bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the effect of the Poisson's ratio (positive and negative) on the stability of pressure vessel heads
Authors: Ellul Brian , Muscat Martin , Grima Joseph N. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMaterials with negative Poisson's ratio (auxetic) exhibit an unusual property of expanding when stretched in the direction normal to an applied uniaxial tension and vice versa when compressed, a phenomenon which is known to result in many beneficial effects in the performance of materials in various practical situations. In particular, it has long been suggested that spherical shells made from isotropic materials having Poisson's ratio less than −0.5 exhibit enhanced resistance to buckling as a result of externally applied normal pressure. This work uses finite elements (FEs) modelling to assess the behaviour of various spherical, torispherical and ellipsoidal shells when they are subjected to external (in all cases) or internal (in the case of torispherical and ellipsoidal shells) pressures. We find that to a first approximation, the critical buckling pressures scale linearly with (1 − ν2)−1/2 thus suggesting that the critical buckling pressures tends to infinity as ν tends to −1, this being in accordance to what was known for spherical shells. We also find that the Poisson's ratio has an effect on the amplitude and the number of buckling wavelengths that occur when the shells buckle.
On the evaluation of Six Sigma projects
Authors: Tkáč M. , Lyócsa Š. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMost of the research on the success in implementing Six Sigma agrees upon the fact that one of the key success factors is the selection of profitable projects. This seems to be especially important for high‐risk, large‐scope and long‐term projects, as is mostly the case in the design for Six Sigma projects. The purpose of this paper is to outline Six Sigma project characteristics and to present a new model for evaluating Six Sigma projects. To design a Six Sigma project evaluation model, we utilized mathematical optimization modeling techniques and real options theory. The model allows for the quantification of not only the project's value prior to its start but also its progress and the consideration of possible decisions based on this progress. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Placental size and the prediction of severe early‐onset intrauterine growth restriction in women with low pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A
Authors: Proctor L. K. , Toal M. , Keating S. , Chitayat D. , Okun N. , Windrim R. C. , Smith G. C. S. , Kingdom J. C. P. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectivesScreening studies for trisomy 21 demonstrate that low maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) at 11–13 weeks' gestation is associated with stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and pre‐eclampsia in chromosomally normal fetuses. However, the strength of these associations is too weak to justify screening for these placental insufficiency syndromes. Our objective was to evaluate placental size and uterine artery (UtA) Doppler imaging as second‐stage screening tests for women with low PAPP‐A.MethodsWe prospectively studied 90 normal singleton pregnancies with first‐trimester PAPP‐A ≤ 0.30 multiples of the median. Maternal serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) at 15–18 weeks' gestation, and second‐trimester placental size and UtA Doppler indices were assessed as predictors of pregnancy outcome.ResultsThe risks of IUGR, preterm delivery before 32 weeks' gestation and stillbirth were significantly associated with small placental size (relative risk (RR), 3.96; 95% CI, 2.21–5.98; RR, 3.96; 95% CI, 2.21–5.98; and RR, 6.44, 95% CI, 2.74–14.54, respectively) and elevated AFP (RR, 3.67; 95% CI, 1.78–7.71; RR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.23–4.94; and RR, 5.14; 95% CI, 1.66–16.85, respectively), but not with abnormal UtA Doppler indices. The combination of elevated AFP and small placental size further increased the risk of IUGR (RR, 4.88; 95% CI, 2.88–5.31), delivery before 32 weeks' gestation (RR, 4.25; 95% CI, 2.38–4.98) and stillbirth (RR, 7.44; 95% CI, 3.04–3.75).ConclusionsSmall placental size and elevated AFP, but not UtA Doppler indices, identify women with low PAPP‐A at high risk of IUGR, extreme preterm delivery and stillbirth. These additional screening tests may directly improve perinatal outcomes in women with low PAPP‐A. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray computed microtomography for determination of relationships between structure and breaking of scored tablets
