bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rheological properties and phase transition of cornstarches with different amylose/amylopectin ratios under shear stress
Authors: Wang Jun , Yu Long , Xie Fengwei , Chen Ling , Li Xiaoxi , Liu Hongsheng 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe rheological properties and phase transition of cornstarch with low moisture content under shear stress was investigated using a mixer with twin‐roller rotors by the variation of torque as functions of temperature and time. Cornstarches with different AM/AP ratios (wx: 4:96, maize: 29:71, Gelose 50: 62:38, and Gelose 80: 77:23) were used as model materials in the experimental work. The results showed that, as the AM content increased from 0 to 77%, the maximum torque increased from about 54 to 66 N/m and the final torque increased from about 27 to 47 N/m, respectively, and a longer mixing time was required to achieve a stable state (constant torque value). Microscopic and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies showed that the phase transition reflected by changes of birefringence and endotherms could well be associated with the torque curve measured by the mixer. The higher gelatinization temperatures of the starches with higher AM content, and especially the existence of multi‐phase transitions at high temperatures, could explain the rheological behaviors detected by the mixer. The technique can be used to study the starch melting and destructuration under shear stress with low moisture content (<45%), which represents the most of extrusion conditions for starch‐based materials.
Transvaginal three‐dimensional ultrasound: a method of studying anal anatomy and function
Authors: Olsen I. P. , Wilsgaard T. , Kiserud T. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo explore the possibility of using transvaginal 3D ultrasound as a method of assessing the compartments of the anal canal during rest, to determine the effect of squeeze, and to compare these findings with those obtained using the endoanal technique in the same women.MethodsTransvaginal 3D ultrasound was used in a cross‐sectional study measuring the anal mucosa and sphincters during rest and squeeze in 20 nulligravida women, comparing the results with those of endoanal measurements. Measurements were also performed of the anal mucosa, anorectal curvature (ARC), and anovaginal angle (AVA) and distance (AVD).ResultsVolume measurements of the anal mucosa were only possible using transvaginal ultrasound. The mean volume of the anal canal using the transvaginal technique was 7.93 (SD 2.26) and 7.34 (1.54) cm3 during rest and squeeze, respectively (P = 0.082). The ARC became more acute (3.46 vs. 4.12°/mm, P = 0.031) during squeeze and AVA increased (31.7° vs. 35.8°, P = 0.010). The volume of the anal mucosa (3.12 cm3) did not change (P = 0.193), but was distorted during squeeze at the level of the puborectalis sling (P < 0.001 for upper cross‐section and diameter). The anal canal was 1 cm longer (P < 0.001), the IAS volume larger (2.97 and 2.08 cm3, P = 0.003), and the EAS volume smaller (1.85 and 3.96 cm3, P < 0.001) using the 3D transvaginal technique compared with the endoanal measurements at rest, with similar differences observed on squeeze.ConclusionIn contrast to the endoanal method, transvaginal 3D ultrasound provides a complete assessment of the anal canal, including the mucosa. This method seems suitable for functional studies such as in the present one, which shows that voluntary squeeze increases the angulation of the anal canal and distorts the bowel cross‐section at the level of the puborectal muscle. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Esophageal Motility Using Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance in Healthy Children and Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux
Authors: Di Pace Maria Rita , Caruso Anna Maria , Catalano Pieralba , Casuccio Alessandra , De Grazia Enrico 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTObjective:Multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) directly evaluates esophageal bolus transport. There is a good correlation between MII and manometry in healthy adults, but there are no reports concerning children.The aim of the present study was to determine normal values of esophageal motility using only impedance measurements in healthy children and in a pediatric population with gastroesophageal reflux (GER).Patients and Methods:We described in the present study 60 children submitted to pH‐MII for 24 hours for suspected GER. Patients were divided into 2 different groups on the basis of their pH‐MII report. Group 1 patients showed acid GER, whereas group 2 patients had negative pH‐MII analysis for GER despite symptoms. We described impedance reflux and motility parameters on 10 standardized swallows: number of reflux, mean acid clearing time, median bolus clearing time, bolus presence time, total bolus transit time, segmental transit time, and total propagation velocity.Results:In group 1, the median mean acid clearing time was 151 seconds, whereas the median mean bolus clearing time was 25 seconds. In group 2 patients, all of the reflux parameters were normal. In group 1 the median bolus presence time at each measuring site, the median total bolus transit time, and the median segmental transit time were significantly greater and total propagation velocity lower than values reported in group 2 (P < 0.001), if compared with those described for adult patients.Conclusions:The pH‐MII is an ideal test in children because it studies GER with its characteristics and motility pattern. Our report summarizes for the first time impedance motility parameters in healthy children.
