bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of dermal and oral exposure of children to scented toys: Analysis of the migration of fragrance allergens by dynamic headspace GC–MS
Authors: Masuck Ines , Hutzler Christroph , Luch Andreas 
Published: August 2011

AbstractFragrances capable of inducing contact allergy in skin potentially can migrate from the toy to the child via oral or dermal contacts. The goal of this work was the developing of an analytical method based on dynamic headspace GC–MS to determine the concentration of 24 fragrances in saliva or sweat simulant. Under optimized conditions, 5 mL of the migration simulant with 2 g sodium chloride were incubated for 10 min at 30°C. The headspace was purged at a flow rate of 50 mL/min. The compounds were quantified by internal calibration resulting in good linearity (>0.991). The recovery was greater than 66.3% for most of the compounds. The limits of detection ranged between 0.5 ng/mL for hydrophobic and 196.0 ng/mL for hydrophilic fragrances. The method was subsequently applied to seven real toys purchased from the market. The highest migration rate could be observed for benzyl benzoate with 268.0 ng/cm2/min. Based on the migration data measured, the ranges of dermal and oral exposure of children to fragrances in scented toys were calculated. The maximum oral and dermal exposure levels were estimated at 22.2 μg per kg body weight (BW) and day (d) for benzyl benzoate and 605.0 μg/kg BW/d for benzyl alcohol, respectively.
Organ Quality and Quality of Life After Liver Transplantation†
Authors: Volk Michael L. , Hagan Michael 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Not only is there a limited supply of organs for liver transplantation, but the quality of the available organs is not uniform. Risk factors such as donor age and cause of death are known to predict graft failure, but their impact on the recipient's quality of life (QOL) has not been reported. We sent a QOL survey to 299 adults at our institution who had received a liver transplant 1 to 7 years before the study. For the 171 patients (57%) who completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), the mean Physical Composite Score (PCS) and the mean Mental Composite Score (MCS) were 61 and 66, respectively; the highest scores were for the Social Functioning subscale, and the lowest scores were for the Role Functioning/Physical and Energy/Fatigue subscales. The mean donor risk index (DRI) of the organs that the subjects received was 1.4 (range = 0.8-2.4). There was no correlation between the SF-36 scores and the DRI [there were changes of −4.8 and −2.8 in the PCS and MCS per unit increase in the DRI (P = 0.4 and 0.6, respectively)], even though we controlled for potential confounders such as age, sex, hospitalization before transplantation, the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score at transplantation, years since transplantation, previous transplantation, and the Charlson comorbidity index. In conclusion, we found no association between organ quality and QOL after liver transplantation. If this finding is confirmed in prospective, multicenter studies, it will be useful in counseling patients about the decision to accept or not accept high-risk organ offers. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Vibrational Spectroscopic and Mechanical Investigation of Carbon Nanotube‐Reinforced Styrene‐Butadiene Rubbers
Authors: Bokobza Liliane 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis paper reports investigations carried out on elastomeric matrices based on a styrene‐butadiene copolymer filled with multiwall carbon nanotubes. Stress‐strain measurements of the composites demonstrate that carbon nanotubes bring significantly improvements in the mechanical properties with regard to the pure polymer. Raman spectroscopy, which is one of the most extensively employed methods for the characterization of carbon materials, has been applied for the analysis of the dependence of the Raman spectra on the nanotube content and on application of an uniaxial deformation. The results reveal a negligible stress transfer suggesting a weak interface between the tubes and the polymer chains.
Hydrogen Bonding in Polyurethane‐Silica Nanocomposites
Authors: Bistričić Lahorija , Baranović Goran , Leskovac Mirela , Bajsić Emi Govorčin 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThin films of polyester‐based polyurethane‐silica nanocomposites with 34% hard segments and different concentrations of nano SiO2 filler (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 3 vol.%) have been prepared. The hydrogen bonding and orientational behaviour of hard and soft segments were analysed using infrared linear dichroic measurements. The number of hydrogen bonded NH and CO groups and orientation function were calculated from polarized FTIR spectra. The presence of nanosilica slightly increased the number of hydrogen bonded carbonyls. The soft segments in nanocomposite films display increased orientation in comparison to the neat polymer film. The addition of 3% nanosilica significantly reduced elongation at break. The results were compared with hydrogen bonding and orientational behaviour of thin film of polyether‐based silica nanocomposites.
