bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical utility of apparent diffusion coefficient values obtained using high b‐value when diagnosing prostate cancer using 3 tesla MRI: Comparison between ultra‐high b‐value (2000 s/mm2) and standard high b‐value (1000 s/mm2)
Authors: Kitajima Kazuhiro , Takahashi Satoru , Ueno Yoshiko , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Ohno Yoshiharu , Obara Makoto , Miyake Hideaki , Fujisawa Masato , Sugimura Kazuro 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPurpose:To determine whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) obtained using b = 2000 s/mm2 upon 3 Tesla (T) diffusion‐weighted MRI is superior to b = 1000 s/mm2 for discriminating malignant from normal prostate tissue and predicting the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, using histopathological findings of radical prostatectomy as a reference.Materials and Methods:Eighty prostate cancer patients underwent preoperative 3T MRI including diffusion weighted imaging with b‐values of 0, 1000, and 2000 s/mm2. ADCs were measured for malignant lesions and normal sites on three sets of ADC maps calculated with monoexponential fitting between b = 0 and 1000, 0 and 2000, and 1000 and 2000, respectively. The relationship between the ADC and Gleason score was evaluated.Results:The areas under the ROC curves for b = 0,1000, b = 0,2000, and b = 1000,2000 were 0.896, 0.937, and 0.857, respectively, in the peripheral zone (PZ) and 0.877, 0.889, and 0.731, respectively, in the transition zone (TZ). The difference between b = 0,1000 and b = 0,2000 was significant in PZ (P = 0.033), but not in TZ (P = 0.84). Weak but significant negative correlations were identified between ADCs and Gleason score in both PZ and TZ cancer at b = 0,1000 and b = 0,2000 (r = −0.323 to −0.341).Conclusion:For 3T MRI, ADCs using b = 0,2000 are more accurate than b = 0,1000 for diagnosing PZ cancer, and as accurate for TZ cancer. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:198–205. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Outcome of surgical treatment of pelvic osteosarcoma
Authors: Guo Wei , Sun Xin , Ji Tao , Tang Xiaodong 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground and objectivesSurgical treatment of pelvic osteosarcoma is often challenging. The objective of this study was to assess the oncologic and functional outcome and the operation‐related complications of patients with pelvic osteosarcoma who were treated in a single center in the past decade.MethodsNineteen patients underwent surgical procedures between June 2000 and June 2009. There were 11 males and 8 females with a mean age of 30 years. According to Enneking and Dunham pelvic classification system, there were: Type I‐3, Type I + IV‐3, Type I + II‐2, Type II + III‐4, Type I + II + III‐1, Type III‐1, and type I + II + IV‐5. All patients received chemotherapy.ResultsLocal recurrence rate was 26.3% (5/19). The 5‐year overall survival rate was 44.9%. Seventeen patients received reconstruction after tumor resection. The average MSTS 93 score was 18 (10–23) for the 11 patients with hemipelvic endoprosthetic reconstruction and 23 (20–25) for 6 patients with rod‐screw reconstruction. Complication was found in 7 of 19 patients (36.8%).ConclusionThe oncological results of pelvic osteosarcoma are poor at best. Even with a higher complication rate, we believe restoration of pelvic ring continuity and hip joint mobility is reasonable option to achieve favorable functional outcomes in selected patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:406–410. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stress‐Whitening of High‐Impact Poly(propylene): Characterization and Analysis
Authors: Liu Xuanbo , Guo Meifang , Wei Wenjun 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSummary: High‐impact isotactic polypropylene (hiPP) is a multiphase material and hiPP is susceptible to stress‐whitening (or blushing) when exposed to impact, tension etc. Stress‐whitening will influence the quality of the products. The object of this work is to find the factors influencing the resistance of stress whitening. Five reactor‐alloy hiPP samples were used. Stress whitening was characterized by Gardner‐type impact apparatus. Automated PP viscometer and xylence solubles analyzer (CrystEX), tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TMAFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize the samples. The stress‐whitening was found to be related with the following factors: 1.particle size of the dispersion phase (rubber phase), 2.composition of the dispersion phase, 3.crystallization in in the dispersion phase, 4.crystalline form of the matrix (iPP).
