bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anterior cricoid split procedure with transposition of cricoid cartilage segment
Authors: Cho J K , Ko M H , Ryu J , Jeong H-S 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective:In order to improve the outcome and to reduce the post-operative care burden following the anterior cricoid split procedure, we modified the procedure to involve splitting only the cricoid cartilage, not the mucosa deep to the cartilage. In addition, we transposed the cricoid cartilage segment after division of the cricoid ring in the midline.Case report:We present the use of our modification in a 19-month-old boy with early-stage subglottic stenosis.Results:The technique was performed in one surgical field, and the graft material obtained had the same thickness as the cricoid cartilage. Because there was no intraluminal break, this procedure allowed the patient to avoid the complications of prolonged stenting, and resulted in more rapid extubation.Conclusion:The anterior cricoid split procedure with transposition of the cricoid cartilage segment may be a useful treatment option for early-stage subglottic stenosis, with improved outcomes and a reduced post-operative care burden.
Spontaneous perforation of cervical oesophagus: a rare variant of Boerhaave's syndrome
Authors: Mittal S , Rohatgi A , Sutcliffe R P , Botha A 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:A 29-year-old man presented with sudden onset of severe pain in his throat, difficulty breathing and a hoarse voice, following an episode of vomiting.Investigations:Initial laboratory tests were normal. The patient underwent fibre-optic nasendoscopy, which demonstrated a haematoma in the piriform fossa. Lateral neck radiography and subsequent computed tomography scanning confirmed a 2 cm, loculated, gas-containing collection at the level of the vallecula in the right posterolateral wall, extending to the false vocal folds and communicating between the right parapharyngeal space and the right carotid sheath. Water-soluble contrast swallow confirmed the diagnosis.Diagnosis:Contained oesophageal perforation.Management:Conservative treatment was adopted involving nil orally, intravenous antibiotics and nasogastric feeding. The patient made an uneventful recovery.
Nonlinear waves in twirling plasmas
Authors: KARIMOV A. R. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe dynamics of nonlinear two-dimensional plasma waves under non-equilibrium conditions is studied in the framework of the two-fluid hydrodynamic approach. The field of initial velocities for a twirling cylindrical plasma is considered as the initial non-equilibrium state. The influence of initial conditions on the formation and existence of nonlinear electron waves is discussed.
Natural infection of cattle and tsetse flies in South Africa with two genotypic groups of Trypanosoma congolense
Authors: MAMABOLO M. V. , NTANTISO L. , LATIF A. , MAJIWA P. A. O. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe polymerase chain reaction was used to detect trypanosomes in samples collected from cattle, wild animals and tsetse flies in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. A total of 673 samples from cattle and 266 from tsetse flies in the study area located near the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve were analysed. Both Trypanosoma congolense and T. vivax were found as single or mixed infections in cattle and tsetse flies. Moreover, the T. congolense in the infections were found to comprise 2 genotypic groups: the Savannah-type and the Kilifi-type, which were present either as single or mixed infections in cattle and in tsetse flies.
Reflections on the biochemistry ofEchinococcus: past, present and future
Authors: McMANUS D. P. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThis review discusses 5 of my earliest papers on the biochemistry of larvalEchinococcuspublished inParasitologyin the 1970s and 1980s. Two of the publications consider aspects of the basic biochemistry, intermediary metabolism and the regulation of respiratory pathways inE. granulosusandE. multilocularis, and emphasize the existence of inter- and intra-species variation in their general metabolism. The third reports on the detailed biochemical analysis of the tegumental surface of the protoscolex ofE. granulosus, and the final 2 papers describe the genomic cloning ofEchinococcusDNA fragments and their use, along with other DNA markers, in molecular identification ofE. granulosusisolates collected worldwide from areas endemic for hydatid disease. A number of years have elapsed since these publications inParasitologyand, in this Centenary Issue article, I reflect briefly on some of the subsequent studies undertaken in these research areas that have advanced the field. As well, I provide brief insight on new research directions, emphasizing the impact of molecular biology and associated techniques on future studies ofEchinococcusand hydatid disease.
