bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Hydrophobic Corn Starch with High Flowability by Surface Modification
Authors: Chujiang Cai , Jinzhi Li , Zhigang Shen , Shulin Ma , Yushan Xing 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA new particle design method was proposed for the production of hydrophobic corn starch with high flowability by surface modification. The flowability and hydrophobicity of the native and modified corn starches were investigated by wettability (activation index) and flowability experiments (flow time), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). In corn starch modification, the optimal modifying agent is a mixture of tetraisopropyldi(dioctylphosphate)titanate (NDZ‐401) and methyl hydrogen silicone oil (H202), and the optimal content is 1% (w/w). The optimal content of flow agent (R972 silica) is 1% (w/w). The results indicate that the modified corn starch is a free flowing powder, which is also remarkably water repellent. The crystalline structures of the native and modified corn starches are similar, and only the surface properties are changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic.
Base‐isolated structures with selective controlled semi‐active friction dampers
Authors: Ribakov Y. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper investigates effectiveness of selective control strategy in hybrid base isolation systems including isolators and semi‐active variable friction (VF) dampers. According the selective control strategy, VF dampers are activated just if the displacement at the isolators exceeds the threshold value. The slip‐force control is based on the values of floors' accelerations and velocities. By controlling the slip‐force magnitude in the VF dampers, effective energy dissipation can be achieved in a seismic event. Activation of dampers according to the selective control strategy allows high‐energy dissipation by minimum energy required for adjusting the slip‐force. Performance of a multi‐storey frame with a base isolation system and VF dampers under various earthquake records was obtained numerically using originally developed MATLAB routines. Seismic response of the analysed structure with the selective controlled system was compared with that when the VF dampers were active during the whole earthquake. It is shown that adjustment of the slip‐force in a selective manner allows additional reductions in peak displacements and accelerations of the structure. The results also demonstrate that this control strategy yields reduction of the base displacement without increasing the peak base shear forces. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Localized access point selection in infrastructure wireless LANs with performance guarantee
Authors: Lu Mingming , Wu Jie 
Published: June 2009

AbstractEfficient network management can improve the network performance and reduce the cost of system maintenance and administration. One of the important duties assigned to the network management system in a infrastructure wireless LAN (or simply wireless LAN) is to assign users to appropriate accessible access points (APs). The current AP selection schemes in wireless LANs cause an unbalanced load, which in turn reduces the performance of individual users. This has motivated intensive studies attempting to determine efficient methods to balance loads among different APs. Existing works either provide heuristic solutions without performance guarantees or provide centralized solutions which are not desirable for the AP selection problem. In this paper, we study the localized solutions that can provide performance guarantees. We model the AP selection problem as a matching problem in bipartite graph. Our objective is to maximize total load among all APs. We propose a class of localized heuristics based on different user knowledge models. For some of these localized heuristics, we prove that there exists a constant approximation ratio in terms of expected total load through mathematical analysis. Simulations are conducted to verify our results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk Factors for Complications After Laparoscopic Surgery in Colorectal Cancer Patients: Experience of 401 Cases at a Single Institution
Authors: Hida Koya , Yamaguchi Takashi , Hata Hiroaki , Kuroyanagi Hiroya , Nagayama Satoshi , Tada Harue , Teramukai Satoshi , Fukushima Masanori , Koizumi Kinya , Sakai Yoshiharu 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic surgery is widely used for the treatment of colorectal cancer, but little is known about perioperative risk factors for complications.MethodsClinical data were reviewed for 401 consecutive unselected colorectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery at Kyoto Medical Center between 1998 and 2005. The outcome variable was incidence of postoperative complications. Using logistic regression analysis, 58 background, clinical, preoperative, and intraoperative factors were assessed as potential predictors of complications.ResultsThe set of independent protective factors that had the greatest influence on the incidence of local complications after colon surgery was as follows: cefmetazole use for prophylaxis (versus oral only; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.54), high operative infusion rate (per ml/min; OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70–0.95), regular laxative use (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12–0.79), and double‐stapled anastomosis (versus hand‐sewn; OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03–0.83). Independent risk factors for local complications after rectal surgery were abdominoperineal resection (versus low anterior resection, OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.64–14.9), long operative time (per hour, OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.11–2.23), and history of heart disease (OR 5.18, 95% CI 1.34–21.5). The occurrence of complications was not found to be associated with overall survival in this study.ConclusionsWe identified intraoperative management such as low operative infusion rate is one of the independent significant risk factors for complications after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in addition to patient characteristics and surgical procedure.