Effect of Ethylene‐Propylene Copolymer Composition on Morphology and Surface Properties of Impact Poly(propylene) Copolymer
Authors: Kim Soon‐Deok , Choi Yeonbeom , Choi Wonsook , Choi Changhyun , Chun Yong Sung 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSummary: Impact poly(propylene) copolymers (IPC) having various ethylene‐propylene rubber (EPR) compositions were prepared using a high activity Ziegler‐Natta catalyst. EPR composition was characterized by temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) analysis and FT‐IR spectroscopy. Effect of EPR composition on the morphology and surface properties of IPC was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 3D profiler, and gloss meter. Composition and amount of amorphous and crystalline EPR were quantified by TREF and found to be dependent on the ethylene content in EPR. From the SEM result, it was found EPR composition has a strong influence on its shape and size. IPCs containing propylene‐rich EPR exhibited a finer dispersion of EPR phase. The surface roughness decreased with decreasing ethylene content in EPR. The comparison of EPR composition and morphology and surface properties exhibited strong correlations.
Influence of modified natural rubber and structure of carbon black on properties of natural rubber compounds
Authors: Salaeh Subhan , Nakason Charoen 
Published: February 2012

AbstractCarbon black‐filled natural rubber composites were prepared using various types of natural rubber: unmodified natural rubber, epoxidized natural rubber with two levels of epoxy groups at 25 and 50 mol % [epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)‐25 and ENR‐50], and maleated natural rubber. Two types of carbon black (HAF and ECF) with different structure and surface area were used. The functional groups present in natural rubber and carbon black were characterized by FTIR and1H‐NMR. Furthermore, cure characteristics, mechanical, morphological, and electrical properties of composites and gum rubber compounds were investigated. It was found that the presence of polar functional groups in rubber molecules and the different structures of carbon black significantly affected the cure characteristics and mechanical properties. This is attributed to physical and chemical interactions between carbon black surfaces and rubber molecules. It was also found that natural rubber filled with ECF showed the highest Young's modulus and hardness, which is due to the high‐surface area and structure of the ECF causing an increase in the degree of entanglement between rubber chains and carbon black particles. Frequency dependency of the dielectric constant, loss tangent, and AC conductivity was also investigated. An increase in dielectric constant, loss tangent, and AC conductivity was observed in the ENR/ECF composites. High‐carbon black loading level caused network formation of these conductive particles, increasing the AC conductivity of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS. 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
About RC‐like contacts in deep level transient spectroscopy and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Lauwaert J. , Callens L. , Khelifi S. , Decock K. , Burgelman M. , Chirila A. , Pianezzi F. , Buecheler S. , Tiwari A. N. , Vrielinck H. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThe low temperature Deep‐Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) signal of two Cu(In, Ga)Se2 samples on glass with different buffer layers is subjected to a thorough study. A similar signal is observed in the DLTS and admittance spectra of many solar cells and is usually labeled as N1. The standard DLTS theory assumes the investigated device to be a Schottky or p–n diode with an ohmic back contact, and relates the spectral components to capture or emission of free carriers by defect levels in the structure. It is well‐known, though, that Cu(In, Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells deviate from this ideal structure. However, even for a device like this, where advanced numerical modeling is necessary to describe the equilibrium charge distribution as a function of applied bias, a change in the free carrier concentration at a certain position of the device as a result of capture or emission by deep defect levels should satisfy the detailed balance equation. The DLTS experiment performed with conventional and complemental settings for the reverse and pulse bias voltages (Vr < Vp < 0 and Vp < Vr < 0, respectively) exhibit characteristics that cannot be explained using free carrier transfer between deep levels—in the bulk or at an interface—and the conduction (electrons) or valence (holes) band of a semiconductor as a model. On the other hand, we show that for the solar cells studied here, the N1 signals follow the behavior predicted for a non‐ohmic RC‐like contact, as established in our recent paper (J. Lauwaert et al. Journal of Applied Physics 2011) closely. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimally invasive robotically assisted repair of atrial perforation from a pacemaker lead
