bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sphere‐to‐Rod Transition of Micelles formed by the Semicrystalline Polybutadiene‐block‐Poly(ethylene oxide) Block Copolymer in a Selective Solvent
Authors: Mihut Adriana M. , Drechsler Markus , Möller Michael , Ballauff Matthias 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe present a morphological study of the micellization of an asymmetric semicrystalline block copolymer, poly(butadiene)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide), in the selective solvent n‐heptane. The molecular weights of the poly(butadiene) (PB) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blocks are 26 and 3.5 kg · mol−1, respectively. In this solvent, micellization into a liquid PEO‐core and a corona of PB‐chains takes place at room temperature. Through a thermally controlled crystallization of the PEO core at −30 °C, spherical micelles with a crystalline PEO core and a PB corona are obtained. However, crystallization at much lower temperatures (−196 °C; liquid nitrogen) leads to the transition from spherical to rod‐like micelles. With time these rod‐like micelles aggregate and form long needles. Concomitantly, the degree of crystallinity of the PEO‐cores of the rod‐like micelles increases. The transition from a spherical to a rod‐like morphology can be explained by a decrease of solvent power of the solvent n‐heptane for the PB‐corona chains: n‐Heptane becomes a poor solvent at very low temperatures leading to a shrinking of the coronar chains. This favors the transition from spheres to a morphology with a smaller mean curvature, that is, to a cylindrical morphology.magnified image
Which is better as a buffer layer for organic light‐emitting devices, CsF or LiF?
Authors: Niu Lianbin , Guan Yunxia 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe device characteristics of organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) based on tris‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) with a thin layer of cesium fluoride (CsF) or lithium fluoride (LiF) inserted at the organic layer and the Mg:Ag cathode or the indium tin oxide (ITO) anode and organic layer were investigated. One‐nm thick CsF or LiF can enhance the electron injection when it was inserted only between the emitting layer and the Mg:Ag alloy cathode. When 1‐nm thick CsF or LiF was inserted between the ITO anode and the organic hole‐transport layer, LiF can block hole injection and the corresponding device exhibited a high current efficiency of 2.95 cd/A; however, the current efficiency of the device inserting CsF is as low as 0.93 cd/A. Compared to the performances of the five types of devices, CsF is a better buffer layer than LiF between Mg:Ag and Alq3 in OLEDs. One‐nm thick LiF can also improve OLED performance as an anode buffer layer. But 1‐nm thick CsF is harmful to OLED performance when acting as an anode buffer layer.
Advances in collision detection and non‐linear finite mixed element modelling for improved soft tissue simulation in craniomaxillofacial surgical planning
Authors: Wang Shengzheng , Yang Jie , Gee James C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundThere is a huge demand to develop a method for assisting surgeons in automatically predicting soft tissue deformation in terms of a bone‐remodelling plan.MethodsThis paper introduces several novel elements into a system for the simulation of postoperative facial appearances with respect to prespecified bone‐remodelling plans. First, a new algorithm for efficient detection of collisions, using the signed distance field, is described. Next, the penalty method is applied to determine the contact load of bone on facial soft tissue. Finally, a non‐linear finite mixed element model is developed to estimate the tissue deformation induced by the prescribed bone remodelling plan.ResultsThe performance of the proposed collision detection algorithm has been improved in memory requirements and computational efficiency compared with conventional methods. In addition, the methodology is evaluated over both synthetic and real data, with simulation performance averaging <0.5 mm pointwise error over the facial surface in six mid‐face distraction osteotogenesis procedures.ConclusionsThe experimental results support the novel methodological advancements in collision detection and biomechanical modelling proposed in this work. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A time differences of arrival‐based homing strategy for autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Batista Pedro , Silvestre Carlos , Oliveira Paulo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA new sensor‐based homing integrated guidance and control law is presented to drive an underactuated autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) toward a fixed target, in 3‐D, using the information provided by an ultra‐short baseline (USBL) positioning system. The guidance and control law is first derived at a kinematic level, expressed on the space of the time differences of arrival (TDOAs), as directly measured by the USBL sensor, and assuming the plane wave approximation. Afterwards, the control law is extended for the dynamics of an underactuated AUV resorting to backstepping techniques. The proposed Lyapunov‐based control law yields almost global asymptotic stability (AGAS) in the absence of external disturbances and is further extended, keeping the same properties, to the case where known ocean currents affect the motion of the vehicle. Simulations are presented and discussed that illustrate the performance and behavior of the overall closed‐loop system in the presence of realistic sensor measurements and actuator saturation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deferred Primary Anastomosis Versus Diversion in Patients with Severe Secondary Peritonitis Managed with Staged Laparotomies
Authors: Ordóñez Carlos A. , Sánchez Álvaro I. , Pineda Jaime A. , Badiel Marisol , Mesa Rafael , Cardona Uriel , Arias Rafael , Rosso Fernando , Granados Marcela , Gutiérrez‐Martínez María I. , Ochoa Juan B. , Peitzman Andrew , Puyana Juan‐Carlos 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundThere is inconclusive data on whether critically ill individuals with severe secondary peritonitis requiring multiple staged laparotomies may became eligible candidates for deferred primary anastomoses (DPA). We sought to compare a protocol for DPA against a protocol for diversion in severely ill critical patients with intra‐abdominal sepsis.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed examining 112 patients admitted through an ICU between 2002 and 2006, with diagnosis of secondary peritonitis and managed with staged laparotomies whom required small‐ or large‐bowel segment resections. Patients were categorized and compared according to the surgical treatment necessitated to resolve the secondary peritonitis (DPA versus diversion). Outcome measures were days on mechanical ventilation, days required in ICU, days required in hospital, incidence of fistulas/leakages, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mortality.ResultsThere were 34 patients subjected to DPA and 78 to diversion. Fistulas/leakages developed in three patients (8.8%) with DPA and four patients (5.1%) with diversion (p = 0.359). ARDS was present in 6 patients (17.6%) with DPA and 24 patients (30.8%) with diversion (p = 0.149). There were 30 patients (88.2%) with DPA and 65 patients (83.3%) with diversion discharged alive (p = 0.51). There were not statistical significant differences between groups among survivors regarding hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, and days on mechanical ventilation.ConclusionsWe did not find significant differences in morbidity or mortality when we compared DPA versus diversion surgical treatment. It is feasible to perform a primary anastomosis in critically ill patients with severe secondary peritonitis managed with staged laparotomies.
Role of Growth Factors on Human Parathyroid Adenoma Cell Proliferation
Authors: Cavallaro Giuseppe , Cucina Alessandra , Coluccia Pierpaolo , Petramala Luigi , Cotesta Dario , Polistena Andrea , Zinnamosca Laura , Letizia Claudio , Rosato Lodovico , Cavallaro Antonino , De Toma Giorgio 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIntroductionPrimary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is caused by a single monoclonal adenoma in more than 80% of patients. Biomolecular mechanisms causing pHPT are still not completely known, even if a great amount of studies have been developed recently, mainly regarding angiogenesis and growth factors. Among the latter, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) and their effects have been extensively evaluated in different kinds of endocrine disease.MethodsParathyroid cell cultures were prepared from six human adenomatous parathyroid glands that were surgically removed. After 7 days of culture, the cells were refed with DMEM supplemented with 2% FCS alone (control group), or containing hrTGFβ1, or hrIGF‐I, or hrbFGF, or hrVEGF. Then, after 48‐hour incubation, cell count was performed by a particle count and size analyzer, and prevalence of cell cycle was analyzed by using a flow cytometer.ResultsCell count (×10000) in the control group was 3.73 ± 0.32. Low‐dose TGF‐β1 stimulation resulted in 5.25 ± 0.38 cells, and high‐dose TGF‐β1 stimulation resulted in 2.35 ± 0.37 cells. IGF‐1 stimulation resulted in 5.4 ± 0.65 cells, bFGF stimulation in 5.68 ± 0.86 cells, and VEGF stimulation resulted in 6.03 ± 1.03 cells. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the control group compared with the growth factor‐stimulated groups. Cytometry showed different results in the percentage of cells in S‐phase, in particular 22.65 ± 4.98% of IGF‐1‐stimulated cells were found in S‐phase compared with 7.55 ± 3.2% of control group cells (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsGrowth factors seem to play an important role in parathyroid adenoma cell proliferation; IGF‐1, bFGF, VEGF, and low‐dose TGF‐β1 promote cell proliferation, whereas high‐dose TGF‐β1 inhibits these phenomena.