Obesity, Gut Hormones, and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Pournaras Dimitrios J. , le Roux Carel W. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObesity is becoming the healthcare epidemic of this century. Bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment for morbid obesity. Gut hormones are key players in the metabolic mechanisms causing obesity. In this review we explore the role of these hormones as facilitators of appetite control and weight loss after bariatric surgery, and we describe the now established gut–brain axis.
High‐Frequency Gastric Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Gastroparesis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: O’Grady Gregory , Egbuji John U. , Du Peng , Cheng Leo K. , Pullan Andrew J. , Windsor John A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground & AimsHigh‐frequency gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is a relatively new treatment for medically refractory gastroparesis. There have been a number of clinical studies based on the use of a high‐frequency stimulator (Enterra, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN). A meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate evidence for improved clinical outcome with this device.MethodsA literature search of major medical databases was performed for the period January 1992 to August 2008. Clinical studies involving an implanted high‐frequency GES device were included and reported a range of clinical outcomes. Studies of external, temporary, and/or low‐frequency GES were excluded.ResultsOf 13 included studies, 12 lacked controls and only one was blinded and randomized. Following GES, patients reported improvements in total symptom severity score (3/13 studies, mean difference 6.52 [confidence interval—CI: 1.32, 11.73]; P = 0.01), vomiting severity score (4/13, 1.45 [CI: 0.99, 1.91]; P < 0.0001), nausea severity score (4/13, 1.69 [CI: 1.26, 2.12]; P < 0.0001), SF‐36 physical composite score (4/13, 8.05 [CI: 5.01, 11.10]; P < 0.0001), SF‐36 mental composite score (4/13, 8.16 [CI: 4.85, 11.47]; P < 0.0001), requirement for enteral or parenteral nutrition (8/13, OR 5.53 [CI: 2.75, 11.13]; P < 0.001), and 4‐h gastric emptying (5/13, 12.7% [CI: 9.8, 15.6]; P < 0.0001). Weight gain did not reach significance (3/13, 3.68 kg [CI: –0.23, 7.58]; P = 0.07). The device removal or reimplantation rate was 8.3%.ConclusionsResults show substantial benefits for high‐frequency GES in the treatment of gastroparesis. However, caution is necessary in interpreting the results, primarily because of the limitations of uncontrolled studies. Further controlled studies are required to confirm the clinical benefits of high‐frequency GES.
Modeling rare gene variation to gain insight into the oldest biomarker in autism: construction of the serotonin transporter Gly56Ala knock-in mouse
Authors: Veenstra-VanderWeele Jeremy , Jessen Tammy N. , Thompson Brent J. , Carter Michelle , Prasad Harish C. , Steiner Jennifer A. , Sutcliffe James. S. , Blakely Randy D. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Alterations in peripheral and central indices of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) production, storage and signaling have long been associated with autism. The 5-HT transporter gene (HTT, SERT, SLC6A4) has received considerable attention as a potential risk locus for autism-spectrum disorders, as well as disorders with overlapping symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here, we review our efforts to characterize rare, nonsynonymous polymorphisms in SERT derived from multiplex pedigrees carrying diagnoses of autism and OCD and present the initial stages of our effort to model one of these variants, Gly56Ala, in vivo. We generated a targeting vector to produce the Gly56Ala substitution in the Slc6a4 locus by homologous recombination. Following removal of a neomycin resistance selection cassette, animals exhibiting germline transmission of the Ala56 variant were bred to establish a breeding colony on a 129S6 background, suitable for initial evaluation of biochemical, physiological and behavioral alterations relative to SERT Gly56 (wildtype) animals. SERT Ala56 mice were achieved and exhibit a normal pattern of transmission. The initial growth and gross morphology of these animals is comparable to wildtype littermate controls. The SERT Ala56 variant can be propagated in 129S6 mice without apparent disruption of fertility and growth. We discuss both the opportunities and challenges that await the physiological/behavioral analysis of Gly56Ala transgenic mice, with particular reference to modeling autism-associated traits.