Authors: Hussain Sara , Adams Corey , Mechulan Alexis , Leong‐Sit Peter , Kiaii Bob 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundWe present the first reported case of robotic‐assisted right atrial perforation repair and pacemaker lead extraction.MethodsA 75‐year‐old female with symptomatic sinus node dysfunction underwent atrial single chamber permanent pacemaker insertion via a persistent left superior vena cava approach. At one week follow‐up a chest radiograph and a computerized dynamic tomography demonstrated that the right atrial lead had perforated the right atrial free wall. The patient remained asymptomatic without signs of pericardial tamponade, however urgent repair was warranted.ResultsUtilizing the da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, California, USA), the pacer lead perforation was visualized, the lead retracted, and the right atrium repaired. The existing atrial lead was repositioned in the right atrial appendage.ConclusionThe patient's postoperative convalescence was uneventful, and she was discharged home on the third post‐operative day. This case demonstrates the increasing clinical utilization of robotic‐assisted technology in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transient growth associated with continuous spectra of the Batchelor vortex
Authors: Mao X. , Sherwin S. J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe spectrum of the Batchelor vortex can be broadly split into a discrete spectrum, a potential spectrum and a free-stream spectrum where, since the last two spectra are both continuous, they can also be considered as one continuous spectrum. The discrete spectrum has been extensively studied but the continuous spectrum has received limited attention in the context of vortex flow. A local transient growth study is conducted and the contribution of the discrete spectrum and the continuous spectrum to the transient growth is separated by constructing optimal perturbations on the discrete or continuous sub-eigenspaces separately. It is found that the significant transient growth is mainly due to the non-normality of the continuous eigenmodes/spectrum whilst the discrete eigenmodes/spectrum have little contribution to the transient energy growth. A matrix-free method, which reduces to the local analysis when appropriate periodic boundary conditions are imposed, is also applied to investigate the transient growth in both a plane of constant azimuthal angle and a plane constant axial location. Previously studies by other authors have demonstrated that at zero azimuthal wavenumber the transient growth reaches infinitely large values over infinite time intervals while the optimal perturbations are located far from the vortex core. Therefore we limited our scope to small values of the time horizon so as to obtain reasonably strong transient effects stemming from physically relevant optimal perturbations. Two mechanisms of transient growth are observed: namely a redistribution of the azimuthal velocity to the azimuthal vorticity and interaction between out-of-vortex-core structures with those within the vortex core. A direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the vortex perturbed by optimal perturbations is conducted to investigate the nonlinear development of the optimal perturbations. In the azimuthally constant decomposed case, it is found that the optimal perturbation induces a string of bubble structures to be generated as a consequence of the non-orthogonality of continuous eigenmodes and the breakdown bubble is induced by viscous diffusion, while in the axially constant decomposition transient growth analysis, it is observed that the optimal perturbations associated with the continuous eigenmodes drive the vortex to vibrate around the initial vortex centre before eventually returning to its original position at larger times. This transient effect provides a mechanism for the ‘vortex meandering’ observed in previous experimental and numerical studies. These optimal perturbations associated with the continuous spectrum with out-of-vortex-core structures are observed to be activated by anisotropic inflow perturbations in the potential region.
