bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Irradiation induced crossover from 1D to 3D transport behaviors of PEDOT‐titanium dioxide hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Sarmah Smritimala , Kumar A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractConductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile oxidative polymerization approach using dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid as a dopant and ammonium peroxydisulfate as an oxidant and irradiated with 90 MeV O7+ ions at the fluences of 5 × 1010, 1 × 1011, 5 × 1011, and 1 × 1012 ions cm−2 using 15UD Pelletron accelerator under high vacuum. X‐ray diffraction studies show that microstrain and domain crystallite size of the nanocomposites increases with the increase of ion fluence resulting in highly ordered PEDOT‐TiO2 nanocomposites. Thermogravimmetric analysis shows that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites increases with the increase of irradiation fluences which can be attributed to the crosslinking of polymer chains due to high electronic energy deposition. Scanning electron micrographs show that there is grain growth after swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation resulting highly dense and less porous microstructure of nanocomposite films. DC conductivity of unirradiated nanocomposites exhibits Mott's 1D variable range hopping (VRH) mechanism. However, there is cross over to 3D VRH mechanism at higher irradiation fluence of 5 × 1011 and 1 × 1012 ions cm−2. There is an enhancement in the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites upon SHI irradiation correlating crosslinking with DC conductivity of the nanocomposites.
Progress in understanding the Ovshinsky Effect: Threshold switching in chalcogenide amorphous semiconductors
Authors: Hudgens Stephen 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn the nearly 45 years since Stan Ovshinsky's original publication [Phys. Rev. Lett. 21, 1450 (1968)] announcing the discovery of electric‐field‐induced threshold switching in chalcogenide alloy semiconductor glass thin films, the field of amorphous semiconductor physics has developed remarkably. Many commercial applications of these materials have been developed, including X‐ray image intensifiers, photocopier photoreceptors, and optical and electrical phase change memory devices. Despite these developments, a universally agreed upon, comprehensive model for the Ovshinsky Effect threshold switch still has not emerged. This paper is a brief review of the present state of understanding of this fascinating solid state physics phenomenon.
High‐pressure optical absorption studies of double‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Marquina Jesús , Flahaut Enmanuel , González Jesús 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn this Letter the electronic properties of double‐walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) were studied by transmission measurements as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to 10 GPa. The energies of the optical transitions between the Van Hove singularities decrease with increasing pressure, which can be attributed to pressure‐induced hybridization and symmetry‐breaking effects. We observed a linear behaviour in the pressure‐induced shift of the optical transitions. This is in good agreement with previous studies on single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).magnified imageHigh‐resolution TEM image of a bundle of DWCNTs (A), histogram of the number of walls (B), and diameter distribution for CNT samples plotted from 100 HRTEM images (C).(© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Quantum Dot Photoswitch for DNA Detection, Gene Transfection, and Live‐Cell Imaging
Authors: Wu Yuzhou , Eisele Klaus , Doroshenko Mikheil , Algara‐Siller Gerardo , Kaiser Ute , Koynov Kaloian , Weil Tanja 
Published: August 2012

AbstractQuantum dots (QDs) coated with an albumin‐derived copolymer shell exhibit significant photoresponsiveness to DNA loading and have great potential for investigating gene delivery processes. The QDs reported herein are positively charged, have attractive optical properties, and are noncytotoxic and notably stable in live cells. Their complex formation with plasmid DNA leads to proportionally decreased photoluminescence and efficient gene transfection is observed. Therefore, they are suitable for live‐cell bioimaging and mechanistic studies of nonviral gene delivery. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is applied for the first time to investigate individual QDs diffusing in large endosomes inside living cells, and serves as a valuable tool to study the physical properties of QDs inside live cells. The data obtained in this study strongly support the notable stability of these QDs, even in cell endosomes.
