bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reiseapotheke für die Tropen. Gesundbleiben bei Fernreisen ist mehr als Glück
Authors: Stich August 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDie Sorge um ihre Gesundheit verfolgt viele bei den Vorbereitungen einer Tropenreise. Manch einer fürchtet, sich im Urlaub gegen Angriffe von Giftschlangen oder alle Arten exotischer Krankheitserreger wappnen zu müssen. Die meisten dieser Befürchtungen lassen sich leicht entkräften.
Direct visual control on cord coagulation using a fetoscopy‐guided bipolar forceps. Description of a new technique
Authors: Yamamoto Masami , Barki Gerard , Ville Yves 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveWe describe a new technique to achieve permanent umbilical cord occlusion.MethodsA 3 mm in diameter bipolar diathermy forceps was built to house a 1.2 mm fetoscope, emerging between the blades of the forceps. The device can be inserted percutaneously through a 10 Fr Trocar into the amniotic cavity under local analgesia and ultrasound guidance. A monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancy with a twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence at 18 weeks of gestation underwent cord occlusion of the acardiac twin using this new device in 2004.ResultsThe instrument allowed cord coagulation under direct visual control. The pregnancy continued until 33 weeks of gestation when a male infant of 1980 g was delivered by cesarean section following preterm labor.ConclusionThis new instrument might allow easier access to the cord and reduce operation time by direct visualization of the targe and, therefore, improve the outcome after the procedure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spherical calcium phosphate nanoparticle fillers allow polymer processing of bone fixation devices with high bioactivity
Authors: Mohn Dirk , Ege Duygu , Feldman Kirill , Schneider Oliver D. , Imfeld Thomas , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Stark Wendelin J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTreatment of bone defects generally requires a fixation device. Biodegradable implants can often prevent second operations in contrast to metallic implants that are surgically removed after healing. In this study, we investigate the preparation of a bone fixation device with additional bioactivity by adding nanoparticulate amorphous tricalcium phosphate (ATCP) to improve bonding to bone. Medically approved poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) and spherical (ATCP) nanoparticles were blended directly or through a two‐step approach, where ATCP was first dispersed in PLGA by solvent casting, extruded and hot pressed producing blocks and bone screws. The latter route yielded good particle dispersion while blending alone led to inhomogeneous mixtures. Samples were immersed in simulated body fluid and showed rapid formation of surface hydroxyapatite layers (examined by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy) already after 3 days, thus confirming very high bioactivity. Polymer degradation during processing and upon simulated implantation conditions was followed by gel permeation chromatography. The elevated temperature during extrusion was the strongest single factor contributing to PLGA degradation. Screws could be machined out of extruded cylinders and demonstrated the ability to process PLGA/ATCP 90/10 composites with regular workshop tools. These properties suggest the use of such composites as improved, bioactive, and degradable bone fixation systems particularly in oral and maxillofacial surgery. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of sawdust surface treatment and compatibilizer addition on mechanical behavior, morphology, and moisture uptake of polypropylene/sawdust composites
Authors: Bettini Silvia H.P. , Bonse Baltus C. , Melo Elis A. , Muñoz Pablo A.R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPolypropylene/sawdust composites were investigated to assess the effect of sawdust surface treatment and compatibilizer addition on polymer/fiber adhesion. Two silane coupling agents were used for sawdust surface treatment: vinyl‐tris (2‐methoxyethoxy) silane and (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene was used as compatibilizer. Composites were prepared in a corotating twin‐screw extruder coupled to a Haake torque rheometer and submitted to tensile and bending tests as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moisture uptake tests were also performed. Results showed that incorporation of untreated sawdust to polypropylene (PP) caused reduction in composite tensile strength and increase in stiffness. When the only treatment used was surface modification with silane coupling agents, no significant changes were observed in mechanical properties. However, when compatibilizer was added to the composites, tensile strength was increased, and % elongation at break reduced, indicating improved system compatibility. The composite presenting the highest increase in tensile strength was that containing sawdust treated with amino silane in addition to the compatibilizer. SEM analyses corroborated the mechanical property results. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication of all‐polymeric photonic bandgap Bragg fibers using rolling of coextruded PS/PMMA multilayer films
Authors: Stoeffler Karen , Dubois Charles , Ajji Abdellah , Guo Ning , Boismenu Francis , Skorobogatiy Maksim 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPhotonic bandgap Bragg fibers feature periodic sequence of layers of different materials. In those particular waveguides, the wave path is controlled by a periodical spatial modification of the refractive index. Depending on the periodicity of the structure and on the refractive index contrast, a specific wavelength range is propagated along the fiber axis. In this work, we developed all‐polymeric photonic bandgap Bragg fibers based on polystyrene (PS)/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) alternating layers. We describe a novel and efficient method for the preparation of the fibers preforms, and we present the fibers drawing process and the transmission properties of the resulting Bragg fibers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Plasma‐Polymerized Films for Biochip Design
