bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Service Oriented Architecture‐based federated architectures
Authors: Abusharekh Ashraf M. , Gloss Lawrence E. , Levis Alexander H. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis paper discusses the specifications, methods, and constructs to implement end‐to‐end Service Oriented Architecture (SOA)‐based systems engineering across a federation of information domains. It addresses the necessity and benefits of a repeatable service design framework and its ability to consistently yield quantifiable results for SOA performance evaluation. An illustrative example of the approach is presented. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 14: 56–72, 2011
Influence of nuchal cord on ductus venosus assessment at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation
Authors: Plasencia W. , Lopez P. , Esparza M. , Garcia R. , Barber M. A. , Garcia J. A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the influence of the presence of nuchal cord (NC) on the evaluation of the fetal ductus venosus flow velocity waveform (DV‐FVW).MethodsThis prospective study included 1174 normal non‐selected singleton pregnancies between 11 and 13 + 6 weeks' gestation. We recorded the presence or absence of NC around the fetal neck, and assessed its relationship with the qualitative assessment and quantitative measurement of the DV‐FVW.ResultsWe observed NC around the fetal neck in 6.73% of cases and detected reversed flow of the a‐wave of the DV‐FVW in 2.98% of cases. In the group without NC, 21 of 1095 had reversed flow in the DV‐FVW (1.9%; 95% CI, 1.28–3.02), whereas in the group with NC, 14 of 79 had reversed flow in the DV‐FVW (17.7%; 95% CI, 16.67–40.35). We found a lower pulsatility index in fetuses without NC in comparison to those with NC (P < 0.001). We also found an association between the presence of NC and an increased occurrence of absent and reversed a‐wave of the flow velocity waveforms (P < 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, a much higher occurrence of reversed DV‐FVW a‐wave was detected in fetuses with NC and smaller crown–rump length, and a much higher occurrence of absent DV‐FVW a‐wave was found in fetuses with NC and a higher maternal body mass index.ConclusionsThe presence of NC modifies the sonographic findings in the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the DV‐FVW. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum dots and nanocomposites
Authors: Mansur Herman Sander 
Published: January 2010

