bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and trisomy 18 in a fetus with normal nuchal translucency and abnormal ductus venosus blood flow at 13 weeks of gestation
Authors: Martínez Crespo J. M. , Del Río M. , Gómez O. , Borrell A. , Puerto B. , Cararach V. , Fortuny A. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWe describe a case of early prenatal diagnosis of a major congenital heart anomaly and trisomy 18 in a low‐risk pregnant woman. Nuchal translucency (NT) measurement at 13 weeks' gestation was 1.2 mm and Doppler evaluation of the ductus venosus detected a persistent reversed flow during atrial contraction. This finding prompted us to perform fetal echocardiography which showed hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Karyotyping following chorionic villus sampling diagnosed trisomy 18. Review of the recent literature suggests that the finding of an abnormal ductus venosus Doppler pattern in the late first trimester of pregnancy may be an early sign of either congenital cardiac or chromosomal abnormality, even in the presence of normal NT screening. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of esophageal atresia with the pouch sign
Authors: Centini G. , Rosignoli L. , Kenanidis A. , Petraglia F. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractA 19‐year‐old primipara was referred to our center for a routine scan at 33 + 4 weeks' gestation. A visible but small stomach bubble (18 mm) was detected in the fetal abdomen, associated with a dilation of the esophagus with a tapering distal part. Direct visualization of filling and emptying of the proximal esophagus suggested the presence of obstruction. A cystic pouch in the region of the esophagus was observed to be full and empty in accordance with fetal swallowing. No other fetal anomalies were detected. Fetal biometric measurements were on the 10th percentile and polyhydramnios was detected. Esophageal atresia type I was suspected. Fetal karyotyping was declined by the parents, no therapy was given and the pregnancy continued until week 37 when a female baby was delivered following spontaneous labor. Esophageal atresia type I was radiographically confirmed. Bougienage was used for 8 weeks and esophageal anastomosis was successfully performed when the infant was 11 months old. No other anomalies were found and the child is currently in excellent health. The present case shows that the upper neck pouch sign may be a delayed manifestation present only in certain types of esophageal atresia. However, when it occurs it should prompt careful fetal examination as it is an important step in the diagnosis of esophageal atresia. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coronary artery blood flow velocities in various fetal conditions
Authors: Baschat A. A. , Muench M. V. , Gembruch U. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo determine fetal coronary artery peak blood flow velocities in normal and high‐risk pregnancies.MethodsCoronary artery peak systolic and diastolic blood flow velocities were measured by pulsed‐wave Doppler velocimetry after identification of the coronary arteries by color Doppler imaging. Peak blood velocities obtained from normal pregnancies were related to gestational age using linear regression analysis. Blood flow velocities in normal fetuses were compared to measurements obtained in various fetal conditions.ResultsIn normal fetuses coronary artery blood flow was visualized at a median gestational age of 33 + 6 weeks; median systolic and diastolic peak blood flow velocities were 0.21 and 0.43 m/s, respectively, and showed no significant change with gestational age. In growth‐restricted fetuses coronary artery blood flow was visualized significantly earlier in gestation (median 28 + 2 weeks); systolic and diastolic peak blood flow velocities were higher at 0.25 and 0.48 m/s, respectively (P < 0.05). The highest coronary blood flow velocities were observed with fetal anemia. Coronary artery blood flow was also measured in fetuses with ductus arteriosus constriction due to indomethacin. Velocities did not differ from normal fetuses. Both in fetal anemia and ductus arteriosus constriction coronary artery blood flow could no longer be visualized with resolution of the underlying condition.ConclusionExamination of coronary artery blood flow dynamics in the human fetus demonstrates acute increases in diastolic velocities in severe anemia and ductus arteriosus constriction based on the severity of the condition. In fetuses with growth restriction increased coronary blood flow velocities can be appreciated throughout the cardiac cycle. Clinical correlation in the interpretation of coronary blood flow dynamics in the human fetus is essential. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal transcranial Doppler in pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia
Authors: Williams K. , Galerneau F. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractPre‐eclampsia affects 3–7% of women and is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) has been used in pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia to evaluate non‐invasively the cerebrovascular hemodynamics in the maternal middle cerebral artery. TCD has demonstrated in pre‐eclamptic women maternal cerebral vasospasm, which does not correlate with mean arterial pressure assessed simultaneously. Estimated cerebral perfusion pressure, assessed using a modified formula, has been shown to be increased in women with severe and non‐severe pre‐eclampsia. However, in severe pre‐eclampsia, elevated cerebral perfusion pressure is counterbalanced by increases in cerebrovascular resistance and cerebral blood flow is unaffected. In eclampsia a significant fall in cerebral vascular resistance occurs which, in the presence of increases in cerebral perfusion pressure, leads to hyperperfusion. Cerebral vascular changes to date have not been sensitive enough to predict the development of pre‐eclampsia or eclampsia. Longitudinal studies with the aim of predicting the onset of pre‐eclampsia and to assess the effects of various drugs on the maternal cerebral circulation need to be designed. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital leukemia in a fetus at 25 weeks' gestation with Down syndrome: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Robertson M. , De Jong G. , Mansvelt E. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractLeukemia in a hydropic fetus with hepatosplenomegaly and Down syndrome was diagnosed at 25 weeks' gestation. Spontaneous demise occurred 10 days after the cordocentesis. A review of the literature of the seven cases described antenatally and 10 cases described in the immediate neonatal period or on examination of the stillborn baby is presented. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-term performance of white clover varieties grown with perennial ryegrass under rotational grazing by sheep with different nitrogen applications
Authors: WILLIAMS T. A. , EVANS D. R. , RHODES I. , ABBERTON M. T. 
Published: May 2003

