression in persons with chronic psychotic disorders. This is an association study of a genetic variant with quantitative and categorical definitions of depression conducted in the southwest US, Mexico and Costa Rica. We analyzed 260 subjects with a history of psychosis, from a sample of 129 families.Results:  We found that persons carrying at least one short allele had a statistically significant increased lifetime risk for depressive syndromes (P < 0.02, odds ratio 2.18, 95% CI 1.10–4.20).Conclusion:  The ‘ss’ or ‘sl’ genotype at the 5‐HTTLPR promoter polymorphic locus increases the risk of psychotic individuals to develop major depression during the course of their illness.
Practical tool for landscape planning? An empirical investigation of network based models of habitat fragmentation
Authors: Andersson Erik , Bodin Örjan 
Published: November 2008

This study presents a graph‐theoretical modelling approach using daily movements and habitat demands of different target bird species in an urban context to assess: 1) habitable land cover types, 2) threshold distances between patches of habitat, 3) the required minimum accessible habitat areas and 4) the effects of barriers and stepping stones. The modelling approach is tested using empirical data from field surveys in the urban area of Stockholm, Sweden.The results show that groups of small habitat patches can house the same species as larger contiguous patches as long as they are perceived as functionally connected by the inhabitant organisms. Furthermore, we found that binary habitat/non‐habitat representations of the landscape could roughly explain the variation in species occurrence, as long as habitat was properly defined. However, the explanatory power of the landscape models increased when features of matrix heterogeneity such as stepping stones and barriers were accounted for.Synthesis and application: in a world where forest ecosystems are becoming increasingly fragmented there is an urgent need to find comprehensive and scientifically relevant methods for managing and planning ecosystems. This study shows that: 1) groups of well placed small habitat patches can, together, be sufficient to attract birds in intensively developed areas, 2) the presented modelling approach can help identify such groups of patches, 3) matrix heterogeneity should preferably be accounted for, and 4) proper assessments of habitable land cover types are important. Finally, we argue that the modelling approach applied here may substantially improve landscape management and planning at scales ranging from whole landscapes down to neighbourhoods.
The efficacy of woodsticks on plaque and gingival inflammation: a systematic review
Authors: Hoenderdos NL , Slot DE , Paraskevas S , Van der Weijden GA 
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Objective:  To review the literature on whether a hand‐held triangular woodstick, as compared with no adjunct or other interdental cleaning device in addition to daily toothbrushing, can improve clinical parameters of gingival inflammation.Material and Methods:  MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched through February 2008 to identify appropriate studies. Plaque and gingivitis were selected as outcome variables.Results:  Independent screening of the titles and abstracts of 181 MEDLINE and 65 CENTRAL papers yielded seven publications with eight clinical experiments that met the eligibility criteria. The improvement in gingival health, as observed in seven studies, represents a significant incremental benefit realized by the use of triangular woodsticks. None of the studies that scored plaque demonstrated any significant advantage to the use of woodsticks, as opposed to alternative methods, in gingivitis patients.Conclusion:  Evidence from controlled trials, most of which were also randomized, shows that woodsticks do not have an additional effect on visible interdental plaque or gingival index, but do, however, provide an improvement in interdental gingival inflammation by reducing the bleeding tendency.
Buddhi Bangara Project on oral health promotion: a 3‐ to 5‐year collaborative programme combining support, education and research in Nepal
Authors: Knevel RJM , Neupane S , Shressta B , De Mey L 
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Objective:  The overall purpose of the Buddhi Bangara Project (BBP) is to investigate if oral health promotion (OHP) will be a realistic way to improve the oral hygiene and dental awareness of Nepalese schoolchildren aged 5–12 years. This study is the first aspect of the overall project. Dental hygiene students from Kantipur School of Dentistry, Kathmandu and the Dental Hygiene Programme at the INHOLLAND University in Amsterdam were actively involved in this assessment phase as well as the implementation phase which included oral health education activities. This descriptive study is the first phase of a larger longitudinal study directed towards improving the oral health of children in Nepal.Methods:  The first phase involves the assessment of children in several schools, one of which acts as a control group. It is directed toward the baseline data collected prior to the implementation of the OHP initiatives. Qualitative data on knowledge about oral health was collected through observations and a questionnaire. The World Health Organization community index of treatment needs was used to assess the clinical status of the participants.Results:  The data show that knowledge about preventing oral diseases is high, but awareness about the benefits of fluoride is low. It also suggests that the oral health of the examined children is affecting their quality of life in several different ways. The social status of participants appears to influence their dietary intake as well as their choice of professionals to visit when experiencing pain.Conclusion:  It appears that children in Nepal have oral health problems and oral health does appear to influence their quality of life. The impact of the OHP activities have yet to be determined.
Response of Chinese Wampee Axes and Maize Embryos to Dehydration at Different Rates
Authors: Huang Hui , Song Song‐Quan , Wu Xian‐Jin 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Survival of wampee (