Authors: Muguruma Hitoshi 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDevelopments in plasma‐polymerized films used for the design of chip‐based biosensors, commonly referred to as biochips, are described. Plasma‐polymerized films are suitable for the design of an interface between biological components and physical transducers, which are the two well‐known main parts of biochips. The roles and advantages of plasma‐polymerized films in biochip design are highlighted. Mainly, plasma‐polymerized films can play an important role in the control and manipulation of biological components on different spatial regions (patterning), while retaining their activity. In addition, dry‐process‐based plasma‐polymerization are compatible with biochip fabrication processes.magnified image
Does the addition of non‐invasive ventilation during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease augment patient outcome in exercise tolerance? A literature review
Authors: Corner Eve , Garrod Rachel 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been shown to increase exercise time and intensity. Feasibly then, NIV during pulmonary rehabilitation will enhance post‐rehabilitation training effects. The purpose of this review is to systematically consider and critique the literature concerning the effects of NIV, when used during an exercise programme in COPD patients on exercise tolerance. Method. An electronic literature search was completed and the reference lists of the articles that fitted the following inclusion criteria were screened. Studies that used any mode of NIV during an exercise programme with a primary outcome measure focusing on exercise tolerance and were written after the year 2000 to reflect current practice. Studies that were not written in English or had been included in previous literature reviews were excluded. The studies were then critically appraised and assigned a level of evidence based upon Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Results. Twenty‐eight articles were screened, of which six fitted the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality ranged from level 1− to 1+. All but one study by Bianchi et al. (2002) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in exercise tolerance with the addition of some form of NIV during pulmonary rehabilitation. The benefits may be greater in patients with more severe airway obstruction as determined by Forced Expiration Volume (FEV), (%pred). Conclusion. This review would suggest that NIV may allow an increased exercise intensity and duration during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with moderate to very severe COPD, (according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines), resulting in a greater training effect and a prolonged exercise capacity. Further research looking at long‐term follow‐up is recommended. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Choice of treatment modalities was not influenced by pain, severity or co‐morbidity in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Jamtvedt Gro , Dahm Kristin Thuve , Holm Inger , Odegaard‐Jensen Jan , Flottorp Signe 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are commonly treated by physiotherapists in primary care. The physiotherapists use different treatment modalities. In a previous study, we identified variation in the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), low level laser or acupuncture, massage and weight reduction advice for patients with knee OA. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that might explain variation in treatment modalities for patients with knee OA. Methods. Practising physiotherapists prospectively collected data for one patient with knee osteoarthritis each through 12 treatment sessions.We chose to examine factors that might explain variation in the choice of treatment modalities supported by high or moderate quality evidence, and modalities which were frequently used but which were not supported by evidence from systematic reviews. Experienced clinicians proposed factors that they thought might explain the variation in the choice of these specific treatments. We used these factors in explanatory analyses. Results. Using TENS, low level laser or acupuncture was significantly associated with having searched databases to help answer clinical questions in the last six months (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08–3.42). Not having Internet access at work and using more than four treatment modalities were significant determinants for giving massage (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.19–0.68 and OR = 8.92, 95% CI = 4.37–18.21, respectively). Being a female therapist significantly increased the odds for providing weight reduction advice (OR = 3.60, 95% CI = 1.12–11.57). No patient characteristics, such as age, pain or co‐morbidity, were significantly associated with variation in practice. Conclusions. Factors related to patient characteristics, such as pain severity and co‐morbidity, did not seem to explain variation in treatment modalities for patients with knee OA. Variation was associated with the following factors: physiotherapists having Internet access at work, physiotherapists having searched databases for the last six months and the gender of the therapist. There is a need for more studies of determinants for physiotherapy practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quark mass hierarchies in D‐brane realizations of the Standard Model
Authors: Anastasopoulos P. , Lionetto A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis proceeding is based on the paper 0905.3044 [hep‐th]. We analyze the problem of the hierarchy of masses and mixings in orientifold realizations of the Standard Model. We present a bottom‐up brane configuration that can generate such hierarchies.
