bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of different matrices and nanofillers on the rheological behavior of polymer‐clay nanocomposites
Authors: Botta Luigi , Scaffaro Roberto , La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Dintcheva Nadka Tzankova 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn this work, a comprehensive study of the rheological behavior under shear and isothermal and nonisothermal elongational flow of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) based nanocomposites was reported to evaluate their “filmability”, that is, the ability of these material to be processed for film forming applications. The influence of two different kinds of organoclay – namely Cloisite 15A and Cloisite 30B – and their concentration was evaluated. The presence of filler clearly affects the rheological behavior in oscillatory state of polyolefin‐based nanocomposites but the increase of complex viscosity and the shear thinning are not dramatic. A larger strain‐hardening effect in isothermal elongational flow is shown by the nanocomposites compared to that of the pure matrix, particularly for EVA based nanocomposites. The melt strength measured under nonisothermal elongational flow increases in the presence of the nanofiller, while the drawability is only slightly lower than that measured for the neat matrix. Moreover, the rheological behavior under nonisothermal elongational flow of EVA‐based nanocomposites is similar for both nanoclays used. Differently, LDPE‐based nanocomposites show a strong dependence on the type of organoclay. Finally, the mechanical properties of the materials were measured by tensile tests. They revealed that the presence of the filler provokes, in all the cases, an increase of the rigidity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 344–355, 2010
Potential surrogate endpoints in cancer research – some considerations and examples
Authors: Duffy S. W. , Treasure F. P. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe present an introductory survey of the use of surrogates in cancer research, in particular in clinical trials. The concept of a surrogate endpoint is introduced and contrasted with that of a biomarker. It is emphasized that a surrogate endpoint is not universal for an indication but will depend on the mechanism of treatment. We discuss the measures of validity of a surrogate and give examples of both cancer surrogates and biomarkers on the path to surrogacy. Circumstances in which a surrogate endpoint may actually be preferred to the clinical endpoint are described. We provide pointers to the recent substantive literature on surrogates. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A density functional theory study on the reactions of Y atom and Y+ cation with carbonyl sulfide
Authors: Dai Guo‐Liang , Wang Chuan‐Feng , Jin Yan‐Xian , Zhong Ai‐Guo 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe mechanism of the title reactions have been studied by using the DFT (B3LYP/ECP/6‐311+G*) level of theory. Both ground and excited state potential energy surfaces are discussed. It is found the reaction mechanism is insertion mechanism both along the CS and CO bond activation branches, but the CS bond activation is much more favorable in energy than the CO bond activation. The reaction of Y atom with SCO was shown to occur preferentially on the ground state (doublet) PES throughout the reaction process, and the experimentally observed species, have been explained according to the mechanism revealed in this work. Different from that of Y + SCO system, the reaction between Y+ cation and SCO involves potential energy curve‐crossing which dramatically affects reaction mechanism. Due to the intersystem crossing existing in the reaction process of Y+ with SCO, the intermediates SY+(η2CO) and OY+(η2CS) may not form. All our theoretical results not only support the existing conclusions inferred from early experiment, but also complement the pathway and mechanism for this reaction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
The Creative, Originative, and Useful Progress of Surge Arresters and Insulation Coordination for AC 66–1100 kV Power Systems Described in the IEEJ Technical Report No. 1132
Authors: Shirakawa S. , Kado H. , Watahiki S. , Hirano H. , Nakamura T. , Kobayashi T. , Fukumitsu H. , Shinohara Y. , Matsushita Y. , Ishizaki Y. , Ishibe S. , Watanabe H. , Kobayashi M. , Tsuge K. , Fukui H. , Ozaki Y. , Kawamura T. , Ishii M. , Kawaguchi Y. , Nishimura S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIt is essential to prove that the technology of metal (zinc) oxide surge arresters born in Japan is very creative, originative, and useful to insulation coordination for power systems. Surge arresters investigating R&D Committee of Japan have summarized ‘power technology of Japan through the experience of developments and applications of surge arresters—AC 3.3–1100 kV and HVDC 125–600 kV power systems’. This technical report No. 1132 describes lightning phenomena, manufacturing of ZnO elements, surge arresters and insulation coordination for AC 3.3–550 kV, 800 kV, 1100 kV substations, 22–500 kV transmission lines, power cables, HVDC 125–DC 600 kV systems, 6.6–33 kV distribution lines, 100–200 V surge protective devices, and maintenance methods. This paper describes that the creative, originative and useful progress of metal (zinc) oxide surge arresters contributes drastically to the insulation coordination for AC 66–1100 kV power systems. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Large fetal size in early pregnancy associated with macrosomia
