bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinal processing and opponent mechanisms mediating ultraviolet polarization sensitivity in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Ramsden Samuel D. , Anderson Leslie , Mussi Martina , Kamermans Maarten , Hawryshyn Craig W. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY
A number of teleost fishes have photoreceptor mechanisms to detect linearly polarized light. We studied the neuronal mechanism underlying this ability. It was found that a polarized signal could be detected in rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss) both in the electroretinogram (ERG) and in the compound action potential (CAP) measured in the optic nerve, indicating a strong retinal contribution to the processing of polarized light. The CAP recordings showed a W-shaped sensitivity curve, with a peak at 0°, 90°and 180°, consistent with processes for both vertical and horizontal orientation. By contrast, the ERG recordings reveal a more complex pattern. In addition to the peaks at 0°, 90° and 180°, two additional peaks appeared at 45° and 135°. This result suggests a specialized contribution of the outer retina in the processing of polarized light. The spectral sensitivity of the mechanisms responsible for these intermediate peaks was studied using chromatic adaptation. Here we show that long wavelength-sensitive (LWS) cone mechanism adaptation shifted the intermediate peaks towards 90°, whereas ultraviolet-sensitive (UVS) cone mechanism adaptation shifted the peaks away from 90° towards either 0° or 180°. These results provide further confirmation that the 90° peak is dominated by the LWS cone mechanism and the 0° and 180° peaks are dominated by the UVS cone mechanism. In addition, a pharmacological approach was used to examine the retinal neural mechanisms underlying polarization sensitivity. The effect of blocking negative feedback from horizontal cells to cones on the ERG was studied by making intraocular injections of low doses of cobalt, known to block this feedback pathway. It was found that the intermediate peaks seen in the ERG polarization sensitivity curves were eliminated after application of cobalt, suggesting that these peaks are due to outer retinal inhibition derived from feedback of horizontal cells onto cones. A simple computational model was developed to evaluate these results. The model consists of opponent and non-opponent processing elements for the two polarization detectors. This model provides a first approximation analysis suggesting that opponent processing occurs in the outer retina for polarization vision. Although it seems that polarization vision uses a slightly more complicated coding scheme than colour vision, the results presented in this paper suggest that opponent and non-opponent channels process polarization information.
Fast-Track Aassessment Clinic: Selection of Patients for a One-Stop Hip Assessment Clinic
Authors: Johnson SA , Kalairajah Y , Moonot P , Steele N , Field RE 
Published: April 2008

INTRODUCTION The fast-track assessment clinic (FTAC) is a process to select patients who are very likely to require primary total hip replacement. Selected patients can then be seen in a one-off clinic reducing the number of hospital visits, cost to primary care trusts and delay between referral and treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty patients on the waiting list for hip replacement were analysed to see if there were common parameters that led to their inclusion. From these data, fast-track selection criteria (FTSCs) were generated. These FTSCs were used to make a dual comparison of outcomes between 52 patients seen in a traditional clinic. Finally, a pilot study was conducted in which patients fulfilling FTSCs were seen in a designated clinic. RESULTS An Oxford hip score (OHS) of 34 and above combined with severe loss of joint space, severe marginal osteophytes, or both was common to most patients on the waiting list (84%). FTSCs correctly predicted the outcome of the orthopaedic clinic in 38 patients out of a total of 52. During the pilot stage, positive FTSCs were shown to have a positive predictive value of 92% for joint replacement being carried out and a negative predictive value of 46%. CONCLUSIONS An OHS of 34 or above combined with complete loss of joint space and/or severe marginal osteophyte formation can be used to select patients who are very likely to need total hip replacement. These patients can be seen in a clinic that combines assessment of surgical indication with medical fitness for surgery.
The ANKLe Score: An Audit of Otolaryngology Emergency Clinic Record Keeping
Authors: Dexter Sara C , Hayashi Daichi , Tysome James R 
Published: April 2008

INTRODUCTION Accurate and legible medical records are essential to good quality patient care. Guidelines from The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSE) state the content required to form a complete medical record, but do not address legibility. An audit of otolaryngology emergency clinic record keeping was performed using a new scoring system. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Adjusted Note Keeping and Legibility (ANKLe) score was developed as an objective and quantitative method to assess both the content and legibility of case notes, incorporating the RCSE guidelines. Twenty consecutive otolaryngology emergency clinic case notes from each of 7 senior house officers were audited against standards for legibility and content using the ANKLe score. A proforma was introduced to improve documentation and handwriting advice was given. A further set of 140 notes (20 notes for each of the 7 doctors) was audited in the same way to provide feedback. RESULTS The introduction of a proforma and advice on handwriting significantly increased the quality of case note entries in terms of content, legibility and overall ANKLe score. CONCLUSIONS Accurate note keeping can be improved by the use of a proforma. The legibility of handwriting can be improved using simple advice. The ANKLe score is an objective assessment tool of the overall quality of medical note documentation which can be adapted for use in other specialties.
Gastric Cancer Surgery – A Balance of Risk and Radicality
Authors: Lamb Peter , Sivashanmugam T , White Martin , Irving Mark , Wayman John , Raimes Simon 
Published: April 2008

