bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Processability and mechanical properties of commercial PVC plastisols containing low‐environmental‐impact plasticizers
Authors: Persico Paola , Ambrogi Veronica , Acierno Domenico , Carfagna Cosimo 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPreliminary results are presented concerning the use of less‐toxic plasticizers such as dioctyl adipate (DOA) and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) in plastisol formulations for rotational molding technology. The DOA and ATBC plasticizers have been studied by comparing the effects of their content, molecular architecture, and polarity on the rheological behavior of liquid plastic systems and on the mechanical properties of the ultimate products prepared with PVCs having different particle sizes and molecular‐weight distributions. Rheological tests have confirmed the differences in solvent power of the diethylhexyl phthalate (DOP), DOA, and ATBC plasticizers. The glass transition temperatures measured on rotomolded samples have shown that the use of ATBC leads to a more nearly rigid system as a consequence of the branched structure and polarity of this plasticizer when compared with DOA. Mechanical tests carried out on final products after natural and forced environmental aging revealed a slight decrease in their performance. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermal stabilization of poly(vinyl chloride) by hydrotalcites, zeolites, and conventional stabilizers
Authors: Gupta Savita , Agarwal D.D. , Banerjee Susanta 
Published: July 2009

AbstractUnwanted discoloration and degradation of Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) at processing temperatures is a matter of concern to the industrial community. Many formulations have been suggested, but to meet environmental regulations and today's market demand, a new combination of stabilizers has been designed in order to explore the probable mechanism of stabilization. A combination of hydrotalcite, zeolite, calcium stearate, and magnesium acetylacetonate is proposed. Thermal behavior in terms of released HCl and visual color examination for color stability have been investigated. Results indicate that both hydrotalcite and zeolite behave as long‐term stabilizers. In a PVC formulation having 2 phr of hydrotalcite or zeolite, the evolution times for 2 mmol of HCl were 497 and 337 min, respectively, at 180°C, but when a part of these stabilizers was replaced by some other stabilizer, a noticeable change in HCl evolution time was observed. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ligand Exchange Processes on Solvated Zinc Cations – DFT Analysis of Hydrogen Cyanide Exchange on [Zn(HCN)6]2+
Authors: Alzoubi Basam M. , Puchta Ralph , van Eldik Rudi 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe mechanisms for hydrogen cyanide exchange on [Zn(HCN)6]2+ were studied using density functional theory (B3LYP/6‐311+G**), and showed that the limiting dissociative (D) pathway is more favorable than the associative interchange (Ia) mechanism. The activation barrier for the dissociative mechanism (7 kcal·mol–1) is clearly lower than for the interchange mechanism (15.9 kcal·mol–1).
Video‐Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) Compares Favorably with Thoracotomy for the Treatment of Lung Cancer: A Five‐Year Outcome Comparison
Authors: Yang Xueying , Wang Shumin , Qu Jiaqi 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundAlthough video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy has been demonstrated to be safe and technically feasible, it is infrequently performed in most Chinese hospitals and few thoracic surgeons have performed the operation. We have therefore reviewed our experience with all VATS lobectomies, attempting to define long‐ and short‐term outcomes of these surgeries.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the results in patients who underwent VATS lobectomy and open lobectomy between March 1996 and August 2003. The VATS surgery was performed with the endoscopic hilar dissection technique. Perioperative data were collected and long‐term outcomes were assessed by 5‐year census.ResultsWe successfully performed VATS procedures in 113 of 120 patients. The median operative time was 152 min and the median hospitalization was 8.6 days. The median operative blood loss was 130 ml and the median drainage time was 3.5 days. The operative and perioperative (30‐day) mortality rates were 0% and 0.9%, respectively; the postoperative complications rate was 10.6%. The 5‐year overall survival rates for stage I, stage II, and stage III or greater non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), secondary pulmonary malignancy, and benign disease were 79.1%, 45.5%, 22.2%, 33.3%, and 88.6%, respectively.ConclusionsVideo‐assisted lobectomy is a safe and feasible surgical procedure, and it gives the same long‐term results as conventional open lobectomy. The VATS approach to lobectomy is a beneficial alternative to standard thoracotomy for selected cases of pulmonary lesions.
A Randomized, Clinical Trial of Frozen Versus Standard Nasogastric Tube Placement
Authors: Chun Duk‐Hee , Kim Na Young , Shin Yang‐Sik , Kim Soo Hwan 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundInsertion of a nasogastric tube (NGT) in an anesthetized, paralyzed, and intubated patient is difficult, and many methods have been proposed to aid in the procedure. We present a simple insertion technique.MethodsA silicone NGT was made rigid by filling it with distilled water and freezing it. Patients were randomized into either the control or the frozen group, and an NGT was inserted after intubation.ResultsA total of 100 patients (50 in each group) were included in this study. The success rate increased significantly by making the tube more rigid (control:frozen = 58%:88%; p = 0.001). There was no difference between groups in the incidence of nasal bleeding.ConclusionsA simple method of freezing an NGT with distilled water increased the success rate of insertion for intubated patients.
Functional Properties of Soy Protein Isolates Produced from Ultrasonicated Defatted Soy Flakes
Authors: Karki Bishnu , Lamsal Buddhi P. , Grewell David , Pometto Anthony L. , van Leeuwen J. , Khanal Samir K. , Jung Stephanie 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the effect of pretreating defatted soy flakes with ultrasound on soy protein isolate (SPI) yield and functionality. Defatted soy flakes dispersed into water (16%, w/w) were sonicated for 30, 60 and 120 s at ultrasonic amplitudes of 21 and 84 µmpp (peak to peak amplitude in µm), representing low and high power, respectively. The power densities were 0.30 and 2.56 W mL−1, respectively. The SPI yield increased by 13 and 34%, after sonication for 120 s at low and high power, respectively. The sonication of defatted soy flakes for 120 s at the higher power level improved the SPI solubility by 34% at pH 7.0, while decreasing emulsification and foaming capacities by 12 and 26%, respectively, when compared to control SPI. Rheological behavior of the SPI was also modified with significant loss in consistency coefficient due to sonication. Some of these results could be explained by the loss of the protein native state with increased sonication time and power.
Orbital Hemangiopericytoma — A Case Report
Authors: Lee Yang‐Chen , Wang Jyh‐Seng , Shyu Jeng‐Shyong 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA 50‐year‐old male presented with progressive proptosis in the right eye for 10 years. Decreased visual acuity to hand‐motion level was also noted. Orbital computed tomography revealed a large homogenously enhanced mass lesion in the right retrobulbar region with optic nerve compression. The remainder of the ocular examination was normal, except for right mature cataract. The tumor was completely removed through lateral orbitotomy. Histologic findings showed a picture of hemangiopericytoma. One month after cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation in the right eye, the patient had restored vision. Through 2 years' follow‐up, no more orbital tumor was noted. Orbital hemangiopericytoma may have potentially malignant behavior, and a high local recurrence rate if incompletely excised. Complete, intact removal prevents tumor recurrence and provides a good result.
Minorities and majorities in the Middle East
Authors: Kedourie Elie 
Published: July 2009