AbstractQuantum dots (QDs), also known as semiconducting nanoparticles, are promising zero‐dimensional advanced materials because of their nanoscale size and because they can be engineered to suit particular applications such as nonlinear optical devices (NLO), electro‐optical devices, and computing applications. QDs can be joined to polymers in order to produce nanocomposites which can be considered a scientific revolution of the 21st century. One of the fastest moving and most exciting interfaces of nanotechnology is the use of QDs in medicine, cell and molecular biology. Recent advances in nanomaterials have produced a new class of markers and probes by conjugating semiconductor QDs with biomolecules that have affinities for binding with selected biological structures. The nanoscale of QDs ensures that they do not scatter light at visible or longer wavelengths, which is important in order to minimize optical losses in practical applications. Moreover, at this scale, quantum confinement and surface effects become very important and therefore manipulation of the dot diameter or modification of its surface allows the properties of the dot to be controlled. Quantum confinement affects the absorption and emission of photons from the dot. Thus, the absorption edge of a material can be tuned by control of the particle size. This paper reviews developments in the myriad of possibilities for the use of semiconductor QDs associated with molecules producing novel hybrid nanocomposite systems for nanomedicine and bioengineering applications.WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol2010 2 113–129This article is categorized under:Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
PAS‐positive lymphocyte vacuoles can be used as diagnostic screening test for Pompe disease
Authors: Hagemans Marloes L. C. , Stigter Rolinda L. , van Capelle Carine I. , van der Beek Nadine A. M. E. , Winkel Leon P. F. , van Vliet Laura , Hop Wim C. J. , Reuser Arnold J. J. , Beishuizen Auke , van der Ploeg Ans T. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractScreening of blood films for the presence of periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS)‐positive lymphocyte vacuoles is sometimes used to support the diagnosis of Pompe disease, but the actual diagnostic value is still unknown. We collected peripheral blood films from 65 untreated Pompe patients and 51 controls. Lymphocyte vacuolization was quantified using three methods: percentage vacuolated lymphocytes, percentage PAS‐positive lymphocytes, and a PAS score depending on staining intensity. Diagnostic accuracy of the tests was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. All three methods fully discerned classic infantile patients from controls. The mean values of patients with milder forms of Pompe disease were significantly higher than those of controls, but full separation was not obtained. The area under the ROC curve was 0.98 for the percentage vacuolated lymphocytes (optimal cutoff value 3; sensitivity 91%, specificity 96%) and 0.99 for the percentage PAS‐positive lymphocytes and PAS score (optimal cutoff value 9; sensitivity 100%, specificity 98%). Our data indicate that PAS‐stained blood films can be used as a reliable screening tool to support a diagnosis of Pompe disease. The percentage of PAS‐positive lymphocytes is convenient for use in clinical practice but should always be interpreted in combination with other clinical and laboratory parameters.
Serum Phospholipid Transfer Protein Activity After a High Fat Meal in Patients with Insulin‐Treated Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Schlitt Axel , Schwaab Bernhard , Fingscheidt Kirsten , Lackner Karl J. , Heine Gunnar H. , Vogt Alexander , Buerke Michael , Maegdefessel Lars , Raaz Uwe , Werdan Karl , Jiang Xian‐Cheng 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPlasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) mediates both net transfer and exchange of phospholipids between different lipoproteins. Animal studies have shown that it is closely related to the development of atherosclerosis. Although many studies have indicated that PLTP activity is increased in diabetes mellitus, the role of PLTP in diabetes is still unclear. To evaluate the influence of a high‐fat meal on PLTP activity, 50 nondiabetic patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), 50 insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetics, and 50 healthy controls were included. We determined PLTP activity before and 4 and 8 h after a high‐fat meal. As expected, serum PLTP activity was significantly higher in CHD patients than in healthy controls (71.0 ± 46.2 vs. 54.0 ± 33.8 pmol/μl/h, P = 0.032) at baseline. More importantly, we found that serum PLTP activity increased to its maximum 4 h after fat loading and then decreased to nearly basal levels after 8 h both in controls and CHD patients. In contrast, PLTP activity continuously increased during this time period in the diabetic patients. With regards to the data from this study we hypothesize that serum PLTP is involved in the clearance of postprandial lipoproteins and this process is attenuated in diabetes. Since postprandial lipoproteins are atherogenic, the delay in clearance of these particles could play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus.
An empirical investigation of environmental performance and the market value of the firm
Authors: Jacobs Brian W. , Singhal Vinod R. , Subramanian Ravi 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis paper analyzes the shareholder value effects of environmental performance by measuring the stock market reaction associated with announcements of environmental performance. We examine the market reaction to two categories of environmental performance. The first category includes 417 announcements of Corporate Environmental Initiatives (CEIs) that provide information about self‐reported corporate efforts to avoid, mitigate, or offset the environmental impacts of the firm's products, services, or processes. The second category includes 363 announcements of Environmental Awards and Certifications (EACs) that provide information about recognition granted by third‐parties specifically for environmental performance. Although the market does not react significantly to the aggregated CEI and EAC announcements, we find statistically significant market reactions for certain CEI and EAC subcategories. Specifically, announcements of philanthropic gifts for environmental causes are associated with significant positive market reaction, voluntary emission reductions are associated with significant negative market reaction, and ISO 14001 certifications are associated with significant positive market reaction. The difference between the market reactions to the CEI and EAC categories is statistically insignificant. Overall, the market is selective in reacting to announcements of environmental performance with certain types of announcements even valued negatively.
Upper Limb Nerve Entrapment Syndromes in Veterans With Lower Limb Amputations
Authors: Pyo Jay , Pasquina Paul F. , DeMarco Michael , Wallach Robert , Teodorski Emily , Cooper Rory A. 
Published: January 2010

ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence and severity of upper limb entrapment syndromes in a sample of veterans with lower limb amputations.DesignA descriptive survey, pilot study.Setting2008 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic.ParticipantsTwenty participants with various lower limb amputations.MethodsAll study participants completed a questionnaire that included symptoms of both upper limbs, medical history, time since amputation, medication history, use of assistive technology, and wheelchair characteristics. A physical examination and electrodiagnostic testing were then performed on each participant. The physical examination included an assessment of bilateral upper limb weakness or sensory abnormalities, thenar/hypothenar atrophy, deep tendon reflexes, Tinel test of the wrist and elbow, and the Phalen maneuver. All nerve conduction studies were performed by an American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine‐certified physiatrist.Outcome MeasuresCorrelation between symptoms, examination findings, and electrodiagnostic findings with the participant's demographic data in the questionnaire.ResultsTwenty participants (19 men and 1 woman) were enrolled in the study, with a total of 38 upper limbs evaluated. The mean age of the study population was 59 ± 13 years, with an average of 23 years since the amputation. Sixteen (80%) of 20 participants had electrodiagnostic findings consistent with median neuropathy across the wrist (26/38 affected limbs, 6 participants with unilateral and 10 with bilateral findings), and 14 (70%) of 20 participants had ulnar entrapment neuropathy across the elbow (22/38 affected limbs, 6 participants with unilateral and 8 with bilateral findings). Several participants (6 of 20, 30%) were found to have electrodiagnostic evidence of ulnar entrapment neuropathy across the wrist (10 of 38 affected limbs, 2 participants unilateral and 4 bilateral findings).ConclusionA high number of veterans with lower limb amputations presented with upper limb nerve entrapment syndromes. Careful attention to these nerve entrapment syndromes in lower limb amputees is necessary because the symptoms may be confounded by other chronic pain‐related disorders.
Risk Factors for Volleyball‐Related Shoulder Pain and Dysfunction
Authors: Reeser Jonathan C. , Joy Elizabeth A. , Porucznik Christina A. , Berg Richard L. , Colliver Ethan B. , Willick Stuart E. 
Published: January 2010