The endohelminth fauna of barbel (Barbus barbus) correlates with water quality of the Danube River in Bulgaria
Authors: NACHEV M. , SURES B. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYInfection of barbel with 10 species of metazoan parasites including 3 trematodes, 3 acanthocephalans and 4 nematodes was observed in fish collected from 3 localities in the Bulgarian part of the river Danube between summer 2004 and summer 2007. The composition as well as the diversity characteristics of the parasite communities were analysed seasonally and showed a clear correlation with the composition of the invertebrate fauna and water quality. The most prevalent species was the acanthocephalanPomphorhynchus laevis, which was also the dominant species of the intestinal component communities at all sampling sites. The second most frequent parasite at all Danube localities wasRhabdochona hellichi, which occurred in significantly higher numbers at the less polluted sites. Overall, the diversity of helminth communities increased with decreasing levels of nutrients and pollutants at all sampling sites. Therefore, the composition and diversity of parasite communities may be used to characterize ecosystem health and integrity.
Are auditory P300 and duration MMN heritable and putative endophenotypes of psychotic bipolar disorder? A Maudsley Bipolar Twin and Family Study
Authors: Hall M.-H. , Schulze K. , Rijsdijk F. , Kalidindi S. , McDonald C. , Bramon E. , Murray R. M. , Sham P. 
Published: March 2009

BackgroundImpaired P300 auditory response has been reported in patients with psychotic bipolar disorder (BPD) and unaffected relatives of psychotic bipolar patients. Deficits in mismatch negativity (MMN), however, have not been observed in bipolar patients. To our knowledge, no family study of MMN in BPD has been reported. The current study combined the Maudsley twin and bipolar family samples using genetic model fitting analyses to: (1) assess the relationship between BPD and MMN, (2) substantiate the association between psychotic BPD and P300 variables, (3) verify the genetic overlap of BPD with P300 amplitude previously reported in the twin sample, and (4) examine the shared genetic influences between BPD and bilateral temporal scalp locations of P300 components.MethodA total of 301 subjects were included in this study, including 94 twin pairs, 31 bipolar families, and 39 unrelated healthy controls. Statistical analyses were based on structural equation modelling.ResultsBoth P300 and MMN are heritable, with heritability estimates of 0.58 for MMN, 0.68–0.80 for P300 amplitude, and 0.21–0.56 for P300 latency. The bipolar patients and their relatives showed normal MMN. No significant association, either genetic or environmental, was found with BPD. BPD was significantly associated with reduced P300 amplitude and prolonged latency on midline and bilateral temporal-posterior scalp areas. Shared genetic factors were the main source of these associations.ConclusionsThe results confirm that MMN is not an endophenotype for psychotic BPD whereas P300 amplitude and latency components are valid endophenotypes for psychotic BPD.
The geometric dimension of an equivalence relation and finite extensions of countable groups
Authors: DOOLEY A. H. , GOLODETS V. YA. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe say that the geometric dimension of a countable group G is equal to n if any free Borel action of G on a standard Borel probability space (X,μ), induces an equivalence relation of geometric dimension n on (X,μ) in the sense of Gaboriau. Let ℬ be the set of all finitely generated amenable groups all of whose subgroups are also finitely generated, and let 𝒜 be the subset of ℬ consisting of finite groups, torsion-free groups and their finite extensions. In this paper we study finite free products K of groups in 𝒜. The geometric dimension of any such group K is one: we prove that also geom-dim(Gf(K))=1 for any finite extension Gf(K) of K, applying the results of Stallings on finite extensions of free product groups, together with the results of Gaboriau and others in orbit equivalence theory. Using results of Karrass, Pietrowski and Solitar we extend these results to finite extensions of free groups. We also give generalizations and applications of these results to groups with geometric dimension greater than one. We construct a family of finitely generated groups {Kn}n∈ℕ,n>1, such that geom-dim(Kn)=n and geom-dim(Gf(Kn))=n for any finite extension Gf(Kn) of Kn. In particular, this construction allows us to produce, for each integer n>1, a family of groups {K(s,n)}s∈ℕ of geometric dimension n, such that any finite extension of K(s,n) also has geometric dimension n, but the finite extensions Gf(K(s,n)) are non-isomorphic, if s≠s′.
