bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of the revised American Fertility Society classification of endometriosis using laparoscopy or laparotomy
Authors: Lin S.‐Y , Lee R.K.‐K , Hwu Y.‐M , Lin M.‐H 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To assess the discrepancy between laparoscopic and laparotomic scoring methods using the revised American Fertility Society (AFS) classification of endometriosis. Method: In this prospective study, 84 patients with endometriosis were scored twice (laparoscopically and laparotomically) by the same subspecialty‐certified reproductive endocrinologist. The magnitude of inter‐method variability was reported quantitatively by the S.D. of the differences in scores between the pairs. The differences in the mean endometriosis scores between the two methods were assessed by the paired Student's t‐test. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Discrepancy between the two methods in the staging of endometriosis patients was presented by kappa measure of agreement. Result: There was considerable variability in the scores between the two scoring methods by the same observer. Among individual components of the scoring system, the greatest variability occurred in the ovarian endometriosis and cul‐de‐sac obliteration subscores, with the least variability observed for peritoneum endometriosis. The inter‐method variation in score was sufficient to alter the endometriosis staging in 34.5% of patients, including a difference of two stages in 3.6% of patients. The kappa coefficient was 0.49, indicating fair‐to‐good agreement between the two scoring methods. Conclusion: Inter‐method variability between laparoscopic and laparotomic scoring methods was high for ovarian endometriosis subscore using the revised AFS classification of endometriosis. Agreement in endometriosis staging between the two methods was fair to good.
The impact of design management and process management on quality: an empirical investigation
Authors: Ahire Sanjay L. , Dreyfus Paul 
Published: July 2002

AbstractDesign management and process management are two important elements of total quality management (TQM) implementation. They are drastically different in their targets of improvement, visibility, and techniques. In this paper, we establish a framework for identifying the synergistic linkages of design and process management to the operational quality outcomes during the manufacturing process (internal quality) and upon the field usage of the products (external quality). Through a study of quality practices in 418 manufacturing plants from multiple industries, we empirically demonstrate that both design and process management efforts have an equal positive impact on internal quality outcomes such as scrap, rework, defects, performance, and external quality outcomes such as complaints, warranty, litigation, market share. A detailed contingency analysis shows that the proposed model of synergies between design and process management holds true for large and small firms; for firms with different levels of TQM experience; and in different industries with varying levels of competition, logistical complexity of production, or production process characteristics. Finally, the results also suggest that organizational learning enables mature TQM firms to implement both design and process efforts more rigorously and their synergy helps these firms to attain better quality outcomes. These findings indicate that, to attain superior quality outcomes, firms need to balance their design and process management efforts and persevere with long‐term implementation of these efforts. Because the study spans all of the manufacturing sectors (SIC 20 through 39), these conclusions should help firms in any industry revisit their priorities in terms of the relative efforts in design management and process management.
The relationship between product customization and organizational structure
Authors: Vickery Shawnee , Dröge Cornelia , Germain Richard 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThis research examines the relationship between product customization (a key aspect of flexibility) and organizational structure. Four aspects of organizational ‘structure’ are considered. They are formal control (encompassing the measurement of competitive, internal, and supplier performance) and three key dimensions of organizational design: decentralization, layers, and spans of control. A contingency approach is taken by simultaneously examining the main and moderating effects of environmental uncertainty and firm size. LISREL results show that customization associates with more formal control, fewer layers, and narrower spans of control. Subgroup analysis revealed that these main effects are, for the most part, not moderated by size or environmental uncertainty. Additional analyses reveal the reductions in layers and spans of control that occur as companies make the transition from standardization to customization.