Friction and Shear Strength at the Nanowire–Substrate Interfaces
Authors: Zhu Yong , Qin Qingquan , Gu Yi , Wang ZhongLin 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The friction and shear strength of nanowire (NW)–substrate interfaces critically influences the electrical/mechanical performance and life time of NW-based nanodevices. Yet, very few reports on this subject are available in the literature because of the experimental challenges involved and, more specifically no studies have been reported to investigate the configuration of individual NW tip in contact with a substrate. In this letter, using a new experimental method, we report the friction measurement between a NW tip and a substrate for the first time. The measurement was based on NW buckling in situ inside a scanning electron microscope. The coefficients of friction between silver NW and gold substrate and between ZnO NW and gold substrate were found to be 0.09–0.12 and 0.10–0.15, respectively. The adhesion between a NW and the substrate modified the true contact area, which affected the interfacial shear strength. Continuum mechanics calculation found that interfacial shear strengths between silver NW and gold substrate and between ZnO NW and gold substrate were 134–139 MPa and 78.9–95.3 MPa, respectively. This method can be applied to measure friction parameters of other NW–substrate systems. Our results on interfacial friction and shear strength could have implication on the AFM three-point bending tests used for nanomechanical characterisation.
Use of Comparative Proteomics to Identify Key Proteins Related to Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Broiler Chickens: Evidence Accounting for Differential Fat Deposition Between Strains
Authors: Huang Jianzhen , Tang Xue , Ruan Jiming , Ma Haitian , Zou Sixiang 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn order to investigate differences in fat metabolism during embryonic development, a comparative proteomics strategy was employed using Arbor Acres (AA) and San Huang (SH) broiler chickens with different growth and fat deposition characteristics. These birds were floor‐reared and fed identical diets, and embryonic livers were collected from AA and SH chicken embryos on days 9, 14 and 19 of incubation and hatching. Proteins were extracted and fractionated by two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE), Neuhoff's colloidal Coomassie Blue G‐250 staining was carried out, and stained gels were scanned and analyzed using PDQuest7.3 software (Bio‐Rad). In‐gel trypsin digestion of the differential protein spots and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) were subsequently assessed. Peptide mass fingerprinting of the differentially expressed proteins was performed using the server from MASCOT or either Prospector or ProFound, and 37 proteins were successfully identified. In the present study, embryo and liver weights showed a trend toward enhanced growth during embryonic development. Of the 37 identified differential proteins, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), apolipoprotein A‐I (Apo A‐I), fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP) and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐Coenzyme A synthase (HMG‐CoA synthase) were up‐regulated in SH chickens to a greater extent than they were in AA chickens. These observations suggest that the lipid metabolic proteins and enzymes are inherent characteristics that contribute to the apparent differences in fat deposition between the two strains.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Investigation of Stratum Corneum Lipid Structure
Authors: Nakagawa Kouichi 
Published: November 2009

AbstractElectron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in conjunction with a slow‐tumbling simulation was utilized for defining stratum corneum (SC) lipid structure. We found that ordering calculated from the simulation is an appropriate index for evaluating SC lipids structure. The SC from two sites (mid‐volar forearm and lower‐leg) of human volunteers was stripped consecutively from one to three times using a glass plate coated with a cyanoacrylate resin. Aliphatic spin probes, 5‐doxylstearic acid (5‐DSA) and 3β‐doxyl‐5α‐cholestane (CHL), were used to monitor SC ordering. EPR spectrum of 5‐DSA incorporated in the SC demonstrated a characteristic peak for the first strip. However, EPR spectra of CHL in the SC did not show a clear difference for each strip, except for the peak intensity. The results imply that CHL is not incorporated into the lipid phase as easily as 5‐DSA is. A slow‐tumbling simulation of the EPR spectrum was performed to analyze the detailed lipid structure. The simulation results for 5‐DSA show differences in values of the SC ordering as a function of depth. Thus, these results along with the simulation analysis provide a detailed SC layer structure.