Authors: Thorsell M. , Kaijser M. , Almström H. , Andolf E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo assess if fetal size at the time of ultrasound dating examination is associated with the risk of macrosomia and complications associated with macrosomia.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 19 377 singleton pregnancies dated in gestational weeks 16–20 during the period 1998–2004 at Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Obstetric outcome was assessed through linkage to the Swedish Medical Birth Register.ResultsWhen fetuses were ≥ 7 days larger than expected at dating, compared with the expected size according to last menstrual period, there was a 59% increase in the risk of birth weight ≥ 4500 g and a 145% increase in the risk of birth weight ≥ 5000 g (odds ratio (OR), 1.59; 95% CI, 1.12–2.24 and OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.22–4.90, respectively). For a birth weight of ≥ 4000 g the risk estimate was 1.19 (95% CI, 0.96–1.47).ConclusionFetuses that are larger than expected in the second trimester have an increased risk of macrosomia. This emphasizes that fetal size in early pregnancy is not only a function of gestational duration, but also of fetal growth. However, only a limited proportion of all infants born macrosomic can be identified as such at the time of ultrasound dating. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of cyst content using mean gray value for discriminating endometrioma from other unilocular cysts in premenopausal women
Authors: Alcázar J. L. , León M. , Galván R. , Guerriero S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether the analysis of cyst content using mean gray value (MGV) can discriminate ovarian endometriomas from other unilocular ovarian cysts in premenopausal women.MethodsStored three‐dimensional (3D) volumes from 54 unilocular ovarian cysts diagnosed in 50 premenopausal women (mean age, 37 (range, 22–50) years) were analyzed to calculate the MGV from cyst content. Cysts with solid components or septations were excluded. MGV was calculated in all cases with the Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis™ technique. The B‐mode presumptive diagnosis based on the examiner's subjective impression was also recorded.ResultsSixteen of the cysts resolved spontaneously and were given a final clinical diagnosis of hemorrhagic functional cyst, while 38 cysts were removed surgically (diagnosed histologically as seven simple cysts, three hemorrhagic cysts, 20 endometriomas, five mucinous cysts and three paraovarian cysts). B‐mode diagnoses were as follows: seven simple cysts, 18 hemorrhagic cysts, 24 endometriomas, three mucinous cysts and two paraovarian cysts. MGV was significantly higher in ovarian endometrioma when compared with all other kinds of cyst. The receiver–operating characteristics curve showed that using an MGV cut‐off ≥ 15.560 had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 76.5% for diagnosing ovarian endometrioma (area under the curve, 0.831; 95% CI, 0.718–0.944). These figures were similar to those for B‐mode diagnosis (sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 82%) (McNemar test, P = 1.000). Combining B‐mode and MGV gave a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 91%.ConclusionCyst content MGV is higher in ovarian endometrioma than it is in other unilocular ovarian cysts. The diagnostic performance of MGV is similar to that of the examiner's subjective impression. The combination of both criteria achieves the highest specificity. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactive power compensation and active filtering capability of WECS with DFIG without any over‐rating
Authors: Gaillard Arnaud , Poure Philippe , Saadate Sharokh 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper presents a novel approach for reactive power compensation and active filtering capability of a variable speed wind energy conversion system (WECS) with doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), without any over‐rating. First, the WECS is capable of capturing maximum wind power under fluctuating wind speed. Second, depending on the available wind power value versus nominal WECS power, power quality can be improved by compensating the reactive power and the grid harmonic currents, without any system over‐rating. The proposed rotor side converter (RSC) control manages the WECS function's priorities, between main active power generation and power quality management. To ensure high filtering performances, we used an improved harmonic isolator in the time domain, based on a selective pass band filter (SPBF) developed in our laboratory. Moreover, we took advantage of the high amplification effect of the rotor side‐controlled DFIG to compensate harmonic currents. Consequently, no over‐rating is necessary for the proposed additional active filtering capability. Simulation results for a 2 MW WECS with DFIG confirm the effectiveness and the performances of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calculation of electromagnetic induction inside a wind turbine tower struck by lightning
Authors: Xiaohui Wang , Zhang Xiaoqing 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAn efficient algorithm is described in this paper for calculating the magnetic transient effects in a wind turbine tower struck by lightning. An electrical network model of the tower is established to compute the transient responses on its surface, and the electrical parameters of the network are determined considering the effect of ground. Based on the transient current responses along the tower conductors, the evaluation of magnetic field distribution is presented directly in time domain, and the transient overvoltage induced in a loop is also calculated according to the law of electromagnetic induction. The results are helpful in determining possible hazards and designing lightning protection systems. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A low-cost, endoscopic, digital, still and video photography system for ENT clinics
Authors: Howes B W , Repanos C 
Published: December 2009

AbstractImage capture systems that display and record endoscopic images are important for documentation and teaching. We have modified a universal serial bus microscope to couple with most clinical endoscopes used in our practice. This very economical device produces images suitable for teaching, and potentially for clinical use. The implications of this could be significant for teaching, patient education, documentation and the developing world.