An analytical model for dynamic response analysis of tubular tall buildings
Authors: Malekinejad Mohsen , Rahgozar Reza 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn this paper, on the basis of the D'Alembert's principle, approximate formulas for dynamic response of tubular tall building structures are presented. Using D'Alembert's principle and applying the compatibility conditions on deformation of the tubes, the governing dynamic equation of the tubular structure's motion is derived. Then, natural boundary conditions of the parallel cantilevered flexural–shear beams are derived, and by using Rayleigh–Ritz method, value problem is solved, and trivial and nontrivial solutions are derived, which can be used for calculating natural frequencies and mode shapes of tubular structures. By solving numerically the frequency equation, a design chart and graph are given for the first five nondimensional natural frequencies of tubular tall buildings. The proposed mathematical model gives dynamic characteristics and provides a simple, efficient and reasonably accurate algorithm for free vibration studies that are needed to be quick at the preliminary design stages of tall buildings with tubular systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intra‐ and interobserver agreement when describing adnexal masses using the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis terms and definitions: a study on three‐dimensional ultrasound volumes
Authors: Sladkevicius P. , Valentin L. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo estimate intraobserver repeatability and interobserver agreement in: (1) describing adnexal masses using the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) terms and definitions; (2) the risk of malignancy calculated using IOTA logistic regression model 1 (LR1) and model 2 (LR2); and (3) the diagnosis made on the basis of subjective assessment of ultrasound images.MethodsOne‐hundred and three adnexal masses were examined by transvaginal gray‐scale and power Doppler ultrasound. Three‐dimensional ultrasound volumes of the mass were saved. After 12–18 months the volumes were analyzed twice, 1–6 months apart, by each of two independent experienced sonologists who used the IOTA terms and definitions to describe the masses. The risk of malignancy was calculated using LR1 and LR2. The sonologists also classified the masses as benign or malignant using subjective assessment.ResultsEighty‐four masses were benign, eight were borderline and 11 were invasively malignant. There was substantial variability within and between observers in the results of measurements included in LR1 and LR2 and some variability also when assessing categorical variables included in the models (agreement = 51–100% and kappa = 0.42–1.00). This resulted in substantial variability in the calculated risk of malignancy, the limits of agreement indicating that the calculated risk of malignancy could vary by a factor of 5–20 within and between observers. The reliability of the calculated risk of malignancy was moderate (LR1) or poor (LR2) when the calculated risk of malignancy was > 10% (intraclass correlation coefficients varied from 0.21 to 0.73). Interobserver agreement when classifying tumors as benign or malignant using the predetermined risk of malignancy cut‐off of 10% was fair to good (agreement = 85% and kappa = 0.61 for LR1; agreement = 81% and kappa = 0.52 for LR2). Intra‐ and interobserver agreements for subjective assessment were 96%, 96% and 96% with kappa values of 0.89, 0.87 and 0.88, respectively.ConclusionsIntra‐ and interobserver agreement in classifying tumors as benign or malignant using the risk of malignancy cut‐off of 10% for LR1 and LR2 was fair or good, whilst the reproducibility of subjective assessment was excellent. The reliability of calculated risks > 10% was poor, and calculated risk > 10% cannot be used to discriminate between individuals at different risk. These results cannot be extrapolated to real‐time ultrasound examinations.
Prevention of adhesions in gynaecological surgery: the 2012 European field guideline
Authors: De Wilde Rudy Leon , Brölmann Hans , Koninckx Philippe Robert , Lundorff Per , Lower Adrian M. , Wattiez Arnaud , Mara Michal , Wallwiener Markus ,   The Anti-Adhesions in Gynecology Expert Panel (ANGEL)
Published: August 2012

AbstractPostoperative adhesions have become the most common complication of open or laparoscopic abdominal surgery and a source of major concern because of their potentially dramatic consequences. The proposed guideline is the beginning of a major campaign to enhance the awareness of adhesions and to provide surgeons with a reference guide to adhesion prevention adapted to the conditions of their daily practice. The risk of postoperative adhesions should be systematically discussed with any patient scheduled for open or laparoscopic abdominal surgery prior to obtaining her informed consent. Surgeons should adopt a routine adhesion reduction strategy with good surgical technique. Anti-adhesion agents are an additional option, especially in procedures with a high risk of adhesion formation, such as ovarian, endometriosis and tubal surgery and myomectomy. We conclude that good surgical practice is paramount to reduce adhesion formation and that anti-adhesion agents may contribute to adhesion prevention in certain cases.
