bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Switchable Helical Structures Formed by the Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Laterally Tethered Nanorods
Authors: Nguyen Trung Dac , Glotzer Sharon C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe formation of helical scrolls formed by self‐assembly of tethered nanorod amphiphiles and their molecular analogs are investigated. A model bilayer sheet assembled by laterally tethered nanorods is simulated and shown that it can fold into distinct helical morphologies under different solvent conditions. The helices can reversibly transform from one morphology to another by dynamically changing the solvent condition. This model serves both to inspire the fabrication of laterally tethered nanorods for assembling helices at nanometer scales and as a proof‐of‐concept for engineering switchable nanomaterials via hierarchical self‐assembly.
Bid evaluation in combinatorial auctions: optimization and learning
Authors: Milano Michela , Guerri Alessio 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn combinatorial auctions bidders can post bids on groups of items. The problem of selecting the winning bids, called Winner Determination Problem, is NP‐hard. In this paper, we consider an interesting variant of this problem, called Bid Evaluation Problem (BEP), where items are services and are subject to precedence constraints and temporal windows. The BEP has many practical applications, such as, for instance, in transportation routes auctions and in take off and landing time slot allocation problems. We have developed a number of optimization algorithms based on Constraint Programming, on Integer Programming and on the combination of the two techniques. We first show that all algorithms proposed outperform the only commercial system for solving BEP instances called Multi AGent Negotiation Testbed, a more general tool for agent negotiation. Then, we evaluate the developed algorithms and use the decision tree machine learning technique for finding a relation between the instance structure and the solving algorithm and providing an automatic algorithm selection procedure. We show that we can achieve an accuracy of 90% in predicting the best algorithm given the instance to be solved with a significant time saving w.r.t. a single solving technique or a costless, but less accurate, prediction technique. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) from the Gulf of California
Authors: Niño‐Torres Carlos Alberto , Zenteno‐Savín Tania , Gardner Susan C. , Urbán R. Jorge 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe present study reports unique data on concentrations of several classes of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in blubber biopsies from healthy living fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) from the Gulf of California, Mexico, one of the most isolated and unstudied population in the world. OC levels in this population were generally lower than levels reported in fin whales from other regions. The rank order of OCs were ∑DDTs (range from 300 to 2400 ng g−1 lw) > ∑PCBs (range from 40 to 290 ng g−1 lw) > ∑HCHs (range from <LOQ to 92 ng g−1 lw) ≥ ∑CHLORs (from < LOQ to 100 ng g−1 lw). The most abundant OC pesticide measured was the DDT metabolite, p,p′‐DDE. The PCBs 138, 153, and 180 were the most abundant PCBs congeners found in the fin whales samples. Males had significant higher concentrations of ∑OC, ∑DDTs and ∑PCBs than females (P < 0.05), although the p,p′‐DDE/∑DDTs ratios were similar between the sexes. Although the OC concentrations found in this population were generally below the levels that would be expected to cause deleterious health effects, the maximum values observed (2700 ng g−1 lw) in some animals were higher than those associated with reproductive effects in whales. Given the small population size and highly isolated characteristics of Gulf of California fin whales, health effects in individuals could readily translate into population‐level effects. Future research on this topic will be necessary to better understand the role that these compounds may have on the health of this population. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 25: 381–390, 2010.