Three experiments were carried out to investigate the dry matter production of nine white clover (Trifolium repens L.) varieties grown with the same variety of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and subjected to rotational grazing by sheep over a period of 10 years. The experiments differed only in the nitrogen fertilizer added: no nitrogen, 100 kg/ha per year and 200 kg/ha per year. Dry matter (DM) yields of white clover and perennial ryegrass components of the sward were recorded at approximately 6-week intervals during the growing season.Without applied nitrogen, 10-year mean white clover annual DM yields ranged from 2·89–4·54 t/ha. Mean clover content for all varieties ranged from 31–50% for the first 9 years, declining to 20% in the 10th year. The most consistently high yielding variety, AberVantage, gave yields greater than 3·5 t/ha in every year. Similar results were observed for the variety Aran. The 10-year mean annual DM yield of the perennial ryegrass companion (variety Talbot) ranged from 4·41–5·57 t/ha depending on the white clover variety in the mixture. Variation in perennial ryegrass DM yield was of a similar range and pattern as for white clover.In the experiment in which 100 kg N/ha per year was added, 10-year mean white clover annual DM yields ranged from 2·27–3·87 t/ha. The varieties AberVantage and Aran showed yields that fell below 3 t/ha per year in only 1 or 2 years, respectively. Mean clover content for all varieties ranged from 26–38% for the first 9 years, declining to 17·5% in the 10th year. There was no consecutive annual decline in white clover DM yields. The 10-year mean annual DM yields of the perennial ryegrass companion ranged from 6·03–7·57 t/ha.With applied nitrogen fertilizer of 200 kg N/ha per year (Experiment 3), 10-year mean white clover annual DM yields ranged from 1·21–2·67 t/ha. Mean clover content ranged from 12–27% for the 10 years. AberVantage and Aran showed yields consistently above 2 t/ha. No general decline in white clover DM yields was observed although some varieties showed consecutive annual reductions in years 8, 9 and 10. The 10-year mean annual DM perennial ryegrass yields ranged from 7·27–8·68 t/ha.The results show that, under rotational grazing by sheep, white clover can give reliably high yields over a 10-year period. With moderate to high applications of nitrogen fertilizer white clover yields were lower than without nitrogen but they were consistent and sufficient to make a considerable impact on forage quality. There was no evidence for a general decline in clover content until the 10th year of the experiment and no cyclical pattern of annual variation in white clover yield was observed. The implications of these results for the role of white clover in UK agriculture are discussed.
Nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of sewage sludge, composted household waste and farmyard manure
Authors: PETERSEN J. 
Published: May 2003

