bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A library of Lick Observatory Image Dissector Scanner indices for binary stellar populations
Authors: Zhang Fenghui , Li Lifang 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Using evolutionary population synthesis, we present 13 refined absorption-line indices defined by the Lick Observatory Image Dissector Scanner (Lick/IDS) system for an extensive set of instantaneous-burst binary stellar populations (BSPs) at high resolution (∼0.3 Å), and 38 indices at intermediate resolution (3 Å). The ages of the populations are at an interval of 1 Gyr in the range 1–15 Gyr, and the metallicities are in the range 0.004–0.03. These indices are obtained by two methods: (i) using the empirical fitting functions (FFs method); (ii) measured directly from the synthetic spectra (DC method). Together with our previous paper, a data base of Lick/IDS spectral absorption-line indices for BSPs at high and intermediate resolutions is provided. This set of indices includes 21 indices of Worthey et al., four Balmer indices defined by Worthey & Ottaviani, and 13 indices with the new passband definitions of Trager et al. The full set of synthetic indices and the integrated pseudo-continuum are listed in the Appendices, which are only available online at https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2006.10557.x or from our website (http://www.ast9.com/), or on request from the first author. Moreover, the full set of the integrated spectral energy distributions can be obtained from our website.
We compare the synthetic Lick/IDS indices obtained by the FFs method and those by the DC method for BSPs with various metallicities, and find that the discrepancies are significant: Ca4455 (index 6), Fe4668 (8), Mgb (13), Fe5709 (17), NaD (19), TiO1 (20) and TiO2 (21, except for Z= 0.02) in the W94 system, Ca4455T (6T), C24668T (8T), NaDT (19T), TiOT1 (20T) and TiOT2 (21T, except for Z= 0.02) in the T98 system obtained by the DC method are less (bluer) than the corresponding ones obtained by the FFs method for all metallicities. Ca4227 (index 3), Fe5782 (18), Ca4227T (3T) and Fe5782T (18T) are greater at Z= 0.03 and become bluer at Z= 0.004; the Fe5709T (17T) index is less at Z= 0.03 and becomes redder at Z= 0.004 than the corresponding ones obtained by the FFs method.
Deposition and derivation of clastic carbonates on a Mesozoic continental margin, Othris, Greece
Authors: PRICE ILFRYN 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTThe Othris Mountains of eastern Greece contain a calcareous continental margin/ocean basin sequence exposed in a stack of Cretaceous thrust sheets. Upper Triassic to Lower Cretaceous shelf, submarine fan and basinal successions overlie shallow marine units of Lower Triassic and Permian age. In off‐shelf sequences the older sediments are separated from the younger by a horizon of alkaline ‘early‐rifting’ basalts. Ophiolites overthrust the marginal sequence. Pre‐rifting sediments are represented by a varied suite of limestones and clastics resting on metamorphic basement and include distinctive, green lithic arenites. In the thrust sheet immediately over the para‐autochthonous shelf sequence, pre‐rifting sediments are separated from the rift basalts by an intermittent horizon of calcareous sandstones and conglomerates reworked from uplifted basement and older sediments. Textural and petrographic immaturity suggests that these are probably deposits derived from fault scarps, produced in an early phase of rifting. Above the basalts in the same sheet is a suite of calciclastic sediment‐gravity‐flow deposits, apparently sedimented on a submarine fan. Progressive downslope modification of calcirudites suggests deposition from evolving, high concentration flows. Massive calcarenite facies (? grain flows) are unusually abundant; a possible reflection of a shallow palaeo‐shelf break since provenance and palaeocurrent evidence proves the clastic carbonates to have been derived from a calcareous shelf. In addition to limestone lithoclasts the calcirudites, but not the massive calcarenites, contain fragments of pre‐rifting lithologies including the distinctive arenites. Since the shelf sequence in Othris is totally nondetrital these clasts imply derivation of coarse sediment from an off‐shelf position; probably the walls of a submarine canyon. This may have occurred either by direct erosion of wall rock, or by reworking of material from an older clastic sequence. In the latter case the inferred fault‐scarp deposits are a likely source.