A simple infection model using pre‐colonized implants to reproduce rat chronic Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis and study antibiotic treatment
Authors: Monzón M. , García‐Álvare F. , Laclériga A. , Gracia E. , Leiva J. , Oteiza C. , Amorena B. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus biofilms formed on medical implants represent a serious problem, being difficult to eradicate with antibiotic therapy and leading to chronic infections. Simplified in vivo and in vitro antibiotic susceptibility assays using biofilm bacteria are needed. In this work, a novel chronic osteomyelitis infection model was developed in rats in the absence of bacterial suspension, requiring the use of only 106 bacteria in biofilms at the site of surgery, with a full success in reproducing infection. Stainless‐steel implants pre‐colonized for 12 h with a highly adherent S. aureus isolate were introduced into the rat tibiae. In animals not submitted to antibiotic treatment, infection was found in the implants and spread to bone in all cases, indicating the high efficacy of the model to reproduce osteomyelitis. The effect of a 21‐day treatment with cefuroxime, vancomycin, tobramycin or ciprofloxacin on infection was studied in this model 42 days after surgery. Bone colonization was inhibited by vancomycin and cefuroxime. Cefuroxime (the most efficient antibiotic, able to sterilize 1 out of 8 implants) reduced the number of bacteria in biofilms adhered to implants at a higher extent than vancomycin, trobramycin and ciprofloxacin. Analogous observations were made in this work in vivo and in vitro on the relative antibiotic efficacy against S. aureus biofilm bacteria, suggesting the usefulness of both tests as a potential tool to study antibiotic suceptibility, and the need for new antimicrobials against these bacteria. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Punlished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cloning of a new chicken TRKC extracellular isoform and its mRNA expression in E9 sensory and autonomic ganglia
Authors: Bäckström A. , Söderström S. , Ebendal T. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractNeuronal development and maintenance are regulated by trophic interactions with the target tissues and the innervating nerve. The neurotrophin family of polypeptide growth factors, consisting of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) and neurotrophin‐4/5 (NT‐4/5), are produced in limited amounts in target areas. They bind to tyrosine receptor kinases of the trk family, including trkA, trkB and trkC, which mediate intracellular signalling in the responding neurons. There are reports of different isoforms of trkA, trkB and trkC having different signalling capacities. This study reports a novel deletion of the first cysteine‐rich domain in the extracellular part of chicken trkC. We describe the mRNA expression of this isoform compared to non‐deleted forms in E9 peripheral ganglia studied by reversetranscriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and in situ hybridization. We also compare the mRNA expression pattern of two existing signal peptide sequences and the distribution of trkC mRNA detected by the use of a kinase specific probe. The results show that the novel isoform is expressed in peripheral sensory and autonomic ganglia. Moreover both signal peptide forms are detected in these ganglia by RT‐PCR. In addition, in situ hybridization results showed a weak mRNA expression of the novel isoform in the E9 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) but not in Remak's ganglion. The two existing signal peptides are equally expressed in the DRG and Remak's ganglion, at labelling densities comparable to those for the full‐length catalytic form of trkC.
Comparison of glutamate and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate toxicities on rat mesencephalic primary cell cultures
Authors: Mateu Guylaine , Privat Alain , Thibault Jean , Vignon Jacques 
Published: July 2002

AbstractExcitotoxicitiesof glutamate and NMDA were studied on primary cultures of rat embryonic substantia nigra. The toxicity of the general neuronal population (identified with neuron specific enolase‐NSE) was compared with that of dopaminergic neurons (identified with TH antibodies).We have shown that there exists a time‐dependent toxicity to glutamate in 9 d old cultures in vitro and exposures as short as 5 min are significantly toxic. By comparing the effects of long time exposures (24 h) to NMDA and glutamate, we can show dose‐dependent toxicity ; however NMDA shows a less marked effect, especially at high doses (>500–1000 μM) as opposed to less potent lower doses (<500 μM).In comparison to the general population of NSE‐positive mesencephalic neurons, TH‐positive neurons seem to exhibit a similar vulnerability to EAA. The fact that TH‐positive neurons are only partially protected against glutamate toxicity by the non‐competitive NMDA antagonist TCP indicates that they are more susceptible to non‐NMDA mediated neurotoxicity than the general neuronal population.
Effects of spermidine treatment on neurobehavioral development in intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) rats
Authors: Üzüm Gülay , Diler A.Sarper , Ziylan Ziya 
Published: July 2002

AbstractIt was previously shown that polyamine treatment could induce precocious development of several somatic and neurobehavioral functions in newborn rats. This study investigates the effects of daily injections of spermidine (SPMD) 50 μl/10 g s.c. on neurobehavioral development of newborn rats experiencing undernutrition. Neurobehavioral development was assessed by measurements of gripping and righting reflexes. SPMD treated intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) rats reached righting reflex control values at 30 days postnatal (1.87±0.78 s vs 1.75±0.66 s). Beginning from 7 days postnatal, gripping reflex values of SPMD treated IUGR rats declined, reaching that of controls at 30 days postnatal (1.77±91° vs 1.82±65°). These results suggest the utility of exogenous SPMD in rats experiencing undernutrition, thus indicating a clinical relevance.
Biological markers for suicidal behavior in alcohol dependence
Authors: Gorwood P. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryAlcohol-dependent populations have a high lifetime suicide rate (between 7 and 15%, relative risk = 7), and alcoholism is one of the two psychiatric disorders most frequently found in suicidal cases (between 15 and 25%). Biological factors that would detect patients at risk could thus be of value. Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, monoamine oxydase B, soluble interleukin-2 receptor and cholesterol have been proposed as markers of suicidal risk in alcohol-dependent patients, although nonspecific and with low predictive value. On the other hand, there is large and convergent data stressing the importance of serotonin dysregulation as increasing the risk for aggressive behaviour toward the self, although it is not clear whether serotonin is involved through the altered behavior inhibition system, enhancement of anxiety and depression, or association with specific subtypes of alcohol-dependence, such as early-onset type II alcoholism. Considering the complex but significant impact of alcohol on serotonin metabolism and turnover, it is likely that serotonin mediates a large part of the proneness of ethanol to commit impulsive-aggressive behavior.