Birkhoff normalization and superintegrability of Hamiltonian systems
Authors: ITO HIDEKAZU 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe study Birkhoff normalization in connection with superintegrability of ann-degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian systemXHwith holomorphic HamiltonianH. Without assuming any Poisson commuting relation among integrals, we prove that, if the system XHhasn+qholomorphic integrals near an equilibrium point of resonance degreeq≥0, there exists a holomorphic Birkhoff transformation φ such thatH∘φ becomes a holomorphic function ofn−qvariables and thatXH∘φcan be solved explicitly. Furthermore, the Birkhoff normal formH∘φ is determined uniquely, independently of the choice of φ, as convergent power series. We also show that the systemXHis superintegrable in the sense of Mischenko–Fomenko as well as Liouville-integrable near the equilibrium point.
Multifocal visual evoked potential responses to pattern-reversal, pattern-onset, pattern-offset, and sparse pulse stimuli
Authors: FORTUNE BRAD , DEMIREL SHABAN , BUI BANG V. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to compare standard multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) pattern-reversal responses with those produced by pattern-onset, pattern-offset, and pulsed pattern stimuli. mfVEP recordings were obtained from five normal subjects using VERIS and a 4-electrode array. The standard reversal stimulus had 215 m-sequence steps (7.5-min duration). Pattern-onset and -offset responses were evaluated using sequences that all had 32 frames per m-step and 210 total steps (7.5 min); but the duration of the contrast step varied so that it was 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, or 16 of the 32 frames. The same series was also inverted so that adapting contrast was high and the stimulus step began with a contrast decrement. The effect of temporal sparseness was studied with positive contrast pulses (two-frame duration) within 16, 20, 24, 28, or 32 frames per m-step (all had 211 total steps). Four stimulus locations were isolated to study the effect of spatial sparseness. Standard mfVEP reversal responses were virtually identical to onset responses throughout the field, but ~3.5 times smaller. Responses to pattern onset were about twice as large as those for offset, especially in the lower hemifield, irrespective of adapting contrast level. Offset responses exhibited a different waveform compared with reversal, onset, or brief pulse responses. Though temporally sparse pattern-pulse responses were ~3.5 times larger than standard reversal responses, there was no improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). However, spatial isolation increased SNR by 22% for reversal responses and by 62% for temporally sparse pulses. Temporally sparse pattern-pulse stimuli do not improve mfVEP SNR unless they are also spatially sparse, suggesting that lateral inhibitory mechanisms have a greater impact than temporal contrast gain control mechanisms. The mfVEP response depends on the polarity of a contrast step, irrespective of the state of contrast adaptation.
The topography of cone photoreceptors in the retina of a diurnal rodent, the agouti (Dasyprocta aguti)
Authors: ROCHA FERNANDO ALLAN de FARIAS , AHNELT PETER K. , PEICHL LEO , SAITO CÉZAR A. , SILVEIRA LUIZ CARLOS L. , DE LIMA SILENE MARIA A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe presence, density distribution, and mosaic regularity of cone types were studied in the retina of the diurnal agouti,Dasyprocta aguti. Longwave-sensitive (L-) and shortwave-sensitive (S-) cones were detected by antibodies against the respective cone opsins. L- and S-cones were found to represent around 90 and 10% of the cone population, respectively. There was no evidence for L- and S-opsin coexpression in agouti cones. L-cone densities were highest, up to 14,000/mm2, along a horizontal visual streak located about 2–3 mm dorsal to the optic nerve, and the L-cone distribution showed a dorsoventral asymmetry with higher densities in ventral (about 10,000/mm2) than in dorsal (about 4000/mm2) retinal regions. This L-cone topography parallels the agouti’s ganglion cell topography. S-cones had a peak density of 1500–2000/mm2in the central retinal region but did not form a visual streak. Their distribution also showed a dorsoventral asymmetry with densities around 600/mm2in dorsal and around 1000/mm2in ventral retinal regions. The patterning of cone arrays was assessed by the density recovery profile analysis. At all eccentricities evaluated, the S-cone mosaic less efficiently packed than the L-cone mosaic. Rod densities ranged from 47,000/mm2in peripheral to 64,000/mm2in central retina, and rod:cone ratios were 4:1–9:1. The comparatively low rod density and high cone proportion appear well adapted to the diurnal lifestyle of the agouti.