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to determine whether tailoring the extent of resection would allow radical gastric cancer surgery to be performed safely in a UK population. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 180 consecutive patients (median age 70 years; male:female ratio 2:1) undergoing resection for gastric adenocarcinoma with curative intent were studied. Extent of lymphadenectomy was based upon pre-operative and intra-operative staging, and balanced against the patient's age and fitness. RESULTS In the study group, 83 patients underwent subtotal or distal partial gastrectomy and 97 patients underwent total or proximal partial gastrectomy. Operative procedures were: D1 lymphadenectomy (n = 62); modified (spleen and pancreas preserving) D2 lymphadenectomy (n = 73); D2 lymphadenectomy (n = 42); and extended resection (n = 3). TNM classification was: stage 1 (n = 45); stage 2 (n = 37); stage 3 (n = 61); and stage 4 (n = 37). Of the patients, 48 developed postoperative complications including 17 patients with a major surgical complication. The in-hospital mortality was 1.7% (3 of 180). Predicted mortality according to POSSUM and P-POSSUM was 21.4% and 7.8%, respectively. Disease-specific 5-year survival according to stage was 85.4%, 64.2%, 33.3%, and 6.9%. CONCLUSIONS By tailoring the extent of resection and balancing risk and radicality, gastric cancer surgery can be performed with low mortality in Western patients.
Living-Unrelated Donor Renal Transplantation: An Alternative to Living-Related Donor Transplantation?
Authors: Ahmad Nadeem , Ahmed Kamran , Khan Mohammad Shamim , Calder Francis , Mamode Nizam , Taylor John , Koffman Geoff 
Published: April 2008

INTRODUCTION An increasing number of living-unrelated, kidney donor transplants are being performed in our unit. We present a comparison of living-unrelated (LURD) and living-related donor (LRD) renal transplant outcomes and analyse influencing factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analysed the outcome of all living-donor renal transplants performed at our centre from 1993 to 2004. The parameters studied included patient and graft survival, functioning status of grafts (determined by estimated GFR) at last follow-up and any rejection episodes. Multivariate analysis was performed for recipient and donor age, ethnicity, HLA matching and re-transplants. RESULTS A total of 322 live donor kidney transplants (LRD, n = 261; LURD, n = 61) were carried out over this period. Mean recipient age was 28 ± 16 years in the LRD group and 48 ± 12 years in LURD, while mean age of the donors was 43 ± 11 years and 48 ± 10 years, respectively. Caucasians constituted 80% of all the living donors. Amongst LRD, parents were the commonest (58%) donors followed by siblings (35%). In LURD, 80% were spouses. A total of 33 grafts failed, 30 in LRD (11%) and 3 in LURD (5%). Thirteen patients died, 11 (4.2%) in LRD (7 with functioning graft) and 2 (3.3%) in LURD (1 with functioning graft). Acute rejections occurred in 41% recipients in LRD and 35% in LURD (P = 0.37). Estimated GFR was lower in LURD than in LRD (49 ± 14 versus 59 ± 29 ml/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.032). One- and 3-year patient survival for LRD and LURD was 98.7% and 96.3% and 97.7% and 95%, respectively (P = 0.75). One- and 3-year graft survival was equivalent at 94.8% and 92.3% for LRD, and 98.4% and 93.7% for LURD, respectively (P = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS Outcome of LRD and LURD is comparable in terms of patient and graft survival, acute rejection rate and estimated GFR despite differences in demographics, HLA matching and re-transplants of recipients.
Specialist Outreach Service for On-Table Repair of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injuries – A New Kind of ‘Travelling Surgeon’
Authors: Silva MA , Coldham C , Mayer AD , Bramhall SR , Buckels JAC , Mirza DF 
Published: April 2008

