bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Falls in Older Adults
Authors: Bradley Sara M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractFalls are prevalent among older adults and can lead to injury, hospitalization, and increased healthcare costs. Environmental hazards, medications, vision problems, and impairments in strength, gait, or balance can increase fall risk. A multifactorial fall‐risk assessment including a fall history, physical exam, gait and balance evaluation, and environmental assessment is recommended for all older adults who present with a fall or problem with gait or balance. Multiple‐component exercise programs, tai chi, vitamin D supplementation, withdrawal of psychotropic medications, and early cataract surgery have all been shown to reduce fall rates. Multifactorial interventions that include medication review, vision correction, management of orthostasis, environmental modification, and balance, strength, and gait training can also be beneficial in preventing falls. Mt Sinai J Med 78:590–595, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Differential aging of median and ulnar sensory nerve parameters
Authors: Werner Robert A. , Franzblau Alfred , D'Arcy Hannah J.S. , Evanoff Bradley A. , Tong Henry C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Nerve conduction velocity slows and amplitude declines with aging. Methods: Median and ulnar sensory nerves were tested at the annual meetings of the American Dental Association. Seven hundred four subjects had at least two observations. The rate of change in the nerve parameters was estimated while controlling for gender, age, change in hand temperature, baseline body mass index (BMI), and change in BMI. Results: Amplitudes of the median sensory nerve action potentials decreased by 0.58 μV per year, whereas conduction velocity decreased at a rate of 0.41 m/s per year. Corresponding values for the ulnar nerve were 0.89 μV and 0.29 m/s per year. The rates of change in amplitudes did not differ, but the median nerve demonstrated a more rapid loss of conduction velocity. Conclusions: The rate of change for the median conduction velocity was higher than previously reported. The rate of change of median conduction velocity was significantly greater than for the ulnar nerve. Muscle Nerve 45: 60–64, 2012
Prolonged hindlimb unloading leads to changes in electrophysiological properties of L5 dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats after 14 days
Authors: Ren Jun‐Chan , Fan Xiao‐Li , Song Xin‐Ai , Zhao Xue‐Hong , Chen Ming‐Xia , Shi Lei 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIntroduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the electrophysiological changes observed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a simulated weightlessness rat model and to assess the mechanisms involved in these changes. Methods: The simulated weightlessness model was created by hindlimb unloading (HU). Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings, conduction velocity measurement, and ultrastructural observation were performed. Results: In the HU rats, the action potentials had a longer duration and slower falling rate, but there was no significant effect on amplitude or rate of rise. HU also induced lowering of rheobase and of the threshold potential, making the cells more excitable. The conduction velocities in the proximal branches of ganglion cells were also decreased, and some degenerative changes in the myelin sheath were noted. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of plasticity of DRG neurons induced by HU. The changes observed might contribute to impaired motor performance in rats submitted to HU. Muscle Nerve 45: 65–69, 2012
Herpetofaunal Remains from Khonkho Wankane, an Urban and Ceremonial Centre in the Southern Lake Titicaca Altiplano: Unique Behavioural Correlates to Osseous Taphonomy
Authors: Pokines James T. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTThis research reports the herpetological (reptile and amphibian) remains from Khonkho Wankane, an urban and ceremonial centre in the southern Lake Titicaca region of the Bolivian Altiplano, which fluoresced during the Late Formative period. The total n = 1710, including a minimum of six taxa and representing a significant portion of the relatively depauperate modern herpetofauna recorded for the Lake Titicaca area. A lizard of the genus Liolaemus (Tropiduridae) was identified. Amphibians are represented by Andean toad Rhinella spinulosa (Bufonidae) and by at least four taxa of frogs: [cf. Gastrotheca marsupiata (Hylidae) and Pleurodema marmorata or P. cinerea and Telmatobius spp. (Leptodactylidae)]. The latter genus does not include members of the giant variants (T. culeus) that dwell in Lake Titicaca.The question of how these remains were incorporated into the site deposits is examined taphonomically. No indicators of human or small carnivore predation were detected. Significant spatial clustering of amphibian remains was detected, with two clusters contributing n = 1562 or 92.4% of the amphibian total (n = 1690). These concentrations also are characterised by a depressed ratio of cranial versus postcranial elements, which cannot be explained by recovery methods. These concentrations of herpetofaunal remains likely represent in‐burrow deaths of species sheltering for thermoregulatory benefits away from this harsh Altiplano environment, with the lowered recovery of cranial elements hypothesised to have resulted from a lack of ossification. The bulk of herpetofaunal remains recovered therefore likely were recent intrusions into the site deposits and do not represent the residue of human exploitation during the occupation of Khonkho Wankane. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and properties of phase‐change materials based on high‐density polyethylene, hard Fischer–Tropsch paraffin wax, and wood flour