Randomized trials assessing calcium supplementation in healthy children: relationship between industry sponsorship and study outcomes
Authors: Nkansah Nancy , Nguyen Thao , Iraninezhad Hoda , Bero Lisa 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the relationship between industry sponsorship of Ca supplementation studies in healthy children and study outcomes.DesignAn electronic search for published randomized controlled trials (RCT) was conducted. We collected data on study design features aimed at reducing bias, statistical significance of results, authors’ conclusions and financial sponsorship of study. We used Fischer’s exact test to examine associations between sponsorship and study results and conclusions.SubjectsHealthy children between the ages of 9 and 18 years.ResultsNineteen trials met our inclusion criteria. Seventeen out of nineteen studies reported a statistically significant improvement of supplementation on bone mineral density. Subjects in eight of the seventeen studies had a baseline daily Ca intake of 800–1300 mg. There was no significant association between study design features and the results or conclusions of the studies. Three studies received government funding, two of which (66·7 %) concluded in favour of additional supplementation. Sixteen studies were either industry-funded or had mixed industry funding, thirteen (81·3 %) of which had a conclusion supporting Ca supplementation in children. There was no significant association between study sponsorship and authors’ conclusions.ConclusionsThe majority of RCT assessing the effects of Ca supplementation in healthy children are industry-funded and support Ca supplementation. The clinical significance of the outcomes measured in Ca supplementation studies should be considered when examining associations between study design and results. Further non-industry funded research is needed to thoroughly assess the impact of funding on authors’ conclusions in nutrition research.
Incidence and duration of severe wasting in two African populations
Authors: Garenne Michel , Willie Douladel , Maire Bernard , Fontaine Olivier , Eeckels Roger , Briend André , Van den Broeck Jan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to compare two situations of endemic malnutrition among <5-year-old African children and to estimate the incidence, the duration and the case fatality of severe wasting episodes.DesignSecondary analysis of longitudinal studies, conducted several years ago, which allowed incidence and duration to be calculated from transition rates. The first site was Niakhar in Senegal, an area under demographic surveillance, where we followed a cohort of children in 1983–5. The second site was Bwamanda in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where we followed a cohort of children in 1989–92. Both studies enrolled about 5000 children, who were followed by routine visits and systematic anthropometric assessment, every 6 months in the first case and every 3 months in the second case.ResultsNiakhar had less stunting, more wasting and higher death rates than Bwamanda. Differences in cause-specific mortality included more diarrhoeal diseases, more marasmus, but less malaria and severe anaemia in Niakhar. Severe wasting had a higher incidence, a higher prevalence and a more marked age profile in Niakhar. However, despite the differences, the estimated mean durations of episodes of severe wasting, calculated by multi-state life table, were similar in the two studies (7·5 months). Noteworthy were the differences in the prevalence and incidence of severe wasting depending on the anthropometric indicator (weight-for-height Z-score ≤–3.0 or mid upper-arm circumference <110 mm) and the reference system (National Center for Health Statistics 1977, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2000 or Multicentre Growth Reference Study 2006).ConclusionsSevere wasting appeared as one of the leading cause of death among under-fives: it had a high incidence (about 2 % per child-semester), long duration of episodes and high case fatality rates (6 to 12 %).