Field experiments were undertaken during 1998–2000 at Askov Experimental Station and Lundgård Experimental Site, Denmark, to investigate the fertilizer value of anaerobic and aerobic sewage sludges (SS1 and SS2), composted household waste (Compost) and farmyard manure (FYM). The organic residues were applied at two rates with or without supplementary mineral nitrogen (N). The effects of residue application on spring cereal dry matter (DM) yield and N-offtake were related to reference treatments with increasing rates of calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN). DM yields at the high application rates of aerobic sewage sludge (198 kg N/ha/year) and farmyard manure (300 kg N/ha/year) were comparable to the reference treatments receiving 90 kg mineral-N/ha/year. The comparable high application rate of anaerobic sewage sludge was 138 kg N/ha/year only and the DM yield was less. In contrast, the yield effect of Compost was very poor; even the high application rate of 321 kg N/ha/year yielded less than the low application rates of aerobic sewage sludge and farmyard manure, 66 and 100 kg N/ha/year, respectively.The nitrogen fertilizer replacement value (NFRV) of the organic residues was estimated for all four combinations of the response variables DM-yield and N-offtake and the independent variables of total-N and ammonium-N applied. NFRV was in the range 49–68% for the sewage sludges and FYM based on the DM-yield[ratio ]total-N relation, and slightly smaller for the N-offtake[ratio ]total-N relation, 29–53%. The highest values were obtained for the aerobic sewage sludge, having a potential manurial value comparable to FYM. In contrast, the NFRV of Compost was low, about 10%.The concentration of ammonium-N in organic residues and manures is often used for predicting the fertilizer value. Ammonium-N based NFRV of 160–210% for the sewage sludges indicate that water extractable ammonium-N underestimates the NFRV, probably due to the content of easily degradable organic matter in digested sewage sludge. The estimated NFRV for Compost was above 100% but connected with high uncertainty. In contrast, the ammonium-N based NFRV for FYM was only 70–87%, probably due to ammonia volatilization caused by incomplete incorporation of large quantities and the high ammonium-N[ratio ]total-N ratio in this residue.
Persistence of differences between sheep in methane emission under generous grazing conditions
Authors: PINARES-PATIÑO C. S. , ULYATT M. J. , LASSEY K. R. , BARRY T. N. , HOLMES C. W. 
Published: May 2003

Four low and four high methane (CH4) emitters were selected from a flock of 20 Romney sheep on the basis of CH4 production rates per unit of intake, measured at grazing using the sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer technique. Methane emissions from these sheep were monitored at grazing for four periods (P): October, November, January and February 1999/2000. All measurements were carried out on perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture under generous herbage allowance, and the sheep were maintained on similar pastures during non-measurement periods. The tracer technique was used for all the CH4 measurements and feed DM intake was calculated from total faecal collection and estimated DM digestibility. Data for liveweight (LW), gross energy intake (GEI) and CH4 emission were analysed using split-plot analysis of variance. In addition, a between-period rank order correlation analysis was carried out for CH4 emission data.Low CH4 emitters were heavier (P<0·05) than the high emitters in all the periods, but they did not differ (P<0·05) in their gross energy intakes (GEI: MJ/kg LW0·75). Low and high CH4 emitters consistently maintained their initial rankings in CH4 yield (% GEI) throughout the subsequent periods and the correlation analysis of rank order for CH4 yield showed strong between-period correlation coefficients, although this was weaker in the last period. It is suggested that feeding conditions that maximize feed intake (e.g. generous allowance of good quality pasture under grazing) favour the expression and persistence of between-sheep differences in CH4 yield.
A categorical framework for finite state machines
Authors: HINES PETER 
Published: May 2003