Twenty‐one years of experience with ovarian ectopic pregnancy at one institution in Taiwan
Authors: Ko Po‐Chun , Lo Liang‐Ming , Hsieh T'sang‐T'ang , Cheng Po‐Jen 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo review the experience with patients with ovarian ectopic pregnancy (OEP) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Lin‐Kou Medical Center, Tao‐Yuan, Taiwan, between 1989 and 2009.MethodsA retrospective review of the presentation, prevalence, diagnosis, and trends in treatment of patients with OEP, and the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures and intrauterine devices (IUD). The incidence rate ratios (IRR) of ectopic pregnancies (EPs) per live births, OEPs per EPs, and OEPs per live births were analyzed.ResultsThe 110 OEPs diagnosed comprised 2.0% of all EPs (n = 5408) and 1:1543 of all live births, leading to a mean OEP per year of 5.24. Seventy‐eight patients were managed with laparoscopy and 32 underwent laparotomy. Twenty‐six (23.6%) patients used an IUD and 12 (10.9%) had undergone ART. OEP associated with ART increased in the last 10 years of the study period. The IRR of EPs per live births, OEPs per EPs, and OEPs per live births all increased between 1989 and 2009. Management of OEP tended to favor laparoscopy in the later years.ConclusionThere was a trend toward better management of OEP with laparoscopy. ART has become a risk factor for OEP. The IRR of EPs per live births, OEPs per EPs, and OEPs per live births all increased over the 21‐year period.
Effect of purchase volume flexibility and purchase mix flexibility on e‐procurement performance: An analysis of two perspectives
Authors: Devaraj Sarv , Vaidyanathan Ganesh , Mishra Abhay Nath 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDespite the widespread adoption of e‐procurement by firms in recent years, academic research examining the mechanisms through which e‐procurement applications lead to performance has been scarce. Anecdotal evidence points to numerous situations where companies have failed to harness the potential of e‐procurement. In this paper, we argue that online purchase volume and mix flexibilities facilitated by these applications play a significant role in the ability of firms to benefit from e‐procurement. We examine this tenet from both an economic as well as a social perspective. We propose that increased online purchase volume flexibility as well as online purchase mix flexibility can be facilitated by two mechanisms – supplier customization as explained by transaction costs perspective, and information sharing between supply chain partners using a social exchange theoretical perspective. The increased purchase volume and mix flexibility in turn leads to better performance along the dimensions of cost, quality, and delivery. We present and test a nuanced perspective where we argue that (i) the effect of supplier customization on both purchase volume and mix flexibilities will be moderated by the frequency of transactions conducted online, and (ii) the effect of information sharing on both purchase volume and mix flexibilities will be moderated by trust in the supplier. We estimate our research model using survey data collected from 130 purchasing and procurement managers. We find strong support for our proposed research model with results indicating that purchase volume and mix flexibilities play a vital mediating role in impacting e‐procurement performance. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Systematic Mn fluctuations in laminated rock varnish developed on coeval early Holocene flint artifacts along a climatic transect, Negev desert, Israel
Authors: Goldsmith Yonaton , Enzel Yehouda , Stein Mordechai 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis study presents an assessment of the potential application of Mn content in rock varnish laminae as a paleoclimate indicator. To investigate the environmental controls on varnish formation, we determined Mn composition in rock varnish formed on flint artifacts produced during the earliest Holocene from eight coeval prehistoric sites in the Negev desert, Israel. These sites lie along a north–south annual rainfall transect ranging between 120 and 30 mm yr− 1. The varnish is ~ 100 times enriched in Mn relative to the content in the desert dust source material. Chemical profiles across the varnish display 4–6 distinct Mn peaks in all sampled sites, pointing to systematic fluctuations within the varnish along a wide range of environmental settings. The mean Mn contents in the various sites range between 10.7 and 15.6 at.%, yet within this range, the Mn content in the Negev varnish does not show a correlation with mean annual rainfall. As moisture is needed for Mn mobility, wetting cycles by dew or light rain, which are not adequately represented by the mean annual rainfall amounts but control the number of wetting–drying cycles may explain the variance within the results from the arid and hyperarid Negev varnish.