Minority and majority are correlative terms: to say the one necessarily implies the other.The notion of minority and majority has for a long time now been part of the Western political vocabulary. How did this happen ? It is a natural question to ask since neither the Latin words from which they are derived, i.e., minor and maior, nor their particular derivations in various European languages originally had a political bearing or implication. In English (and French) for instance minority and majority indicated simply the age of a person, having regard to issues of legal competence. A minor could not act in his own behalf. In due coursethe minor will be able so to act, and we then say that he has attained his majority.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a glutathioneS-transferase in the tropical liver fluke,Fasciola gigantica
Authors: Jedeppa A. , Raina O.K. , Samanta S. , Nagar G. , Kumar N. , Varghese A. , Gupta S.C. , Banerjee P.S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractGlutathioneS-transferase from an Indian isolate ofFasciola giganticaof buffalo origin was isolated and characterized. Total RNA was transcribed to cDNA by reverse transcription and an amplicon of 657 bp glutathioneS-transferase gene was obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The present isolate showed 99.1% sequence homology with the published sequence of theF. giganticaGSTgene of cattle origin, with six nucleotide changes causing an overall change of four amino acids. GlutathioneS-transferase protein was expressed inEscherichia coliusing a prokaryotic expression vector pPROEXHTb. The recombinant protein was purified under non-denaturing and denaturing conditions by nickel nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) affinity chromatography. Recombinant GST protein detectedF. giganticainfection in naturally infected buffaloes by dot-ELISA.
Variation in the morphometrics of diplostomid metacercariae (Digenea: Trematoda) infecting the catfish, Clarias gariepinus in Tanzania
Authors: Chibwana F.D. , Nkwengulila G. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractDiplostomum species are economically important worldwide due to their metacercariae which parasitize the eyes of fish, in both natural and aquaculture systems. However, their striking morphological similarity, especially at the metacercarial stage, makes species separation difficult. Three closely related diplostomid metacercariae, namely Diplostomum mashonense (type 3), Tylodelphys sp. 1 and 2 (type 1 and 2, respectively), coexist in the cranial cavity of the catfish, Clarias gariepinus from Mindu dam, Lake Victoria, Msimbazi, Ruvu and Kilombero rivers. The morphometrics of these three species were analysed by discriminant function analysis to investigate the degree of variation among the populations from the five localities sampled. The first canonical functions for all visual examination plots accounted for over 50% of the between-group variability. The observed differences were mainly from measurements associated with length, indicating that these measurements are important in the description of population characteristics. Visual examination of the samples along the canonical functions showed a clear between-population differentiation. The overall random assignment of individuals into their original groups was high (97%). These extensive morphometric variations introduce doubt about the reliability of measurements in the determination of species in these trematodes, as they may lead to misidentifications.
Interspecific cetacean interactions during the breeding season of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) on the north coast of Bahia State, Brazil
Authors: Rossi-Santos Marcos R. , Santos-Neto Elitieri , Baracho Clarêncio G. 
Published: July 2009