Authors: Sovány T. , Kása P. , Vakli K. , Pintye‐Hódi K. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper reports on the relationship between the structure and halving properties of scored tablets. The results of the density measurements and structure determination by X‐ray computed microtomography revealed that this analytical technique is very suitable for the investigation of porous structures and aggregates thanks to its noninvasive character. The results of the analyses show that besides various porosities also big differences exist in the arrangement of the particles inside the comprimates. These basic qualitative differences in the structure of tablets prepared with different tablet presses greatly influence their breaking, and must be taken into consideration during the production of dosage forms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Valence‐Electron‐Driven Ru/Ti Site Preference in the New Ternary Boride Ti10Ru19B8: Synthesis and Single‐Crystal Structure Refinement
Authors: Fokwa Boniface P. T. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPowder samples and single crystals of Ti10Ru19B8 were synthesized by arc‐melting the elements in a water‐cooled copper crucible under an argon atmosphere and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. The new silver‐like compound crystallizes in the tetragonal system with the Zn11Rh18B8‐type structure [space group P4/mbm, Z = 2; a = 17.591(5) Å, c = 2.9645(13) Å, R1 = 0.0708, wR2 = 0.0992, GooF = 1.047 for all 1266 reflections and 58 parameters]. The interesting characteristic in this new ternary variant is the valence electron driven site‐preferential mixture of both titanium and ruthenium forming ladders along the [001] direction
Synthesis and Characterisation of a New Schiff‐Base‐like Ligand and its Iron(II) Complexes
Authors: Weber Birgit , Obel Jaroslava 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe reaction of iron(II) acetate with the tetradentate Schiff base like ligand H2L [(E,E)‐[{diethyl 2,2’‐[4,5‐dihydroxy‐1,2‐phenylenebis(iminomethylidyne)]bis3‐oxobutanato}]) leads to the formation of the octahedral N2O4 coordinated complex [FeL(MeOH)2]·MeOH (1). Conversion of 1 with N‐methylimidazole (N‐meim) leads to the N4O2 coordinated complex [FeL(N‐meim)2]·MeOH (2). Both complexes are pure HS compounds that were characterised using magnetic measurements and X‐ray crystallography. A special attention was given to the role of the two hydroxyl groups at the phenyl ring on the formation of a hydrogen bond network and the influence of this network on the magnetic properties.
Predictive Factors for Rebleeding and Death in Alcoholic Cirrhotic Patients with Acute Variceal Bleeding: A Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Krige Jake E. J. , Kotze Urda K. , Distiller Greg , Shaw John M. , Bornman Philippus C. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundBleeding from esophageal varices is a leading cause of death in alcoholic cirrhotic patients. The aim of the present single‐center study was to identify risk factors predictive of variceal rebleeding and death within 6 weeks of initial treatment.MethodsUnivariate and multivariate analyses were performed on 310 prospectively documented alcoholic cirrhotic patients with acute variceal hemorrhage (AVH) who underwent 786 endoscopic variceal injection treatments between January 1984 and December 2006. All injections were administered during the first 6 weeks after the patients were treated for their first variceal bleed.ResultsSeventy‐five (24.2%) patients experienced a rebleed, 38 within 5 days of the initial treatment and 37 within 6 weeks of their initial treatment. Of the 15 variables studied and included in a multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model, a bilirubin level >51 mmol/l and transfusion of >6 units of blood during the initial hospital admission were predictors of variceal rebleeding within the first 6 weeks. Seventy‐seven (24.8%) patients died, 29 (9.3%) within 5 days and 48 (15.4%) between 6 and 42 days after the initial treatment. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that six variables were predictors of death within the first 6 weeks: encephalopathy, ascites, bilirubin level >51 mmol/l, international normalized ratio (INR) >2.3, albumin <25 g/l, and the need for balloon tube tamponade.ConclusionsSurvival was influenced by the severity of liver failure, with most deaths occurring in Child‐Pugh grade C patients. Patients with AVH and encephalopathy, ascites, bilirubin levels >51 mmol/l, INR >2.3, albumin <25 g/l and who require balloon tube tamponade are at increased risk of dying within the first 6 weeks. Bilirubin levels >51 mmol/l and transfusion of >6 units of blood were predictors of variceal rebleeding.