ObjectiveTo identify risk factors for volleyball‐related shoulder pain and dysfunction.DesignCross‐sectional, observational.SettingNational championship sporting event.ParticipantsCompetitors at the 2006 National Intramural & Recreational Sports Association Collegiate Club Volleyball Championship competition were invited to volunteer for the study. A total of 422 athletes returned questionnaires, of whom 276 also underwent a structured physical examination.Assessment of Risk FactorsStudy participants provided information on any history of volleyball‐related shoulder pain or dysfunction. The simple shoulder test (SST) and a visual analog scale permitted subjects to quantify the extent of their perceived functional limitation. Subjects also were invited to undergo a physical examination in which dynamic scapular positioning, glenohumeral range of motion, shoulder girdle strength, and core stability were assessed.Main Outcome MeasurementsStandard statistical methods of comparison and tests of association were used to identify risk factors for shoulder pain among participating volleyball athletes.ResultsApproximately 60% of participants reported a history of shoulder problems. Attackers and “jump” servers were more likely to have shoulder problems than setters, defensive specialists, and “float” servers. Nearly half of the athletes who reported shoulder problems perceived some associated functional limitation, with female athletes providing lower SST scores than male athletes (9.0 versus 10.1, P = .001). Athletes reporting shoulder pain and dysfunction were more likely to have SICK scapula scores of 3 or greater (P = .010). Participants who demonstrated core instability also had greater SICK scapula scores (3.9 versus 2.9, P = .038), and were more likely to report a history of shoulder problems (χ2 = 8.83, P = .032). Although the authors observed a significant mean left‐right difference of 8.9° in available glenohumeral internal rotation among participating athletes, this deficit was not associated with shoulder problems. However, there was an association between asymmetric coracoid tightness /pectoral shortening and shoulder pain (P = .030), as well as for restricted shoulder flexion in the sagittal plane and shoulder problems (P = .015).ConclusionsAlthough most risk factors for volleyball‐related shoulder problems are similar to those identified for other overhead sports, there appear to be additional volleyball‐specific risk factors that may reflect the biomechanical demands of the sport. An understanding of modifiable risk factors is critical to providing optimal care for overuse injuries and may facilitate future efforts to prevent shoulder problems among volleyball athletes.
Dietary assessment methods for intakes of iron, calcium, selenium, zinc and iodine
Authors: Serra-Majem Lluis , Pfrimer Karina , Doreste-Alonso Jorge , Ribas-Barba Lourdes , Sánchez-Villegas Almudena , Ortiz-Andrellucchi Adriana , Henríquez-Sánchez Patricia 
Published: January 2010

The EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned (EURRECA) Network of Excellence is working towards developing aligned micronutrient recommendations across Europe. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a review of methods used in validation studies carried out in adults assessing dietary intake of EURRECA priority minerals. A search strategy and inclusion criteria were defined and a scoring system was developed to rate the quality of each validation study that produced a quality index with possible scores obtained ranging from 0·5 to 7. A MEDLINE and EMBASE literature review was conducted. Articles/validation studies meeting the inclusion criteria included: 79/88 for Fe; 95/104 for Ca; 13/15 for Se; 29/30 for Zn; 7/9 for iodine. The most frequently used method to ascertain dietary intake was the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), whereas dietary records (DR) and 24 h recalls were the most used reference methods. The correlation coefficients (CC) between study mineral intakes estimated by FFQ and the reference method were weighted according to the study's quality index and obtained acceptable to good ratings, ranging from 0·36 to 0·60 when the reference method was DR and from 0·41 to 0·58 when the reference was 24 h recalls. A minority of studies (n9) used biomarkers for validation and among these, five included iodine obtaining a CC of 0·47. The FFQ was seen as a valid method for assessing mineral intake, particularly for Ca and, to a lower extent, for iodine and Zn. Se and Fe showed only acceptable correlations. The present review provides new insights regarding the characteristics that assessment methods for dietary mineral intakes should fulfil.
Distribution of epicatechin metabolites in lymphoid tissues and testes of young rats with a cocoa-enriched diet
Authors: Urpi-Sarda Mireia , Ramiro-Puig Emma , Khan Nasiruddin , Ramos-Romero Sara , Llorach Rafael , Castell Margarida , Gonzalez-Manzano Susana , Santos-Buelga Celestino , Andres-Lacueva Cristina 
Published: January 2010