The large majority of cetacean interspecific studies report only on dolphin interactions, while studies on interactions between odontocete and mysticete are less common. The present work aims to report on sightings of cetacean interactions, during the breeding season of humpback whales(Megaptera novaeangliae), along 370 km of the Bahia State, north-eastern Brazil, addressing aspects of cetacean distribution and behaviour. During 7 seasons (2000–2006), a total of 230 research cruises were performed, in which 38 events of interactions among humpback whales and other cetaceans(Tursiops truncatus, Steno bredanensis, Peponocephala electraandBalaenoptera acutorostrata)were observed, plus another 5 encounters without the whale's presence, includingT. truncatus, S. bredanensis, P. electra, Stenella clymeneandStenella attenuata. Our results confirm the occurrence of multiple cetacean species in the Bahia State, being the first study in the world to report on a large range of interactions involving another 4 cetacean species, grouped with up to 3 mixed species per sighting, with humpback whales in their annual breeding ground.
Subliminal fear priming potentiates negative facial reactions to food pictures in women with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Soussignan R. , Jiang T. , Rigaud D. , Royet J. P. , Schaal B. 
Published: July 2009

BackgroundTo investigate hedonic reactivity and the influence of unconscious emotional processes on the low sensitivity to positive reinforcement of food in anorexia nervosa (AN).MethodAN and healthy women were exposed to palatable food pictures just after a subliminal exposure to facial expressions (happy, disgust, fear and neutral faces), either while fasting or after a standardized meal (hungerversussatiety). Both implicit [facial electromyographic (EMG) activity from zygomatic and corrugator muscles, skin conductance, heart rate, and videotaped facial behavior] and explicit (self-reported pleasure and desire) measures of affective processes were recorded.ResultsIn contrast to healthy women, the AN patients did not display objective and subjective indices of pleasure to food pictures when they were in the hunger states. Pleasure to food cues (liking) was more affected than the desire to eat (wanting) in AN patients. Subliminal ‘fear faces’ increased corrugator muscle reactivity to food stimuli in fasting AN patients, as compared to controls.ConclusionsThe results suggest that unconscious fear cues increase the negative appraisal of alimentary stimuli in AN patients and thus contribute to decreased energy intake.
Crossed products by abelian semigroups via transfer operators
Authors: LARSEN NADIA S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe propose a generalization of Exel’s crossed product by a single endomorphism and a transfer operator to the case of actions of abelian semigroups of endomorphisms and associated transfer operators. The motivating example for our definition yields new crossed products, not obviously covered by familiar theory. Our technical machinery builds on Fowler’s theory of Toeplitz and Cuntz–Pimsner algebras of discrete product systems of Hilbert bimodules, which we need to expand to cover a natural notion of relative Cuntz–Pimsner algebras of product systems.
Lattice orbit distribution on ℝ2
Authors: NOGUEIRA ARNALDO 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe study the distribution on ℝ2of the orbit of a vector under the linear action of SL(2,ℤ). Let Ω⊂ℝ2be a compact set andx∈ℝ2. LetN(k,x) be the number of matricesγ∈SL(2,ℤ) such thatγ(x)∈Ω and ‖γ‖≤k,k=1,2,…. If Ω is a square, we prove the existence of an absolute error term forN(k,x), ask→∞, for almost everyx, which depends on the Diophantine property of the ratio of the coordinates ofx. Our approach translates the question into a Diophantine approximation counting problem which provides the absolute error term. The asymptotical behaviour ofN(k,x) is also obtained using ergodic theory.
Perspectives on the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's recommendations to use health technologies only in research
Authors: Dhalla Irfan A. , Garner Sarah , Chalkidou Kalipso , Littlejohns Peter 
Published: July 2009