Clausena lansium

Skeels) axes and maize (Zea mays L.) embryos decreased with rapid and slow dehydration. Damage of wampee axes by rapid dehydration was much less than by slow dehydration, and that was contrary to maize embryos. The malondialdehyde contents of wampee axes and maize embryos rapidly increased with dehydration, those of wampee axes were lower during rapid dehydration than during slow dehydration, and those of maize embryos were higher during rapid dehydration than during slow dehydration. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) of wampee axes markedly increased during the early phase of dehydration, and then rapidly decreased, and those of rapidly dehydrated axes were higher than those of slow dehydrated axes when they were dehydrated to low water contents. Activities of SOD and APX of maize embryos notable decreased with dehydration. There were higher SOD activities and lower APX activities of slowly dehydrated maize embryos compared with rapidly dehydrated maize embryos. CAT activities of maize embryos markedly increased during the early phase of dehydration, and then decreased, and those of slowly dehydrated embryos were higher than those of rapidly dehydrated embryos during the late phase of dehydration.
A Simple, Low‐Cost Method to Monitor Duration of Ground Water Pumping
Authors: Massuel S. , Perrin J. , Wajid M. , Mascre C. , Dewandel B. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMonitoring ground water withdrawals for agriculture is a difficult task, while agricultural development leads frequently to overexploitation of the aquifers. To fix the problem, sustainable management is required based on the knowledge of water uses. This paper introduces a simple and inexpensive direct method to determine the duration of pumping of a well by measuring the temperature of its water outlet pipe. A pumping phase is characterized by a steady temperature value close to ground water temperature. The method involves recording the temperature of the outlet pipe and identifying the different stages of pumping. It is based on the use of the low‐cost and small‐size Thermochron iButton temperature logger and can be applied to any well, provided that a water outlet pipe is accessible. The temperature time series are analyzed to determine the duration of pumping through manual and automatic posttreatments. The method was tested and applied in South India for irrigation wells using electricity‐powered pumps. The duration of pumping obtained by the iButton method is fully consistent with the duration of power supply (1.5% difference).
Stimulation of Lactate Production in Human Granulosa Cells by Metformin and Potential Involvement of Adenosine 5′ Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Richardson Malcolm C. , Ingamells Susan , Simonis Chantal D. , Cameron Iain T. , Sreekumar Rajiv , Vijendren Ananth , Sellahewa Luckni , Coakley Stephanie , Byrne Christopher D. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Context: Production of 3-carbon units (as lactate) by granulosa cells (GCs) is important in follicular and oocyte development and may be modulated by metformin.
Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the action of metformin on GC lactate production and potential mediation via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
Design: GCs were prepared from follicular aspirates. After exposure to metformin and other potential modulators of AMPK in culture, aspects of cellular function were examined.
Setting: The study was conducted in a private fertility clinic/university academic center.
Patients: Women undergoing routine in vitro fertilization participated in the study.
Interventions: All agents were added in culture.
Main Outcome Measures: Lactate output of GCs was measured. Cell extracts were prepared after culture, and phosphorylated forms of AMPK and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) were assayed using Western analysis.
Results: Metformin led to a rapid increase in lactate production by GCs [minimum effective dose, 250 μm; maximum dose studied, 1 mm (1.22-fold; P &lt; 0.01)]. This dose range of metformin was similar to that required for stimulation of phospho-AMPK in GCs [minimum effective dose, 250 μm; maximum effect, 500 μm (2.01-fold; P &lt; 0.001)]. Increasing phospho-ACC, as a representative downstream target regulated by AMPK, was apparent over a lower range (minimum effective dose, 31 μm; maximum effect, 250 μm; P &lt; 0.001). A level of metformin (125 μm) insufficient for the stimulation of lactate output when used alone potentiated the effects of suboptimal doses of insulin on lactate production. Adiponectin (2.5 μg/ml) had a small but significant effect on lactate output.
Conclusions: Metformin activates AMPK in GCs, stimulating lactate production and increasing phospho-ACC. Metformin also enhances the action of suboptimal insulin concentrations to stimulate lactate production.
Packet Transport for the Future InternetPaketorientierter Transport für das zukünftige Internet
Authors: Flinck Hannu , Gruber Claus G. , Hoffmann Marco , Kirstädter Andreas , Merkle Christian , Michaelis Thomas , Schupke Dominic A. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The enormous growth of bandwidth needs and the constant revenues of the carriers at the same time require the introduction of packet technologies in transport networks. The extension of Ethernet with carrier-grade features is a promising approach to provide necessary characteristics like scalability, quality of service, and operations, administration, and maintenance. Interesting technological aspects are multi-layer and multi-domain operation of these packet transport networks and their control via Generalized MPLS. A possible solution can be seen in a function split where IP stays the convergence platform for applications and services and Ethernet becomes the convergence platform for transport.
Bank erosion process and bank material loss potential in Manahara River, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Pramila , Tamrakar Naresh Kazi 
Published: November 2008

The Manahara River, one of the largest tributaries of the Bagmati River has been suffering from bank erosion problem and lateral shifting. Several erosional processes have been observed. Bank erosion causes loss of large amount of sediment from the watershed. The river has been assessed to find out major erosional processes to determine the relative annual sediment displaced from bank and recession rate of bank, the annual riverbank material loss was calculated using data from cross-sectional surveys of two runoff periods one is in 2005 and another is 2006, and using the factors related to bank material, bank vegetation and bank morphology. The major erosional processes identified are rill erosion, gully erosion, sheet erosion, parallel flow erosion and impinging flow erosion and slumping. Absolute bank material loss estimated from cross-sectional survey indicates that percent loss of sediment per cross-section correlates positively with downstream distance. With increase in distance from the origin, sediment gain or loss from transects also increases. The percent gain in downstream portion exceeds percent loss, therefore the river is aggrading. Contrarily, there is no correlation between distance and bank material loss. This indicates that bank material loss at the sites probably depends on local factors (riparian vegetation, bank material, bank morphology and sinuosity) other than the distance of origin of the river. Relative bank material loss assessed at 24 banks undergoing erosion results, 705 m3 sediment depleted annually from banks and mass of displaced material (TDM) is 1243 tons. The total volume and weight of sediment displaced from the Manahara River must be much higher than this value. doi: 10.3126/bdg.v10i0.1418 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Vol. 10, 2007, pp. 33-44