Comparison of Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Means of Dissociating Adherent Monolayers of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Heng Boon C , Cowan Catherine M , Basu Shubhayu 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
The dissociation of adherent mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) monolayers with trypsin and enzyme-free dissociation buffer was compared. A significantly lower proportion of viable cells were obtained with enzyme-free dissociation buffers compared to trypsin. Subsequently, the dissociated cells were re-seeded on new cell culture dishes and were subjected to the MTT assay 24 h later. The proportion of viable cells that reattached was significantly lower for cells obtained by dissociation with enzyme-free dissociation buffer compared to trypsin. Frozen–thawed MSC displayed a similar trend, yielding consistently higher cell viability and reattachment rates when dissociated with trypsin compared to enzyme-free dissociation buffer. It was also demonstrated that exposure of trypsin-dissociated MSC to enzyme-free dissociation buffer for 1 h had no significant detrimental effect on cell viability.
MicroRNA Expression Profiling by Bead Array Technology in Human Tumor Cell Lines Treated with Interferon-Alpha-2a
Authors: Siegrist Fredy , Singer Thomas , Certa Ulrich 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMicroRNAs are positive and negative regulators of eukaryotic gene expression that modulate transcript abundance by specific binding to sequence motifs located prevalently in the 3' untranslated regions of target messenger RNAs (mRNA). Interferon-alpha-2a (IFNα) induces a large set of protein coding genes mediating antiproliferative and antiviral responses. Here we use a global microarray-based microRNA detection platform to identify genes that are induced by IFNα in hepatoma- or melanoma-derived human tumor cell lines. Despite the enormous differences in expression levels between these models, we were able to identify microRNAs that are upregulated by IFNα in both lines suggesting the possibility that interferon-regulated microRNAs are involved in the transcriptional repression of mRNA relevant to cytokine responses.
Neonatal maternal separation alters the development of glucocorticoid receptor expression in the interpositus nucleus of the cerebellum
Authors: Wilber A.A. , Wellman C.L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAdverse early experience impairs adult learning and memory. Previously, we showed that neonatal maternal separation impaired eyeblink conditioning in adult male rats. This impairment was correlated with increases in glucocorticoid receptor expression in the posterior region of the cerebellar interpositus nucleus, a key structure in the neural circuitry controlling eyeblink conditioning. To begin to establish how separation results in altered glucocorticoid receptor expression in adulthood, we assessed the developmental pattern of glucocorticoid receptor expression in the interpositus nucleus in controls versus rats that had undergone maternal separation for 1 h per day on postnatal days 2–14. Rat pups were exposed to either standard rearing (control) or maternal separation and glucocorticoid receptor expression was assessed at postnatal day 15, postnatal day 21, and adulthood. In control males, glucocorticoid receptor expression in the interpositus nucleus declined between postnatal days 15 and 21, then increased into adulthood. On postnatal day 15, there was less glucocorticoid receptor expression in the interpositus nucleus in males that were maternally separated than in controls. However, neonatal separation significantly attenuated the normal decline in the third postnatal week, resulting in significantly greater glucocorticoid receptor expression in the interpositus in separated males than in control rats at postnatal day 21. The developmental pattern of glucocorticoid receptor expression was not altered by maternal separation in female rats. Thus, maternal separation may impair learning and memory in adult males by altering normal developmental changes in glucocorticoid receptor expression.
Reduced glycaemic and insulinaemic responses following isomaltulose ingestion: implications for postprandial substrate use
Authors: van Can Judith G. P. , IJzerman T. Herman , van Loon Luc J. C. , Brouns Fred , Blaak Ellen E. 
