bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Threshold of sediment motion under unidirectional currents
Authors: MILLER M. C. , McCAVE I. N. , KOMAR P. D. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTCarefully selected data for the threshold of sediment movement under unidirectional flow conditions have been utilized to re‐examine the various empirical curves that are commonly employed to predict this threshold. After a review of the existing data, we employed only that data obtained from open channel flumes with parallel sidewalls where flows were uniform and steady over flattened beds of unigranular, rounded sediments. Without these restrictions, an unmanageable amount of scatter is introduced.This selected data is used to develop a modified Shields‐type threshold diagram that extends the limits of the original diagram by three orders of magnitude in the grain‐Reynolds number. The equally general but more easily employed Yalin diagram for sediment threshold is also examined. Although the Shields and Yalin diagrams are general in that they apply to a wide range of different liquids, in both cases somewhat different curves are obtained for threshold under air than for the liquids.The often used empirical curves of the friction velocity u*, the velocity 100 cm above the bed u100, the bottom stress θt, and Shields’ relative stress θt, all versus the grain diameter D, are limited in their ranges of application to certain combinations of grain density, fluid density, fluid viscosity and gravity. These conditions must be selected before the curves are generated from either the more general Shields or Yalin curves. For example, on the basis of the data selected for use in this paper, empirical threshold relationships for quartz density material in water are
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where the velocity u100 measured 100 cm above the sediment bed is given in cm/sec and the grain diameter D is in cm.The limitations on any of the threshold relationships are severe. These limitations should be properly understood so that the empirical curves and relationships are not improperly employed.
Invasion dynamics and potential spread of the invasive alien plant speciesAgeratina adenophora(Asteraceae) in China
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Yin‐Zheng 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTAgeratina adenophora(Sprengel) R. King & H. Robinson (=Eupatorium adenophorumSprengel) is one of the worst invasive alien species in China. SinceA.adenophorawas first noticed in Yunnan Province of China in the 1940s, its rapid spread has caused an ecological problem in south‐western China. Understanding its historical invasion pattern and its potential for further spread is needed to plan the management of the species. We reconstructed the historical process of its invasion and analysed its ecological preferences in the invaded region. After a lag phase of 20 years (1940–60),A.adenophoraspread rapidly throughout the south and middle subtropical zones in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Guangxi, China, with an average expansion rate of 20 km per year. It spread relatively slowly in north subtropical areas, with an average expansion rate of 6.8 km per year. It has not established in warm temperate areas within the invaded regions. Although range expansion in Yunnan stopped after 1990, the expansion of its range into neighbouring provinces indicates thatA.adenophorahas not reached the full potential of its distribution and its range is still rapidly expanding within China. We applied ecological niche modelling (GARP — Genetic Algorithm for Rule‐set Prediction) to predict potential invasion areas in mainland China on the basis of occurrence points within colonized areas whereA.adenophorahas reached equilibrium. The predictions, confirmed by the range of values of four key environmental parameters, generally match the parameters of the geography and ecology in the invaded region. Southern and south‐central China have climatic conditions suggestive of a high potential for invasion byA.adenophora. Climatic conditions in northern and western China appear unsuitable forA.adenophora. Urgent measures should be taken to prevent this species from further spreading into the vast areas of potential habitat in southern and south‐central China.
Biotic indirect effects: a neglected concept in invasion biology
Authors: White Eve M. , Wilson John C. , Clarke Anthony R. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTIndirect effects involve more than two species and are defined as how one species alters the effect that another species has on a third. These complex interactions are often overlooked in studies of interactions between alien and native species, and their role in influencing biological invasions has been rarely considered. Based on a comprehensive review of the invasion biology literature, we examine the evidence for the occurrence of four of the most commonly documented indirect effects (apparent competition, indirect mutualism/commensalism, exploitative competition, and trophic cascades) in the invasion process. Studies investigating indirect effects in the context of invasion biology are relatively rare, but have been increasing in recent years, and there are sufficient examples to indicate that this kind of interaction is likely to be more common than is currently recognized. Whether indirect interactions are mediated by an alien or a native species, and whether they occur between ecologically similar or dissimilar alien and native species, depends in part on the type of interaction considered and no predictable patterns were detected in the literature. Further empirical studies will help to elucidate such patterns. At this stage, the inherent unpredictability of indirect interactions means that their impacts in relation to invasions are particularly challenging for land managers to deal with, and their role in invasions is a complex, but is a valuable area of investigation for researchers.