Variation in Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Initial Management Options for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases in the United States
Authors: Spergel Jonathan M , Book Wendy M , Mays Elizabeth , Song Lihal , Shah Samir S , Talley Nicholas J , Bonis Peter A 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTObjectives:Variation in the prevalence of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases in different geographical regions has not been extensively studied. The aim of the present study was to define the regional and national prevalence of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, and differences in practice approaches.Patients and Methods:We administered a survey electronically to members of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the North American Society Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Questions pertained to the number and proportion of patients seen with eosinophilic gastroenteritis or colitis and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and methods used to diagnose and treat these conditions.Results:A total of 1836 physicians responded from 10,874 requests (17% response). Extrapolating responses from our US sample, we estimated an overall prevalence of 52 and 28/100,000 for EoE and eosinophilic gastroenteritis or colitis. The patient burden of EoE is higher in urban (0.58) and suburban (0.44) compared with rural settings (0.36, P < 0.0065), observations consistent with other allergic disorders. There was also increased prevalence in northeast region when calculated by prevalence per 100,000. There was considerable variability in criteria and initial treatment options used to diagnose EoE. Only one‐third of respondents reported using diagnostic criteria proposed in a 2007 consensus document. Seventy‐one and 35% of respondents reported treating some patients with EoE with a food elimination or elemental diet, respectively.Conclusions:EoE is diagnosed more often in northeastern states and urban areas. There is considerable variability in diagnostic criteria and initial treatment approach supporting the need for additional clinical trials and consensus development.
Emerging challenges in academic librarianship and role of library associations in professional updating
Authors: Thomas V.K. , Satpathi Chitra , Satpathi J.N. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the challenges posed by the contemporary library environment, which are the results of ICT and the digital revolution, and call for developing new competencies and skills as well as a new set of proficiencies. It also seeks to analyse the role of professional bodies, especially in India, in preparing librarians to meet these challenges.Design/methodology/approachPart I of this paper on emerging trends in academic librarianship at the global level has been consolidated from the literature that has discussed this problem in various forums, and from personal experience. Part II principally assesses the role played by library associations in preparing professionals to face the challenges offered by trends that emerge from time to time. This is done with the aid of a case study of the Indian Association of Special Libraries & Information Centres (IASLIC), Kolkata (India). A questionnaire and personal interviews were utilised to gather information and opinions.FindingsIt is found that the modern academic librarian, besides the common attributes, should be technology‐savvy and eager to learn and adopt any technology development for the benefit of users. Regular updating of professionals is sine qua non. In the Indian context, it is found that professional bodies like IASLIC did play a yeoman's role in bringing India to the forefront of global librarianship. It is concluded that India does need a well‐laid out policy and programmes of updating and equipping its librarians continuously and can benefit from the experiences of ALA and CILIP.Originality/valueThis is the first time a study of IASLIC has been conducted from the angle of its role in meeting the new challenges posed by ICT. This study should benefit all professional bodies in India in their education programme.
Understanding demand for innovation in the food industry
Authors: Muscio Alessandro , Nardone Gianluca , Dottore Antonio 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on understanding how demand for innovation is articulated in low‐tech industries, dominated by SMEs, where innovation is often based on informal processes and uncodified knowledge, relying on intangible assets.Design/methodology/approachThe authors hypothesize that the problems found in the innovation area are exacerbated in a traditional industry. SMEs might have difficulty understanding what their requirements might be, let alone finding the optimal provider of technologies. The authors therefore expect to find three main forms of demand: real, latent, and potential. The specific case is the food industry in Apulia, Italy. First, focus groups identified general business and technology needs. Then in‐depth interviews were conducted with 87 firms, stratified in order to be representative of food firms in Apulia.FindingsThe authors detected 285 different needs requiring an innovative solution. In most cases, firms understand the areas to be improved, but do not have a technological solution in mind. Demand for innovation is mostly latent.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is narrow in geographic and industry scope. This limits generalizability, but the methodology is transferable and the results comparable. The authors studied the demand side, whereas interaction between supply and demand needs to be understood. Future studies into regional public research organizations (PROs) and intermediaries can therefore be useful.Practical implicationsThe findings can be used to understand how PROs can engage with SMEs and what policymakers can do to facilitate the interaction.Originality/valueThis study applies thinking typically used in high‐tech sectors to a traditional sector, hence testing and extending the theoretical boundaries.