An increasing number of scientific studies support that flavanol-rich foods and beverages such as cocoa can promote human health, and are beneficial agents for the prevention of some diseases. Our previous studies showed that long-term cocoa intake enhances the antioxidant status in lymphoid organs and also modulates lymphocyte functionality in healthy young rats. Cocoa polyphenolic antioxidants seem to be the best candidates for those effects. However, data regarding polyphenol metabolites in tissues after a long-term cocoa intake are scarce. In the present study we mainly focus on the uptake and accumulation of epicatechin metabolites in lymphoid organs, including the thymus, spleen and mesenteric lymphoid nodes, as well as in the liver and testes after a diet rich in cocoa. Ten young weaned Wistar rats were fed randomly with a 10 % (w/w) cocoa diet or a control diet for 3 weeks, corresponding to their infancy and youth. Tissues were treated with a solid-phase extraction and analysed by liquid chromatography–tandem MS. The major compounds recovered in these tissues were glucuronide derivatives of epicatechin and methylepicatechin. The highest concentration of these metabolites was found in the thymus, testicles and liver, followed by lymphatic nodes and spleen. The high amount of epicatechin metabolites found in the thymus supports our previous findings showing its high antioxidant capacity compared with other tissues such as the spleen. Moreover, this is the first time that epicatechin metabolites have been found in high concentrations in the testes, confirming other studies that have suggested the testes as an important site of oxidation.
Postprandial response of plasma insulin, amylin and acylated ghrelin to various test meals in lean and obese cats
Authors: Martin Lucile J. M. , Siliart Brigitte , Lutz Thomas A. , Biourge Vincent , Nguyen Patrick , Dumon Henri J. W. 
Published: January 2010

The propensity of diets of different composition to promote obesity is a current topic in feline medicine. The effects of three meals with different protein:fat ratios on hormones (insulin, acylated ghrelin and amylin) involved in the control of food intake and glucose metabolism were compared. Five lean (two females and three males, 28·6 (sd 3·4) % body fat mass (BFM), mean body weight (BW) 4590 g) and five obese (two females and three males, 37·1 (sd 4·1) % BFM, mean BW 4670 g) adult cats were studied. Only BFM differed significantly between obese and lean cats. The cats were fed a high-protein (HP), a high-fat and a high-carbohydrate diet in a randomised cross-over design. Food intake did not differ between cats fed on the different diets, but obese cats consumed significantly more energy, expressed as per kg fat-free mass, than lean cats. After a 6-week adaptation period, a test meal was given and blood samples were collected before and 0, 30, 60 and 100 min after the meal. Baseline concentrations of glucose, amylin and acylated ghrelin were higher in obese cats than in lean cats, and obese cats showed the highest postprandial responses of glucose and amylin. The HP diet led to higher postprandial amylin concentrations than the other diets, indicating a possible effect of amino acids on β-cell secretion. Postprandial ghrelin concentrations were unaffected by diet composition. The relationship between insulin, amylin and ghrelin secretion and their relevant roles in food intake and glucose metabolism in cats require further study.
Homeomeric Lines in Greek Mathematics
Authors: Acerbi Fabio 
Published: January 2010

ArgumentThis article presents ancient documents on the subject of homeomeric lines. On the basis of such documents, the article reconstructs a definition of the notion as well as a proof of the result, which is left unproved in extant sources, that there are only three homeomeric lines: the straight line, the circumference, and the cylindrical helix. A point of particular historiographic interest is that homeomeric lines were the only class of lines defined directly as the extension of a mathematical property, a move that is unparalleled in Greek mathematics. The far-reaching connections between mathematical homeomery and key issues in the ancient cosmological debate are extensively discussed here. An analysis of its relevance as a foundational theme will be presented in a companion paper in a future issue of Science in Context.
Collembola fauna of the South Shetland Islands revisited
Authors: Greenslade Penelope 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA review of the collembolan fauna of the South Shetland Islands is presented. Cryptopygus nanjiensis Yue & Tamura is synonymized with C. antarcticus Willem. A record of Tullbergia mediantarctica Wise from King George Island is considered a misidentification of Tullbergia mixta Wahlgren and Tillieria penai Weiner & Najt, described from the same island, is synonymized with T. mixta. The current fauna stands at eleven species, of which at least three are introduced. A checklist of Collembola currently considered to occur in the South Shetland Islands is supplied with distributional data.