Branching Patterns of the Left Main Coronary Artery in the Dog Demonstrated by the Use of Corrosion Casting Technique
Authors: Noestelthaller A. , Probst A. , König H. E. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryAs many investigators use dogs as experimental models in catheterization‐, ligation‐, and collateral flow studies, knowledge and awareness of the canine left coronary artery anatomical variation is vital for differentiation between canine and human coronary arterial patterns and canine and human coronary congenital anomalies with or without circulatory importance. The present study was performed to examine and review the various principal subdivisions of the canine left main coronary artery (LMCA) in vascular casts of 20 hearts obtained from cadavers of clinically normal dogs of various ages, breeds and of either sex. A corrosion casting technique using an acrylic resin called Tensol Cement No. 70 and a lower‐viscosity acrylic resin called Mercox®were used to produce a three‐dimensional model of the canine coronary arteries. In our study, all dog hearts were left preponderant and the patterns of the principal subdivisions of the LMCA were grouped into three types: Type 1 occurred in seven of the 20 dogs (35%), Type 2 in 12 of 20 dogs (60%) and Type 3 in one instance (5%). A comparison between the canine divisional patterns of the LMCA in the vascular casts and those reported in the literature showed major agreement.
Antifungal susceptibility testing by flow cytometry: is it the future?
Authors: Vale‐Silva Luís André , Buchta Vladimír 
Published: June 2006

SummaryThe current increase in the number and significance of fungal infections, the expanding armamentarium of antifungal agents, and the emergence of the problem of antifungal drug resistance have been intensifying the importance of antifungal susceptibility testing (AST). The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, formerly NCCLS) in the United States and the Antifungal Susceptibility Testing Subcommittee of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AFST‐EUCAST) published standard methodologies in order to achieve higher reproducibility and allow direct inter‐laboratory comparison of the susceptibility results. Nevertheless, several problems remain unresolved and the methods depend on long incubation periods of a minimum of 24 h (EUCAST) or even 48 h (CLSI). Over the last 15 years, successful applications of flow cytometric techniques to AST of both yeast and moulds have been reported. These techniques are based on the analysis of a great number of fungal cells individually and frequently rely on short incubation times of no more than a few hours. Considering these attributes, flow cytometry (FC) seems to have the potential to achieve clinical usefulness in the near future. The collection of data on the reproducibility of the results and on the correlation with clinical outcomes has barely started, however. Practical validation of the experimental methodologies is not granted before a significant amount of data addressing those questions is available.
Epidemiology of tinea capitis in Ceyhan district, Adana in Çukurova region, Turkey
Authors: Gümüsay Türker , Ilkit Macit 
Published: June 2006

SummaryThis study was conducted on the primary school students in Ceyhan district of Adana, Turkey between May and June 2002 to determine the clinical form, causative agents and prevalence of tinea capitis. A total of 9576 students, with a male‐to‐female ratio of 50.6–49.4% were screened in 24 primary schools. Tinea capitis superficialis was diagnosed in seven cases, and kerion Celsi in one. Among eight cases, there were seven boys and one girl. Trichophyton violaceum was the most frequent causative agent, followed by T. tonsurans, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis and M. gypseum.