The boundary‐less classroom: extending social innovation and impact learning to the field
Authors: Kickul Jill , Griffiths Mark , Bacq Sophie 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how extending social innovation and impact learning to the field was accomplished.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses how experiential learning can be adapted to social entrepreneurship education and how to structure the course and deliverables. It highlights the importance of students' selection and preparation.FindingsThe paper shares some students' reflections on their fieldwork and how they dealt with new ideas. It also provides three central lessons – “go real”, “go deep”, “get feedback” – that were learned through the experience.Research limitations/implicationsSince information from only one course offering has been reported, a simple generalization should be made cautiously. For this reason, the transferability of this experiential learning course to other regions of the world is discussed and recommendations are offered for educators who want to engage in a successful “boundary‐less classroom.”Originality/valueInitial evidence is provided that the success of experiential learning in social innovation and impact can be guaranteed by a number of elements, including students' preparation to assist them as they confront challenges found in the field experience. Experiential learning would not be transferable without deep intercultural understanding and a well‐chosen selection of social enterprises and social entrepreneurs with whom to collaborate.
Intellectual property valuation: how to approach the selection of an appropriate valuation method
Authors: Lagrost Céline , Martin Donald , Dubois Cyrille , Quazzotti Serge 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to assess how to select an appropriate intellectual property valuation method according to the valuation situation and context.Design/methodology/approachThe article describes the difference between the quantitative and qualitative methods and principles. It reviews the principal approaches and methods used to evaluate an intellectual property asset and proposes a framework to help the evaluators to select an appropriate valuation method. The paper initiates a discussion on the parameters and requirements that influence the choice of an IP valuation method in order to reach the expected valuation result.FindingsThis paper provides useful guidelines for any evaluator who would be responsible for executing an IP valuation and who would be faced with the difficult task of choosing an appropriate IP valuation method. It is the intention of this paper to develop a synthesised and integrated procedure for the selection of an IP valuation method.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this paper is that not all of the existing methods were described and taken into account in the final proposed procedure. The authors made a series of assumptions and a selection of the methods that may not be entirely shared by other researchers and practitioners. The authors are conscious that this constitutes a first proposal in the selection process of the most relevant IP valuation method. Further discussions and developments would be carried on in the future to enhance the proposed procedure.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a framework to orientate the choice of an appropriate IP valuation method according to the context and situation in which the valuation is to be implemented.
Does extinction of responses to cigarette cues occur during smoking cessation?
Authors: O'Connell Kathleen A. , Shiffman Saul , DeCarlo Lawrence T. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTAims  This study investigated whether Pavlovian extinction occurs during smoking cessation by determining whether experience abstaining from smoking in the presence of cigarette cues leads to decreased probability of lapsing and whether this effect is mediated by craving.Design  Secondary analyses were carried out with data sets from two studies with correlational/observational designs.Setting  Data were collected in smokers' natural environments using ecological momentary assessment techniques.Participants  Sixty‐one and 207 smokers who were attempting cessation participated.Measurements  Multi‐level path models were used to examine effects of prior experience abstaining in the presence of available cigarettes and while others were smoking on subsequent craving intensity and the probability of lapsing. Control variables included current cigarette availability, current exposure to others smoking, number of prior lapses and time in the study.Findings  Both currently available cigarettes [odds ratios (OR) = 36.60, 11.59] and the current presence of other smoking (OR = 5.00, 1.52) were powerful predictors of smoking lapse. Repeated exposure to available cigarettes without smoking was associated with a significantly lower probability of lapse in subsequent episodes (OR = 0.44, 0.52). However, exposure to others smoking was not a reliable predictor, being significant only in the smaller study (OR = 0.30). Craving functioned as a mediator between extinction of available cigarettes and lapsing only in the smaller study and was not a mediator for extinction of others smoking in either study.Conclusions  This study showed that exposure to available cigarettes is a large risk factor for lapsing, but that this risk can also be reduced over time by repeated exposures without smoking. Smoking cessation interventions should attempt to reduce cigarette exposure (by training cigarette avoidance) but recognize the potential advantage of unreinforced exposure to available cigarettes.