We provide a consistent way of looking at a range of finite state machines and their algebraic models. Our claim is that the natural representation of transitions of finite state machines is in terms of monoid homomorphisms, and distinct generalisation processes that can be applied to finite state machines correspond to distinct categorical generalisation processes at the level of the algebraic models.The generalisations we consider are those from deterministic to non-deterministic machines, from one-way to two-way machines, and from read-only machines to read/write machines. Hence the finite state machines we consider, and provide algebraic models for, are (deterministic and non-deterministic) finite state automata, two-way automata, Mealy machines, and bounded Turing machines.The categorical constructions corresponding to these generalisation processes are, respectively: altering the base category from functions to relations, applying the Geometry of Interaction, or Int construction, and a categorical process, which we refer to as the Comp construction, that uses the tensor on monoidal categories to construct graded categories.
The fundamental processes in ecology: a thought experiment on extraterrestrial biospheres
Authors: WILKINSON DAVID M. 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTEcological science is often organised as a hierarchical series of entities: genes, individuals, populations, species, communities, ecosystems and biosphere. Here, I consider an alternative process‐based approach to ecology, and analyse the nature of the fundamental processes in ecology. These fundamental processes are discussed in the context of the following question:‘for any planet with carbon‐based life, which persists over geological time scales, what are the minimum set of ecological processes that must be present?‘I suggest that the following processes would be present on any such planet: energy flow, multiple guilds, ecological tradeo ffs leading to within‐guild biodiversity, ecological hypercycles, merging of organismal and ecological physiology, carbon sequestration and possibly photosynthesis. Nutrient cycling is described as an emergent property of these fundamental processes. I discuss reasons why a biosphere based on a single species with no nutrient cycling is very unlikely to exist. I also describe the concept of ‘Gaian effect’. This suggests that some processes will always tend to extend the lifespan of a biosphere in which they develop (positive Gaian effect) while others could either increase or decrease (negative Gaian effect) such a lifespan. These ideas are discussed in the context of astrobiology, ecosystem services, conservation biology and Gaia theory.
Formation of dermal skeletal and dental tissues in fish: a comparative and evolutionary approach
Authors: SIRE JEAN‐YVES , HUYSSEUNE ANN 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTOsteichthyan and chondrichthyan fish present an astonishing diversity of skeletal and dental tissues that are often difficult to classify into the standard textbook categories of bone, cartilage, dentine and enamel. To address the question of how the tissues of the dermal skeleton evolved from the ancestral situation and gave rise to the diversity actually encountered, we review previous data on the development of a number of dermal skeletal elements (odontodes, teeth and dermal denticles, cranial dermal bones, postcranial dermal plates and scutes, elasmoid and ganoid scales, and fin rays). A comparison of developmental stages at the tissue level usually allows us to identify skeletogenic cell populations as either odontogenic or osteogenic on the basis of the place of formation of their dermal papillae and of the way of deposition of their tissues. Our studies support the evolutionary affinities (1) between odontodes, teeth and denticles, (2) between the ganoid scales of polypterids and the elasmoid scales of teleosts, and (3) to a lesser degree between the different bony elements. There is now ample evidence to ascertain that the tissues of the elasmoid scale are derived from dental and not from bony tissues. This review demonstrates the advantage that can be taken from developmental studies, at the tissue level, to infer evolutionary relationships within the dermal skeleton in chondrichthyans and osteichthyans.
Guest Editorial
Authors: Edwards Howell , Cockell Charles 
Published: May 2003

Project Leader, Antarctic Astrobiology, British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge 1946–2002David Donaldson Wynn-Williams, born 16th July, 1946, in West Kirby, Cheshire, UK and
Founding Editor of the International Journal of Astrobiology, met an ‘untimely
and unjust death’ (W. Block, Independent, 4th April, 2002) on 24th March, 2002, which
left his colleagues and family deeply saddened.
‘Ending Consensus as We Began to Know It’: Welfare Reform and the Republicans after 2002
Authors: Deacon Alan 
Published: May 2003

R. Blank and R. Haskins (eds) (2001), The New World of Welfare, Brookings Institution Press, Washington, DC.K. Weaver (2001), Ending Welfare as We Know It, Brookings Institution Press, Washington, DC.
Lettuce anaphylaxis: identification of a lipid transfer protein as the major allergen
Authors: San Miguel‐Moncín M. , Krail M. , Scheurer S. , Enrique E. , Alonso R. , Conti A. , Cisteró‐Bahíma A. , Vieths S. 
Published: May 2003

