bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scanning probe electrospray ionization for ambient mass spectrometry
Authors: Otsuka Yoichi , Shide Sayuri , Naito Junpei , Kyogaku Masafumi , Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Arakawa Ryuichi 
Published: October 2012

RATIONALEAmbient sampling and ionization techniques have been attracting attention in imaging mass spectrometry because they offer the advantage of rapid testing. We have developed a method which exploits the fluid motion of charged solvents for both local sampling and ionization with a single vibrating capillary probe.METHODSThe capillary probe was used to supply solvents in order to form a liquid bridge between the probe and a sample surface. A bias voltage was applied to the solvents to generate electrospray ionization (ESI). The probe was also vibrated by either an ultrasonic transducer fixed at the back of the sample (contact‐mode) or spontaneous vibration of probe itself (tapping‐mode). The ions generated by ESI were detected by a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.RESULTSSampling of the specimens at the liquid bridge and ESI of the dissolved solutions both occurred around the probe apex. The sampling and ionization co‐existed in contact‐mode, while they were explicitly separated in the tapping‐mode. The one‐dimensional mapping of solid samples such as protein films and tissue sections was demonstrated. The results indicated that there was little cross‐contamination during the operation.CONCLUSIONSThe method, named scanning probe electrospray ionization (SPESI), promises to be a simple and unique approach toward direct sampling and ionization methodology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robot‐assisted hysterectomy vs total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a comparison of short‐term surgical outcomes
Authors: Göçmen Ahmet , Şanlıkan Fatih , Uçar Mustafa Gazi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of the study was to compare the short‐term outcomes of robot‐assisted hysterectomy with laparoscopic hysterectomy.MethodsThis study compared 60 patients who underwent robot‐assisted hysterectomy (RAH) with 60 patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH).ResultsThe mean ages of the patients in the RAH and LH groups were 51.52 ± 6.97 and 50.68 ± 8.92 years, respectively. The mean operative times for the RAH and LH groups were 108.12 ± 34.65 and 90.67 ± 25.20 min, respectively (p = 0.002). None of the cases in the RAH group required conversion to laparotomy; the rate of conversion to open laparotomy in the LH group was 1.6%. The complication rate among patients who underwent RAH was 8.3% compared with 6.6% in the laparoscopic cohort.ConclusionsRobot‐assisted hysterectomy is feasible and safe, resulting in similar surgical results when compared with traditional laparoscopic hysterectomy. It appears that, in the hands of a skilled laparoscopic surgeon, robot‐assisted hysterectomy is not superior to the laparoscopic approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A view of Systems Practice: Enabling quality in design
Authors: Dunford Charlotte N. , Yearworth Mike , York Darren M. , Godfrey Patrick 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to gain a greater understanding of the use of Systems Practice among engineers working in the Rolls‐Royce Defence Sector at its Bristol site and develop hypotheses about its use. This study is part of a larger project to investigate and improve the use and embedding of Systems Practice among engineers at the site. The current situation was studied using a combination of grounded theory and system dynamics, supported by the use of a computer‐aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) package. The results from this work show that Systems Practice is valued as a way of enabling quality in design but engineers find it challenging to adopt because of (i) lack of stakeholder appreciation of its value, (ii) their lack of experience with Systems Engineering, and (iii) logistical issues with its application. This work will be followed by group model building sessions to further develop the findings by identifying interventions to create and assess improvement in Systems Practice, in particular finding errors earlier in the design lifecycle. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
Higher‐order asymptotics in finance
Authors: Chan N. H. , Yam S. C. P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA primary motivation of higher‐order asymptotic statistical analysis is to improve the first‐order limiting result in accordance with the celebrated Central Limit Theorem in the sense that a better approximation with higher order accuracy can be attained. In this article, several important tools in asymptotic analysis for obtaining higher‐order approximations, including Edgeworth expansions, saddle‐point approximations and Laplace integral method, will be revisited together with an introduction of some of their applications in finance. A new result on bounds for the difference between American and European calls on small dividend paying stock is also provided.WIREs Comput Stat2012, 4:571–587. doi: 10.1002/wics.1234This article is categorized under:Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational Finance