Corticosteroid‐binding globulin regulates cortisol pharmacokinetics
Authors: Perogamvros I. , Aarons L. , Miller A. G. , Trainer P. J. , Ray D. W. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryObjective  Corticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG) is the principal carrier for cortisol in the circulation. Variations in CBG‐binding capacity are predicted to alter total serum cortisol disposition, but free serum cortisol is believed to be unaffected. Unbound cortisol pharmacokinetics (PK) have not been studied in the context of CBG changes. We aimed to assess the regulation of cortisol PK by CBG.Design and subjects  Women on oestrogens [oral contraceptive pill, (OCP)], patients homozygous for a nonfunctioning CBG variant (CBG null) and healthy controls (HV) were studied before and after IV and oral administration of hydrocortisone 20 mg.Measurements  PK parameters were studied for total serum cortisol (SerF), free serum cortisol (FreeF) and cortisone (FreeE), and salivary cortisol (SalF) and cortisone (SalE): area under the curve (AUC), clearance (CL), half‐life and volume of distribution (Vd).Results  Following IV hydrocortisone, AUC and half‐life of SerF were significantly higher in the OCP group and lower in the CBG null. SerF CL and Vd were significantly lower in the OCP group and increased in the CBG null, compared to HV. PK parameters for FreeF and the salivary biomarkers were not different between the CBG null and HV, although OCP patients still had higher AUC compared to HV and prolonged half‐life. These findings were confirmed following oral hydrocortisone, but concentration–time profiles were highly heterogeneous and SalF interpretation was problematic because of oral contamination.Conclusions  We have demonstrated that CBG has a distinct effect on cortisol PK. When CBG binding is disrupted, FreeF retains normal PK characteristics, although CBG null patients lack a CBG‐bound pool of readily releasable cortisol. Women on oestrogens may have altered free serum cortisol kinetics and thus may be potentially overexposed to glucocorticoids.
Does an undetectable rhTSH‐stimulated Tg level 12 months after initial treatment of thyroid cancer indicate remission?
Authors: Klubo‐Gwiezdzinska Joanna , Burman Kenneth D. , Van Nostrand Douglas , Wartofsky Leonard 
Published: November 2010

SummaryObjectives  Routine monitoring after the initial treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) includes periodic cervical ultrasonography (US) and measurement of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) during thyrotrophin (TSH) suppression and after recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) stimulation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of repeated rhTSH‐stimulated Tg measurements in patients with DTC who have had no evidence of disease at their initial rhTSH stimulation test performed 1 year after the treatment.Material and methods  A retrospective chart review of 278 patients with DTC who had repeated rhTSH stimulation testing after an initial undetectable rhTSH‐stimulated serum Tg level.Results  The number of rhTSH stimulation tests performed on individual patients during the follow‐up period (3–12 years, mean 6·3) varied from two to seven. Biochemical and/or cytological evidence of potential persistent/recurrent disease based on detectable second or third rhTSH‐stimulated Tg values and US findings was observed in 11 (4%) patients. Subsequent follow‐up data revealed that in five cases, the results of the second stimulation were false positive, in one case – false negative. Combined with the negative neck US, the negative predictive value for disease‐free survival was 98% after the first undetectable rhTSH‐stimulated Tg and 100% after the second one.Conclusions  In patients with DTC, the intensity of follow‐up should be adjusted to new risk estimates evolving with time. The first rhTSH‐stimulated Tg is an excellent predictor for remission, independent of clinical stage at presentation. Second negative rhTSH‐Tg stimulation is additionally reassuring and can guide less aggressive follow‐up by the measurement of nonstimulated Tg and neck US every few years.
Human constant regions influence the antibody binding characteristics of mouse‐human chimeric IgG subclasses
Authors: MCCLOSKEY N. , TURNER M. W. , STEFFNER P. , OWENS R. , GOLDBLATT D. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryAlthough antibody affinity is primarily determined by immunoglobulin variable region structure human IgG antibodies of the four subclasses specific for the same antigen have been shown to differ in their affinity. To explore the influence of the immunoglobulin constant region on functional antibody affinity, a set of V region identical mouse–human chimeric IgG subclasses specific for TAG72 (tumour‐associated glycoprotein) were studied. Biomolecular interaction analysis (BIA) was used to determine the binding kinetics of whole IgG subclasses and F(ab')2 fragments. Despite identical V regions, binding kinetics differed for the four subclasses. The apparent dissociation rate constants of the intact immunoglobulins ranked IgG4 < IgG3 < IgG2 < IgG1. In contrast, analysis of the binding characteriztics of the F(ab')2 fragments derived from IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 revealed identical binding kinetics. The structure of the constant regions of the humanized IgG subclass antibodies clearly influenced functional antibody affinity, as has been described for the murine IgG subclasses. The exact mechanism for this phenomenon remains obscure but such differences should be taken into account when designing or choosing antibodies for therapeutic use.