Feasibility and accuracy of fetal echocardiography using four‐dimensional spatiotemporal image correlation technology before 16 weeks' gestation
Authors: Bennasar M. , Martínez J. M. , Olivella A. , del Río M. , Gómez O. , Figueras F. , Puerto B. , Gratacós E. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the potential value of early fetal echocardiography (EFE) by means of four‐dimensional (4D) spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) technology for either reassurance of normality or prenatal diagnosis of major congenital heart defects (CHDs).MethodsSixty‐nine pregnant women from 11 to 15 weeks' gestation underwent EFE. 4D‐STIC volumes were acquired by the transvaginal approach for later review by two different examiners. STIC evaluation was considered complete when the four‐chamber view, and the origin and double‐crossing of the great arteries were identified correctly. Color Doppler imaging was used to detect either septal shunts or transvalvular regurgitation/aliasing suggesting abnormalities. STIC diagnoses were compared with those of conventional EFE. Reliability was assessed by postnatal examination, or autopsy in cases of termination of pregnancy or perinatal death.ResultsThe median gestational age at volume acquisition was 13 + 3 weeks. Eleven (15.9%) cases of CHD were diagnosed. A complete EFE was possible in 64 cases. We were able to provide reassurance of normality in 51 of the 53 confirmed normal hearts, with no false‐positive results for major defects, although two minor defects (one ventricular septal defect (VSD) and one persistent left superior vena cava) were falsely suspected. The only false negative was a significant VSD at birth overlooked by both observers. Therefore, the total accuracy of STIC‐EFE was 95.3% (61/64), with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 90.9%, 96.2%, 83.3% and 98.1%. The accuracy of conventional EFE (98.4%, 63/64) was slightly better than that of STIC, with no false‐positive results recorded.ConclusionsOffline evaluation of 4D‐STIC acquired volumes of the fetal heart in the first and early second trimester of pregnancy is reliable not only for early reassurance of normal cardiac anatomy but also to diagnose most major structural heart defects. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonography in obese and overweight pregnant women: clinical, medicolegal and technical issues
Authors: Paladini D. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObesity has increased dramatically worldwide over the last two decades, becoming a social concern. In pregnancy, obesity is associated with increased risk of maternal death and of significant complications, such as pre‐eclampsia, diabetes and postpartum hemorrhage. Several papers have also reported an increased risk of major anomalies in the offspring of obese pregnant women. At the same time, carrying out an ultrasound examination on an obese pregnant woman is a difficult task, due to the impaired acoustic window. This Review discusses the clinical, technical and medicolegal problems associated with ultrasound examination in obese and/or overweight women and provides tips for performing these examinations. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging of the fetal bony pelvis by computed tomography in a case of bladder exstrophy
Authors: Mabille M. , De Laveaucoupet J. , Senat M.‐V. , Picone O. , Levaillant J.‐M. , Mas A. E. , Musset D. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe describe the findings on computed tomography (CT) in a prenatally diagnosed case of bladder exstrophy, and compare them with the findings on two‐ and three‐dimensional sonography. The CT data of the affected fetus were compared with the CT findings of 14 fetuses with normal bony pelvises. The CT images showed differences in the structure of the bony pelvis in the case of bladder exstrophy, with a wide gap between the iliopubic and ischiopubic rami and a widening of the iliac bones. CT scanning was useful in confirming the sonographic diagnosis of bladder exstrophy, and it may also be helpful for planning early surgery following delivery. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verringerung der Belagbildung durch beschichtete Oberflächen
Authors: Geddert Timo , Albert Florian , Bialuch Ingmar , Augustin Wolfgang , Scholl Stephan 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDie Belagbildung auf technisch genutzten Flächen ist ein bedeutendes wirtschaftliches Problem. Diese Belagbildung, auch Fouling genannt, kann durch Salze, Partikel oder biologische Komponenten erfolgen oder auch durch chemische Reaktionen ausgelöst werden. Studien zufolge beträgt der gesamtwirtschaftliche Schaden durch Belagbildung in Industriestaaten etwa 0,25 % des BIP, was für Deutschland einer Summe von 6,2 Milliarden Euro jährlich entspricht (2008).Aufgrund der isolierenden Wirkung der Foulingschicht kann sich der Wärmedurchgang und somit die Leistung des Wärmeübertragers entscheidend verschlechtern. Um die Standzeiten des Wärmeübertragers zu maximieren und die Reinigungszyklen und ‐zeiten zu minimieren ist die Veränderung der Hafteigenschaften der Wärmeübertragerfläche von entscheidender Bedeutung. Hier sind Beschichtungen mittels PACVD (Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition) eine Möglichkeit, definierte Veränderungen der Oberfläche vorzunehmen. Hierzu wurden Versuche mit modifizierten DLC‐Schichten (Diamond Like Carbon) unternommen, die ihr Potential als foulingmindernde Schicht bewiesen haben. Die Standzeit des Wärmeübertragers im Labormaßstab konnte durch die gezielte Oberflächenmodifikation um den Faktor 10 verlängert werden.
Synthesis of YVO4:Eu3+/YBO3Heteronanostructures with Enhanced Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Zhu Hongliang , Hu Haihua , Wang Zhengkai , Zuo Diantai 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Novel YVO4:Eu3+/YBO3core/shell heteronanostructures with different shell ratios (SRs) were successfully prepared by a facile two-step method. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the heteronanostructures. Photoluminescence (PL) study reveals that PL efficiency of the YVO4:Eu3+nanocrystals (cores) can be improved by the growth of YBO3nanocoatings onto the cores to form the YVO4:Eu3+/YBO3core/shell heteronanostructures. Furthermore, shell ratio plays a critical role in their PL efficiency. The heteronanostructures (SR = 1/7) exhibit the highest PL efficiency; its PL intensity of the5D0–7F2emission at 620 nm is 27% higher than that of the YVO4:Eu3+nanocrystals under the same conditions.