Background:The concept of using public funds to pay for healthcare interventions only when provided in the context of ongoing research is receiving increasing attention worldwide. Nevertheless, these decisions are often controversial and implementation can be problematic.Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the views of United Kingdom stakeholders on the current arrangements for implementing “only in research” (OIR) decisions and to investigate how improvements might be made.Methods:After an internal review of previous OIR decisions issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), deliberations by NICE's Citizens Council, and an international workshop convened by NICE and the United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, thirteen key stakeholders and experts from academia, industry, government, and the National Health Service (NHS) were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. Interview transcripts were subjected to a framework-based analysis using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software.Results:All interviewees endorsed the use of the OIR option. There was a high degree of consensus for several suggestions regarding how the use of the OIR option might be improved. For example, there was universal agreement that a formal process should be established to prioritize research needs arising from OIR decisions and that funds for publicly funded research projects should be channeled in a manner that would better motivate healthcare providers to participate in OIR-related research.Conclusions:The findings of this study suggest several potential modifications of the OIR pathway in the United Kingdom and may also be helpful to health technology assessment agencies in other countries that already use or are considering using an OIR-like option to reduce the uncertainty inherent in health technology assessment.
Methods, procedures, and contextual characteristics of health technology assessment and health policy decision making: Comparison of health technology assessment agencies in Germany, United Kingdom, France, and Sweden
Authors: Schwarzer Ruth , Siebert Uwe 
Published: July 2009

Objectives:The objectives of this study were (i) to develop a systematic framework for describing and comparing different features of health technology assessment (HTA) agencies, (ii) to identify and describe similarities and differences between the agencies, and (iii) to draw conclusions both for producers and users of HTA in research, policy, and practice.Methods:We performed a systematic literature search, added information from HTA agencies, and developed a conceptual framework comprising eight main domains: organization, scope, processes, methods, dissemination, decision, implementation, and impact. We grouped relevant items of these domains in an evidence table and chose five HTA agencies to test our framework:DAHTA@DIMDI, HAS, IQWiG, NICE, and SBU. Item and domain similarity was assessed using the percentage of identical characteristics in pairwise comparisons across agencies. Results were interpreted across agencies by demonstrating similarities and differences.Results:Based on 306 included documents, we identified 90 characteristics of eight main domains appropriate for our framework. After applying the framework to the five agencies, we were able to show 40 percent similarities in “dissemination,” 38 percent in “scope,” 35 percent in “organization,” 29 percent in “methods,” 26 percent in “processes,” 23 percent in “impact,” 19 percent in “decision,” and 17 percent in “implementation.”Conclusion:We found considerably more differences than similarities of HTA features across agencies and countries. Our framework and comparison provides insights and clarification into the need for harmonization. Our findings could serve as descriptive database facilitating communication between producers and users.
Wireless capsule endoscopy in Italy: Adding context-specific data to the review of the evidence from literature
Authors: Lo Scalzo Alessandra , Ratti Marco , Jefferson Tom , Bernardini Fabio , Cerbo Marina 
Published: July 2009

Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess the evidence of diagnostic accuracy of the wireless capsule for endoscopy (WCE) for the diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) and small bowel disease in adults and translate it to the context of the Italian National Health Service.Methods:We performed a systematic review of secondary and primary literature. We reviewed WCE diagnostic accuracy, safety, economic evaluations for OGIB. Context-specific data about WCE diffusion, costs, appropriateness of WCE use were collected by means of a national survey involving all Italian gastroenterological departments.Results:We updated the systematic review of the most recent health technology assessment report (2006). Our review shows lack of robust comparative evidence of diagnostic accuracy of WCE. The studies' design do not allow collection of reliable evidence due to the uncertainty surrounding morphological variability of bleeding vascular gut lesions. The national survey reported widespread WCE use and data on appropriateness and costs.Conclusions:Evidence of WCE diagnostic accuracy is of low quality, and there is a requirement for randomized comparisons. Our findings raise the issue of technology governance and show the importance of an assessment before the technology being widely commercialized.
Inadequate reporting of trials compromises the applicability of systematic reviews
Authors: Gartlehner Gerald , Thieda Patricia , Hansen Richard A. , Morgan Laura C. , Shumate Janelle A. , Nissman Daniel B. 
Published: July 2009

Background:Uncertainty about the applicability of controlled trial findings is an increasing concern for clinicians and policy decision makers. This study aimed to determine whether information reported in studies included in systematic reviews was adequate enough to assess their applicability.Methods:We used the databases of four recently conducted systematic reviews on the comparative efficacy and safety of second-generation antidepressants, inhaled corticosteroids, Alzheimer's drugs, and targeted immune modulators. We developed and pilot-tested a questionnaire to assess the adequacy of reporting with respect to seven previously validated criteria of study design that distinguish explanatory from pragmatic studies. For each of the 137 included studies, two reviewers independently assessed the adequacy of reporting.Results:Overall, only 12 percent of the included studies provided sufficient information to reliably distinguish explanatory from pragmatic studies. The areas with the greatest lack of reporting were the setting of the study, methods of adverse event assessment, and sample size considerations to determine a minimally important difference from a patient perspective.Conclusions:Substantial shortcomings in reporting exist in aspects of study design important to determine whether a study is applicable to specific populations of interest.