The influence of human settlements on the parasite community in two species of Peruvian tamarin
Authors: WENZ A. , HEYMANN E. W. , PETNEY T. N. , TARASCHEWSKI H. F. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYAlthough there is a growing recognition that the transfer of diseases between humans and non-human primates can be of great significance for conservation biology, there have been only a few studies focusing on parasites. In this study, saddleback (Saguinus fuscicollis) and moustached tamarin (Saguinus mystax) from the rainforest of the Peruvian lowlands were used as models to determine helminth parasite associations between canopy-dwelling primate species and a nearby human settlement. The human population showed high prevalences of infestation with a number of nematodes, includingAscaris lumbricoides(88·9%),Trichuris trichiura(37%) and hookworms (55·6%). However, the ova of these geohelminths were not detectable in tamarin faeces. Thus, no direct parasite transfer from humans to non-human primates could be documented. However, tamarin groups with more frequent contact to humans and their facilities had significantly higher prevalences and egg output ofProsthenorchis elegans, an important primate pathogen, than a forest group. In contrast, a cestode was significantly more common with more egg output in sylvatic than in human-associated groups. Human alteration of the habitat is likely to play a major role in determining the occurrence, prevalence and intensity of helminth infestation of wild non-human primates.
Contrasting detachment strategies in two congeneric ticks (Ixodidae) parasitizing the same songbird
Authors: HEYLEN D. J. A. , MATTHYSEN E. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYIn non-permanent parasites the separation from the host should take place in suitable habitats that allow the continuation of their life cycle. Furthermore, detachment strategies determine the parasites' dispersal capability, a characteristic on which epidemiological dynamics and the evolution of host specificity centre. In this study we experimentally investigate in the laboratory how 2 congeneric tick species, with contrasting habitat requirements, time detachment from one of their current songbird hosts (Parus major).Ixodes arboricolais a nidicolous tick, infesting bats and birds breeding or roosting in tree holes.Ixodes ricinusis a non-nidicolous generalist that parasitizes mammals, birds and even reptiles. We experimentally infested full-grown great tits,P. major, and found thatI. arboricoladetaches during the night, the moment whenP. majorsleeps in tree holes. In contrast,I. ricinusdetaches during the day, the moment when birds are most active. In addition we found that allI. ricinusimmatures left the birds within 5.5 days, while inI. arboricolathe detachment time was long (up to 20 days) and highly variable. We discuss these findings with respect to their implications on the ticks' dispersal capability and host specificity.
Inhibitory effects of (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate from green tea on the growth of Babesia parasites
Authors: ABOULAILA M. , YOKOYAMA N. , IGARASHI I. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARY(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major tea catechin and accounts for 50–80% of the total catechin in green tea. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and anti-trypanocidal activities. This report describes the inhibitory effect of (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate on the in vitro growth of bovine Babesia parasites and the in vivo growth of the mouse-adapted rodent babesia B. microti. The in vitro growth of the Babesia species was significantly (P<0·05) inhibited in the presence of micromolar concentrations of EGCG (IC50 values=18 and 25 μM for B. bovis, and B. bigemina, respectively). The parasites showed no re-growth at 25 μM for B. bovis and B. bigemina in the subsequent viability test. The drug significantly (P<0·05) inhibited the growth of B. microti at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight, and the parasites completely cleared on day 14 and 16 post-inoculation in the 5 and 10 mg/kg treated groups, respectively. These findings highlight the potentiality of (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate as a chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of babesiosis.
Single-particle reconstruction of biological macromolecules in electron microscopy – 30 years
Authors: Frank Joachim 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis essay gives the autho's personal account on the development of concepts underlying single-particle reconstruction, a technique in electron microscopy of macromolecular assemblies with a remarkable record of achievements as of late. The ribosome proved to be an ideal testing ground for the development of specimen preparation methods, cryo-EM techniques, and algorithms, with discoveries along the way as a rich reward. Increasingly, cryo-EM and single-particle reconstruction, in combination with classification techniques, is revealing dynamic information on functional molecular machines uninhibited by molecular contacts.