Use of a placebo in clinical trials
Authors: Emilien G , Maloteaux JM , Seghers A , Charles G 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe use of a placebo control group in the evaluation of a new product is today considered by most as a necessary condition of experimental drug research. Placebo response is an essential consideration in all clinical trials. If not properly controlled, incorrect and dangerous conclusion may be inferred for a product efficacy and safety profile. However, the inclusion of a placebo group in clinical trials in neuropsychiatric research raises several ethical and scientific questions. Whereas in certain indications, such as suicidal patients and severe and psychotic depression, the use of a placebo is generally not accepted, it is difficult to assess drug efficacy. This article discusses the concept of placebo in clinical trials, the occurrence of adverse events after placebo treatment and the high response rate of placebo in neuropsychiatric clinical research. The experimental methodology to adequately control all the factors involved is also analysed and discussed.
An examination of the day‐of‐the‐week effect in junk bond returns over business cycles
Authors: Kohers Theodor , Patel Jayen B. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractWhile many investors consider junk bonds to be part of a well‐diversified portfolio, the literature defining these securities is inconclusive. In particular, the day‐of‐the‐week effect, widely documented in other financial markets, has not yet been carefully examined in the junk bond market. Thus, to significantly extend the research on the day‐of‐the‐week effect, this paper tests for the existence of this anomaly in the junk bond market, the investment‐grade bond market, and the CRSP equity index over different business cycles. The findings of this study tend to confirm the uniqueness of the junk bond market, which differs significantly from the other markets. Also, the results suggest that the distinction by business cycle has important implications on the existence of the day‐of‐the‐week effect.
Skyrmion Lattice Phases in Thin Film Multilayer
Authors: Zázvorka Jakub , Dittrich Florian , Ge Yuqing , Kerber Nico , Raab Klaus , Winkler Thomas , Litzius Kai , Veis Martin , Virnau Peter , Kläui Mathias 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPhases of matter are ubiquitous with everyday examples including solids and liquids. In reduced dimensions, particular phases, such as the 2D hexatic phase and corresponding phase transitions occur. A particularly exciting example of 2D ordered systems are skyrmion lattices, where in contrast to previously studied 2D colloid systems, the skyrmion size and density can be tuned by temperature and magnetic fields. This allows for the system to be driven from a liquid phase to the onset of a hexatic phase as deduced from the analysis of the hexagonal order. Using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations of soft disks, the skyrmion interaction potentials are determined, and it is found that the simulations are able to reproduce the phase behavior. This shows that not only the static behavior of skyrmions is qualitatively well described in terms of a simple 2D model system but skyrmion lattices are versatile and tunable 2D model systems that allow for studying phases and phase transitions in reduced dimensions.
Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanoporous Carbons Derived from Waste Resources and Their Applications in Energy and Environment
Authors: Joseph Stalin , Saianand Gopalan , Benzigar Mercy R. , Ramadass Kavitha , Singh Gurwinder , Gopalan Anantha‐Iyengar , Yang Jae Hun , Mori Toshiyuki , Al‐Muhtaseb Ala'a H. , Yi Jiabao , Vinu Ajayan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNanoporous carbon materials have been widely utilized for myriad applications owing to their intriguing physicochemical properties. Development of green and clean synthetic techniques/procedures to generate nanoporous carbon materials especially derived from inexpensive waste precursors/resources has rejuvenated the chemistry of carbon materials owing to the abundant nature and low cost of these sources and their ability to generate unique surface/porous structures. These nanoporous carbon materials have been heavily explored in multiple sectors such as soil/water remediation, adsorption and separation, catalysis, energy storage/conversion, capture and conversion of carbon dioxide. In this topical review, the recent state‐of‐the‐art research progress achieved in the design and development of waste‐derived advanced functionalized porous carbon materials are summarized. The various lab‐specific approaches and methodologies involved in synthesizing these materials are discussed in detail. In addition, the potential applications of waste‐derived functionalized porous carbons in the fields of environment, energy storage, and conversion applications are highlighted. Finally, a discussion on a few suggestions for future research is concluded. It is believed that this review provide inspiration for many new research activities over a wide range of disciplines.
Electrochromic Metallo–Organic Nanoscale Films: A Molecular Mix and Match Approach to Thermally Robust and Multistate Solid‐State Devices
Authors: Malik Naveen , Lahav Michal , van der Boom Milko E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this work, the performance of surface‐confined molecular assemblies, combined with a solid‐state electrolyte, as multicolor displays is reported. An ultraviolet (UV) crosslinked polymer is used as a matrix for the electrolyte. No dedicated ion storage layer is required to operate the laminated devices; up to 4500 redox cycles are demonstrated at a low voltage. The intense coloration and switching properties (t = 0.4–2.8 s) are retained even after thermally treating these devices at 100 °C for 24 h in air. The versatility of this approach is demonstrated by the use of spray‐coated bimolecular assemblies for multicolor display fabrication. The molecular assemblies have coloration efficiencies as high as 338 cm2 C−1.