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of on table repair of iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDIs) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, by specialist hepatobiliary surgeons as an outreach service. PATIENTS AND METHODS Prospectively collected data on IBDI managed as an outreach service, was analysed retrospectively. The Strasberg classification was used to define types of injury. RESULTS There were 22 patients. Twenty (91%) had type E ‘classical’ excision injuries, two had types B and D. Two type E cases had co-existent vascular injury both with right hepatic artery injuries; one also had a co-existent portal vein injury. A Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was used to repair the IBDI in 21 (95%) patients. One type D injury had duct repair over a T-tube. No attempt was made to reconstruct the injured hepatic arteries, while the portal vein injury was primarily repaired. The median follow-up was 210 days (range, 47–1088 days). Two patients developed bile leak and cholangitis while another developed transient jaundice. There were no postoperative mortalities. All patients were followed up at our centre. CONCLUSIONS Repair of IBDI as an outreach service by specialist surgeons is feasible and safe, with minimal disruption to the patient pathway. Prompt recognition and definitive management may help reduce complaints and medicolegal litigation.
Detection of a Thalassemic α-Chain Variant (Hemoglobin Groene Hart) by Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Zanella-Cleon Isabelle , Becchi Michel , Lacan Philippe , Giordano Piero C , Wajcman Henri , Francina Alain 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground: Hemoglobin (Hb) Groene Hart [α119 (H2)Pro→Ser (α1)], also known as Hb Bernalda, is a nondeletional α-thalassemic Hb variant that is frequent in southern Italy and North Africa. This variant is not supposed to be produced in the erythrocytes of carriers. The α-thalassemic behavior of this variant has been explained as an impaired interaction between the α-globin chain and the α-Hb–stabilizing protein.Methods: To separate globin chains, we developed a modified reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) procedure that uses acetonitrile–water solvents containing up to 3 mL/L trifluoroacetic acid. After RPLC, we characterized the isolated globin chains by electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) and analyzed their tryptic peptides with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS and nano-LC–ESI–MS/MS.Results: RPLC detected an abnormal peak with a retention time substantially greater than that of the wild-type αA-globin chain. We identified this variant as Hb Groene Hart and found it in the hemolysates of 11 unrelated patients (1 homozygote, 9 heterozygotes, and 1 heterozygote associated with the −α3.7 deletion). These patients possessed abnormal hematologic features suggesting an α-thalassemia phenotype. Molecular modeling suggested that the increase in hydrophobicity was due to opening of the GH interhelical segment following replacement of amino acid residue 119 with a nonhelix breaker residue.Conclusions: This method allows the detection of Hb variants at low concentrations, and adjusting the composition of the organic solvents enables the method to identify Hb variants with large changes in hydrophobicity.
Cell-Free Plasma DNA as a Predictor of Outcome in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock
Authors: Saukkonen Katri , Lakkisto Päivi , Pettilä Ville , Varpula Marjut , Karlsson Sari , Ruokonen Esko , Pulkki Kari ,   for the Finnsepsis Study Group
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground: Increased concentrations of cell-free DNA have been found in plasma of septic and critically ill patients. We investigated the value of plasma DNA for the prediction of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital mortality and its association with the degree of organ dysfunction and disease severity in patients with severe sepsis.Methods: We studied 255 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. We obtained blood samples on the day of study inclusion and 72 h later and measured cell-free plasma DNA by real-time quantitative PCR assay for the β-globin gene.Results: Cell-free plasma DNA concentrations were higher at admission in ICU nonsurvivors than in survivors (median 15 904 vs 7522 genome equivalents [GE]/mL, P &lt; 0.001) and 72 h later (median 15 176 GE/mL vs 6758 GE/mL, P = 0.004). Plasma DNA values were also higher in hospital nonsurvivors than in survivors (P = 0.008 to 0.009). By ROC analysis, plasma DNA concentrations had moderate discriminative power for ICU mortality (AUC 0.70–0.71). In multiple regression analysis, first-day plasma DNA was an independent predictor for ICU mortality (P = 0.005) but not for hospital mortality. Maximum lactate value and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score correlated independently with the first-day plasma DNA in linear regression analysis.Conclusions: Cell-free plasma DNA concentrations were significantly higher in ICU and hospital nonsurvivors than in survivors and showed a moderate discriminative power regarding ICU mortality. Plasma DNA concentration was an independent predictor for ICU mortality, but not for hospital mortality, a finding that decreases its clinical value in severe sepsis and septic shock.
A Modified Triaxial Cell for Stress-Path Testing of Weak Rock (Hard Soils)
Authors: Stone K. J. L. , Katsaros K. I. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA simple conversion of a standard triaxial apparatus for stress path testing is presented and illustrated. The conversion is effected by incorporating a balanced ram arrangement into the top plate of a conventional triaxial cell, which, together with some additional modifications to the sample top cap and ram connection details, provides a cost-effective stress path testing cell. This modified triaxial cell, combined with a suitable external loading frame, allows the axial and radial stresses to be independently controlled. Consequently, any desired stress path can be applied to a specimen mounted in the modified cell. The functionality of the modified cell is demonstrated through the results of long-term stress-path tests performed as part of a creep study of intact medium porosity chalk. In this study, the modified cells were used with cantilever type loading frames, and subjected to continuous loading for periods in excess of 400 days. The performance of the modified cells was very satisfactory, and demonstrates that such an arrangement can provide a simple and a cost-effective system for conducting laboratory stress-path tests.
Hydrogen Embrittlement - Loading Rate Effects in Fracture Mechanics Testing
Authors: Koers RWJ , Krom AHM , Bakker A 
Published: April 2008