Toll‐Like Receptor‐Targeting Immunotherapy for Oral Cancer
Authors: Okamoto Masato , Sato Mitsunobu 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIt is important to augment the anti‐cancer host response in cancer treatment. Recent studies have suggested that the signaling that occurs via the Toll‐like receptors(TLRs), which are newly identified receptor molecules recognizing many pathogens, are involved in the induction of anti‐cancer immunity. OK‐432, a penicillin‐killed and lyophilized preparation of Streptococcus pyogenes, is being successfully used as an immunotherapeutic agent in many types of malignancies. However, the molecular mechanisms of OK‐432, a whole bacterial preparation, and the active components which make it effective against cancer, remain uncertain. We have succeeded in isolating the active component of OK‐432 (lipoteichoic acid‐related molecule, OK‐PSA) by affinity chromatography of a butanol extract of OK‐432 on the CNBr‐activated sepharose 4B bound TS‐2 monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the interferon(IFN)‐ γ ‐inducing activity of OK‐432. OKPSA induced Th1‐type cytokines both in human and in mice, and elicited an anti‐cancer effect in tumorbearing mice via TLR4. Furthermore, our clinical study revealed that TLR4 signaling is intimately involved in the anti‐cancer effect achieved by OK‐432 in patients with oral cancer. We elucidated that OK‐432 is first captured and digested by phagocytes, such as dendritic cells and macrophages, and then its active component, OK‐PSA, which is released from the phagocytes, stimulates TLR4 signaling. It is strongly suggested that OK‐PSA is the molecule most responsible for the anti‐cancer effect of OK‐432, and that TLR4 may be a definite molecular target for cancer immunotherapy with OK‐432/OK‐PSA.
Integrin Expression and Migration of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Cells in Response to Basement Membrane Components
Authors: Cui-Ying Li , Abu-Ali Samah , Sugiura Tsuyoshi , Shiratsuchi Toru , Sasaki Masanori , Shirasuna Kanemitsu 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAdenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is more aggressive than oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and has a proclivity to invade nerve and endothelial sheaths containing basement membrane (BM). In the present study, we found that AdCC cell lines showed higher motility responses to BM proteins, especially type IV collagen, compared to oral SCC cell lines. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that AdCC cell lines showed generally similar pattern of integrin subunits to oral SCC lines. Although AdCC cell lines expressed slightly higher levels of α2β1 and α3β1 integrins than SCC cell lines, these differences were not as impressive as those seen in haptotaxis assays to ECM proteins, and in particular to type IV collagen. Antibody blocking experiments clearly showed that the AdCC motility response to type IV collagen is mainly mediated through α2β1 integrin. In conclusion, such high motility response of AdCC cell lines could not be explained by only the surface levels of integrins, and study on integrin functionality will be more important to elucidate high invasiveness of AdCC cells.
Computed Tomographic Analysis of Inflammatory Spread in Adult Parotitis
Authors: Izumi Masahiro , Ariji Yoshiko , Katsumata Akitoshi , Gotoh Masakazu , Naitoh Munetaka , Kurita Kenichi , Kazuo Shimozato , Fujishita Masami , Ariji Eiichiro 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAdult parotitis exhibits various appearances on images. The purpose of this study was to investigate the imaging features of adult parotitis, focusing on the inflammatory spread in and around the parotid gland on CT images. We investigated 21 patients who were clinically and radiologically diagnosed with parotitis, including patients with concomitant occurrences of sialolith or Sjögren’s syndrome.Intra‐glandular spread was divided into 13 diffuse types and 8 focal types. There was a significant difference in duration from the first onset of symptoms between the diffuse and focal types. Six of 8 patients showing focal type spread were associated with the concomitant occurrence of sialolith or Sjögren’s syndrome. Extra‐glandular spread was observed in 13(62%) patients. Of them, 12(92%) showed subcutaneous fat tissue and/or masticator space involvement. Involvement of the parapharyngeal space and the superficial area just below the gland was observed in 4 and 7 patients, respectively. The appearance of extra‐glandular spread was influenced by intra‐glandular appearance and concomitant disease.The spread of adult parotitis possessed characteristic features in relation to clinical findings and concomitant disease. CT examination appeared to be effective for these diagnoses.