Evaluating reserves for species richness and representation in northern California
Authors: Dunk Jeffrey R. , Zielinski William J. , Welsh Hartwell H. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTThe Klamath‐Siskiyou forests of northern California and southern Oregon are recognized as an area of globally outstanding biological distinctiveness. When evaluated at a national or global level, this region is often, necessarily, considered to be uniformly diverse. Due to large variation in biotic and abiotic variables throughout this region, however, it is unlikely that biological diversity is uniformly distributed. Furthermore, land management decisions nearly always occur at spatial scales smaller than this entire region. Therefore, we used field data from a random sampling design to map the distribution of local and regional richness of terrestrial molluscs and salamanders within northern California's portion of the Klamath‐Siskiyou region. We also evaluated the protection afforded by reserves established for varying reasons (e.g. for inspiration and recreation for people vs. species conservation) to hotspots of species richness and species representation of these taxa. No existing reserves were created with these taxa in mind, yet it was assumed that reserves established largely around considerations for the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) would afford adequate protection for many lesser‐known species. Species of terrestrial molluscs and salamanders share two general features: (1) they have extremely low vagility, and (2) they are often associated with moist, cool microclimates. Existing reserves disproportionately included areas of hotspots of species richness for both taxa, when hotspots included the richestc. 25% of the area, whereas non‐reserved lands contained greater than expected areas with lower species richness. However, when a more strict definition of hotspot was used (i.e. the richestc.10% of areas), local hotspots for both taxa were not disproportionately found in reserves. Reserves set aside largely for human aesthetics and recreation and those set aside for biodiversity both contributed to the protection of areas with high (greatest 25%) species richness. Existing biodiversity reserves represented 68% of mollusc species and 73% of salamander species, corresponding to the 99th and 93rd percentiles, respectively, of species representation achieved by simulating a random distribution of the same total area of reservation. Cumulatively, however, reserves set aside for inspiration and biodiversity represented 83% of mollusc species and 91% of salamander species. The existing reserves provide conservation value for terrestrial molluscs and salamanders. This reserve network, however, should not be considered optimal for either taxa.
The impact of donor cocaine use on the outcome of adult liver transplantation
Authors: Komokata Teruo , Nishida Seigo , Ganz Susan , Levi David M. , Fukumori Tatuya , Tzakis Andreas G. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract:  Backgrounds:  To investigate the feasibility of adult liver transplantation from donors with cocaine use.Methods:  Of 807 adult liver transplantations performed between 1994 and 2000, 72 donors (8.9%) were current cocaine users. Donor characteristics and post‐transplantation outcomes were retrospectively compared between the 72 cocaine and 126 control group selected from the remaining 735 donors, matched for age and having no history of drug use.Results:  Marijuana, opiates and amphetamines were drugs of abuse often present with cocaine. Except for a high incidence of acute alcohol use in the cocaine donors, donor characteristics were comparable. The cocaine group had a significantly higher graft loss within three months of transplant (18.1% vs. 7.9%, p<0.05), and had a trend toward lower graft survival (76% vs. 86% at one yr).Conclusions:  Potential adverse effect of cocaine and substances concurrently involved on donor liver was suggested. To clarify the distinct acceptance criteria of cocaine users for liver donation, prospective study is warranted.
Survey of endoscopic ultrasonographic practice and training in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Ho Khek Yu 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground:  Little is known about the current status of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) training in the Asia–Pacific region. The aim of the present study was to assess EUS practice and training in the Asia–Pacific region and seek to identify areas where the development of EUS expertise could be further enhanced.Methods:  A direct mail survey was sent out to 87 practising endosonographers in various parts of the Asia–Pacific region outside of Japan. They were asked to report on their prior training, utilization of EUS, and EUS training in their country.Results:  The respondents (n = 71) were mostly young (median age 40 years), male (97%), practising in academia (36.6%) or public hospitals (50.7%) and fairly experienced (median 5 years) in EUS practices; they had performed a median of 500 procedures in their career. Among them, 49.3% were self‐taught. Only 22.5% and 21.1% had undergone formal overseas fellowship lasting ≥6 months, and local gastrointestinal fellowships of various durations, respectively. Fifty‐six percent were currently involved in EUS teaching. Most (90%) thought that a formal EUS training fellowship is necessary for acquiring acceptable competence and there should be a minimum number (median 100) of supervised procedures performed and minimum amount of time (median 6 months) spent on training.Conclusions:  Although EUS practitioners in the Asia–Pacific region were not behind their European or US counterparts in hands‐on experience, the lack of formal EUS training programs and opportunities remains an area of concern. For the region to increase EUS utilization, the current shortage of training opportunities needs to be addressed.
