bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological and thermal characterization of native starches from Andean crops
Authors: Torres Fernando G. , Troncoso Omar P. , Díaz Diego A. , Amaya Evelin 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe have characterized and compared the morphological and thermal properties exhibited by starches from different Andean crops. Starches were extracted from tubers, root, fruits, and other starch containing parts of different plants. Morphological characterization was carried out by means of light optical microscopy. Thermal analysis was performed by DSC. The morphological properties of starch granules as well as the gelatinization parameters vary considerably among plants sources. Feret's diameter of granule starches is related to the part of the plant from which starch is obtained corresponding the largest starch granules (≈42.5 µm) to tuber sources, whereas, smallest granules to root sources (≈8.9 µm). The specific enthalpies of gelatinization were in the range 9–18.7 J/g. An inverse correlation between specific enthalpies and specific surface area (SSA) for starch with water content of 75% indicates that starches with higher SSAs need less energy to complete the gelatinization process than those with lower SSAs. The results show that starches from Andean crops could be used as raw material for the production of new starch‐based thermoplastics.
Neural basis of affect and emotion
Authors: Kirkland Tabitha , Cunningham William A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractResearch on affect and emotion has recently been informed by novel methods and theories in cognitive neuroscience. This perspective, known as affective neuroscience, has the potential to dramatically improve our understanding of fundamental processes of emotion. In this article, we review the major neural systems involved in emotion and consider the computational properties of these regions. Specifically, we consider affect systems associated with the representation of predicted and experienced affective states, the cortical re‐representation of body states, and the role of reflection in generating and maintaining emotional episodes. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 656–665 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.145This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Cognition
The Taguchi method
Authors: Mitra Amitava 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAchieving robustness in product and process designs is of importance to various stakeholders such as manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers. As variability exists in all operations, it is desirable to create products and processes that are not very sensitive to factors that are not controllable. The Taguchi method is an approach to robust design. Inherent in the Taguchi method is the definition of a loss function. This loss function formulation is influenced by the type of quality characteristic under consideration, that is, smaller‐is‐better, larger‐is‐better, or target‐is‐best. Furthermore, based on the selected type of quality characteristic, a performance measure is defined. Such performance measures, usually called signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratios, are used to determine optimal settings of the controllable factors. Typically, a two‐step procedure is adopted in the Taguchi method. In the first step, the S/N ratio is maximized, whereas in the second step, using an adjustment factor that does not affect the S/N ratio, the mean response is adjusted to meet the target value, where appropriate. Experimental designs make use of orthogonal arrays to determine factor settings for obtaining data for subsequent analysis. The number of experimental runs is very modest in relation to the number of factors being investigated. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 472–480 DOI: 10.1002/wics.169This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Robust Methods
Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data
Mucoadhesive nanosystems for vaginal microbicide development: friend or foe?
Authors: das Neves José , Amiji Mansoor , Sarmento Bruno 
Published: April 2011

AbstractTopical microbicides are a promising strategy in the prevention of vaginal and rectal HIV transmission as well as other sexually transmitted pathogens. The perspective of developing nanotechnology‐based systems for topical microbicides seems to be useful because important features such as enhanced drug release, targeting, and epithelial penetration can be achieved. However, the interaction of nanoparticles with the mucus fluids that cover the cervicovaginal mucosal epithelium, which can work either as a docking point or as a barrier for diffusion, has been frequently neglected. In this review, we discuss the principles of nanosystems' adhesion to the mucosal tissue and how this relates to the development of optimized microbicide formulations. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 389–399 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.144This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Optimization of a functionally graded circular plate with inner rigid thin obstacles. I. Continuous problems
Authors: Hlaváček I. , Lovíšek J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractOptimal control problems are considered for a functionally graded circular plate with inner rigid obstacles. Axisymmetric bending and stretching of the plate is studied using the classical Kirchhoff theory. The plate material is assumed to vary according to a power‐law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. Four optimal design problems are considered for the elastic circular plate. The state problem is represented by a variational inequality with a monotone operator and the design variables (i.e., the thickness and the exponent of the power‐law) influence both the coefficients and the set of admissible state functions. We prove the existence of a solution to the above‐mentioned optimal design problems.