Sweet buttermilk intake reduces colonisation and translocation ofListeria monocytogenesin rats by inhibiting mucosal pathogen adherence
Authors: Sprong R. Corinne , Hulstein Marco F. E. , Lambers Tim T. , van der Meer Roelof 
Published: February 2012

The bovine milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) contains several antimicrobial components with proven efficacyin vitro, butin vivoevidence is scarce. The present study was performed to determine the efficacy of the bovine MFGMin vivo.Rats were fed diets based on bovine skimmed milk powder (low in MFGM) or bovine sweet buttermilk powder (high in MFGM). After dietary adaptation, rats were orally infected withSalmonella enteritidisorListeria monocytogenes.Whereas sweet buttermilk powder did not protect rats against infection withS. enteritidis, it protected againstL. monocytogenes, as shown by a lower colonisation and translocation of this pathogen. Protection coincided with higher listericidal capacity of gastric and caecal contents. The digestion products of phosphoglycerides and sphingomyelin are bactericidalin vitro.To study their role, rats were fed diets containing either 0·1 % phosphatidylcholine or sphingomyelin, or a control diet. After dietary adaptation, rats were infected withL. monocytogenes.SinceListeriacolonisation was not affected by these diets, phosphoglycerides and sphingomyelin are not involved in the protective effect of sweet buttermilk. Additionalin vitroexperiments were performed to further explore the mechanism of the beneficial effects of sweet buttermilk. Inhibition of the adherence ofL. monocytogenesto the intestinal mucosa is the most likely explanation, since sweet buttermilk powder inhibited the binding ofL. monocytogenesin both a haemagglutination assay and a Caco-2 cell adherence assay. In conclusion, sweet buttermilk powder, which is rich in MFGM, protects againstL. monocytogenesinfection in rats, probably by preventing adherence of this pathogen to the intestinal mucosa.
The generational contract in flux: intergenerational tensions in post-conflict Sierra Leone
Authors: Boersch-Supan Johanna 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTIntergenerational solidarity and reciprocity are fundamental building blocks of any society. Simultaneously, socio-generational groups constantly struggle for influence and authority. In Africa, disproportionately male, gerontocratic and patrimonial systems governing economic, social and political life lend a special explosiveness to the social cleavage of generation. This paper draws on the concept of the generational contract to explore whether Sierra Leone's civil war – labelled a ‘revolt of youth’ – catalysed changes in the power asymmetries between age groups. I argue that youth question fundamental norms of intergenerational relations, and challenge local governance structures demanding changes to the generational contract. Amidst a strong continuity of gerontocratic dominance and counter-strategies from elders, youth draw on organisational forms and a local human rights discourse to create spaces for contestation and negotiation. These openings hold potential for long-term rearrangements of societal relations.
Distribution and abundance of Darwin’s finches and other land birds on Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos: evidence for declining populations
Authors: Dvorak Michael , Fessl Birgit , Nemeth Erwin , Kleindorfer Sonia , Tebbich Sabine 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPopulation monitoring is a vital tool for conservation management and for testing hypotheses about population trends in changing environments. Darwin’s finches on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos archipelago have experienced habitat alteration because of human activity, introduced predators, parasites and disease. We used point counts to conduct systematic quantitative surveys of Darwin’s finches and other land birds between 1997 and 2010. The temporal analysis revealed that six of the nine species investigated declined significantly and that this decline was most pronounced at higher elevations in humid native forest and agricultural areas; the highland areas have been most affected by introduced species or direct human impact. Five of the six declining species are insectivorous, which suggests that changes in insect abundance or insect availability are a critical factor in the declines. Further study is required to test this idea. Other factors including habitat alteration and introduced parasites or pathogens may be contributing to the observed declines.