Predictors of Cavitation in Glassy Polymers under Tensile Strain: A Coarse‐Grained Molecular Dynamics Investigation
Authors: Makke Ali , Perez Michel , Rottler Jörg , Lame Olivier , Barrat Jean‐Louis 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe nucleation of cavities in a homogeneous polymer under tensile strain is studied in a coarse‐grained MD simulation. To establish a causal relation between local microstructure and the onset of cavitation, a detailed analysis of some local properties is presented. In contrast to common assumptions, the nucleation of a cavity is neither correlated to a local loss of density nor to stress at the atomic scale or the chain‐end density in the nondeformed state. Instead, a cavity in glassy polymers nucleates in regions that display a low bulk elastic modulus. Even if the localization of a cavity is not directly predictable from the initial configuration, the elastically weak zones identified in the initial state emerge as favorite spots for cavity formation.magnified image
Improving GRAPPA using cross‐sampled autocalibration data
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Liang Dong , King Kevin F. , Nagarsekar Gajanan , Chang Yuchou , Ying Leslie 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIn conventional generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions, the autocalibration signal (ACS) lines are acquired with a frequency‐encoding direction in parallel to other undersampled lines. In this study, a cross sampling method is proposed to acquire the ACS lines orthogonal to the undersampled lines. This cross sampling method increases the amount of calibration data along the direction, where k‐space is undersampled, and especially improves the calibration accuracy when a small number of ACS lines are acquired. The cross sampling method is implemented with swapped frequency and phase encoding gradients. In addition, an iterative coregistration method is also developed to correct the inconsistency between the ACS and undersampled data, which are acquired separately in two orthogonal directions. The same calibration and reconstruction procedure as conventional generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions is then applied to the corrected data to recover the unacquired k‐space data and obtain the final image. Reconstruction results from simulations, phantom and in vivo human brain experiments have distinctly demonstrated that the proposed method, named cross‐sampled generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions, can effectively reduce the aliasing artifacts of conventional generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions when very few ACS lines are acquired, especially at high outer k‐space reduction factors. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutant p53 gain of function is interwoven into the hallmarks of cancer
Authors: Solomon Hilla , Madar Shalom , Rotter Varda 
Published: August 2011

AbstractCancer is viewed as being governed by several aberrant biological events defined by Weinberg and Hanahan as ‘hallmarks’. In most human cancers the tumour suppressor p53 is mutated, leading to its malfunction and to the acquirement of oncogenic activities, termed ‘gain of function’. This commentary links mutant p53 activities to the hallmarks of cancer, describing its involvement in resistance to apoptosis, genomic instability, aberrant cell cycle, invasion and metastasis, tumour microenvironment, and inflammation. Recent work published in The Journal of Pathology by Acin and colleagues, summarized here, reveals an interesting mechanism by which mutant p53 accelerates mitosis entry. Collectively, the growing body of evidence relating mutant p53 and the hallmarks of cancer reinforces the notion that targeting mutant p53 pathways might be beneficial for anti‐cancer therapy. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database for epidemiologic studies of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Denburg Michelle R. , Haynes Kevin , Shults Justine , Lewis James D. , Leonard Mary B. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTPurposeChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent and important outcome and covariate in pharmacoepidemiology. The Health Improvement Network (THIN) in the UK represents a unique resource for population‐based studies of CKD. We compiled a valid list of Read codes to identify subjects with moderate to advanced CKD.MethodsA cross‐sectional validation study was performed to identify codes that best define CKD Stages 3–5. All subjects with at least one non‐zero measure of serum creatinine after 1 January 2002 were included. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated according to the Schwartz formula for subjects aged <18 years and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula for subjects aged ≥18 years. CKD was defined as an eGFR <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 on at least two occasions, more than 90 days apart.ResultsThe laboratory definition identified 230 426 subjects with CKD, for a period prevalence in 2008 of 4.56% (95%CI, 4.54–4.58). A list of 45 Read codes was compiled, which yielded a positive predictive value of 88.9% (95%CI, 88.7–89.1), sensitivity of 48.8%, negative predictive value of 86.5%, and specificity of 98.2%. Of the 11.1% of subjects with a code who did not meet the laboratory definition, 83.6% had at least one eGFR <60. The most commonly used code was for CKD Stage 3.ConclusionsThe proposed list of codes can be used to accurately identify CKD when serum creatinine data are limited. The most sensitive approach for the detection of CKD is to use this list to supplement creatinine measures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffractive gratings for crystalline silicon solar cells—optimum parameters and loss mechanisms