Prediction of macrozoobenthic species distribution in the Korean Saemangeum tidal flat based on a logistic regression model of environmental parameters
Authors: Ryu Jongseong , Kim Hae‐Cheol , Khim Jong Seong , Kim Yong Hoon , Park Jinsoon , Kang Daeseok , Hwang Jin Hwan , Lee Chang‐Hee , Koh Chul‐Hwan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis study aims to contribute to the development of heuristic statistical models, which are able to predict benthic macrofaunal responses to environmental gradients in coastal areas, such as tidal flats. Ecological response surfaces were derived for 15 intertidal macrobenthic species, using logistic regression based on three separate environmental parameters (shore level, mud content, and organic content) measured on the tidal flats of the Saemangeum estuary, Korea. The presence/absence of the 15 intertidal macrofauna was accurately predicted from each separate environmental factor in the environmental models, with a prediction accuracy of ~65–92%. Subsequently, geographical comparison was made between the mapped probability surfaces and maps of observed species occurrence. The results indicated that the models developed for different species exhibited a wide variety of functional forms, highlighting potential variability in species response to changes in habitat conditions, even for closely associated species with a similar trophic type. Our modeling approach was capable of predicting macrobenthic species distributions with a relatively high degree of accuracy, although the ecological processes controlling intertidal macrobenthic distribution could not be fully determined. Overall, good agreement between modeling results and field observations, with relatively high concordance regardless of target species, emphasized that such an approach would be of practical use in terms of ecosystem approach to tidal flat management.
Aggregation and Thermodynamic Properties of Some Cationic Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Akbaş Halide , Elemenli Aylin , Boz Mesut 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this study, the gemini surfactants of the alkanediyl‐α‐ω‐bis(alkyl dimethyl ammonium) dibromide type, on the one hand, with different alkyl groups containing m carbon atoms and an ethanediyl spacer, referred to as “m‐2‐m” (m = 10, 12 and 16) and, on the other hand, with n‐C16 alkyl groups and different spacers containing s carbon atoms, referred to as “16‐s‐16” (s = 2, 6, 10 and Ar (8)) have been synthesized, purified and characterized. The critical micelle concentration (CMC), micelle ionization degree (α) and Gibbs free energy of micellization (∆Gmic) of these surfactants and the monomeric cationic surfactants DTAB and CTAB have been determined by means of electric conductivity measurements. In addition, the temperature dependence of the CMC was determined for the 10‐2‐10 gemini surfactant. The CMCs of the gemini surfactants are found to be much lower than those of the corresponding monomeric surfactants and the effect of the hydrophobic alkyl chain length is more important than that of the spacer. The CMC of 16‐s‐16 passes through a maximum of (or around) s = 6 and then decreases for s = 10. The presence of a maximum CMC is explained by the contribution of a change of conformation of the surfactant with increasing spacer chain length. The changes of α with s and m are found qualitatively similar to those found for CMC values. The values of ∆Gmic are more negative for the dimers than for the monomers and also change with an increasing spacer carbon number, as CMC values do. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization indicate that the micellization of 10‐2‐10 is enthalpy driven.