Candida albicans aggravates duodenal ulcer perforation induced by administration of cysteamine in rats
Authors: Nakamura Tetsuya , Yoshida Masashi , Ishikawa Hideki , Kameyama Kaori , Wakabayashi Go , Otani Yoshihide , Shimazu Motohide , Tanabe Minoru , Kawachi Shigeyuki , Kumai Koichiro , Kubota Tetsuro , Saikawa Yoshiro , Sano Katsuko , Kitajima Masaki 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground:  Candida sp are frequently isolated from the ascitic fluid of patients with perforated ulcers. The present study was performed to examine whether Candida infection may be involved in the process of ulcer perforation.Methods:  Male Wistar rats were divided into a saline group (n = 15) and a Candida group (n = 17). Cysteamine‐HCl (Sigma; 31 mg/100 g) was administered thrice on day 1 to both groups of animals. Candida albicans at a density of 108 in 0.5 mL of saline was administered 1 h before, and 12 h and 24 h after the first administration of cysteamine in the Candida group.Results:  Perforated duodenal ulcers were observed in 94.1% of the rats in the Candida group, but only 26.7% of the rats in the saline group (P < 0.01). The area of the duodenal ulcers in the Candida group was 40.89 ± 33.07 mm2, whereas that in the saline group was 16.53 ± 20.4 mm2 (P < 0.05). The mortality rate was significantly higher in the Candida group than in the saline group. In the Candida group, colonization by C. albicans was recognized at the ulcer base, surrounded by marked granulocytic infiltration. The number of eosinophils infiltrating the ulcer base was also significantly greater in the Candida group than in the saline group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of secretory aspartyl protease (SAP) in the region of the ulcer showing colonization by C. albicans in the Candida group.Conclusion:  Candida albicans aggravates duodenal ulcer perforation in the experimental model of cysteamine‐induced duodenal ulcer perforation. The present findings suggest that SAP and host–parasite relationships, including granulocyte‐dependent mechanisms, may be involved in the aggravation of ulcer perforation by C. albicans.
Long‐term results with azathioprine therapy in patients with corticosteroid‐dependent Crohn’s disease: Open‐label prospective study
Authors: Chebli Julio Maria Fonseca , Gaburri Pedro Duarte , De Souza Aécio Flávio Meirelles , Pinto André Luiz Tavares , Chebli Liliana Andrade , Felga Guilherme Eduardo Gonçalves , Forn Cecília Ganini , Pimentel Carolina Frade Magalhães Girardin 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground:  A substantial number of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) become dependent on steroids after induction therapy. Treatment with azathioprine (AZA) may be beneficial in such patients. The present open‐label study evaluated the long‐term safety and efficacy of AZA in steroid‐dependent CD patients.Methods:  Adult patients with steroid‐dependent CD were enrolled for AZA therapy over a 7‐year period. The average dose of AZA was 2.0–3.0 mg/kg per day, adjusted according to clinical response and occurrence of adverse effects. Steroid therapy was tapered off according to a predefined schedule. Long‐term outcome and adverse reactions were evaluated.Results:  Sixty‐nine patients were prospectively included. Steroid‐free remission was achieved in 68–81% of patients, partial response in 14.5–27.3% and failure to respond to AZA in 4–15.9% over the initial 48 months. However, the rate of wean from steroid therapy decreased to 53–60% while the rate of failure increased from 6.7% to 17.6% after this period. A breakthrough of symptoms during continuous AZA therapy was common, particularly after 48 months on AZA. The mean leukocyte count at the end of 12 months of therapy was significantly lower in patients who achieved complete response on AZA than in the non‐responders (5197 ± 1250 cells/mm3 vs 8340 ± 1310 cells/mm3, respectively; P < 0.01). Azathioprine was relatively well‐tolerated and the incidence of serious adverse effects was small.Conclusions:  Azathioprine was relatively safe and moderately effective for long‐term maintenance of steroid‐free clinical remission in corticosteroid‐dependent CD patients. Patients were more successfully weaned from prednisone treatment, and clinical remission was more often maintained during the first 48 months of AZA therapy. A significant decrease in the white blood cell count at the end of 12 months on AZA was the single factor associated with weaning from steroid dependence.