Seeing beyond reading: a survey on visual text analytics
Authors: Alencar Aretha B. , de Oliveira Maria Cristina F. , Paulovich Fernando V. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe review recent visualization techniques aimed at supporting tasks that require the analysis of text documents, from approaches targeted at visually summarizing the relevant content of a single document to those aimed at assisting exploratory investigation of whole collections of documents.Techniques are organized considering their target input material—either single texts or collections of texts—and their focus, which may be at displaying content, emphasizing relevant relationships, highlighting the temporal evolution of a document or collection, or helping users to handle results from a query posed to a search engine.We describe the approaches adopted by distinct techniques and briefly review the strategies they employ to obtain meaningful text models, discuss how they extract the information required to produce representative visualizations, the tasks they intend to support and the interaction issues involved, and strengths and limitations. Finally, we show a summary of techniques, highlighting their goals and distinguishing characteristics. We also briefly discuss some open problems and research directions in the fields of visual text mining and text analytics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.This article is categorized under:Algorithmic Development > Text MiningTechnologies > Visualization
Hydrogen Bonding Network of 4‐Amidiniumpyridine Acetate and PtIIbis(triphenylphosphine) Complexes with 4‐Amidine­pyridine
Authors: Rigamonti Luca , Carlino Stefano , Castellano Carlo , Demartin Francesco , Pasini Alessandro 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe X‐ray structures of 4‐amidiniumpyridine acetate, (1·H)AcO, and of cis‐[Pt(1)2(PPh3)2](NO3)2 (2), as well as their IR spectra, reveal intramolecular hydrogen bonding, which held together the cations and the anions. The IR spectroscopic data suggest that this may be so also in cis‐[PtCl(1)(PPh3)2](BF4) (3). In (1·H)AcO and in 2 extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding networks span through the whole crystals.
Ca2Ga3MgN5 – A Highly Condensed Nitridogallate
Authors: Hintze Frauke , Schnick Wolfgang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe nitridogallate Ca2Ga3MgN5 was obtained from reaction of the elements in sodium flux with Na‐azide at 760 °C in weld shut niobium ampoules. Crystal structure solution and refinement was carried out on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Ca2Ga3MgN5 [space group C2/m (no. 12), a = 11.160(2), b = 3.2965(7), c = 8.006(2) Å, and β = 109.93(3)°, Z = 2] shows an anionic substructure made up of mixed (Mg/Ga)N4 tetrahedra, which are sharing both common vertices and edges building a three‐dimensional network. The crystal structure of Ca2Ga3MgN5 is related to known alkaline earth nitridosilicates (MII2Si5N8, MII = Sr, Ba), but is significantly higher condensed due to additional edge‐sharing in the anionic substructure.
Improvement in the Cleaning Performance Towards Protein Soils in Laundry Detergents by Protease Immobilization on the Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Soleimani Majid , Khani Azam , Dalali Naser , Behbehani Gholamreza Rezaei 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis work aimed to understand the effect of protease immobilization on silica nanoparticles and how such immobilization affects protease performance as catalysis for enhancing the removal of protein soils. Detergent products contain many components that may affect the free enzyme activity and stability. Various factors such as temperature, pH and humidity are know to affect enzyme activity and cleaning efficiency. Therefore, the effect of enzyme immobilization on the removal of protein based soil was investigated on cotton fabrics as the model soil. The effect of temperature and humidity on the stability of free and immobilized enzyme was compared. It was found that the immobilized enzyme increased cleaning efficiency toward protein soil removal on cotton fabrics, whereas the free enzyme imposed a small effect on the enzymatic activity towards the same soil substrates. In addition, the stability of the immobilized enzyme against temperature and humidity was much higher than its corresponding value by free enzyme.
Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) Acid Differentially Modulate Rat Neutrophil Function In Vitro
Authors: Paschoal V. A. , Vinolo M. A. R. , Crisma A. R. , Magdalon J. , Curi R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractFish oils are used as therapeutic agents in chronic inflammatory diseases. The omega‐3 fatty acids (FA) found in these oils are mainly eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. The anti‐inflammatory properties of fish oils are attributed to both omega‐3 fatty acids. However, it is unknown whether such effects are due to either EPA or DHA. In this study, the effects of EPA and DHA on rat neutrophil function in vitro were compared. Both EPA and DHA increased the production of H2O2 when cells were stimulated or not with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). However, EPA was more potent than DHA in triggering an increase in superoxide release by cells in the basal condition or when stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or zymosan. Only DHA increased the phagocytic capacity and fungicidal activity of neutrophils. Both FA increased the release of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in nonstimulated cells, but only EPA increased the production of cytokine‐inducing neutrophil chemoattractant‐2 (CINC‐2) in the absence or presence of LPS, whereas production of interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) was only increased by DHA in the presence of LPS. In addition, there was no alteration in the production of nitric oxide. In conclusion, we show herein that EPA and DHA can differently modulate aspects of the neutrophil response, which may be relevant for the development of therapies rich in one or other FA depending on the effect required.
Dietary Fat Composition Influences Tissue Lipid Profile and Gene Expression in Fischer‐344 Rats
Authors: Zhou Albert L. , Hintze Korry J. , Jimenez‐Flores Rafael , Ward Robert E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe AIN‐76A diet causes fatty liver in rodents when fed for long periods of time. The aim of this study was to utilize fatty acid analysis and transcriptomics to investigate the effects of different fat sources in the AIN‐76A diet on tissue lipid profiles and gene expression in male, weanling Fischer‐344 rats. Animals were fed isocaloric diets that differed only in the fat source: (1) corn oil (CO) (2) anhydrous milk fat (AMF), and (3) AMF supplemented with 10 % phospholipids from the milk fat globule membrane (AMF‐MFGM). There were no differences in food intake, body weight, growth rate, or body fat composition among the groups, and the fatty acid compositions of red blood cells (RBC), plasma, muscle, and visceral adipose tissues reflected the dietary fat sources. Modifying the fat source resulted in 293 genes differentially regulated in skeletal muscle, 1,124 in adipose, and 831 in liver as determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Although tissue fatty acid profiles mostly reflected the diet, there were several quantitative differences in lipid classes in the liver and plasma. The AMF diet resulted in the highest level of hepatic triacylglycerols, but the lowest level in plasma. The CO diet resulted in significant accumulation of hepatic unesterified fatty acids and decreased DGAT expression and activity, a potential trigger for steatohepatitis. These results indicate that the fatty acid composition and presence of polar lipids in the AIN‐76A diets have significant effects on lipid partitioning, gene expression, and potentially the development of liver pathology.
The current status of an FDG-PET cancer screening program in Japan, based on a 4-year (2006–2009) nationwide survey
Authors: Minamimoto Ryogo , Senda Michio , Jinnouchi Seishi , Terauchi Takashi , Yoshida Tsuyoshi , Murano Takeshi , Fukuda Hiroshi , Iinuma Takeshi , Uno Kimiichi , Nishizawa Sadahiko , Tsukamoto Eriko , Iwata Hiroshi , Inoue Takeshi , Oguchi Kazuhiro , Nakashima Rumi , Inoue Tomio 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to survey the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) cancer screening program conducted in Japan.

Methods
The “FDG-PET cancer screening program” included both FDG-PET and positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) with or without other combined screening tests that were performed for cancer screening in asymptomatic subjects. A total of 155,456 subjects who underwent the FDG-PET cancer screening program during 2006–2009 were analyzed.