Microcredit, Family Planning Programs, and Contraceptive Behavior: Evidence From a Field Experiment in Ethiopia
Authors: Desai Jaikishan , Tarozzi Alessandro 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The impact of community-based family planning programs and access to credit on contraceptive use, fertility, and family size preferences has not been established conclusively in the literature. We provide additional evidence on the possible effect of such programs by describing the results of a randomized field experiment whose main purpose was to increase the use of contraceptive methods in rural areas of Ethiopia. In the experiment, administrative areas were randomly allocated to one of three intervention groups or to a fourth control group. In the first intervention group, both credit and family planning services were provided and the credit officers also provided information on family planning. Only credit or family planning services, but not both, were provided in the other two intervention groups, while areas in the control group received neither type of service. Using pre- and post-intervention surveys, we find that neither type of program, combined or in isolation, led to an increase in contraceptive use that is significantly greater than that observed in the control group. We conjecture that the lack of impact has much to do with the mismatch between women’s preferred contraceptive method (injectibles) and the contraceptives provided by community-based agents (pills and condoms).
Absence of long‐term analgesic effect from a short‐term S‐ketamine infusion on fibromyalgia pain: A randomized, prospective, double blind, active placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Noppers Ingeborg , Niesters Marieke , Swartjes Maarten , Bauer Martin , Aarts Leon , Geleijnse Natasja , Mooren René , Dahanl Albert , Sarton Elise 
Published: April 2011

AbstractTo assess the analgesic efficacy of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antagonist S(+)‐ketamine on fibromyalgia pain, the authors performed a randomized double blind, active placebo‐controlled trial. Twenty‐four fibromyalgia patients were randomized to receive a 30‐min intravenous infusion with S(+)‐ketamine (total dose 0.5 mg/kg, n=12) or the active placebo, midazolam (5 mg, n =12). Visual Analogue Pain Scores (VAS) and ketamine plasma samples were obtained for 2.5‐h following termination of treatment; pain scores derived from the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) were collected weekly during an 8‐week follow‐up. Fifteen min after termination of infusion the number of patients showing a reduction in pain scores >50% was 8 vs. 3 (P<0.05), at t=180 min 6 vs. 2 (ns), at the end of week‐1 2 vs. 0 (ns) and at end of week‐8 2 vs. 2 in the ketamine and midazolam groups, respectively. Ketamine effect on VAS closely followed ketamine plasma concentrations. For VAS and FIQ scores no significant differences in treatment effects were observed in the 2.5‐h following infusion or during the 8‐week follow‐up. Side effects as measured by the Bowdle questionnaire (which scores for 13 separate psychedelic symptoms) were mild to moderate in both study groups and declined rapidly, indicating adequate blinding of treatments. Efficacy of ketamine was limited and restricted in duration to its pharmacokinetics. The authors argue that a short‐term infusion of ketamine is insufficient to induce long‐term analgesic effects in fibromyalgia patients.
Growth trajectories of the human fetal brain tissues estimated from 3D reconstructed in utero MRI
Authors: Scott Julia A. , Habas Piotr A. , Kim Kio , Rajagopalan Vidya , Hamzelou Kia S. , Corbett‐Detig James M. , Barkovich A. James , Glenn Orit A. , Studholme Colin 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn the latter half of gestation (20–40 gestational weeks), human brain growth accelerates in conjunction with cortical folding and the deceleration of ventricular zone progenitor cell proliferation. These processes are reflected in changes in the volume of respective fetal tissue zones. Thus far, growth trajectories of the fetal tissue zones have been extracted primarily from 2D measurements on histological sections and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, the volumes of major fetal zones—cortical plate (CP), subplate and intermediate zone (SP + IZ), germinal matrix (GMAT), deep gray nuclei (DG), and ventricles (VENT)—are calculated from automatic segmentation of motion‐corrected, 3D reconstructed MRI. We analyzed 48 T2‐weighted MRI scans from 39 normally developing fetuses in utero between 20.57 and 31.14 gestational weeks (GW). The supratentorial volume (STV) increased linearly at a rate of 15.22% per week. The SP + IZ (14.75% per week) and DG (15.56% per week) volumes increased at similar rates. The CP increased at a greater relative rate (18.00% per week), while the VENT (9.18% per week) changed more slowly. Therefore, CP increased as a fraction of STV and the VENT fraction declined. The total GMAT volume slightly increased then decreased after 25 GW. We did not detect volumetric sexual dimorphisms or total hemispheric volume asymmetries, which may emerge later in gestation. Further application of the automated fetal brain segmentation to later gestational ages will bridge the gap between volumetric studies of premature brain development and normal brain development in utero.