Chemical and Sensory Characteristics of Products Fried in High‐Oleic, Low‐Linolenic Rapeseed Oil
Authors: Matthäus Bertrand , Haase Norbert U. , Unbehend Günter 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe effects of frying Berlin doughnuts and potato crisps in high‐oleic, low‐linolenic (HOLL) rapeseed oil were compared to other commonly used oils (i.e., palm olein, high‐oleic sunflower oil, or partially hydrogenated oils). The chemical parameters characterizing the oxidative state of the products fried in HOLL were comparable to products being fried in other commonly used oils. The sensory characteristics of potato crisps fried in HOLL rapeseed oil were satisfactory and comparable to products fried in the other oils. Potato crisps were stable under nitrogen atmosphere for 20 weeks as measured by sensory quality scores. However, a storage time of 16 weeks was achieved for products stored under normal atmosphere. The suitability of HOLL rapeseed oil to improve the storage stability of Berlin doughnuts was limited. The sensory quality decreased during storage due to the development of abnormal taste and smell. Changes in the sensory quality were comparable to the results of the partially hydrogenated oils but worse for products fried in palm olein. Nevertheless, HOLL was a good alternative to partially hydrogenated oils as a frying medium.
MAXIMAL SUBSETS OF PAIRWISE NONCOMMUTING ELEMENTS OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL GENERAL LINEAR GROUPS
Authors: AZAD AZIZOLLAH , PRAEGER CHERYL E. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractLet G be a group. A subset N of G is a set of pairwise noncommuting elements if xy⁄=yx for any two distinct elements x and y in N. If ∣N∣≥∣M∣ for any other set of pairwise noncommuting elements M in G, then N is said to be a maximal subset of pairwise noncommuting elements. In this paper we determine the cardinality of a maximal subset of pairwise noncommuting elements in a three-dimensional general linear group. Moreover, we show how to modify a given maximal subset of pairwise noncommuting elements into another maximal subset of pairwise noncommuting elements that contains a given ‘generating element’ from each maximal torus.
EXTENSION ALGEBRAS OF CUNTZ ALGEBRA, II
Authors: LIU SHUDONG , FANG XIAOCHUN 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn this paper, we construct the unique (up to isomorphism) extension algebra, denoted by E∞, of the Cuntz algebra 𝒪∞ by the C*-algebra of compact operators on a separable infinite-dimensional Hilbert space. We prove that two unital monomorphisms from E∞ to a unital purely infinite simple C*-algebra are approximately unitarily equivalent if and only if they induce the same homomorphisms in K-theory.