Neighbourhood ethnic composition and diet among Mexican-Americans
Authors: Reyes-Ortiz Carlos A , Ju Hyunsu , Eschbach Karl , Kuo Yong-Fang , Goodwin James S 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectivesWe explore the association between a neighbourhood’s ethnic composition and the foods and nutrients consumed by Mexican-Americans.DesignCross-sectional survey of a large national sample, from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–94), was linked to the 1990 Census. The outcomes were food frequencies and serum levels of micronutrients. The variable of interest was percentage of Mexican-Americans at the census tract level.SettingUnited States.SubjectsA total of 5306 Mexican-American men and women aged 17–90 years.ResultsIncreased percentage of Mexican-Americans at the census tract level was associated with less consumption of fruits, carrots, spinach/greens and broccoli and with lower serum levels of Se, lycopene, α-carotene, vitamin C and folate. By contrast, increased percentage of Mexican-Americans at the census tract level was associated with more consumption of corn, tomatoes, hot red chilli peppers and legumes such as beans, lentils or chickpeas.ConclusionsAn increased percentage of Mexican-Americans at the census tract level was associated with less consumption of selective foods (e.g. some fruits, broccoli) and low levels of serum Se or vitamin C, but it was associated with more consumption of other foods (e.g. legumes, tomatoes, corn products) that may have positive effects on health in this population.
Communicating Science: Translation and Tangibility
Authors: Johnson Brian 
Published: March 2009

Until last summer, I thought communicating science was just a matter of translation. When my friends' eyes glazed over as I explained, for example, how a productivity crisis and planktrophism could have caused the Cretaceous‐Tertiary mass extinction, I thought they simply needed these terms translated.While cutting through potentially difficult terminology is a key part of communicating science to the public, I now know that it is only the first of two parts. The second part is making one's subject matter tangible. Finding that out was my most important lesson last summer as an AGU‐sponsored fellow in the Mass Media Fellowship program run by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Understanding this journalistic two‐step has helped me become a better science communicator and comprehend more fully why the Earth sciences fascinate me in the first place.
Cellular and physiological effects of C-peptide
Authors: Hills Claire E. , Brunskill Nigel J. 
Published: March 2009

In recent years, accumulating evidence indicates a biological function for proinsulin C-peptide. These results challenge the traditional view that C-peptide is essentially inert and only useful as a surrogate marker of insulin release. Accordingly, it is now clear that C-peptide binds with high affinity to cell membranes, probably to a pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-protein-coupled receptor. Subsequently, multiple signalling pathways are potently and dose-dependently activated in multiple cell types by C-peptide with the resulting activation of gene transcription and altered cell phenotype. In diabetic animals and Type 1 diabetic patients, short-term studies indicate that C-peptide also enhances glucose disposal and metabolic control. Furthermore, results derived from animal models and clinical studies in Type 1 diabetic patients suggest a salutary effect of C-peptide in the prevention and amelioration of diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy. Therefore a picture of Type 1 diabetes as a dual-hormone-deficiency disease is developing, suggesting that the replacement of C-peptide alongside insulin should be considered in its management.
One School District's Experience Working With Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Authors: Rothwell Gail 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The Tacoma School District has had a long-term experience working with speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs). Almost 25 years of experience has given the school district the opportunity to learn how to utilize SLPAs in a positive model. This paper reviews the pros and cons as well as the ethical considerations of working with SLPAs.
Generating Timed Pregnancies in Fruit Bats (Carollia perspicillata): Figure 1.
Authors: Rasweiler John J. , Cretekos Chris J. , Behringer Richard R. 
Published: March 2009

INTRODUCTIONWhen female short-tailed fruit bats (Carollia perspicillata) are bred, they are first kept sexually segregated for some months to adapt to captivity (in the case of recently captured animals) and to ensure that none are already pregnant. In the case of captive-reared females that had previously been housed with males, 4 mo should be sufficient. In the case of wild-caught females, 7 or 8 mo may not be too long, because introduction into captivity can substantially prolong existing early pregnancies (i.e., at or earlier than the primitive streak stage). Wild-caught females are also much more prone than captive-reared females to take pregnancies into delay after captive breeding. It is important to note that females should not be housed in sexual isolation for prolonged periods, because this can eventually lead to the development of markedly hyperplastic uteri and reduced fertility. Although this is a very serious problem for zoos maintaining all-female colonies of Carollia, it is not the case with our captive colony because the adult females are regularly bred, both to replenish the colony and to inhibit the development of hyperplastic uteri. The generation of timed pregnancies is described in this protocol. For breeding purposes, a stud male with prominent testes is introduced into each cage of females. Vaginal aspirates are then checked each morning thereafter for the presence of spermatozoa.