Authors: Mngomezulu M.E. , Luyt A.S. , Krupa I. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPhase‐change materials based on high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), a hard Fischer–Tropsch paraffin wax (H1 wax), and alkali‐treated wood flour (WF) were investigated. The blends and composites were prepared by melt‐mixing. They were characterized in terms of their morphology as well as thermal, mechanical, thermomechanical, and water absorption properties. Although the scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed some evidence of intimate contact between WF and the HDPE matrix, there were poor filler dispersion and interfacial adhesion. The percentage miscibility of H1 wax in HDPE seems to have decreased with increasing wax content in the blends. A fairly strong affinity between the WF and H1 wax was noticed. There was plasticization of the HDPE matrix by the wax as well as inhomogeneity and uneven wax dispersion within the polymer matrix. The presence of H1 wax and WF influenced the crystallization behavior of the HDPE matrix. The incorporation of wax reduced the thermal stability of the blends and composites, but stabilized the WF. The H1 wax and WF differently influenced the viscoelastic properties of the HDPE matrix. In contrast to the blends where the tensile properties improved in the presence of wax, the composites showed poorer properties. An increase in wax content resulted in a decrease in water uptake by the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
New thermo‐oxidative protective coating for carbon/carbon composites in mid‐temperature range using a combination of nano‐filler and macro‐filler with polybenzoxazine as a carbon‐forming matrix
Authors: Jin Lin , Ishida Hatsuo 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA novel main‐chain type, oligomeric benzoxazine has been synthesized as a highly thermo‐oxidative matrix material. The structure of the monomer is confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography. Octasilane polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OctaSilane POSS) and glass sphere are incorporated to form an effective oxidation‐protective coating for the carbon/carbon composites. The composition has been optimized by varying benzoxazine and OctaSilane POSS ratio with the aid of thermogravimetric analyses. The even distribution of the three components has been confirmed by laser Raman image, and the effectiveness of the coating has been investigated using isothermal weight loss measurement at 700°C in air for 1300 h. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Mechanical, thermal and dynamic‐mechanical behavior of banana fiber reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Biswal Manoranjan , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractNatural fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites based on polypropylene/nanoclay/banana fibers were fabricated by melt mixing in a twin‐screw extruder followed by compression molding in this current study. Maleic anhydride polypropylene copolymer (MA‐g‐PP) was used as a compatibilizer to increase the compatibility between the PP matrix, clay, and banana fiber to enhance exfoliation of organoclay and dispersion of fibers into the polymer matrix. Variation in mechanical, thermal, and physico‐mechanical properties with the addition of banana fiber into the PP nanocomposites was investigated. It was observed that 3 wt% of nanoclay and 5 wt% of MA‐g‐PP within PP matrix resulted in an increase in tensile and flexural strength by 41.3% and 45.6% as compared with virgin PP. Further, incorporation of 30 wt% banana fiber in PP nanocomposites system increases the tensile and flexural strength to the tune of 27.1% and 15.8%, respectively. The morphology of fiber reinforced PP nanocomposites has been examined by using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Significant enhancement in the thermal stability of nanocomposites was also observed due to the presence of nanoclay under thermogravimetric analysis. Dynamic mechanical analysis tests revealed an increase in storage modulus (E′) and damping factor (tan δ), conforming the strong interaction between nanoclay/banana fiberand MA‐g‐PP in the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites systems. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Effect of the addition of modified mica on mechanical and durability properties of FRP composite materials for civil engineering
Authors: Robert Mathieu , Cousin Patrice , Fam Amir , Benmokrane Brahim 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe durability of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials in humid and harsh environments is an important consideration for acceptance of these materials in civil engineering applications. Reducing the moisture ingress may improve the durability of FRPs. The addition of modified inorganic powder, such as clay nanoparticles, may improve several important properties of polymers, such as barrier properties, fire retardancy, dimensional stability, and mechanical strength. The present work aims to evaluate the effect of the addition of modified mica on FRP properties used in civil engineering applications. To conduct this preliminary study, the following steps were taken: (1) prepare and characterize composites made from lab‐made modified mica, (2) determine the maximum water uptake, water absorption rate and coefficient of diffusion, (3) characterize the mechanical properties, and finally, (4) evaluate the UV resistance. The experimental results show that the use of nanoparticles leads to a decrease of the coefficient of diffusion of water and a significant increase of stiffness and UV resistance. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Kinetic modeling of nanoclay‐reinforced unsaturated polyester resin