Tracking medfly predation by the wolf spider, Pardosa cribata Simon, in citrus orchards using PCR-based gut-content analysis
Authors: Monzó C. , Sabater-Muñoz B. , Urbaneja A. , Castañera P. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), which is often controlled chemically, is a major citrus pest in Spain; however, alternative biological control strategies such as those based on the conservation of polyphagous predators should be developed. The wolf spider, Pardosa cribata Simon, is an abundant predator found in citrus orchards in eastern Spain. In this study, we have evaluated polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques as a means of detecting C. capitata DNA remains in P. cribata specimens. To do so, two pairs of C. capitata species-specific primers were designed and tested. Primer specificity was tested on species closely related to C. capitata and with other pests and natural enemies present in citrus orchards. Medfly DNA was detectable in 100% of P. cribata from 0 to 12 h post ingestion for both primer pairs, decreasing to 37% at 96 h after prey ingestion for one pair of primers. DNA detectability half-lives were of 78.25 h and 78.08 h for each pair of primers but no statistical differences were found between them. Pardosa cribata specimens were field-collected daily after sterile C. capitata pupae had been deployed in the citrus orchard. Afterwards, the wolf spiders were analyzed and DNA remains of C. capitata were detected in 5% of them, with a peak of 15% coinciding with maximum C. capitata emergence. This study is the first to reveal the potential use of DNA markers to track medfly predation by P. cribata in citrus orchards and provides a new tool to estimate the potential role of this spider in biological-control conservation programs.
Development of the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment
Authors: Hailey David 
Published: June 2009

Objectives: To describe the development of the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA) and its activities.Methods: Review of literature material and other documents produced by or relating to INAHTA.Results: INAHTA includes organizations that provide health technology assessment (HTA) advice to governments and receive most of their funding from public sources. In early 2009, there were forty-six members from twenty-seven countries, including both national and regional agencies. Interaction with other organizations includes links to Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi), the European Union Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA), PAHO (the Pan American Health Organization, and the World Health Organization (WHO). An important feature of INAHTA is the routine interaction of its members with public sector decision makers. Output from the network has included guidelines and frameworks on HTA, reports of surveys, and joint projects.Conclusions: INAHTA has developed as a global point of contact and information for those with interests in HTA.
The history of health technology assessment in Australia
Authors: Hailey David 
Published: June 2009

Objectives:To describe the development and application of health technology assessment (HTA) in Australia.Methods:Review of relevant literature and other documents related to HTA in Australia.Results:Most HTA activity in Australia has been associated with provision of advice for the two national subsidy programs, Medicare, and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). National advisory bodies established by the federal government have had a prominent role. Assessments from the advisory bodies have had a major influence on decisions related to Medicare and the PBS, and in some other areas. Technologies without links to the national subsidy schemes, and those that are widely distributed, have been less well covered by HTA. To some extent these are addressed by evaluations supported by state governments, but details of approaches taken are not readily available.Conclusions:HTA in Australia now has a long history and is well established as a source of advice to health decision makers. Challenges remain in extending the scope of assessments, developing more transparent approaches in some areas, and consistently applying appropriate standards.
Austria: History of health technology assessment during the past 20 years
Authors: Wild Claudia 
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The aim of this article is to describe and analyze the stages toward recognition and implementation of health technology assessment (HTA).Methods: System analysis of structures and institutions and their use of HTA.Results: Austria is a latecomer in implementing evaluations/HTA as decision support. It can to a certain degree absorb the increasing international knowledge. Austria had a long time to observe the successes and failures of HTA in other countries and to learn from other countries. The implementation of HTA within the Austrian healthcare system ran through stages of uptake: starting 1989 with a systematic review on international activities, first international networking and collaboration since 1991, proposed assessments until the late 1990s, followed by reactive assessments on demand mostly on high volume and costly technologies since then. Since 2000, HTA is used on a regular basis for investment and reimbursement decisions by several players, namely the Ministry of Health, the Social Insurance and hospital cooperations. In 2006, the Austrian HTA-institute was founded.Conclusions: It took approximately 15 years from first research activities in HTA to an institutionalization. HTA in Austria is not only product- but also process-oriented: The actual production of assessments for decision support is as important as the structuring and accompanying of the process of decisions making. In addition, shaping the public understanding of science (characterized by the intrinsic belief that all new medical interventions provide added value to the healthcare system) is part of Austrian HTA.