Effect of selenium and vitamin E on acrosome reaction in porcine spermatozoa
Authors: Tareq K. M. A. , Akter Quzi Sharmin , Takagi Yuji , Hamano Koh‐ichi , Sawada Tomio , Tsujii Hirotada 
Published: November 2009

AbstractPurposeSelenium (Se) and vitamin E (Vit‐E), as an integral part of antioxidant systems, play an important role in the motility and acrosome reaction (AR) of mammalian spermatozoa. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Se and Vit‐E on motility, viability, AR and accumulation of ammonia in the culture medium during different incubation periods in porcine sperm.MethodsSperm samples were washed, swum‐up and incubated at 37°C for 1 and 3 h in Sp‐TALP medium supplemented with sodium selenite (SS), seleon l‐methionine (SeMet) and Vit‐E in the presence or absence of ammonia. Sperm motility was determined on the basis of movement quality examined by phase microscopy. Viability and AR of spermatozoa were assessed by Hoechst 33258 and chlortetracycline (CTC) staining technique, and accumulation of ammonia was measured by the indophenol method. The incorporation of 14C(U)‐glucose was assessed with a liquid scintillation counter.ResultsIn experiment 1, the sperm motility, viability, AR and incorporation of 14C(U)‐glucose increased significantly (P < 0.05) in SS, SeMet and Vit‐E (5, 5 μg/l and 1.0 mM, respectively) compared with the control. In experiment 2, treatment of the sperm with SeMet and SeMet + Vit‐E in the presence of 300 μM ammonia also resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the rate of motility, viability, AR and incorporation of 14C(U)‐glucose. In contrast, the accumulation of ammonia was reduced by SeMet and SeMet + Vit‐E compared with the other treatments.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that SeMet and SeMet + Vit‐E may play an important role in reducing the accumulation of ammonia and subsequently in increasing the rate of AR and the utilization of glucose in porcine spermatozoa.
Altered pain and thermal sensation in subjects with isolated parietal and insular cortical lesions
Authors: Veldhuijzen D.S. , Greenspan J.D. , Kim J.H. , Lenz F.A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractStudies of sensory function following cortical lesions have often included lesions which multiple cortical, white matter, and thalamic structures. We now test the hypothesis that lesions anatomically constrained to particular insular and parietal structures and their subjacent white matter are associated with different patterns of sensory loss. Sensory loss was measured by quantitative sensory testing (QST), and evaluated statistically within patients relative to normal values.All seven subjects with insular and/or parietal lesions demonstrated thermal hypoesthesia, although the etiology of the lesions was heterogeneous. Cold and heat hypoalgesia were only found in the subject with the most extensive parietal and insular lesion, which occurred in utero. Cold allodynia occurred clinically and by thresholds in two subjects with isolated ischemic lesions of the posterior insular/retroinsular cortex, and by thresholds in two subjects with a lesion of parietal cortex with little or no insular involvement. Central pain occurred in the two subjects with clinical allodynia secondary to isolated lesions of the posterior insular/retroinsular cortex, which spared the anterior and posterior parietal cortex. These results suggest that nonpainful cold and heat sensations are jointly mediated by parietal and insular cortical structures so that lesions anywhere in this system may diminish sensitivity. In contrast, thermal pain is more robust requiring larger cortical lesions of these same structures to produce hypoalgesia. In addition, cold allodynia can result from restricted lesions that also produce thermal hypoesthesia, but not from all such lesions.