Authors: Peters Marius , Rüdiger Marc , Hauser Hubert , Hermle Martin , Bläsi Benedikt 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we present guidelines for the design of backside gratings for crystalline silicon solar cells. We use a specially developed method based on a combination of rigorous 3D wave optical simulations and detailed semiconductor device modeling. We also present experimental results of fabricated structures. Simulation‐based optimizations of grating period Λ and depth d of a binary grating and calculations of the optical and electrical characteristics of solar cells with optimized gratings are shown. The investigated solar cell setup features a thickness of dbulk = 40 µm and a flat front surface. For this setup, we show a maximum increase in short‐circuit current density of ΔjSC = 1.8 mA/cm² corresponding to an efficiency enhancement of 1% absolute. Furthermore, we investigate different loss mechanisms: (i) an increased rear surface recombination velocity S0,b because of an altered surface caused by the introduction of the grating and (ii) absorption in the aluminum backside reflector. We analyze the trade‐off point between gain due to improved optical properties and loss due to corrupted electrical properties. We find that, increasing the efficiency by 1% absolute due to improved light trapping, the maximum tolerable recombination velocity is S0,b(max) = 5.2 × 103 cm/s. From simulations and measurements, we conclude that structuring of the aluminum backside reflector should be avoided because of parasitic absorption. Adding a dielectric buffer layer between silicon and the structured aluminum, absorption losses can be tuned. We find that for a planar reflector, the thickness of a SiO2 buffer layer should exceed  = 120 nm. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel use of Ti‐POSS as initiator of L‐lactide ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Monticelli Orietta , Cavallo Dario , Bocchini Sergio , Frache Alberto , Carniato Fabio , Tonelotto Alessandro 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe efficacy of a metal‐silsesquioxane, namely, heptaisobutyl (isopropoxyde)titanium‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (Ti‐POSS), as initiator of the ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide (LLA) has been assessed. Indeed, as demonstrated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements, a well‐controlled polymerization occurs via a coordination‐insertion mechanism. Moreover, the above reaction leads to the direct insertion of the silsesquioxane molecule into the polymer backbone, thus producing a hybrid system. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements demonstrated that in comparison with a commercial poly‐L‐lactide (PLLA), the polymers prepared with Ti‐POSS exhibit a higher crystallinity. Indeed, the presence of silsesquioxane molecules, attached to one end of the polymer chains, has been found to appreciably affect the crystal nucleation density. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Content‐based image authentication by feature point clustering and matching
Authors: Yang Lei , Tian Jun , Wu Dapeng 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTDigital multimedia makes fabricating and copying much easier than ever before. Therefore, it demands efficient and automatic techniques to identify and verify the content of digital multimedia. Image authentication is such a technique to automatically identify whether the query image is a fabrication or a simple copy of the original one. In this paper, we propose a perceptual image authentication technique based on clustering and matching of feature points of images. Feature points are first extracted from images with the k‐largest local total variations and clustered using Fuzzy C‐means clustering algorithm. Then, feature points in the query image and the anchor image are matched into pairs in zigzag ordering along the diagonals of the images cluster by cluster. In the mean time, the outliers of feature points are removed. Then, the system decisions about the authenticity of images are determined by the majority vote of whether three types of distance between matched feature point pairs are larger than their respective thresholds. The three types of distance include the following: (i) histogram‐weighted distance, which is proposed in this paper; (ii) the normalized Euclidean distance; and (iii) the Hausdorff distance. The geometric transform between the query image and the anchor image is estimated, and the query image is registered. The possible tampered image blocks are detected, and the percentage of the tampered area is roughly estimated. The experimental results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed image authentication system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound scanning of the pelvis and abdomen for staging of gynecological tumors: a review
Authors: Fischerova D. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis Review documents examination techniques, sonographic features and clinical considerations in ultrasound assessment of gynecological tumors. The methodology of gynecological cancer staging, including assessment of local tumor extent, lymph nodes and distant metastases, is described.With increased technical quality, sonography has become an accurate staging method for early and advanced gynecological tumors. Other complementary imaging techniques, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, can be used as an adjunct to ultrasound in specific cases, but are not essential to tumor staging if sonography is performed by a specialist in gynecological oncology.Ultrasound is established as the method of choice for evaluating local extent of endometrial cancer and is the most important imaging method for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian tumors. Ultrasound can be used to detect early as well as locally advanced cancers that extend from the vagina, cervix or other locations to the paracolpium, parametria, rectum and sigmoid colon, urinary bladder and other adjacent organs or structures. In cases of ureteric involvement, ultrasound is also helpful in locating the site of obstruction. Furthermore, it is specific for the detection of extrapelvic tumor spread to the abdominal cavity in the form of parietal or visceral carcinomatosis, omental and/or mesenteric infiltration.Ultrasound can be used to assess changes in infiltrated lymph nodes, including demonstration of characteristic sonomorphologic and vascular patterns. Vascular patterns are particularly well visualized in peripheral nodes using high resolution linear array probes or in the pelvis using high‐frequency probes. The presence of peripheral or mixed vascularity or displacement of vessels seems to be the sole criterion in the diagnosis of metastatic or lymphomatous nodes.In the investigation of distant metastases, if a normal visceral organ or characteristic diffuse or focal lesions (such as a simple cyst, hepatic hemangioma, renal angiomyolipoma, fatty liver (steatosis)) are identified on ultrasound, additional examinations using complementary imaging methods are not required. If, however, less characteristic findings are encountered, especially when the examination result radically affects subsequent therapeutic management, an additional examination using a complementary imaging method (e.g. contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography) is indicated. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