Efficacy of rifabutin‐based triple therapy in Helicobacter pylori infected patients after two standard treatments
Authors: González Carro Pedro , Pérez Roldán Francisco , De Pedro Esteban Aurora , Legaz Huidobro Maria L. , Soto Fernández Susana , Roncero Garcia Escribano Oscar , Esteban López‐Jamar Jose M. , Pedraza Martin Carmen , Ruíz Carrillo Francisco 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Even with the current most effective treatment regimens for Helicobacter pylori infection, a considerable number of patients will be resistant to eradication. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the H. pylori eradication rate in patients resistant to standard therapies when treated with a triple therapy of pantoprazole, rifabutin and amoxicillin.Methods:  Ninety‐two consecutive patients diagnosed with H. pylori infection resistant to two previous treatment regimens were treated with pantoprazole, rifabutin and amoxicillin for 10 days. The persistence or eradication of H. pylori was determined by a 13C‐urea breath test performed 4 weeks after the treatment.Results:  Per protocol eradication was achieved in 62.2% of patients and the intention‐to‐treat eradication was 60.8%. Only two patients were excluded for adverse events related to the treatment.Conclusions:  The eradication rate is acceptable as a third‐line therapy, particularly in centers with high cure rate for first line therapy. Another important value of this study is the good tolerance for the treatment observed in our patients. It is possible that rifabutin‐based triple therapy may be of use in hospital centers that do not have disposable culture and susceptibility methods against H. pylori.
Ameliorating effect of saporin‐conjugated anti‐CD11b monoclonal antibody in a murine T‐cell‐mediated chronic colitis
Authors: Kanai Takanori , Uraushihara Koji , Totsuka Teruji , Nemoto Yasuhiro , Fujii Rei , Kawamura Takahiro , Makita Shin , Sawada Daisuke , Yagita Hideo , Okumura Ko , Watanabe Mamoru 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground:  Crohn’s disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease that is associated with several changes in the immune system, including an increased number of infiltrating macrophages. These macrophages release a variety of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) which are critically involved in the onset and the development of CD. The present study was performed to explore the initial involvement of macrophages in the development of T‐cell‐mediated chronic colitis.Methods:  The effects were evaluated of saporin‐conjugated anti‐CD11b monoclonal antibody (mAb) on the development of chronic colitis in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice induced by adoptive transfer of CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells as an animal model of CD.Results:  Significantly increased CD11b‐expressing macrophages as well as CD4+ T cells were found in inflamed colon from colitic mice. Administration of saporin‐conjugated anti‐CD11b mAb markedly ameliorated the clinical and histopathological disease. In vivo treatment with saporin‐conjugated anti‐CD11b mAb decreased CD4+ T‐cell infiltration in the colon and suppressed inferferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and TNF‐α production by lamina propria CD4+ T cells.Conclusions:  Collectively, the present results suggest an initial role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of T‐cell‐mediated chronic colitis. Furthermore, the macrophage‐specific targeting may be a promising strategy for therapeutic intervention in CD.
Distribution of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 gene G2964A polymorphism in Chinese patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Zhu Jianbo , Xia Bing , Guo Qiusha , Cheng Hong , Li Jin , Ye Mei , Hu Zhengguo , Zhang Xiaolian , Tan Jingquan 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) gene is located on chromosome 12q13.3–14.1 just within the IBD2 region and is a key transcription factor involved in interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐13‐mediated Th2 response. The aim of the present study was to determine distribution of the STAT6 gene polymorphism in Chinese patients with ulcerative colitis.Methods:  The G2964A polymorphism in the 3′ untranslated region of the STAT6 gene was studied in 84 unrelated Chinese patients with ulcerative colitis and 176 healthy controls by PCR and the amplification created restriction site method. The results were then compared with those from a Dutch study published previously.Result:  Significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of the STAT6 G2964A polymorphism were not found between patients with ulcerative colitis and healthy controls. Subgroups of the patients with ulcerative colitis classified according to the age at onset, sex and location of disease did not differ significantly in the distribution of this polymorphism. However, the genotypes (P < 0.0001, chi‐squared = 75.332) and allele frequencies (P < 0.0001, odds ratio = 4.298, 95% confidence interval = 3.070–6.018) were significantly different between the Chinese and Dutch populations.Conclusion:  The STAT6 G2964A polymorphism is not involved in the genetic susceptibility to ulcerative colitis in Chinese patients.