Results
Of the 155,456 subjects, positive findings suggesting possible cancer were noted in 16,955 (10.9 %). The number of cases with detected cancer was 1,912 (1.23 % of the total screened cases, annual range 1.14–1.30 %). Of the 1,912 cases of detected cancer, positive findings on FDG-PET were present in 1,491 cases (0.96 % of the total number of screened cases). According to the results of further examinations, the true positive rate for subjects with suggested possible cancer (positive predictive value) was 32.3 % with FDG-PET. Cancers of the colon/rectum, thyroid, lung, and breast were most frequently found (396, 353, 319, and 163 cases, respectively) with high PET sensitivity (85.9, 90.7, 86.8, 84.0 %, respectively). Prostate cancer and gastric cancer (165 and 124 cases, respectively) had low PET sensitivity (37.0 and 37.9 %, respectively). The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) clinical stage of cancer found with the FDG-PET cancer screening program was mainly Stage I.

Conclusions
The FDG-PET screening program in Japan has detected a variety of cancers at an early stage. However, several cancers were found in repeated FDG-PET cancer screening program, indicating the limitation of a one-time FDG-PET cancer screening program. The value of the FDG-PET cancer screening program is left to the judgment of individuals with regard to its potentials and limitations.
The Contribution of Smoking to Black-White Differences in U.S. Mortality
Authors: Ho Jessica Y. , Elo Irma T. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Smoking has significantly impacted American mortality and remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. No previous study has systematically examined the contribution of smoking-attributable deaths to mortality trends among blacks or to black-white mortality differences at older ages over time in the United States. In this article, we employ multiple methods and data sources to provide a comprehensive assessment of this contribution. We find that smoking has contributed to the black-white gap in life expectancy at age 50 for males, accounting for 20 % to 48 % of the gap between 1980 and 2005, but not for females. The fraction of deaths attributable to smoking at ages above 50 is greater for black males than for white males; and among men, current smoking status explains about 20 % of the black excess relative risk in all-cause mortality at ages above 50 without adjustment for socioeconomic characteristics. These findings advance our understanding of the contribution of smoking to contemporary mortality trends and differences and reinforce the need for interventions that better address the needs of all groups.
The effects of a lutein-based supplement on objective and subjective measures of retinal and visual function in eyes with age-related maculopathy – a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Berrow Emma J. , Bartlett Hannah E. , Eperjesi Frank , Gibson Jonathan M. 
Published: October 2012

Lutein and zeaxanthin are lipid-soluble antioxidants found within the macula region of the retina. Links have been suggested between increased levels of these carotenoids and reduced risk for age-related macular disease (ARMD). Therefore, the effect of lutein-based supplementation on retinal and visual function in people with early stages of ARMD (age-related maculopathy, ARM) was assessed using multi-focal electroretinography (mfERG), contrast sensitivity and distance visual acuity. A total of fourteen participants were randomly allocated to either receive a lutein-based oral supplement (treated group) or no supplement (non-treated group). There were eight participants aged between 56 and 81 years (65·50 (sd 9·27) years) in the treated group and six participants aged between 61 and 83 years (69·67 (sd 7·52) years) in the non-treated group. Sample sizes provided 80 % power at the 5 % significance level. Participants attended for three visits (0, 20 and 40 weeks). At 60 weeks, the treated group attended a fourth visit following 20 weeks of supplement withdrawal. No changes were seen between the treated and non-treated groups during supplementation. Although not clinically significant, mfERG ring 3 N2 latency (P= 0·041) and ring 4 P1 latency (P= 0·016) increased, and a trend for reduction of mfERG amplitudes was observed in rings 1, 3 and 4 on supplement withdrawal. The statistically significant increase in mfERG latencies and the trend for reduced mfERG amplitudes on withdrawal are encouraging and may suggest a potentially beneficial effect of lutein-based supplementation in ARM-affected eyes.