Role of clinical presentation in diagnosing reflux‐related non‐cardiac chest pain
Authors: Mousavi Shahrokh , Tosi Jahfar , Eskandarian Rahime , Zahmatkesh Mehrdad 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIntroduction:  Non‐cardiac chest pain (NCCP) presents as a frequent diagnostic challenge, with patients tending to use a disproportionate level of health‐care resources. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most frequent cause of NCCP. Thus the typical symptoms of reflux, such as heartburn and regurgitation, when present as predominant symptoms are quite specific for diagnosing GERD but in patients with NCCP the clinical diagnosis of reflux is difficult, and invasive methods or the omeprazole test are required for its detection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of clinical presentation when diagnosing GERD among patients with NCCP.Methods:  Patients with NCCP underwent upper endoscopy, Bernstein and omeprazole tests. The patients were divided into two groups based on GER‐ or non‐GER‐related chest pain, and clinical presentation was compared between these two groups. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was considered positive when at least two methods were positive.Results:  From 78 NCCP patients (41 male; mean age 50.4 ± 2.3 years), the chest pain was related to GERD in 35 patients (44.8%). The two groups were the same based on sex and age. The chest pain severity, site, radiation and relation to food, exercise, and sleep were equal in the two groups, except for two symptoms: pain that was relieved by antacid (P < 0.031) and presence of classical reflux symptoms (P < 0.009), seen in the GERD patients. With regard to recent patient history, heartburn and regurgitation symptoms were seen more frequently in GERD patients (P < 0.036 and P < 0.002, respectively).Discussion:  Clinical presentation is important in diagnosing GERD in NCCP. Although the chest pain is the same in reflux‐ and non‐reflux‐related NCCP, the symptoms of heartburn or regurgitation in the present or recent patient history are diagnostic for GERD‐related chest pain.
Kinetics of indocyanine green removal from blood can be used to predict the size of the area removed by radiofrequency ablation of hepatic nodules
Authors: Sato Shuichi , Miyake Tatsuya , Mishiro Tomoko , Furuta Kohichiro , Azumi Takane , Oshima Naoki , Takahashi Yoshiko , Rumi Mohammad A.K. , Ishihara Shunnji , Adachi Kyoichi , Amano Yuji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The size of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the liver can be negatively influenced by the surrounding blood flow. The indocyanine green (ICG) test can be used to evaluate the effective blood flow in the liver, and distance from the hilus can affect local blood flow. The aim of this study was to assess whether the ICG test or distance from the hilus could be used to predict the size of the ablated area in liver by RFA treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules.Methods:  The RFA measurements of 44 HCC nodules in 39 patients were retrospectively studied. Cases were included if they met the following criteria: (i) no catheter treatment before RFA; (ii) no movement of the RFA device; (iii) strict ablation time; and (iv) only one ablation. In all patients, ICG‐R15 testing was done immediately before RFA and the initial therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by dynamic computed tomography scanning 2–5 days after RFA. The correlation between the maximum size of the RFA area and the ICG test results or the distance of the target area from the hilus (site of first portal vein divergence) were analyzed statistically.Results:  The ICG‐R15 result was significantly correlated with the maximum diameter of the ablated area both in 2 cm‐electrode tip length (R2 = 0.35, P = 0.0012), and in 3 cm‐tip length (R2 = 0.26, P = 0.0377). Multiple‐regression analysis showed that the electrode tip length (P = 0.0010) and ICG‐R15 (P = 0.0046) were independent factors that could predict the maximum diameter of the RFA area.Conclusion:  The results of ICG testing can be used to predict the size of the area that will be ablated at a target liver site before RFA treatment.