Neonatal allopregnanolone increases novelty‐directed locomotion and disrupts behavioural responses to GABAAreceptor modulators in adulthood
Authors: Darbra Sònia , Pallarès Marc 
Published: May 2009

AbstractRecent findings indicate that neurosteroids could act as important modulators during brain development. The aim of the present work is to screen whether developmentally altered AlloP levels may have long‐lasting effects on behaviour and influence the emotional response to several GABAAreceptor modulating drugs in adulthood. Acute allopregnanolone administration (10 mg/kg) in the fifth postnatal day: (1) provoked long‐term effects, as an increase of the novelty‐directed locomotor activity and a decrease of its habituation in the open field in adult rats; (2) altered GABAAreceptor response in adulthood, as reflected by the disruption of the effects of midazolam (1 mg/kg) and flumazenil (10 mg/kg) on the locomotor habituation in adulthood. Whereas the behavioural responses to 0.75 mg/kg of lorazepam or 3 mg/kg of 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4‐c]pyridin‐3‐ol (THIP) were not affected, although lorazepam decreased locomotor activity in both neonatal AlloP and control rats, probably related to the sedative properties of the dose tested. Also, in the elevated plus‐maze, the anxiolytic effects of lorazepam were observed in controls, but not in neonatal allopregnanolone‐treated rats. This suggests that neonatal allopregnanolone decreases sensitivity to the anxiolytic effects of lorazepam at a dose of 0.75 mg/kg. Results suggest that alterations in neonatal allopregnanolone could result in an altered GABAAreceptor response in adulthood that is evident behaviourally. These results point out the importance of the maturation of the endogenous neurosteroid mechanisms in the brain related to locomotor response to novelty and the responses to GABAAmodulators in adulthood. This work opens future directions focused on the effects of acute and long‐lasting neonatal alterations of AlloP levels on vulnerability to psychopathology in adulthood.
Differences in the management of suspected cases of placenta accreta in France and Argentina
Authors: Mazouni Chafika , Palacios‐Jaraquemada José M. , Deter Russell , Juhan Valérie , Gamerre Marc , Bretelle Florence 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the imaging procedures and surgical strategies used to treat placenta accreta at referral centers in France and Argentina.MethodA total of 52 women suspected of having placenta accreta underwent ultrasound and placental magnetic resonance imaging evaluations at these centers between May 2003 and October 2006. Findings and management were recorded.ResultsThe use of the 2 imaging technologies was similar in France and Argentina and conservative surgical treatment was predominant in both groups. The placenta was left in situ in 64.7% of cases at the French center whereas resection of the placenta and invaded area were performed in 91.4% of cases in Argentina.ConclusionThe same diagnostic tools were used in the 2 groups, but there were differences in diagnostic accuracy and in the types of surgical procedures performed.
Comparing grades of urgency for classification of cesarean delivery
Authors: van Dillen Jeroen , Diesch Marijn , Schutte Joke , Zwart Joost , Wolterbeek Ron , van Roosmalen Jos 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the agreement between the traditional binary system and a new system for classifying urgency of cesarean delivery among obstetricians in The Netherlands and Belgium.MethodsA total of 212 obstetricians were requested to grade a list of 18 obstetric scenarios using 3 classification systems: traditional binary classification; a new classification using 4 grades of urgency without additional interpretation; and the new classification with additional interpretation. Agreement was assessed by weighted kappa.ResultsSeventy‐nine obstetricians responded (The Netherlands 62.2%, Belgium 9.9%). There was substantial agreement among them for all 3 classification systems (κ= 0.71, traditional classification;κ= 0.70, new classification;κ= 0.67, new classification with additional interpretation).ConclusionThe traditional binary system and the new classification of cesarean delivery based on 4 grades of urgency, with and without additional interpretation, have similar but relatively low interobserver agreement. We suggest that the new classification should be used, but future studies are necessary to evaluate the effect of this implementation.