Published: August 2009

The impact of slow digestible sources of dietary carbohydrate in reducing the risk of developing obesity and related metabolic disorders is unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare the postprandial metabolic response to the ingestion of sucrose v. isomaltulose. We hypothesised that the reduced digestion and absorption rate of isomaltulose would result in lower glycaemic and insulinaemic responses when compared with the ingestion of sucrose, leading to greater postprandial fat oxidation rates. In a randomised, single-blind, cross-over study, ten overweight subjects ingested two different carbohydrate drinks (sucrose and isomaltulose, 75 g carbohydrate equivalents) following an overnight fast (08.40 hours) and with a standardised meal (12.30 hours, 25 % of total energy content was provided as either a sucrose or isomaltulose drink). Blood samples were taken before ingestion and every 30 min thereafter for a period of 3 h, substrate use was assessed by indirect calorimetry and breath samples were collected. Ingestion of carbohydrates with a mixed meal resulted in a lower peak glucose and insulin response and a lower change in area under the curve (ΔAUC) following isomaltulose when compared with sucrose. Together with the lower glucose and insulin responses, postprandial fat oxidation rates were higher (14 %) with isomaltulose when compared with sucrose when ingested with a mixed meal (P = 0·02). The attenuated rise in glucose and insulin concentrations following isomaltulose results in reduced inhibition of postprandial fat oxidation. The metabolic response to isomaltulose co-ingestion suggests that this may represent an effective nutritional strategy to counteract overweight-induced metabolic disturbances.
SCREENING OF SESBANIA FOR TOLERANCE TO ALUMINUM TOXICITY AND SYMBIOTIC EFFECTIVENESS WITH ACID TOLERANT RHIZOBIA STRAINS IN ACID SOIL IN WESTERN KENYA
Authors: GUDU S. O. , KISINYO P. O. , MAKATIANI E. T. , ODEE D. W , ESEGU J. F. O. , SHAMCHAMA S. A. O. , OTHIENO C. O. , OKALEBO J. R. , OSIYO J. R. , OWUOCHE J. O. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYNitrogen fixation by leguminous trees such as sesbania (Sesbania sesban) in acid soils is limited by aluminium (Al) toxicity and phosphorus (P) deficiency. We screened 214 East African sesbania accessions for Al toxicity tolerance, P use efficiency and sesbania–rhizobia symbiosis. Aluminium toxicity tolerance or sensitivity was measured by the relative root elongation index. Highly Al tolerant and sensitive accessions were screened for P use efficiency. Highly P use efficient and Al sensitive accessions were assessed for symbiotic effectiveness with acid tolerant rhizobia. Eighty-eight per cent of the accessions were Al toxicity tolerant. High Al levels reduced shoot P content by 88% and total dry matter (TDM) by 83%. P addition increased shoot P content and TDM. Rhizobia inoculation increased nodulation by 28–82%, shoot N content by 28–45% and TDM by 15–34% in the low rhizobia density acid soil of Bumala, Kenya. P use efficient accessions had higher nodulation, shoot N content and TDM in the ranges 32–70, 20–52 and 22–36%, respectively, compared to sensitive genotypes. The combination of sesbania accession (SSUG10) and rhizobia strain ASs48 was superior in shoot N accumulation. Inoculation of P use efficient germplasm with acid tolerant rhizobia can improve N-rich biomass accumulation suitable for N replenishment in acid soils.
Aggressive verrucous carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses invading the orbit: case report and literature review
Authors: Yiotakis J , Vamvakidis T , Iakovou E , Manolopoulos L 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIntroduction:Verrucous carcinoma is a variant of well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma characterised by an exophytic, warty growth which is slowly but locally invasive and which can cause extensive local destruction if left untreated.Case report:We report the first known case of veruccous carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses with rapid orbital invasion. A 58-year-old man presented with right-sided nasal obstruction, a huge right intranasal lesion, intractable dacryocystitis and cutaneous involvement of the nasolacrimal sac region. The tumour was partially removed using an endoscopic transnasal approach. Post-operatively, and while waiting for the histological result, the patient developed signs of rapid invasion of the orbit, with uniocular visual acuity deficit. He underwent combined radiochemotherapy, with a moderate response.Conclusion:Knowledge of the potentially aggressive nature of verrucous carcinoma may be helpful in early management of intraorbital invasion and salvaging of the eye.