Increased lipid peroxidation in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic hepatitis C as measured by the plasma level of 8‐isoprostane
Authors: Konishi Masayoshi , Iwasa Motoh , Araki Jun , Kobayashi Yoshinao , Katsuki Akira , Sumida Yasuhiro , Nakagawa Naoki , Kojima Yuji , Watanabe Shozo , Adachi Yukihiko , Kaito Masahiko 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground:  Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases. The plasma level of 8‐isoprostane, a product of lipid peroxidation, is a marker of oxidative stress in vivo. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether the degree of lipid peroxidation, as measured by the plasma level of 8‐isoprostane, influences the progression of chronic liver diseases and hepatocarcinogenesis.Methods:  Plasma 8‐isoprostane levels were investigated in 14 patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), 75 with chronic hepatitis C (CH‐C), 14 with cured CH‐C, 14 with HCV‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC‐C) and 38 healthy volunteers. 8‐Isoprostane was measured by enzyme immunoassay after affinity column purification.Results:  Plasma 8‐isoprostatne was significantly elevated in NAFLD (11.9 [3.8–56.8] pg/mL), CH‐C (10.1 [4.2–134.5] pg/mL) as compared to controls (6.3 [3.6–11.1] pg/mL). Plasma 8‐isoprostane values were positively correlated with body mass index in NAFLD (P < 0.05) and with total cholesterol in cured CH‐C (P < 0.01). 8‐Isoprostane levels were not significantly related to sex, age, biochemical data or iron metabolism markers in all liver diseases. In addition, after the administration of peg‐interferon, the values of 8‐isoprostane improved in almost all patients, reaching values of healthy subjects.Conclusions:  8‐Isoprostane values are elevated in patients with NAFLD and CH‐C as compared to healthy controls. Oxidative stress caused by increased lipid peroxidation is involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and CH‐C.
Risk factors for liver transplantation waiting list mortality
Authors: Fink Michael A , Berry S Roger , Gow Paul J , Angus Peter W , Wang Bao‐Zhong , Muralidharan Vijayaragavan , Christophi Christopher , Jones Robert M 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The gap between the demand for liver transplantation and organ donation rates has a major impact on waiting list mortality. Understanding the risk factors that predict liver transplant waiting list death may help optimize organ allocation policy and reduce waiting list deaths.Methods:  We analyzed risk factors associated with waiting list mortality in the Liver Transplant Unit Victoria for the period 1988 through 2004.Results:  The mean annual waiting list mortality for the period examined was 10.2% (10.6% for adult and 6.4% for pediatric patients). Factors associated with waiting list death included female sex, fulminant hepatic failure, primary non‐function, blood group O, more urgent United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)‐derived medical status, a Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) score ≥11, a model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥20, and a pediatric end‐stage liver disease score ≥20. UNOS‐derived medical status, CTP class, and MELD score were significant at the multivariate level.Conclusions:  Disease severity scores, such as MELD, predict the risk of liver transplantation waiting list mortality. Use of such scores in organ allocation in Australian liver transplant units may result in reduced waiting list mortality.
GABRA6 genetic polymorphism is associated with the risk of functional heartburn in Chinese
Authors: Lee Yi‐Chia , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Chiu Han‐Mo , Huang Shih‐Pei , Liao Shih‐Cheng , Chen Ming‐Fong , Lin Jaw‐Town , Wu Ming‐Shiang 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Polymorphisms of GABAAα6 (GABRA6)‐1521 and IL‐1β‐511 have been linked with susceptibility to stress and gastric acid secretion. The aim of this study was to assess psychiatric profiles and GABRA6 and IL‐1β genotypes in functional heartburn, an important esophageal reflux condition.Methods:  Psychological symptoms were assessed with a Brief Symptom Rating Scale and personality traits with a short‐form Maudsley Personality Inventory. DNA from 452 healthy controls, 80 controls with neurosis, and 122 patients with functional heartburn was genotyped with PCR‐RFLP technique.Results:  Symptom‐scale parameters (except hostility) were significantly higher in patients with functional heartburn than in healthy controls; their neuroticism scores were also higher, but extroversion scores were lower. Distribution of GABRA6 genotypes in patients with functional heartburn showed more heterozygotes than among healthy controls and neurotic subjects, but distributions of IL‐1β genotypes were similar. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed GABRA6 heterozygosity was significantly associated with functional heartburn (odds ratio, 2.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–4.12; P < 0.01) even after adjustment for age, sex, Helicobacter pylori infection, General Symptom Index, and score of neuroticism.Conclusions:  Chinese patients with certain psychiatric characteristics and GABRA6 heterozygosity are probably predisposed to functional heartburn, providing insight into this condition’s psychopathology and genetics.