Feline Calicivirus Infection: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
Authors: Radford Alan D , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C 
Published: May 2009

Overview Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly variable virus. More severe, systemic forms of FCV infection have been observed recently. Infection Sick, acutely infected or carrier cats shed FCV in oronasal and conjunctival secretions. Infection occurs mainly through direct contact. Disease signs The main clinical signs are oral ulcers, upper respiratory signs and a high fever. Feline calicivirus may be isolated from nearly all cats with chronic stomatitis or gingivitis. Cats with ‘virulent systemic FCV disease’ variably show pyrexia, cutaneous oedema, ulcerative lesions on the head and limbs, and jaundice. Mortality is high and the disease is more severe in adult cats. Diagnosis Diagnosis of FCV can be achieved by virus isolation or reverse-transcriptase PCR. Viral RNA can be detected in conjunctival and oral swabs, blood, skin scrapings or lung tissue using PCR. Positive PCR results should be interpreted with caution, as these may be a consequence of low-level shedding by persistently infected carriers. The diagnosis of virulent systemic FCV disease relies on clinical signs and isolation of the same strain from the blood of several diseased cats. Disease management Supportive therapy (including fluid therapy) and good nursing care are essential. Anorexic cats should be fed highly palatable, blended or warmed food. Mucolytic drugs (eg, bromhexine) or nebulisation with saline may offer relief. Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be administered to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Feline calicivirus can persist in the environment for about 1 month and is resistant to many common disinfectants.
Feline Rabies: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
Authors: Frymus Tadeusz , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C 
Published: May 2009

Overview Rabies virus belongs to the genus Lyssavirus, together with European bat lyssaviruses 1 and 2. In clinical practice, rabies virus is easily inactivated by detergent-based disinfectants. Infection Rabid animals are the only source of infection. Virus is shed in the saliva some days before the onset of clinical signs and transmitted through a bite or a scratch to the skin or mucous membranes. The average incubation period in cats is 2 months, but may vary from 2 weeks to several months, or even years. Disease signs Any unexplained aggressive behaviour or sudden behavioural change in cats must be considered suspicious. Two disease manifestations have been identified in cats: the furious and the dumb form. Death occurs after a clinical course of 1–10 days. Diagnosis A definitive rabies diagnosis is obtained by post-mortem laboratory investigation. However, serological tests are used for post-vaccinal control, especially in the context of international movements. Disease management Post-exposure vaccination of cats depends on the national public health regulations, and is forbidden in many countries.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
Authors: Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C 
Published: May 2009

Overview Feline Coronavirus infection is ubiquitous in domestic cats, and is particularly common where conditions are crowded. While most FCoV-infected cats are healthy or display only a mild enteritis, some go on to develop feline infectious peritonitis, a disease that is especially common in young cats and multi-cat environments. Up to 12% of FCoV-infected cats may succumb to FIP, with stress predisposing to the development of disease.Disease signs The ‘wet’ or effusive form, characterised by polyserositis (abdominal and/or thoracic effusion) and vasculitis, and the ‘dry’ or non-effusive form (pyogranulomatous lesions in organs) reflect clinical extremes of a continuum. The clinical picture of FIP is highly variable, depending on the distribution of the vasculitis and pyogranulomatous lesions. Fever refractory to antibiotics, lethargy, anorexia and weight loss are common non-specific signs. Ascites is the most obvious manifestation of the effusive form.Diagnosis The aetiological diagnosis of FIP ante-mortem may be difficult, if not impossible. The background of the cat, its history, the clinical signs, laboratory changes, antibody titres and effusion analysis should all be used to help in decisionmaking about further diagnostic procedures. At the time of writing, there is no non-invasive confirmatory test available for cats without effusion.Disease management In most cases FIP is fatal. Supportive treatment is aimed at suppressing the inflammatory and detrimental immune response. However, there are no controlled studies to prove any beneficial effect of corticosteroids.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica Infection in Cats: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
Authors: Egberink Herman , Addie Diane , Belák Sándor , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C 
Published: May 2009

OverviewBordetella bronchiseptica is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonises the respiratory tract of mammals and is considered to be a primary pathogen of domestic cats. It is sensible to consider B bronchiseptica as a rare cause of zoonotic infections. The bacterium is susceptible to common disinfectants. Infection The bacterium is shed in oral and nasal secretions of infected cats. Dogs with respiratory disease are an infection risk for cats. The microorganism colonises the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract of the host, establishing chronic infections. Disease signs A wide range of respiratory signs has been associated with B bronchiseptica infection, from a mild illness with fever, coughing, sneezing, ocular discharge and lymphadenopathy to severe pneumonia with dyspnoea, cyanosis and death. Diagnosis Bacterial culture and PCR lack sensitivity. Samples for isolation can be obtained from the oropharynx (swabs) or via transtracheal wash/bronchoalveolar lavage. Disease management Antibacterial therapy is indicated, even if the signs are mild. Where sensitivity data are unavailable, tetracyclines are recommended. Doxycycline is the antimicrobial of choice. Cats with severe B bronchiseptica infection require supportive therapy and intensive nursing care.