The fitness for purpose methodology is more and more used in the oil and gas industry to evaluate the significance of pre-existing flaws and material deficiencies with regard to the suitability of continued operation of equipment. In this methodology, traditional fracture mechanics is integrated with expertise in inspection technology, material evaluation, and corrosion damage assessment, stress analysis and the mechanics of materials. Application of the fitness for purpose methodology for equipment operating in hydrogenation environments or in sour service is rather complex, in particular, due to the uncertainty in the reduction of the fracture toughness caused by hydrogen embrittlement. Hydrogen embrittlement is a time-dependent fracture process caused by the absorption and diffusion of atomic hydrogen into the steel, which results in a loss of ductility.
An experimental study has been performed to quantify the reduction of fracture toughness of an API 5L grade X56 pipeline steel, and a numerical model has been presented to understand the experimental results.
The Development of a Spread Test Method for Agricultural Spray Adjuvants
Authors: Volgas G 
Published: April 2008

The ASTM E-35 subcommittee on spray adjuvants has been working for several years on adjuvant test methodology. This subcommittee has already obtained approval on several test methods and has been working on the development of a spreading test for the last 3 years. This method is not intended to replace sophisticated image analysis techniques currently being used in some laboratories. It is intended to provide a simple, inexpensive evaluation of the spread characteristics of spray droplets.
The method employs a circular grid overlaying a thin sheet of Parafilm® M and visual observations by the user to determine spread radii. The spread radii of a standardized droplet can be determined reasonably to within 0.5 mm. This test has now been validated by an inter-laboratory study conducted by members of ASTM E-35. This paper will present the data and thereby provide a permanent record. The paper will also attempt to provide an accounting for the standard conditions set in this test method.
Influence of Three Experimental Adjuvants on Glyphosate Weed Efficacy
Authors: Roberts JR , Mack RE , Baker TA 
Published: April 2008

Many agricultural spray adjuvants utilize one or more organosilicone surfactants in their composition. These materials have been shown to provide biological efficacy enhancement to agrichemicals and/or correct spray application problems. Commercial adjuvant products that utilize organosilicone surfactants are currently formulated only as liquid products.
In recent years, many pesticide products have been introduced as dry formulations. These formulations have provided growers and applicators with the advantages of reduced exposure, improved storage stability and easier package disposal. Until now, the technology necessary to produce dry adjuvants utilizing organosilicone surfactants has been unavailable.
Two formulation technologies now provide the option for developing dry organosilicone spray adjuvant products; a.) dry co-surfactant blends of organosilicone and propylene oxide/ethylene oxide copolymers and b.) organosilicone impregnated on dry carboxylic acid salts. Laboratory evaluations, regarding the surface chemistry properties of these dry organosilicone adjuvants, compare favorably with those from the traditional liquid formulations. The purpose of this research was to determine if glyphosate efficacy enhancement provided by dry organosilicone based adjuvant products, is comparable to control levels of liquid organosilicone based adjuvant with glyphosate and to evaluate the impact of dry surfactant formulation variables. The field efficacy experiments were conducted at eight locations in the northern and southern regions of the United States, to evaluate glyphosate activity on various annual and perennial weed species. The experimental adjuvants were tank mixed with a glyphosate formulation that did not contain surfactant. A 731 mL/ha rate of glyphosate was applied at seven of the sites, with one location having had al462 mL/ha rate applied.
HM9208-A and HM9507 (dry formulations of organosilicone surfactants), were applied 453.6 grams/379 liters of spray solution. HM9220 (a liquid formulation of organosilicone surfactant), was applied at 0.125% v/v concentration. All treatments were applied at 94 L/ha spray volume. Applications to quackgrass, perennial ryegrass, rhizome johnsongrass, alfalfa and annual fleabane resulted in greater levels of weed control due to the addition of HM9208-A versus HM9507 or HM9220. Applications to Timothygrass resulted in equivalent control levels among the three adjuvants. At a site in Mississippi, glyphosate plus HM9208-A provided better control of goosegrass and southwestern cupgrass when compared to the addition of HM9507. Control levels were equivalent on these two weed species with either HM9208-A or HM9220.
The Physical Chemistry of WDGs: Porosity and Surfactant Dissolution as a Function of Dispersant Molecular Weight
Authors: Delli Colli HT , Doering IW 
Published: April 2008

The speed and completeness of the disintegration of water-dispersible granules depend upon several factors. Two of the most important are the porosity of the individual granules and the rate of dissolution of the surfactant package within the formulation.
The present work represents a small piece of a larger overall effort designed to explore the physicochemical aspects of WDG development. An objective of the larger effort is the enablement of the formulation chemist to identify key compositional and production related parameters for WDGs early enough in the development process to significantly shorten it.