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: a rare case
Authors: Tang I P , Singh S , Krishnan G , Looi L M 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjective:We report a rare case of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses with intracranial extension, and discuss the management of this rare tumour.Results:Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma involving the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses with intracranial extension may be treated successfully with surgery alone, without development of local recurrence.Conclusion:Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is a locally aggressive tumour with a high rate of recurrence. Early and aggressive surgical excision with or without radiotherapy or chemotherapy can improve a patient's outcome and prognosis. Regular follow up is needed to detect any local or distant recurrence.
The Waxing and Waning of the Acehnese Diaspora's Long-distance Politics
Authors: MISSBACH ANTJE 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis paper sheds light on the long-distance politics of a small and rather young diaspora—the Acehnese overseas—which proved to be very influential on homeland politics despite its relatively small size, especially with regard to the separatist conflict in Aceh, Indonesia. Special attention is therefore given to the close connections between the politicized migrant population overseas and their involvement back home. Born out of the suffering of people in Aceh and in Malaysia—the main destiny for refugees—the Acehnese overseas started to organize informal associations and networks to foster mutual support. During the almost 30-year-long conflict, material, financial, and other forms of support were directed not only to members of the diaspora, but also to people in Aceh, as well as the separatists, which enabled them to continue their struggle for Aceh's independence from Indonesia. Unlike larger conflict-generated diasporas that can afford to send home large sums of money, the Acehnese diaspora's greatest strength was the ideological and moral support they provided to people back in Aceh. The evolution of the diaspora and its activities were closely linked to developments in the homeland. By emphasizing the dependence of diasporas on homeland developments, which dictates the level of their political engagement, this paper draws attention to the diaspora's support for both the perpetuation of conflictandconflict resolution. After the end of the conflict in 2005, the diaspora lost its prominent role, and became involved in rudimentary forms of long-distance engagement.
A sliding-mode controller for dual-user teleoperation with unknown constant time delays
Authors: Shahbazi Mahya , Atashzar S. Farokh , Talebi H. A. , Towhidkhah F. , Yazdanpanah M. J. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYIn this paper, a control methodology is proposed for dual-user teleoperation system in the presence of unknown constant communication time delay. To satisfy dual-user system-desired objectives, three impedance characteristics are defined as the desired closed-loop system. In order to satisfy the desired impedance characteristics, a sliding-mode-based impedance controller is applied. The proposed controller affords unknown communication delay, an issue that is disregarded in the previous studies performed on dual-user systems. The nonlinear gain of the controller is achieved independent of time delay caused by communication channels. Therefore, the necessity of measurement or estimation of the time delay is relaxed. In addition, the stability analysis is presented for the closed-loop system using the passivity theory. The validity of the proposed controller scheme is demonstrated via experimental results performed on a dual-user system in the presence of unknown communication delay. In addition, due to lack of availability of forces corresponding to the operators’ hand that are required in the proposed controller, a Kalman Filter-based Force Observer (KFFO) is proposed.
Julius Caesar Scaliger on Plants, Species, and the Ordained Power of God
Authors: Blank Andreas 
Published: October 2012

ArgumentThe sixteenth-century physician and philosopher Julius Caesar Scaliger suggests that in particular cases plants can come into being that belong to a plant species that did not exist before. At the same time, he holds that God could not have created a more perfect world. However, does the occurrence of new species not imply that the world was not the best possible world from the beginning? In this article, I explore a set of metaphysical ideas that could provide Scaliger with the means of solving this problem: (1) His version of the notion of a plurality of substantial forms in every living being, and (2) his version of the notion of the ordained divine power. As it turns out, Scaliger analyzes the generation of new species in terms of a development of subordinate substantial forms into dominant substantial forms. Thereby, previously existing essences of plant parts become essences of plants. These plants, thus, possess essences that no previously existing plant possessed and, in this sense, belong to a new species. In this way, Scaliger avoids positing the occurrence of new essences, thus saving the best possible world thesis. Moreover, he believes that all substantial forms stand in a relationship of mutual existential dependence by means of which God safeguards the persistence and unity of the world. This is why the agency of subordinate forms turned dominant can be understood as an expression of the ordained power of God.