Application of the Digital Radiographic Bone Trabecular Structure Analysis to the Mandible using Morphological Filter
Authors: Sakoda Sumio , Kawamata Ryota , Kaneda Takashi , Kashima Isamu 
Published: August 2012

Abstract[Purpose] To develop a digital radiographic bone trabecular structure analyzing system and to applied it to mandible. [Methods] Structural change was simulated by removing spongy bone in human dried mandible. Using a morphological filter processing, the skeletal features were extracted from digital radiographic image data obtained by computed radiography before and after the removal of spongy bone. The skeletal volume, surface, thickness, number, separation, complexity, spacing continuity and connectivity on the skeletal binary images were determined by morphometric indices calculation, star volume analysis and node‐strut analysis. Using these quantified skeletal feature parameters, a mapping sheet for the structural evaluation was produced. The correlation between the fluctuation rate of each parameter after the removal of spongy bone with respect to the value before the removal of spongy bone and simulated structural change was examined. [Results] The skeletal binary image data quantified sixteen skeletal feature parameters using morphometric indices calculation, star volume analysis and node‐strut analysis. These parameters agreed with the theoretical fluctuation pattern in the simulated skeletal structure deterioration of the mandibular bone trabeculae. [Conclusion] Using a morphological filter and bone histomorphometry, the radiological bonemorphometric analyzing system is useful for the evaluation of the mandibular trabecular structure.
Cyclooxygenase‐2: A Potential Target in the Treatment of Oral Cancers
Authors: Masashi Hatori , Nagumo Masao 
Published: August 2012

AbstractResults from epidemiological studies indicate that long‐term intake of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, which inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis, reduces the risk of several forms of human malignancies. Expression of COX‐2 in tumors is known to be associated with enhanced angiogenesis, suppression of host immunity, and tumor invasion. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of COX‐2 has been shown to protect against experimentally‐induced carcinogenesis and to reduce the growth of xenografted tumors in animal models. A number of studies also revealed that COX‐2 inhibition suppresses proliferation, metastatic potential, and other functions of cancer cell lines. Thus, it is conceivable that targeted inhibition of abnormally or improperly elevated COX‐2 provides one of the most effective and promising strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, the involvement of COX‐2 in the tumorigenesis of oral cancers and the potential mechanisms of tumor suppressive effects of COX‐2 inhibition are discussed.
Perception of Hypernasality and its Physical Correlates
Authors: Yukie Kozaki‐Yamaguchi , Noriko Suzuki , Yukihiro Fujita , Hidemi Yoshimasu , Masato Akagi , Teruo Amagasa 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTo clarify the relationship between the perceptual diagnoses of hypernasality and its physical correlates, we conducted three experiments using the Japanese vowel /i/. We performed a spectral analysis of hypernasality on five cleft palate patients and six velum resection patients to investigate the spectral features related to hypernasality (experiment 1). Psychoacoustic experiments were conducted using various spectrally modified vowels to investigate the relationships between the spectral features and auditory perceptions of hypernasality (experiment 2). We analyzed the estimated spectral envelopes using an articulatory speech synthesis model to clarify the relationship between the spectral features and the velopharyngeal opening (experiment 3). Experiments 1 and 2 suggested four spectral features as the characteristics of hypernasality : (1) broadening of the F1 bandwidth, (2) an additional peak at around 1 kHz [P1], (3)* a decrease in the magnitude of F2, and (4)* a dip between F2 and F3 [D2]. In particular, the simultaneous modification of the decrease in the magnitudes of F2 and D2 is a very important cue for the auditory perception of hypernasality. Experiment 3 showed that the dips caused by nasal coupling resulted in the spectral modifications. In addition, the dip regions appeared to spread from the low‐frequency region (around F1) to the high‐frequency region (above F2), as the velopharyngeal opening enlarged. This suggests that the decrease in the magnitude of F2 and the dip between F2 and F3 [D2] are related to excessive acoustic coupling of the nasal cavity. * New findings