Supplementation with fish oil and coconut fat prevents prenatal stress‐induced changes in early postnatal development
Authors: Borsonelo Elizabethe C. , Suchecki Deborah , Calil Helena Maria , Galduróz José Carlos F. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAdequate development of the central nervous system depends on prenatal and postnatal factors. On one hand, prenatal stress (PNS) has been implicated in impaired development of the offspring. On other hand, nutritional factors during pregnancy and lactation can influence fetal and postnatal growth. This study assessed the postnatal development of rat offspring exposed to PNS, which consisted of restraint and bright lights, 3 times/day, from days 14 to 20 of pregnancy, whose mothers were fed different diets during pregnancy and lactation: regular diet, diet supplemented with coconut fat or fish oil. When pregnancy was confirmed, they were distributed into control (CTL) or PNS groups. At birth, PNS males and females weighed less than those in the group CTL. At 21 days of age, this alteration was no longer observed with fish oil and coconut fat groups. PNS and coconut fat diet induced increased locomotor activity in 13 day old male and female pups, and this effect was prevented by fish oil supplementation only in females. In conclusion, postnatal development from birth to weaning was influenced by PNS and diet and some of those alterations were prevented by coconut fat and fish oil.
The limited effects of power on satisfaction with joint consumption decisions
Authors: Fisher Robert J. , Grégoire Yany , Murray Kyle B. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe conduct three experiments in which participants in dyads choose between two restaurants, each of which is preferred by only one participant, and one participant has the power to decide which restaurant both will patronize. We find that the power to make a joint decision increases satisfaction with the choice only when those involved have a competitive decision orientation, a weak or anonymous relationship, and the outcome they choose is subsequently available. Participants who have a cooperative orientation are satisfied whether or not they have power and whether or not the resulting choice is consistent with their initial preferences.
Mucoceles of the oral cavity in pediatric patients
Authors: Wu Chung Wei , Kao Yu‐Hsun , Chen Chao‐Ming , Hsu Han Jen , Chen Chun‐Ming , Huang I‐Yueh 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMucoceles are quite common in the oral cavity, but reports on pediatric patients are very rare. The aims of this study were to present our data and experience in the treatment of mucoceles of the oral cavity in pediatric patients, to compare them with those of other countries, and to remind the pediatric physician to devote much attention to lesions of the oral cavity in children. This retrospective study is based on the record of the patients who received surgical treatment for mucoceles of the oral cavity with pathologic confirmation at the Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan, between 2000 and 2004. Patients younger than 18 years were included in this study. The analyzed data included age, gender, site, size, histopathologic findings, surgical methods, and complications. There were a total of 289 patients with mucoceles confirmed by histopathologic examination. As many as 64 patients were younger than 18 years. Of the 64, 34 were girls and 30 were boys; 89.1% of the lesions were in the lower lip; and 48.4% of the lesions were less than 5 mm in diameter. Histopathologic findings showed that all mucoceles were of the extravasation type. As many as 30 patients were treated by carbon dioxide laser vaporization, and two cases recurred (6.67%); 34 patients were treated by surgical excision, and the recurrence rate (5.88%) was not statistically different for the treatment methods. The laser vaporization has the advantage of less bleeding, no sutures, and saving time, especially suitable for children with oral mucocele.
Legislatures: Help or hindrance in achieving successful crisis management?