No pay, no care? A case study exploring motivations for participation in payments for ecosystem services in Uganda
Authors: Fisher Janet 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA key question in the literature on payments for ecosystem services (PES) is how payments incentivize conservation action and, in particular, how they interact with other motivations, including motivations for environmental stewardship. Related to this question are concerns about the temporal sustainability of PES: what happens when payments cease and whether a ‘no pay, no care’ environmental ethic is fostered. I present empirical research from a case study in western Uganda, where forest-adjacent communities are paid in exchange for planting trees on private lands, for carbon sequestration. The study demonstrates the range of values people have for trees in the landscape and the range of motivations for participating in PES schemes. However, the analysis shows that payments are clearly the main motivation for involvement, except in one area where people are more motivated by aesthetic and existence values for trees. Given the widespread importance of money in motivating involvement, I investigate the profitability of participation over time. This profitability analysis, in combination with qualitative data on perceptions of, and plans for, the future, contributes to understanding the temporal sustainability of PES. I draw on various strands of evidence to argue that the way participants prioritize payments may constitute a threat to the long-term maintenance of PES activities, particularly in situations such as in this case study, in which there is a mismatch between payments and contract length.
Divine will/divine command moral theories and the problem of arbitrariness
Authors: CARSON THOMAS L. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA well-known objection to divine will/divine command moral theories is that they commit us to the view that God's will is arbitrary. I argue that several versions of divine will/divine command moral theories, including two of Robert Adams's versions of the DCT and my own divine preference theory, can be successfully defended against this objection. I argue that, even if God's preferences are somewhat arbitrary,wehave reasons to conform our wills to them. It is not a fatal objection to divine will/divine command moral theories if they imply that God's will/God's commands is/are arbitrary, to some extent.
Understanding omnipotence
Authors: PEARCE KENNETH L. , PRUSS ALEXANDER R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAn omnipotent being would be a being whose power was unlimited. The power of human beings is limited in two distinct ways: we are limited with respect to our freedom of will, and we are limited in our ability to execute what we have willed. These two distinct sources of limitation suggest a simple definition of omnipotence: an omnipotent being is one that has both perfect freedom of will and perfect efficacy of will. In this article we further explicate this definition and show that it escapes the standard objections to divine omnipotence.
A Negative Stain for Electron Microscopic Tomography
Authors: Fera Andrea , Farrington Jane E. , Zimmerberg Joshua , Reese Thomas S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWhile negative staining can provide detailed, two-dimensional images of biological structures, the potential of combining tomography with negative staining to provide three-dimensional views has yet to be fully realized. Basic requirements of a negative stain for tomography are that the density and atomic number of the stain are optimal, and that the stain does not degrade or rearrange with the intensive electron dose (∼106 e/nm2) needed to collect a full set of tomographic images. A commercially available, tungsten-based stain appears to satisfy these prerequisites. Comparison of the surface structure of negatively stained influenza A virus with previous structural results served to evaluate this negative stain. The combination of many projections of the same structure yielded detailed images of single proteins on the viral surface. Corresponding surface renderings are a good fit to images of the viral surface derived from cryomicroscopy as well as to the shapes of crystallized surface proteins. Negative stain tomography with the appropriate stain yields detailed images of individual molecules in their normal setting on the surface of the influenza A virus.
Highly Reproducible Secondary Electron Imaging under Electron Irradiation Using High-Pass Energy Filtering in Low-Voltage Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Tsurumi Daisuke , Hamada Kotaro , Kawasaki Yuji 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe reproducibility of contrast in secondary electron (SE) imaging during continuous electron irradiation, which caused surface contamination, was investigated using SE high-pass energy filtering in low-voltage scanning electron microscopy (SEM). According to high-pass energy-filtered imaging, dopant contrast in an indium phosphide remained remarkably stable during continuous electron irradiation although the contrast in unfiltered SE images decreased rapidly as a contamination layer was formed. Charge neutralization and the SE energy distributions indicate that the contamination layer induces a positive charge. This results in a decrease of low-energy SE emissions and reduced dopant contrast in unfiltered SE images. The retention of contrast was also observed in high-pass energy-filtered images of a gold surface. These results suggest that this imaging method can be widely used when SE intensities decrease under continuous electron irradiation in unfiltered SE images. Thus, high-pass energy-filtered SE imaging will be of a great assistance for SEM users in the reproducibility of contrast such as a quantitative dopant mapping in semiconductors.