bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Finite element modelling of frictional instability between deformable rocks
Authors: Xing H. L. , Makinouchi A. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractEarthquakes are recognized as resulting from a stick–slip frictional instability along faults. Based on the node‐to‐point contact element strategy (an arbitrarily shaped contact element strategy applied with the static‐explicit algorithm for modelling non‐linear frictional contact problems proposed by authors), a finite element code for modelling the 3‐D non‐linear friction contact between deformable bodies has been developed and extended here to analyse the non‐linear stick–slip frictional instability between deformable rocks with a rate‐ and state‐dependent friction law. A typical fault bend model is taken as an application example to be analysed here. The variations of the normal contact force, the frictional force, the transition of stick–slip instable state and the related relative slip velocity along the fault between the deformable rocks and the stress evolution in the total bodies during the different stages are investigated, respectively. The calculated results demonstrate the usefulness of this code for simulating the non‐linear frictional instability between deformable rocks. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elastic half‐space under an oblique line impulse
Authors: Ziv Moche 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThis paper presents transient deformation of an elastic half‐space under two types of line‐concentrated impulsive loads applied simultaneously. One load is a sustainable normal force, while the other is a momentarily applied vector shear force. For each of the two loads the author gave the respective solution in two separate papers. Here the two solutions are superimposed to determine the response of the half‐space under the combined loads. The present work is devoted to the salient wave propagation features seen in the resultant computer plots that disclose the strained half‐space. Since each critical deformation is explicitly indicated in the plots by a wave front, the interpretation of the response of the half‐space to the applied load is readily available at a glance. A comparison is then presented that identifies those deformation traits and wave fronts, among the nineteen here, that are more closely related to those found in previous works. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scaling improves stability of preconditioned CG‐like solvers for FE consolidation equations
Authors: Gambolati Giuseppe , Pini Giorgio , Ferronato Massimiliano 
Published: September 2003

AbstractPreconditioned projection (or conjugate gradient like) methods are increasingly used for the accurate and efficient solution to finite element (FE) coupled consolidation equations. Theory indicates that preliminary row/column scaling does not affect the eigenspectrum of the iteration matrix controlling convergence as long as the preconditioner relies on the incomplete factorization of the FE coefficient matrix. However, computational experience with mid‐large size problems shows that the above inexpensive operation can significantly accelerate the solver convergence, and to a minor extent also improve the final accuracy, as a result of a better solver stability to the accumulation and propagation of floating point round‐off errors. This is demonstrated with the aid of the least square logarithm (LSL) scaling algorithm on FE consolidation problems of increasing size up to more than 100 000. It is shown that a major source of numerical instability rests with the sub‐matrix which couples the structural to the fluid part of the underlying mathematical model. It is concluded that for mid‐large size, possibly difficult, FE consolidation problems left/right LSL scaling is to be always recommended when the incomplete factorization is used as a preconditioning technique. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular prenatal diagnosis in a case of an X‐linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata
Authors: Whittock N. V. , Izatt L. , Simpson‐Dent S. L. , Becker K. , Wakelin S. H. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractX‐linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata, (CDPX2—MIM302960) also known as Conradi–Hünermann–Happle syndrome, is a rare form of skeletal dysplasia that affects the skeleton, skin, hair, and eyes. The disorder is caused by mutations within the emopamil binding protein (Ebp) that functions as a delta(8), delta(7) sterol isomerase in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. To date, over 40 separate mutations have been reported in the Ebp gene, EBP, with no obvious correlation between the molecular defects and the severity of the clinical phenotype. We have studied a 30‐year‐old woman who presented in adulthood with skin, hair, and mild skeletal defects but no ocular abnormalities and have identified a heterozygous missense mutation within the third transmembrane domain of the protein. In addition, we have performed molecular prenatal testing on her unborn fetus. The results demonstrate inter‐familial variability for missense mutations within the emopamil binding protein and add to the molecular data for CDPX2. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal nucleated red blood cells in peripheral blood of pregnant women: detection and determination of location on a slide using laser‐scanning cytometry
Authors: Hennerbichler Simone , Kroisel Peter M , Zierler Hannelore , Pertl Barbara , Wintersteiger Reinhold , Dohr Gottfried , Sedlmayr Peter 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of analysis of fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) present in the maternal circulation by laser‐scanning cytometry.MethodsCD71‐positive cells were obtained by magnetic cell sorting of peripheral blood of pregnant women after density centrifugation. Immunofluorescence for the Hbγ‐chain was combined with fluorescent staining of DNA (TO‐PRO‐3) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a Y‐chromosome specific probe. The cells were scanned on a slide using a laser‐scanning cytometer (LSC). Events double positive for Hbγ and TO‐PRO‐3 were relocated and their morphology and FISH reactivity were visually assessed. Determination of male fetal sex with LSC was compared with findings from amniocentesis.ResultsIn 8/15 pregnancies with male fetuses and in 0/9 with females (apart from one case with a male/female twin pregnancy), we detected Y‐chromosome‐positive NRBC. In pregnancies with female fetuses, Y‐chromosome‐positive cells other than NRBC were found in all women who had previously given birth to male babies, whereas women with no abortion and no male babies in their history did not present with Y‐chromosome‐positive non‐NRBC.ConclusionOn the basis of automatic relocation of once‐defined cells of fetal origin from the current pregnancy, laser‐scanning cytometry is likely to facilitate repeated (poly‐)FISH analysis and single‐cell PCR for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in fetal varicella syndrome: correlation with pathology findings