Elongation in translation as a dynamic interaction among the ribosome, tRNA, and elongation factors EF-G and EF-Tu
Authors: Agirrezabala Xabier , Frank Joachim 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe ribosome is a complex macromolecular machine that translates the message encoded in the messenger RNA and synthesizes polypeptides by linking the individual amino acids carried by the cognate transfer RNAs (tRNAs). The protein elongation cycle, during which the tRNAs traverse the ribosome in a coordinated manner along a path of more than 100 Å, is facilitated by large-scale rearrangements of the ribosome. These rearrangements go hand in hand with conformational changes of tRNA as well as elongation factors EF-Tu and EF-G – GTPases that catalyze tRNA delivery and translocation, respectively. This review focuses on the structural data related to the dynamics of the ribosomal machinery, which are the basis, in conjunction with existing biochemical, kinetic, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer data, of our knowledge of the decoding and translocation steps of protein elongation.
Rethinking the acquisition of relative clauses in Italian: towards a grammatically based account
Authors: ADANI FLAVIA 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTIn a number of studies, the acquisition of restrictive relative clauses (RCs) shows contrasting findings regarding comprehension and production, with the former usually delayed up to the age of five. As previously claimed in the literature, we suggest that this delay is a task artifact and we present a new procedure for the assessment of restrictive RCs. Data from three- to seven-year-old Italian children were collected and results show that children understand object RCs with preverbal subject in an adult-like manner at four years of age, but some of the three-year-old children were already above chance. Subject relatives show at ceiling performance from three years of age. We consider our results as evidence of continuity between early and adult competence grammars. Children's non-target responses are interpreted as grammatical options exploited by an immature performance system.
Dignity: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Still Counting
Authors: SCHROEDER DORIS 
Published: December 2009

“Dissecting Bioethics,” edited by Tuija Takala and Matti Häyry, welcomes contributions on the conceptual and theoretical dimensions of bioethics.The section is dedicated to the idea that words defined by bioethicists and others should not be allowed to imprison people's actual concerns, emotions, and thoughts. Papers that expose the many meanings of a concept, describe the different readings of a moral doctrine, or provide an alternative angle to seemingly self-evident issues are therefore particularly appreciated.The themes covered in the section so far include dignity, naturalness, public interest, community, disability, autonomy, parity of reasoning, symbolic appeals, and toleration.All submitted papers are peer reviewed. To submit a paper or to discuss a suitable topic, contact Tuija Takala at tuija.takala@helsinki.fi.
Optimising waiting: a view from the English National Health Service
Authors: Harrison Anthony J. , Appleby John 
Published: December 2009

AbstractRecent authors have proposed that waiting times for elective treatment should be reduced to the point where the costs of doing so exceed the benefits. This paper considers how this criterion could be put into effect. Taking benefits first it argues that these could be estimated in three different ways – social cost benefit, clinical and user valuation – that would not necessarily produce consistent results and hence a choice has to be made between them. It then considers the costs of reducing waits and argues, citing relevant evidence, that these may range widely according to whether or not reductions can be achieved through simple management measures or whether more long-term capacity is required. It concludes therefore that the apparently simple criterion proposed for defining the point where waiting times are optimal is hard to establish. Choice of criterion must be made in the light of the overall values that a given health care system is intended to promote.
Assessment of the potential risk of infection associated with Clostridium difficile from porcine xenografts
Authors: Bakri Marwah M. , Sutherland Alistair D. , Brown Derek J. , Vesely Pavel , Crossan Claire , Scobie Linda 
Published: December 2009

Bakri MM, Sutherland AD, Brown DJ, Vesely P, Crossan C, Scobie L. Assessment of the potential risk of infection associated with Clostridium difficile from porcine xenografts. Xenotransplantation 2009; 16: 472–476. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  There are numerous concerns over the potential for transfer of pathogens between species during clinical xenotransplantation, and although current clinical application is limited, porcine xenografts have been previously used to treat patients with severe burns. Donor animals providing the xenografts are sourced from a healthy commercial herd, however, as pigs are a known source of zoonotic agents, a number of diseases are required to be excluded from pigs used for xenotransplantation purposes. Many studies have indicated the relevance of viral zoonoses, however, little has been done with regard to the potential for transfer of pathogens related to health care associated infections. Clostridium difficile is a major cause of neonatal enteritis in pigs and an important feature of this organism is that pigs can be asymptomatic carriers. This study has examined the incidence of C. difficile PCR ribotypes present in healthy donor pigs to determine if pig faeces, and in particular, contamination of skin with faecal matter, is a potential route for the transfer of C. difficile. Animals were found to have human ribotype 017 present in the faecal matter, however, no C. difficile was isolated from skin samples taken from the same animals. In addition, due to the risk factors associated with C. difficile infection, the antimicrobial susceptibility of the C. difficile isolates has been determined.