Estimation of standard liver volume in Japanese living liver donors
Authors: Hashimoto Takuya , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Tamura Sumihito , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kishi Yoji , Kokudo Norihiro , Makuuchi Masatoshi 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground:  Standard liver volume (SLV) is an important concept in adult living liver donor transplantation. The purpose of this study was to re‐evaluate and modify the authors’ previous formula for predicting total liver volume (TLV).Methods:  The TLV of 301 Japanese living donors was measured by computed tomography. This TLV was then compared with the liver volume calculated using established formulas. The correlation between TLV and several factors including body surface area (BSA) were analyzed and a new equation (SLVn) to better approximate TLV was determined. Factors related to the difference between TLV and SLVn were examined.Results:  Average TLV was 1196.3 ± 221.0 cm3. Urata’s formula underestimated TLV by 17.6 cm3 and the other formulas overestimated it by 120.4–244.9 cm3. TLV could be approximated by BSA; SLVn (cm3) = −404.8 + 961.3 × BSA (m2, R2 = 0.58). SLVn tended to overestimate the TLV of older donors and to underestimate TLV of thin donors.Conclusions:  A new simple formula is presented that might be a better fit for calculating TLV in Japanese adults. This formula might be useful for evaluating the size of an adequate graft.
Relationship between molecular markers and endoscopic findings in laterally spreading tumors
Authors: Hashimoto Shinichi , Higaki Shingo , Amano Ayaka , Harada Katsunori , Nishikawa Jun , Yoshida Tomoharu , Okita Kiwamu , Sakaida Isao 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Characteristic clinicopathological features of laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) have been reported by endoscopists; however, only a few studies have been conducted on the biological features. These studies were not fully associated with the endoscopic findings of LSTs. The aim of this study was to estimate the biological features of each type of endoscopic finding of LST using two molecular markers, matrix metalloproteinase‐7 (MMP‐7) and β‐catenin.Methods:  Expression of the molecular markers and the endoscopic findings were compared in 22 LSTs and 14 subpedunculated polyps. MMP‐7 and β‐catenin were immunostained. Three types of representative endoscopic findings of LST were defined as segments in LSTs. They were 15 granular segments, seven large nodular segments, and seven flat segments that corresponded to the area composed of aggregates of similar size granules, large nodules of diameter more than 10 mm, and a flat surface with no granule, respectively.Results:  Expression of MMP‐7 and coexpression of MMP‐7 and β‐catenin were higher in large nodular segments than in granular segments (P < 0.0167). Among the three types of segments, flat segments showed the highest expression densities of β‐catenin accumulated in the nucleus. Large nodular segments and subpedunculated polyps showed similar expression patterns for the molecular markers.Conclusions:  This study provides new and important information on the relationship between the molecular markers and endoscopic findings of LSTs.
Cost‐effectiveness of peginterferon alfa‐2a compared to lamivudine treatment in patients with hepatitis B e antigen positive chronic hepatitis B in Taiwan
Authors: Sullivan Sean D , Veenstra David L , Chen Pei‐Jer , Chang Ting‐Tsung , Chuang Wan‐Long , Tsai Chiaming , Patel Kavita 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground:  Peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD), a new treatment option for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), offers improved efficacy with a defined treatment duration compared with lamivudine, but at a higher cost. We undertook an economic evaluation of peginterferon alfa‐2a from the perspective of the Taiwan Bureau of National Health Insurance to assess the clinical outcomes and costs of 48 weeks of peginterferon alfa‐2a for the treatment of patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive CHB, compared to lamivudine treatment for 48 weeks.Methods:  We performed a cost‐effectiveness analysis using a state‐transition Markov model simulating the natural history of HBeAg‐positive CHB. Efficacy data were obtained from a randomized clinical trial of 820 patients (87% were Asian) comparing peginterferon alfa‐2a to lamivudine. We modeled a hypothetical cohort of 32‐year‐old patients with HBeAg‐positive CHB. Life expectancy, quality‐adjusted life expectancy, lifetime costs ($NTD) and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICER) were estimated. One‐way sensitivity analyses were performed on all parameters in the model to evaluate uncertainty.Results:  Treatment with peginterferon alfa‐2a compared to lamivudine resulted in higher total costs, but longer quality‐adjusted life expectancy, yielding an ICER of $NTD 381 000 ($US 12 000) per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Although there is uncertainty associated with the prognosis of HBeAg‐positive CHB, the ICER did not exceed $NTD 485 000 ($US 15 000) per QALY gained despite variation in the parameters used in the analysis.Conclusions:  Our analysis suggests that 48‐week treatment with peginterferon alfa‐2a compared to 48‐week treatment with lamivudine in HBeAg‐positive patients offers life expectancy and quality of life benefits at a favorable cost‐effectiveness ratio.