Authors: Verstraelen Hans , Vanzieleghem Bart , Defoort Paul , Vanhaesebrouck Piet , Temmerman Marleen 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the diagnostic value of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in addition to prenatal ultrasound in a case of fetal varicella syndrome.MethodsComparison of prenatal ultrasound and MRI features obtained at 26 and 32 weeks, respectively, with neonatal imaging (ultrasound, MRI and CT) and macroscopic and microscopic pathology findings in a fatal case of varicella embryopathy.ResultsPrenatal ultrasound correlated fairly well with neonatal imaging and pathology findings. Most lesions of thoracic, abdominal and retroperitoneal viscera, limb involvement and even dermatologic features were apparent on ultrasonography. Involvement of the CNS, including cerebellar hypoplasia, was not apparent on ultrasound examination, but was clearly demonstrated by prenatal MRI.ConclusionIf maternal seroconversion for the varicella‐zoster virus is suspected, combining prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may document the extent of tissue damage in fetal varicella syndrome to a larger extent than has been reported until now and therefore contribute to due counselling following maternal varicella exposure. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes toward prenatal diagnosis, termination of pregnancy, and reproduction by parents of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts in Argentina
Authors: Wyszynski Diego F. , Perandones Claudia , Bennun Ricardo D. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the attitudes of Argentine parents of children with nonsyndromic oral clefts with respect to prenatal diagnosis, termination of pregnancy, and reproduction and to assess the variables that might influence their responses.DesignOne hundred and sixty‐five parents of children with oral clefts, ascertained from a craniofacial clinic in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, answered a 151‐item semistructured questionnaire. The questionnaire included sections covering sociodemographic information, level of religiousness, characteristics of the child's cleft, parental perception of their child's cleft, pregnancy history, recurrence risk, access to health care, attitudes in regard to abortion, and family environment.ResultsMost parents (60%) believe their child's cleft is not a serious condition. None of the respondents would terminate a pregnancy because the ultrasound reveals an oral cleft. Similarly, very few (6.1%) would terminate the pregnancy if there were an early diagnosis of Down syndrome. Half of the respondents believe that abortion should not be an option for any couple expecting a child.ConclusionsMost respondents do not perceive oral clefts as a severe condition. Parents would not choose to terminate the pregnancy over delivery of such an affected newborn. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pitfalls in molecular diagnosis in a family with severe factor VII (FVII) deficiency—misdiagnosis by direct sequence analysis using a PCR product
Authors: Garagiola Isabella , Palla Roberta , Peyvandi Flora 
Published: September 2003

AbstractMolecular diagnostic tests are becoming a routine analysis in many laboratories. These modern analyses are widely used in clinical medicine, forensic, genetic and prenatal diagnosis and also in preimplantation genetic diagnosis. The accuracy of analysis is highly dependent on the success achieved in minimising genotyping errors. The pitfalls in molecular diagnostic tests can be due to a simple technique such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used universally. This technique is routinely used for its apparent accuracy, but it is also a well‐known source of errors. We report an error introduced during PCR reaction that leads to a wrong sequence result and consequently to a ‘false’ molecular result in a next prenatal diagnosis in a family with severe factor VII (FVII) deficiency. This error was verified using an unsuitable primer design in a rich repetitive sequence of the FVII gene that leads to a false annealing and then to a wrong molecular diagnosis. It is essential to link closely molecular data with clinical and phenotype analysis in order to avoid false‐negative or false‐positive results, which is of great importance to diagnosis and molecular prevention. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normal Anatomical and Histochemical Characteristics of the Lacrimal Glands in the American Bison and Cattle
Authors: Pinard C. L. , Weiss M. L. , Brightman A. H. , Fenwick B. W. , Davidson H. J. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryDorsal lacrimal glands, superior glands of the third eyelid and Harderian glands (deep gland of the third eyelid) from 19 bison and 18 cattle free of apparent ocular disease were examined to compare the normal anatomical properties of these glands. All glands were characterized and measured (length and width). The gross anatomy of the dorsal lacrimal glands was similar, with the exception of a bipartite gland in cattle. The bison's superior gland of the third eyelid and Harderian gland was longer as compared with cattle. A subset of the bison and cattle samples (five bison and five cattle) was sectioned for histological and histochemical analysis. The histology of the dorsal lacrimal and superior gland of the third eyelid revealed tubuloalveolar cells with basophilic vacuolated cytoplasm in bison and eosinophilic granular cytoplasm in cattle. The Harderian glands consisted of a tubuloalveolar anterior part combined with large lumens acini lined with cuboidal epithelium in the posterior part; the posterior part of the bison Harderian gland was more predominant than in cattle samples. Mucosubstance histochemistry revealed acidic and neutral glycoproteins with similar staining patterns in all glands of both species.