Background:  Allergy to plant‐derived foods is associated with birch pollinosis in central and northern Europe. Symptoms elicited are usually limited to the oropharyngeal system. By contrast, in the Mediterranean area, allergy to the same foods manifests more frequently with systemic reactions caused by nonspecific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTP), independently of an associated pollinosis.Objective:  We sought to investigate the pattern of immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding protein bands implicated in lettuce allergy, in particular the presence of an nsLTP.Methods:  Consecutive lettuce allergic patients were selected. Determination of serum‐specific IgE, immunoblot, and inhibition experiments were performed in order to study the pattern of IgE binding proteins and the potential cross‐reactivity to pollens. Inhibition studies with recombinant allergens were conducted to identify the lettuce allergens. The major allergen was subjected to N‐terminal amino acid sequencing.Results:  Fourteen patients were diagnosed as being allergic to lettuce. All were sensitized to Platanus pollen. Ten of them showed specific IgE to a lettuce protein of 9‐kDa. The IgE binding to this protein was completely inhibited by the cherry‐LTP and peach extract. The N‐terminal sequence of the 9‐kDa protein showed a high degree of amino acid sequence identity to other nsLTPs. A clear partial cross‐reactivity was observed between lettuce‐LTP and Platanus‐pollen extract.Conclusions:  An LTP has been demonstrated to be a major allergen in patients suffering from lettuce allergy.
Distribution of house dust mite allergen: comparing house dust mite allergen levels in dust samples collected from different sites on living room floors with smooth coverings
Authors: Maas T. , Rovers J. J. M. , Schönberger H. J. A. M. , van Schayck C. P. 
Published: May 2003

Background: The distribution of house dust mite allergen (Der p1) in living rooms with smooth floor coverings, as measured in the middle compared with the border of the floor was investigated. It was hypothesized that activity causes displacement of Der p1, from the middle towards the border.Methods: Dust samples from the middle and border of 50 floors with smooth coverings were collected and analysed on Der p1 content in a standardized way.Results: The Der p1 exposure expressed as per unit area (ng/m2) showed that border samples contained significantly more Der p1 compared with middle samples (median: 2.57 vs 0.27, respectively, P = 0.023). Presence of pets and presence of more than two inhabitants increased the difference. When expressed as per unit weight of dust (ng/g), significant differences were only detected when comparing Der p1 content of samples collected in households with three or more inhabitants [median: 2 (border) vs 53 (middle), respectively; P = 0.035].Conclusions: The Der p1 is unequally distributed on living room floors with smooth coverings, most likely because of displacement of dust from the middle towards the border due to activity. Expression as ng/g of dust and ng/m2 could not obviously be interchangeable.
Herbal supplements and skin testing: the lack of effect of commonly used herbal supplements on histamine skin prick testing
Authors: More D. R. , Napoli D. C. , Hagan L. L. 
Published: May 2003

Background: The use of herbal supplements is common, yet little is known about their pharmacologic properties. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of 23 commonly used herbal supplements on histamine skin prick testing (SPT).Methods: Fifteen healthy volunteers participated in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐dose, crossover study. Wheal and flare responses to SPT with histamine phosphate (1 mg/ml) were measured before and 4 h after administration of each of the 23 popular herbal supplements, fexofenadine (60 mg) and placebo. Wheal and flare areas were recorded with tracings performed 10 min after the prick test and measured with a PC‐digitizer using stereometric software.Results: Fexofenadine significantly suppressed the wheal (P < 0.001) and flare (P = 0.02) areas compared with placebo. None of the herbal supplements caused significant suppression of the wheal and flare areas compared with placebo (P > 0.10).Conclusion: When taken in single‐doses, the popular herbal supplements tested did not significantly affect the histamine skin response. Therefore, it seems unnecessary for clinicians to ask patients to discontinue these herbal supplements prior to allergy skin testing.