Bilateral monitoring of cerebral oxygen saturation results in recognition of aortic cannula malposition during pediatric congenital heart surgery
Authors: GOTTLIEB ERIN A. , FRASER CHARLES D. , ANDROPOULOS DEAN B. , DIAZ LAURA K. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryCongenital heart surgery is associated with a 2–25% reported incidence of neurological complication. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can detect changes in regional cerebral saturation index (rSO2i) during cardiac surgery. If rSO2i decreases significantly, treatment algorithms are used to restore baseline values, potentially avoiding neurological complications. The efficacy of bilateral NIRS monitoring in pediatric congenital heart surgery has been debated. We report a case in which bilateral NIRS monitoring detected an abrupt decrease in rSO2i (right greater than left) after initiation of bypass without abnormalities detected by standard monitors. This resulted in prompt surgical intervention that restored rSO2i, potentially preventing neurological injury.
Effect of acute ghrelin administration on glycaemia and insulin levels in obese patients
Authors: Alvarez‐Castro P. , Isidro M. L. , García‐Buela J. , Dieguez C. , Casanueva F. F. , Cordido F. 
Published: June 2006

Objectives:  Ghrelin is a 28‐amino‐acid peptide, predominantly produced by the stomach. There are several studies that suggest the importance of ghrelin in obesity. However, the pancreatic endocrine response to ghrelin in obesity is unclear at present. The aim of this study was to clarify whether ghrelin administration influences glucose and insulin levels in obese patients.Patients and methods:  Six obese female patients (31 ± 3.4 year) with a BMI of 36.1 ± 7.7 kg/m2 were studied. Three tests were done: placebo, ghrelin (1 μg/kg, intravenously) and growth hormone‐releasing hormone (GHRH; 1 μg/kg, iv) plus ghrelin (1 μg/kg, iv). Blood samples were taken at appropriate intervals for determination of glucose and insulin. Statistical analyses were performed by Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests.Results:  Glucose (mean peak, mmol/l) level after placebo administration was 4.9 ± 0.2. Glucose level after the administration of ghrelin was 5.1 ± 0.2, not significantly different from the response after placebo (p = NS). Glucose level after the administration of ghrelin plus GHRH was 5.1 ± 0.2, not significantly different from placebo (p = NS). Insulin (mean peak, mU/l) level after placebo administration was 16.1 ± 6.1. Insulin level after the administration of ghrelin was 12.3 ± 1.6, not significantly different from placebo (p = NS). Insulin level after the administration of ghrelin plus GHRH was 11.1 ± 2.7, not significantly different from the response after placebo (p = NS).Conclusions:  In female obese patients, we did not find significant differences in glucose or insulin levels following ghrelin or GHRH plus ghrelin administration.
12 Brain/Mind Learning Principles in Action: The Fieldbook for Making Connections, Teaching, and the Human Brain – Renate Nummela Caine, Geoffrey Caine, Carol McClintic, and Karl Klimek
Authors: Shantz Colleen 
Published: June 2006

Books reviewed: 12 Brain/Mind Learning Principles in Action: The Fieldbook for Making Connections, Teaching, and the Human Brain. By Renate Nummela Caine, Geoffrey Caine, Carol McClintic, and Karl Klimek. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press, 2005. xvi + 263 pages. ISBN 1‐4129‐0984‐8.