Review of plate buckling rules in EN 1993‐1‐5
Authors: Johansson Bernt , Veljkovic Milan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractEN 1993‐1‐5 provides harmonized European design rules for plated structures. It is a step forward in the harmonization process, but like all the Eurocodes it includes many options for national choices, in terms of parameters and also methods, which leads to quite different results. Actually, there are four different methods for dealing with buckling problems. One purpose of this paper is to illustrate differences by way of examples and also to suggest topics for studies intended to improve the design rules and bring them closer together. The revision of EN 1993‐1‐5 is due to take place around 2014 and there is ample time for performing research projects that can form the basis for the new version. Examples of such topics are the recalibration of buckling curves, reviewing the interaction checks and the verification format of the reduced stress method.
Contribution to the capacity analysis of the classic composite girder of Möller
Authors: Sitarski Arkadiusz , Chróścielewski Jacek , Cywiński Zbigniew 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe capacity of samples, close to reality, of the composite girders of Möller has been explored experimentally and computationally. Here, the first objective was the experimental investigation. By examining the girder's behaviour, the numerical approach could be settled as the second objective.Accordingly, a brief historic review is given, the experiments performed described, the numerical method applied presented and the corresponding results compared. The experimental and numerical results show good agreement.
Osthole or imperatorin‐mediated facilitation of glutamate release is associated with a synaptic vesicle mobilization in rat hippocampal glutamatergic nerve endings
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Yu , Lu Cheng‐Wei , Huang Wei‐Jan , Wang Su‐Jane 
Published: December 2009

AbstractOsthole and imperatorin, two active compounds of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, have previously been shown to facilitate depolarization‐evoked glutamate release from rat hippocampal nerve terminals by increasing voltage‐dependent Ca2+ entry. In this study, we further investigated whether osthole and imperatorin possess an action at the exocytotic machinery itself, downstream of a Ca2+ influx. Our data showed that ionomycin‐induced glutamate release and KCl‐evoked FM1‐43 release were facilitated by osthole and imperatorin, suggesting that some steps after Ca2+ entry are regulated by these two compounds. Consistent with this, osthole or imperatorin‐mediated facilitation of ionomycin‐induced glutamate release was occluded by cytochalasin D that inhibits actin polymerization, implying that the disassembly of cytoskeleton is involved. In addition, the facilitatory action of osthole or imperatorin on ionomycin‐induced glutamate release was attenuated by the Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN62. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis further showed that osthole or imperatorin significantly increased ionomycin‐induced phosphorylation of CaMKII and synapsin I, the main presynaptic target of CaMKII. These results suggest, therefore, that osthole or imperatorin‐mediated facilitation of glutamate release involves modulation of downstream events controlling synaptic vesicle recruitment and exocytosis, possibly through an increase of CaMKII activation and synapsin I phosphorylation, thereby increasing synaptic vesicle availability for exocytosis. Synapse 64:390–396, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Macrosomia: a new formula for optimized fetal weight estimation
Authors: Hart N. C. , Hilbert A. , Meurer B. , Schrauder M. , Schmid M. , Siemer J. , Voigt M. , Schild R. L. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo develop and test a specific formula for estimating weight in the macrosomic fetus.MethodsUltrasound estimations of fetal weight were carried out within 1 week of delivery in 424 singleton fetuses with a birth weight of ≥ 4000 g. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, intrauterine death and major structural or chromosomal anomalies. Stepwise regression modeling was used to derive a prediction formula with birth weight as the dependent variable and maternal booking weight and fetal biometric measurements as independent parameters. After a new formula for estimated fetal weight (EFW) had been developed in a formula‐finding group (n = 284), it was compared with commonly used weight equations (evaluation group, n = 140).ResultsThe new formula (logeEFW = 7.6377445039 + 0.0002951035 × maternal weight + 0.0003949464 × head circumference + 0.0005241529 × abdominal circumference + 0.0048698624 × femur length) proved to be superior to established equations, with the smallest mean error (mean ± SD, −10 ± 202 g), the smallest mean percentage error (mean ± SD, −0.03 ± 4.6%) and the lowest mean absolute percentage error (3.69 (range, 0.05–13.57)%) when studied in the evaluation group. With the new formula, 77.9% of estimates fell within ± 5% of the actual weight at birth, 97.1% within ± 10%, and 100% within ± 15% and ± 20%.ConclusionsThe new formula allows better weight estimation in the macrosomic fetus. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal obesity is a potential source of error in mid‐trimester ultrasound estimation of gestational age