Authors: Stark Alastair 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Legislatures have the potential to influence the politics and policies of crisis management. As such, they deserve analytical treatment from those interested in the effectiveness of state-led efforts to resolve crises. However, determining and evaluating the extent of a legislature's involvement in a crisis management process is a complicated research endeavour. The purpose of this article is to reduce this complexity by presenting a research framework that can be used for the analytical and evaluative exploration of legislatures in relation to crisis management. As the framework unfolds, insights are generated about how the interaction between politics and policy affects crisis management performance, and the ways in which interpretations of ‘success’ and ‘failure’ are constructed subjectively by crisis actors. Emerging from the framework is an argument that assessments of institutional performance must be cognizant of the ‘normative pluralism’ that characterises contemporary crises.
Chronic postoperative pain and sensory changes following reduction mammaplasty
Authors: von Sperling Marie L. , Høimyr Hilde , Finnerup Kenneth , Jensen Troels S. , Finnerup Nanna B. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Few studies have examined persistent pain after reduction mammaplasty, and sensory changes remain a controversial subject with studies reporting both reduced, improved, and unchanged skin sensitivity following surgery. The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence, character, and impact of sensory changes and persistent pain following breast reduction surgery and to assess possible causes and predictors of persistent sensory changes and chronic pain.

Methods
In May 2010, a detailed questionnaire was mailed to all 109 patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Aalborg Hospital from September 2004 to February 2010. Ninety patients (83%) returned the questionnaire; mean age was 48.7 years (SD 14.7); and mean time since surgery was 27.7 months.

Results
Eight patients reported that they had sensory abnormalities in the breasts before surgery, which normalized or improved in four, remained unchanged in one, and worsened in three patients following surgery. Forty-nine patients (54%) reported sensory changes in the nipple–areola complex or skin as a consequence of surgery. Sixty-nine patients reported having pain before surgery (most often in the neck/back), which was completely relieved in 42% and partially in 43%. Twenty-five patients (28%) reported having pain in the breasts as a consequence of the operation: 20% had chronic pain (defined as constant pain or pain at least once weekly for at least 3 months) and 7% had moderate to severe pain. In more than half of the patients, the pain was compatible with neuropathic pain. Patients with pain tended to be less satisfied with the surgery than those without pain (p = 0.07, Mann–Whitney U test). Young age, time since surgery, complications to surgery and sensory abnormalities before surgery were significantly related to pain.

Conclusion
Reduction mammaplasty relieved neck and back pain in most patients, but the surgery is associated with a risk of developing new sensory abnormalities and persistent neuropatic pain.

Implications
The clinical implication of this study is that reduction mammaplasty may sooth preexisting neck- and back pain, but may lead to a new condition in the patient with chronic sensory changes and pain in the breasts.
ON BECOMING A CHIEF IN THE KAOKOVELD, COLONIAL NAMIBIA, 1916–25
Authors: GEWALD JAN-BART 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTIn 1916 a warlord named Oorlog – ‘war’, in Afrikaans – moved into the Kaokoveld in the far north-west of what is now Namibia, and drove off the original inhabitants. Shortly after, Oorlog was formally recognized as a chief by the newly established South African administration and elevated to the highest position of power in the Kaokoveld. This article, through investigating how Oorlog came to be elevated to this position of power, explores issues of colonial governance and personal relationships. By focusing on the micropolitics of the Kaokoveld, it emphasizes how interpersonal relationships – not bureaucratic structures – were of crucial importance in the establishment and maintenance of early colonial rule in Africa.
Why Do Traders Choose to Trade Anonymously?
Authors: Comerton-Forde Carole , Putniņš Tālis J. , Tang Kar Mei 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper examines the use, determinants, and impact of anonymous orders in a market where disclosure of broker identity in the trading screen is voluntary. We find that most trading occurs nonanonymously, contrary to prior literature that suggests liquidity gravitates to anonymous markets. By strategically using anonymity when it is beneficial, traders reduce their execution costs. Traders select anonymity based on various factors including order source, order size and aggressiveness, time of day, liquidity, and expected execution costs. Finally, we report how anonymous orders affect market quality and discuss implications for market design.