Intermediary Spleen Microvasculature in Canis familiaris– Morphological Evidences of a Closed and Open Type
Authors: Alexandre‐Pires G. , Pais D. , Esperança Pina J. A. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryNumerous studies have been made regarding circulation via the red pulp of the spleen, and intense controversy surrounds the question as to whether or not endothelial continuity exists between arterial and venous vessels. Aware of this intense controversy, and in order to perform investigation over the spleen of dogs infected with a parasitic disease (future reports shall be done), the authors studied the vascularization of the normal dog spleen in order to define its normal pattern and evaluate the eventual changes of the circulation pattern under the parasitic condition. These studies led us to report, unequivocally, using complementary vascular replective techniques, that the normal dog's intermediary circulation is morphologically closed and of the open kind also. These findings are contrary to the thesis that defends the existence of a physiologically closed and morphologically open circulation in the dog spleen.Lymphatic vessels in the spleen of the dog are also demonstrated.
Lymphatic Drainage on Healthy and Neoplasic Mammary Glands in Female Dogs: Can it Really be Altered?
Authors: Pereira C. T. , Rahal S. C. , de Carvalho Balieiro J. C. , Ribeiro A. A. C. M. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryThe purpose of this research was to study the mammary lymphatic drainage under a macroscopic and mesoscopic view, comparing the vascular pattern of healthy and neoplasic mammary glands injected with drawing ink alcoholic and fluorescein solutions, in 46 mongrel female dogs. The results pointed out that the thoracic gland is drained by the axillary lymph centre, but in mammary neoplasia either superficial cervical or ventral thoracic lymph centres can be involved. Cranial and caudal abdominal glands may be drained by the axillary, inguinofemoral and popliteal lymph centres. However, the popliteal drainage is specific for the healthy caudal abdominal mammary gland. The inguinal gland can be drained by both inguinofemoral and popliteal lymph centres in both neoplasic and healthy conditions. Regarding the mammary lymphatic communications, this research demonstrated that neoplasic glands present more types of anastomosis (40.9%), than healthy glands (33.33%), and an increase in contralateral anastomosis (50%) compared with healthy ones (33%). Given the data, the mammary neoplasia can change the lymphatic drainage pattern in terms of lymph centres and vascular arborization, thus forming new drainage channels and recruiting a larger number of lymph nodes. Lastly, some comments were made about the severity of a specific neoplasic mammary gland and conditions to be considered before making a decision in terms of the most adequate operative procedure, and suggestions for further investigations.
A Contribution to the Functional Morphology of the Femoral Chordotonal Organ in the Green Lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera)
Authors: Lipovšek S. , Devetak D. , štrus J. , Pabst M. A. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryThe femoral chordotonal organ (FCO) and the subgenual organ (SGO) of the green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea were examined by conventional light and confocal laser scanning microscopy in order to search for neuroactive substances which are used for neurotransmission in sensory cells of these organs. Antibodies against serotonin, histamine and choline acetyltransferase were tested immunohistochemically. In the FCO, antiserum against serotonin strongly labelled cell bodies and axons of about 16 sensory cells. In the proximal scoloparium all 12 sensory cells showed immunoreaction with antiserotonin. In the distal scoloparium only four of 40 sensory cells were immunoreactive. These results suggest that different neuroactive substances are employed as neurotransmitters in the FCO of the green lacewing and that the proximal scoloparium and the distal scoloparium are functionally differentiated. Contrary to the FCO in the locust, acetylcholine was not found as a neurotransmitter in the FCO of the green lacewing. Additionally, histamine showed a negative result in the sensory cells of the FCO. Other neuroactive substances seem to be used as transmitters in the SGO because none of the tested antibodies showed positive reaction.