Production of bovine cloned embryos with donor cells frozen at a slow cooling rate in a conventional freezer (−20 °C)
Authors: Chacón Liliana , Gómez Martha C. , Jenkins Jill A. , Leibo Stanley P. , Wirtu Gemechu , Dresser Betsy L. , Pope C. Earle 
Published: June 2009

SummaryUsually, fibroblasts are frozen in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO, 10% v/v) at a cooling rate of 1 °C/min in a low-temperature (−80 °C) freezer (LTF) before storage in liquid nitrogen (LN2); however, a LTF is not always available. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate apoptosis and viability of bovine fibroblasts frozen in a LTF or conventional freezer (CF; −20 °C) and their subsequent ability for development to blastocyst stage after fusion with enucleated bovine oocytes. Percentages of live cells frozen in LTF (49.5%) and CF (50.6%) were similar, but significantly less than non-frozen control (88%). In both CF and LTF, percentages of live apoptotic cells exposed to LN2 after freezing were lower (4% and 5%, respectively) as compared with unexposed cells (10% and 18%, respectively). Cells frozen in a CF had fewer cell doublings/24 h (0.45) and required more days (9.1) to reach 100% confluence at the first passage (P) after thawing and plating as compared with cells frozen in a LTF (0.96 and 4.0 days, respectively). Hypoploidy at P12 was higher than at P4 in cells frozen in either a CF (37.5% vs. 19.2%) or in a LTF (30.0% vs. 15.4%). A second-generation cryo-solution reduced the incidence of necrosis (29.4%) at 0 h after thawing as compared with that of a first generation cryo-solution (DMEM + DMSO, 60.2%). The percentage of apoptosis in live cells was affected by cooling rate (CF = 1.9% vs. LFT = 0.7%). Development of bovine cloned embryos to the blastocyst stage was not affected by cooling rate or freezer type.
Exogenous hyalin and sea urchin gastrulation. Part IV: a direct adhesion assay – progress in identifying hyalin's active sites
Authors: Ghazarian Haike , Coyle-Thompson Catherine , Dalrymple William , Hutchins-Carroll Virginia , Metzenberg Stan , Razinia Ziba , Carroll Edward J. , Oppenheimer Steven B. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryInStrongylocentrotus purpuratusthe hyalins are a set of three to four rather large glycoproteins (hereafter referred to as ‘hyalin’), which are the major constituents of the hyaline layer, the developing sea urchin embryo's extracellular matrix. Recent research from our laboratories has shown that hyalin is a cell adhesion molecule involved in sea urchin embryo-specific cellular interactions. Other laboratories have shown it to consist of 2–3% carbohydrate and a cloned, sequenced fragment demonstrated repeat domains (HYR) and non-repeat regions. Interest in this molecule has increased because HYR has been identified in organisms as diverse as bacteria, flies, worms, mice and humans, as well as sea urchins. Our laboratories have shown that hyalin appears to mediate a specific cellular interaction that has interested investigators for over a century, archenteron elongation/attachment to the blastocoel roof. We have shown this finding by localizing hyalin on the two components of the cellular interaction and by showing that hyalin and anti-hyalin antibody block the cellular interaction using a quantitative microplate assay. The microplate assay, however, has limitations because it does not directly assess hyalin's effects on the adhesion of the two components of the interaction. Here we have used an elegant direct assay that avoids the limitations, in which we microdissected the two components of the adhesive interaction and tested their re-adhesion to each other, thereby avoiding possible factors in the whole embryos that could confound or confuse results. Using both assays, we found that mild periodate treatment (6 h to 24 h in sodium acetate buffer with 0.2 M sodium periodate at 4 °C in the dark) of hyalin eliminates its ability to block the cellular interaction, suggesting that the carbohydrate component(s) may be involved in hyalin's specific adhesive function. This first step is important in identifying the molecular mechanisms of a well known cellular interaction in the NIH-designated sea urchin embryo model, a system that has led to the discovery of scores of physiological mechanisms, including those involved in human health and disease.