Birth defects that co‐occur with non‐syndromic gastroschisis and omphalocele
Authors: Oluwafemi Omobola O. , Benjamin Renata H. , Navarro Sanchez Maria Luisa , Scheuerle Angela E. , Schaaf Christian P. , Mitchell Laura E. , Langlois Peter H. , Canfield Mark A. , Swartz Michael D. , Scott Daryl A. , Northrup Hope , Ray Joseph W. , McLean Scott D. , Ludorf Katherine L. , Chen Han , Lupo Philip J. , Agopian A.J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGastroschisis and omphalocele are the two most common abdominal wall birth defects, and epidemiologic characteristics and frequency of occurrence as part of a syndromic condition suggest distinct etiologies between the two defects. We assessed complex patterns of defect co‐occurrence with these defects separately using the Texas Birth Defects Registry. We used co‐occurring defect analysis (CODA) to compute adjusted observed‐to‐expected (O/E) ratios for all observed birth defect patterns. There were 2,998 non‐syndromic (i.e., no documented syndrome diagnosis identified) cases with gastroschisis and 789 (26%) of these had additional co‐occurring defects. There were 720 non‐syndromic cases with omphalocele, and 404 (56%) had additional co‐occurring defects. Among the top 30 adjusted O/E ratios for gastroschisis, most of the co‐occurring defects were related to the gastrointestinal system, though cardiovascular and kidney anomalies were also present. Several of the top 30 combinations co‐occurring with omphalocele appeared suggestive of OEIS (omphalocele, exstrophy of cloaca, imperforate anus, spinal defects) complex. After the exclusion of additional cases with features suggestive of OEIS in a post‐hoc sensitivity analysis, the top combinations involving defects associated with OEIS (e.g., spina bifida) were no longer present. The remaining top combinations involving omphalocele included cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and urogenital defects. In summary, we identified complex patterns of defects that co‐occurred more frequently than expected with gastroschisis and omphalocele using a novel software platform. Better understanding differences in the patterns between gastroschisis and omphalocele could lead to additional etiologic insights.
Direct‐Space Structure Determination of Covalent Organic Frameworks from 3D Electron Diffraction Data
Authors: Sun Tu , Hughes Colan E. , Guo Linshuo , Wei Lei , Harris Kenneth D. M. , Zhang Yue‐Biao , Ma Yanhang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStructure determination of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with atomic precision is a bottleneck that hinders the development of COF chemistry. Although three‐dimensional electron diffraction (3D‐ED) data has been used to solve structures of sub‐micrometer‐sized COFs, successful structure solution is not guaranteed as the data resolution is usually low. We demonstrate that the direct‐space strategy for structure solution, implemented using a genetic algorithm (GA), is a successful approach for structure determination of COF‐300 from 3D‐ED data. Structural models with different geometric constraints were considered in the GA calculations, with successful structure solution achieved from room‐temperature 3D‐ED data with a resolution as low as ca. 3.78 Å. The generality of this strategy was further verified for different phases of COF‐300. This study demonstrates a viable strategy for structure solution of COF materials from 3D‐ED data of limited resolution, which may facilitate the discovery of new COF materials in the future.
Energy‐saving process configurations for monoethanolamine‐based CO2 capture system
Authors: Ayittey Foster Kofi , Saptoro Agus , Kumar Perumal , Wong Mee Kee 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIt is evident from several researches that combining a couple of process modifications is effective in reducing reboiler duty in the chemical absorption‐based carbon capture process. Although extensive works on these combined modifications exist in literature, studies on combined lean vapour compression (LVC) and rich solvent preheating (RSP) are unavailable, despite their potentials as promising energy‐saving technologies. This simulation‐based study therefore explored standalone and combined process modifications capable of minimizing reboiler duty in monoethanolamine (MEA)‐based postcombustion CO2 capture system. Using the electrolyte nonrandom two‐liquid (ELECNRTL) property method in Aspen Plus®, a rigorous rate‐based simulation was performed and validated for conventional MEA‐based capture system. Subsequently, three main process modifications, namely, LVC, RSP and combined LVC and RSP, were investigated to evaluate their impact on energy consumption level in the stripping column. The modifications were able to reduce the total equivalent electrical penalty on the power plant by 12.94%, 5.24% and 14.48%, respectively. The results from this study demonstrate that a detailed optimization of the combined LVC and RSP process configuration could achieve considerable energy saving in MEA‐based capture systems.