Self‐management of persistent neck pain: A randomized controlled trial of a multi‐component group intervention in primary health care
Authors: Gustavsson Catharina , Denison Eva , von Koch Lena 
Published: November 2009

AbstractStudies regarding self‐management of persistent neck pain are infrequent. Objective: to compare treatment effects of (a) a multi‐component pain and stress self‐management group intervention (PASS) and (b) individually administered physical therapy (IAPT) for patients with persistent musculoskeletal tension‐type neck pain. Methods: Persons seeking physical therapy treatment due to persistent tension‐type neck pain at nine primary health care centers in Sweden were randomly assigned to either PASS or IAPT. Before treatment (baseline) and at 10‐ and 20‐weeks the participants completed a self‐assessment questionnaire comprising: the Self‐Efficacy Scale, the Neck Disability Index, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Fear‐Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and questions regarding neck pain, analgesics and utilization of health care. Intention‐to‐treat analyses were performed using repeated measures analysis of variance between baseline, 10‐week and 20‐week follow‐up. Results: One hundred and fifty six participants were included (PASS n = 77, IAPT n = 79). On average participants receiving PASS attended seven treatment sessions and participants receiving IAPT 11 sessions over the 20‐week follow‐up period. Repeated measures ANCOVA showed significant time × group interaction effects for ability to control pain , self‐efficacy regarding pain‐interfering activities , disability due to neck pain (p = 0.001) and levels of catastrophic thinking in favour of PASS. Conclusion: PASS had a better effect than IAPT in the treatment of persistent musculoskeletal tension‐type neck pain regarding coping with pain, in terms of patients’ self‐reported pain control, self‐efficacy, disability and catastrophizing, over the 20‐week follow‐up.
Brush‐evoked allodynia predicts outcome of spinal cord stimulation in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1
Authors: Van Eijs Frank , Smits Helwin , Geurts José W. , Kessels Alfons G.H. , Kemler Marius A. , Van Kleef Maarten , Joosten Elbert A.J. , Faber Catharina G. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has proven to be an effective however an invasive and relatively expensive treatment of chronic Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1(CRPS‐1). Furthermore, in one third of CRPS‐1 patients, SCS treatment fails to give significant pain relief and 32–38% of treated patients experience complications. The aim of the current study was to develop effective prognostic factors for prediction of successful outcome of SCS.Methods and results: The study population consisted of 36 chronic CRPS patients enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of SCS efficacy. We analyzed various prognostic factors in the group of patients treated with SCS and compared baseline values of possible predictors of outcome in the successfully treated and the not successfully treated group. Success was defined as Patient Global Perceived Impression of Change score of at least “much improved” and pain reduction of at least 2.5 on a visual‐analogue scale (VAS score 0–10). Univariate analyses showed that patient age, duration of the disease, localization of the disease, intensity of the pain, and the presence of mechanical hypoesthesia did not predict SCS success. The mean and maximum value of brush‐evoked allodynia proved to be statistically significant predictors of outcome. Using Receiver‐Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses of maximum allodynia values, the diagnostic sensitivity for successful SCS was 0.75 and the specificity 0.81.Conclusion: Brush‐evoked allodynia may be a significant negative prognostic factor of SCS treatment outcome after 1 year in chronic CRPS‐1.
Preliminary uterine artery ligation versus pericervical mechanical tourniquet in reducing hemorrhage during abdominal myomectomy
Authors: Helal Adel Saad , Abdel‐Hady El ‐Said , Refaie Ehsan , El Shamy Maged , El Fattah Raafat Abd , Mashaly Abd El Magied 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of preliminary uterine artery ligation versus pericervical mechanical tourniquet in reducing hemorrhage during myomectomy.MethodsA total of 103 patients undergoing myomectomy were randomly allocated to undergo preliminary uterine artery ligation (52 patients) or pericervical tourniquet (51 patients). The primary outcome measure was estimated blood loss. Secondary outcomes included duration of the operation, duration of hospital stay, postoperative hemoglobin, and the need for postoperative analgesia.ResultsOperative blood loss was significantly less with uterine artery ligation compared with tourniquet (433.80 ± 285.21 vs 823.23 ± 237.33 mL, P < 0.001). The mean duration of the operation was lower in the uterine artery ligation group compared with the tourniquet group (50.5 ± 8.7 vs 76.3 ± 9.4 minutes, P < 0.001). Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the uterine artery ligation group compared with the tourniquet group (4.1 ± 0.1 vs 5.1 ± 0.2 days; P < 0.001). Postoperative hemoglobin concentrations and the need for postoperative analgesia were higher in the uterine artery ligation group (P = 0.012 and P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionUterine artery ligation was more effective than pericervical tourniquet as a preliminary step in reducing blood loss during abdominal myomectomy.