An unusual cause of pre-auricular swelling
Authors: Harris A T , Bhatti I , Bajaj Y , Smelt G J C 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective:To present an interesting cause of pre-auricular swelling.Case report:We report the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented to the ENT department as an emergency with swelling in the left pre-auricular region. The patient had recently travelled to Central America, where the botfly is endemic. On examination, there was a raised, indurated area with a central orifice. A botfly larva was suspected. The larva was suffocated with paraffin paste, allowing removal without remnants being retained.Conclusion:Suffocation of botfly larvae is favoured to surgical removal, due to the possibility of larval remnants being retained and acting as a nidus for infection. The increasing frequency of exotic travel means doctors need to be more aware of tropical medicine.
Flops on holomorphic symplectic fourfolds and determinantal cubic hypersurfaces
Authors: Hassett Brendan , Tschinkel Yuri 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe study the birational geometry of irreducible holomorphic symplectic varieties arising as varieties of lines of general cubic fourfolds containing a cubic scroll. We compute the ample and moving cones, and exhibit a birational automorphism of infinite order explaining the chamber decomposition of the moving cone.
BIS–BAS sensitivity and cardiac autonomic stress profiles
Authors: Heponiemi Tarja , Keltikangas‐Järvinen Liisa , Kettunen Joni , Puttonen Sampsa , Ravaja Niklas 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis study examined the relationship of sensitivities of Gray's behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral approach system (BAS) to cardiac autonomic stress responses during laboratory tasks among 65 healthy men (n=34) and women (n=31) aged 22–37 years. Carver and White's BIS–BAS scales were used to measure BIS and BAS sensitivities. We measured heart rate (HR), respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and preejection period during mental arithmetic, a reaction time task, and a speech task. Results revealed that BAS sensitivity was related to HR reactivity and parasympathetic withdrawal during the tasks, but was unrelated to baseline levels. BIS sensitivity was unrelated to both reactivity and baseline levels of all measures. Overall, our results suggest that the relationship of the BAS with cardiac reactivity seems to be mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system.
A novel association between a SNP in CYBRD1 and serum ferritin levels in a cohort study of HFE hereditary haemochromatosis
Authors: Constantine Clare C. , Anderson Greg J. , Vulpe Chris D. , McLaren Christine E. , Bahlo Melanie , Yeap Heng Lin , Gertig Dorota M. , Osborne Nicholas J. , Bertalli Nadine A. , Beckman Kenneth B. , Chen Victoria , Matak Pavel , McKie Andrew T. , Delatycki Martin B. , Olynyk John K. , English Dallas R. , Southey Melissa C. , Giles Graham G. , Hopper John L. , Allen Katrina J. , Gurrin Lyle C. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThere is emerging evidence that there are genetic modifiers of iron indices for HFE gene mutation carriers at risk of hereditary hemochromatosis. A random sample, stratified by HFE genotype, of 863 from a cohort of 31 192 people of northern European descent provided blood samples for genotyping of 476 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 44 genes involved in iron metabolism. Single SNP association testing, using linear regression models adjusted for sex, menopause and HFE genotype, was conducted for four continuously distributed outcomes: serum ferritin (log transformed), transferrin saturation, serum transferrin, and serum iron. The SNP rs884409 in CYBRD1 is a novel modifier specific to HFE C282Y homozygotes. Median unadjusted serum ferritin concentration decreased from 1194 μg/l (N = 27) to 387 μg/l (N = 16) for male C282Y homozygotes and from 357 μg/l (N = 42) to 69 μg/l (N = 12) for females, comparing those with no copies to those with one copy of rs884409. Functional testing of this CYBRD1 promoter polymorphism using a heterologous expression assay resulted in a 30% decrease in basal promoter activity relative to the common genotype (P = 0·004). This putative genetic modifier of iron overload expression accounts for 11% (95% CI 0·4%, 22·6%) of the variance in serum ferritin levels of C282Y homozygotes.