Bacillus circulans endophthalmitis
Authors: Tandon Anita , Tay‐Kearney Mei‐Ling , Metcalf Cecily , McAllister Ian 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTAn 80‐year‐old woman presented with right endophthalmitis, characterized by chalky white deposits covering her posterior capsule. This occurred 17 months after uncomplicated right cataract surgery. A three‐port pars plana vitrectomy and partial posterior capsulectomy isolated Bacillus circulans, and the patient made a rapid and full recovery on topical cephalothin and prednisolone acetate 1%. The case demonstrates that, unlike endophthalmitis due to other Bacillus spp., B. circulans endophthalmitis does not necessarily follow a fulminant course. It is the first report describing a subacute presentation, and response to posterior capsulectomy and simple antibiotic therapy. It is also the first description of B. circulans causing white plaques in the posterior capsule, a finding characteristic of chronic endophthalmitis and previously considered pathognomonic of Proprionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis.
Is the corneal degradation in keratoconus caused by matrix‐metalloproteinases?
Authors: Collier Simon A 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTThe thinning of the cornea that occurs in keratoconus has been well described; however, the mechanism of tissue degradation remains unknown. Elevated proteinase activity is one possibility and approximately 20 publications over the last 20 years have addressed this hypothesis. Early studies reported increased collagenase and gelatinase activities in the medium of keratoconus corneal cultures. After the characterization of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes, studies focused on the expression of specific MMPs, in particular the gelatinases, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 was found to be the major MMP of the cornea and was constitutively produced in normal tissue, whereas MMP‐9 expression was induced by various stimuli, including phorbol esters and even tissue culturing. These studies suggested that there were no differences in the amounts or states of activation of MMP between normal and keratoconus corneas, although the amounts of some proteinase inhibitors, including tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, α‐1‐proteinase inhibitor and α‐2‐macroglobulin, were decreased in keratoconus. Most recently, the lysosomal proteinases, cathepsin B and cathepsin G were reported to be elevated in keratoconus corneas, and it is possible that it was cathepsin activity, not MMP activity, that was measured in some early studies. Nevertheless, there are now about 20 human MMPs identified and it is possible that some of these, other than the well known collagenase (MMP‐1) and gelatinases (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9), could be implicated in the pathology of keratoconus. Studies have begun to address more recently described MMPs and it has been reported that the membrane‐bound MT1‐MMP (MMP‐14), which activates latent MMP‐2, was found to have increased expression in keratoconus corneas, whereas the stromelysins, MMP‐3 and MMP‐10, were not.
Uveitis: what do we know and how does it help?
Authors: Lightman Susan 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTUveitis essentially means intraocular inflammation and encompasses a wide variety of different disorders. This includes both mild and severe types of inflammation affecting different parts of the eye. Histologically, all uveitis is characterized by an influx of lymphocytes into the affected tissue. In all types these lymphocytes are predominantly of the CD4 type, whether the disorder is mild or blinding, giving no clue as to why. New studies comparing cells in ocular fluids taken from inflamed eyes with different types of inflammation have, for the first time, shown a difference in the cytokine profile, so that in visually benign disease interleukin 10 levels are higher than in those which are blinding. The potential for this in terms of therapy is discussed.
Endophthalmitis in the western Sydney region: a case‐control study
Authors: Lertsumitkul Somsak , Myers Phillip C , O'Rourke Michael T , Chandra Jay 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT Background: A retrospective case‐control study was conducted to investigate risk factors for endophthalmitis following routine intraocular surgery. Methods: A review was performed of consecutive cases of endophthalmitis from three teaching hospitals in the western Sydney region and matched controls from the same institutions between 1996 and 1998. Results: There were 31 cases and 66 controls. Eighty procedures were phacoemulsification, 15 conventional extracapsular cataract extraction, and two were penetrating keratoplasties. Of the 80 patients who had phacoemulsification surgery, 50 had a clear corneal incision, and 26 had a scleral incision (four were unknown). Logistic regression showed an increased risk of endophthalmitis with surgical complications (P = 0.002) and clear cornea temporal incisions (P = 0.007). Risk of endophthalmitis was reduced with use of subconjunctival injections (P = 0.008). The yield for the Gram stain was 47% and for culture was 67%. Anterior chamber tap in addition to vitreous biopsy alone did not increase the yield for microorganism (P = 0.78). Mean visual acuity on presentation was hand movement with 13 patients (50%) showing visual improvement following intravitreal injections of antibiotics (P = 0.003). Visual prognosis did not correlate with presenting visual acuity but appeared to be better in those who grew Staphylococcus epidermidis or were culture negative. Conclusions: Although this study is unable to draw definite conclusions regarding risk of endophthalmitis in clear corneal temporal cataract surgery, sufficient data suggest the importance of incision type and location. Surgical complication is an important risk factor for endophthalmitis. Use of subconjunctival antibiotic injections at the conclusion of the procedure is recommended.