OUR: Optimal Update‐based Replacement policy for cache in wireless data access networks with optimal effective hits and bandwidth requirements
Authors: Akon Mursalin , Islam Mohammad Towhidul , Shen Xuemin (Sherman) , Singh Ajit 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTIn mobile wireless data access networks, remote data access is expensive in terms of bandwidth consumption. An efficient caching scheme can reduce the amount of data transmission, hence, bandwidth consumption. However, an update event makes the associated cached data objects obsolete and useless for many applications. Data access frequency and update play a crucial role in deciding which data objects should be cached. Seemingly, frequently accessed but infrequently updated objects should have higher preference while preserving in the cache. Other objects should have lower preference or be evicted, or should not be cached at all, to accommodate higher‐preference objects. In this paper, we proposed Optimal Update‐based Replacement, a replacement or eviction scheme, for cache management in wireless data networks. To facilitate the replacement scheme, we also presented two enhanced cache access schemes, named Update‐based Poll‐Each‐Read and Update‐based Call‐Back. The proposed cache management schemes were supported with strong theoretical analysis. Both analysis and extensive simulation results were given to demonstrate that the proposed schemes guarantee optimal amount of data transmission by increasing the number of effective hits and outperform the popular Least Frequently Used scheme in terms of both effective hits and communication cost. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of Acute Non‐cirrhotic and Non‐malignant Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hall T. C. , Garcea G. , Metcalfe M. , Bilku D. , Dennison A. R. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundNo definitive evidence exists regarding the treatment of acute portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Treatment modalities described include conservative management, anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and thrombectomy. This review examines the impact of such treatment, its outcomes, and the complications resulting from the resultant portal hypertension.MethodsA Medline literature search was undertaken using the keywords portal vein thrombosis, anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and thrombectomy. The primary end point was portal vein recanalization. Secondary outcome measures were morbidity and the development of portal hypertension and its sequelae, including variceal bleeding. Data from articles relating to PVT in the context of cirrhosis, malignancy, or liver transplant were excluded.ResultsEarly systemic anticoagulation results in complete portal vein recanalization in 38.3% of cases and partial recanalization in 14.0% of cases. Spontaneous recanalization without treatment can only be expected in up to 16.7% of patients. Frequently this is only when associated with self‐limiting underlying pathology and/or minimal thrombus extension. Thrombolysis can be associated with major complications in up to 60% of patients.ConclusionsThe natural history of acute PVT is poorly described. Spontaneous resolution of acute portal vein thrombosis is uncommon. Early anticoagulation results in a satisfactory rate of recanalization with minimal procedure‐associated morbidity. Thrombolysis should be used with caution and only considered if the disease is progressive and signs of mesenteric ischemia are present. Further well‐designed trials with precise outcome reporting are needed to improve our understanding of the disease.
Predicting Distant Metastasis in Patients With Suspected Pancreatic and Periampullary Tumors for Selective Use of Staging Laparoscopy
Authors: Slaar Annelie , Eshuis Wietse J. , van der Gaag Niels A. , Nio C. Yung , Busch Olivier R. C. , van Gulik Thomas M. , Reitsma Johannes B. , Gouma Dirk J. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with pancreatic or periampullary tumor, staging laparoscopy (SL) can detect metastases that are occult on computed tomography (CT), thereby precluding nontherapeutic laparotomy. Routine SL is not advocated, but some studies suggest its selective use. The aim of this study was to identify patients at risk for metastasis in whom SL could be beneficial.MethodsA consecutive series of patients who underwent laparotomy for a suspected pancreatic or periampullary tumor were analyzed. We included patients with a suspected resectable solid lesion and a recent high‐quality CT scan. Patients with and without an intraoperatively encountered metastasis were compared. Regression analysis was performed to examine the association between various predictors and metastasis.ResultsData from 385 patients (mean age 63, 41% women) were analyzed. Distant metastasis was encountered in 79 patients (21%). Logistic regression analysis revealed the following key predictors for metastasis: tumor size on CT scan [odds ratio (OR) 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.76 per millimeter increase], weight loss (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01–1.63 per doubling the kilograms), and history of jaundice (OR 2.36, 95% CI 0.79–7.06). In patients with a tumor ≥3 cm and severe weight loss (≥10 kg) and in patients with a tumor ≥4 cm and moderate weight loss (≥5 kg), the proportion of patients with metastasis was >40%.ConclusionsIn patients with a suspected pancreatic or periampullary tumor, the tumor size, weight loss, and jaundice are key predictors of metastasis at exploration. SL might be beneficial in patients with a tumor ≥3 cm and severe weight loss and in those with a tumor ≥4 cm and moderate weight loss.