Authors: Simic M. , Wåhlin I. A. , Maršál K. , Källén K. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the possible impact of maternal obesity on ultrasonographic dating of pregnancy.MethodsThe Swedish Medical Birth Registry was used to identify 842 083 singleton pregnancies for which the estimated date of delivery (EDD) according to last menstrual period (EDD‐LMP) and according to ultrasound examination (EDD‐US) and maternal body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy were known. Dates were adjusted following ultrasound examination, negative adjustment representing pregnancies that were shorter according to ultrasound examination than they were according to LMP. Odds ratios (OR) were adjusted for year of birth, maternal age, parity and smoking.ResultsThe EDD was postponed at least 7 days (discrepancy between EDD‐LMP and EDD‐US of ≤ −7 days) in 25.2% of all pregnancies. There was a statistically significant association between maternal BMI and discrepancy between EDD‐LMP and EDD‐US. Among pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2, the risk of postponed EDD was significantly greater compared with women with a BMI of 20.0–24.9 kg/m2. The EDD was more often postponed ≥ 14 days (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.60–1.70) or 7–13 days (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.42–1.48) among women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 than among women with normal weight. Similar risk was observed among women with a BMI of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, but was less pronounced.ConclusionsHigh maternal BMI increases the risk of postponing the EDD at mid‐trimester ultrasound examination. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐layer design of joint routing and rate control in ad hoc wireless networks
Authors: Hsu Ju‐Lan , Rubin Izhak 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe investigate multi‐hop wireless networks in which nodes use adaptive modulation/coding schemes and 802.11‐based CSMA/CA MAC. Each node independently selects its cross‐layer parameter vector for each packet that it forwards. It entails the setting of the transmission data rate and the identification of the neighboring node to which the packet is forwarded (and thus the selection of the route). We present an analytical model to calculate, for each candidate parameter vector, the corresponding attainable throughput and transport throughput capacity rates. To enable throughput‐effective network operations, we present cross‐layer schemes under which each node configures its parameter vector by using the transport throughput capacity measures that it computes, for each candidate attached link, as key metrics. We present two such datagram‐based cross‐layer parameter vector selection schemes, one of which makes use of observed channel status statistical data. We compare the network's throughput performance behavior attained under the use of these schemes, demonstrating the performance enhancement that is offered by schemes that use cross‐layer adaptations that are guided by calculations of link transport throughput capacity metrics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medium access control protocols in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Xiang Jie , Zhang Yan , Skeie Tor 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn cognitive radio (CR) networks, medium access control (MAC) protocols play an important role to exploit the spectrum opportunities, manage the interference to primary users (PUs), and coordinate the spectrum access amongst secondary users (SUs). In this paper, we first introduce the challenges in the design and implementation of CR MAC protocols. Then, we make a comprehensive survey of the state‐of‐the‐art CR MAC protocols and categorize them on the basis of spectrum sharing modes, i.e., overlay and underlay modes. We also introduce some other classification metrics such as architecture (centralized or distributed), sharing behaviors (cooperative or non‐cooperative), and access modes (contention based or contention free). Through the study, we find out that most CR MAC protocols are designed for the overlay mode. The CR MAC protocols in underlay mode could yield higher spectrum utilization efficiency with the cost of more complicated power and admission control schemes. The centralized CR MAC protocols are more suitable to do spectrum sensing using quiet period of whole network, while the distributed CR MAC protocols are more flexible to deploy. We identify several future directions, such as more practical CR MAC protocols for underlay mode, MAC protocols considering security, MAC protocols considering heterogeneous coexistence, etc. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of cross‐modal processing
Authors: Robinson Christopher W. , Sloutsky Vladimir M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe ability to process and integrate cross‐modal input is important for many everyday tasks. The current paper reviews theoretical and empirical work examining cross‐modal processing with a focus on recent findings examining infants' and children's processing of arbitrary auditory–visual pairings. The current paper puts forward a potential mechanism that may account for modality dominance effects found in a variety of cognitive tasks. The mechanism assumes that although early processing of auditory and visual input is parallel, attention is allocated in a serial manner with the modality that is faster to engage attention dominating later processing. Details of the mechanism, factors influencing processing of arbitrary auditory–visual pairings, and implications for higher‐order tasks are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Attention
The gestural origins of language
Authors: Corballis Michael C. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe idea that language evolved from manual gestures rather than primate calls dates back at least to the 18th century, and was revived in modern form by the anthropologist, Gordon W. Hewes, in 1973. The main sources of current evidence are: (1) Signed languages invented by deaf communities share with speech the essential characteristics of language, including such properties as reference, generativity, grammar, and prosody; (2) Great apes in captivity are much better able to learn intentional communication systems based on manual gestures than to acquire speech; (3) The manual gestures of chimpanzees in the wild are more flexible and context‐independent than their vocalizations; (4) The mirror system in the primate brain provides a natural platform for the evolution of language; it represents manual gestures and some nonvocal oral movements, but not vocalizations. Vocal gestures were probably incorporated into the mirror system late in hominin evolution, perhaps only with the emergence of our own species,Homo sapiens. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:Linguistics > Language in Mind and Brain