Authors: Poorabdollah Mehdi , Beheshty Mohammad Hosain , Vafayan Mehdy 
Published: July 2011

AbstractCuring behavior of an unsaturated polyester (UP) resin containing 1 wt% organically modified clay (OMC) catalyzed with methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) initiator and promoted by cobalt naphthenate accelerator was investigated by dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at five different heating rates of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25°C/min. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the morphology of UP/OMC composites. Results showed a mixture of intercalated and exfoliated morphology. The dynamic DSC curing curves showed a bimodal exothermic peak; therefore, two independent reactions, namely, redox and thermal copolymerizations were assumed. Kinetic parameters were calculated by using autocatalytic model and using Down hill simplex method and Runge–Kutta algorithm for each reaction. The addition of nanoclay resulted in decrease of the activation energy of the redox reaction compared to that of the neat UP resin. Also, the pre‐exponential factor of the first reaction for UP/OMC was less than that of the neat UP. Two factors including decreasing the activation energy and decreasing the number ofcollisions of reactionary components finally resulted in increasing the reaction rate of the first reaction out of the whole reaction in the system containing nanoclay compared to the neat UP resin. It is interesting that nanoclay has no effect on the thermal decomposition reaction. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Electrospinning of polylactide and its composites with carbon nanotubes
Authors: Yang Tao , Wu Defeng , Lu Liangliang , Zhou Weidong , Zhang Ming 
Published: July 2011

AbstractElectrospinning of the biodegradable polylactide (PLA) and its composites containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was studied in terms of solution concentrations and solvents effects as well as CNT loadings. The results reveal that the PLA fibers obtained from the solutions using the mixed solvents of chloroform/assistant solvent (v/v 3/1) show better morphologies than those from the solutions using chloroform as the single solvent. This is due to the synergistic effect by the improved conductivity and altered viscosity with addition of assistant solvent. Moreover, the surface structure of fibers depends on the volatility of assistant solvents strongly. Using volatile acrylonitrile or acetone as the assistant solvents, the columned fibers with porous surface structure are obtained; while the flat fibers with fluted surface are formed using nonvolatile dimethyl sulfoxide as the assistant solvents. As for electrospinning of the PLA/CNT composites, the morphology of obtained fibers is closely related to the dispersion of CNTs in the fibers. At low loading levels, the CNTs can be well embedded in the PLA matrix and oriented along the fiber axis, forming nanowire structure. At high loading levels, the CNTs are mainly dispersed as entangled bundles along the fiber axis, and as a result, the obtained fibers show tortuous or misshaped morphologies. Compared with that of the neat PLA fibers, the overall morphologies of the composite fibers are more or less degraded because the presence of some small CNT aggregates in the solutions easily leads to the formation of beaded fiber structure during electrospinning. The conductivity of the obtained composite fiber mats was further studied in terms of CNT loadings. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Numerical prediction of flake orientation and surface color in injection molding of flake‐pigmented thermoplastics
Authors: Park Jang Min , Jeong Seok Jae , Park Seong Jin 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe present study attempts to develop physical modeling and numerical simulation system for prediction of the surface color in injection molding of flake‐pigmented thermoplastic composites. Folgar–Tucker model along with the orientation tensor is employed to predict the orientation state of pigment flakes. A phenomenological relationship between the orientation state and the surface color is proposed to estimate the surface color and color defects from the orientation prediction result. Basic studies are carried out using simple geometries with a hole or rib structure. Also a qualitative comparison between the numerical prediction and the experimental result is carried out for a complex geometry having ribs and holes. The color defects such as flow marks and weld lines could be reasonably predicted using the developed modeling and simulation system. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Prenatal features of Noonan syndrome: prevalence and prognostic value
Authors: Baldassarre G. , Mussa A. , Dotta A. , Banaudi E. , Forzano S. , Marinosci A. , Rossi C. , Tartaglia M. , Silengo M. , Ferrero G. B. 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveNoonan syndrome (NS) is a common autosomal dominant developmental disorder, mainly characterized by congenital heart defects, short stature, and a variable degree of developmental delay. We have reviewed the prenatal findings in NS and we have correlated them with genotype and postnatal phenotype.MethodsThe cohort consisted of 47 patients with molecular diagnosis of NS. Prenatal and postnatal phenotypes were assessed by analysis of medical records, and clinical follow‐up. Postnatal clinical phenotype, congenital heart disease, neuropsychomotor development, and growth pattern were arbitrarily scored in terms of severity.ResultsMean age at diagnosis of NS was 7 years (ranging from birth to 38 years). Abnormal maternal serum triple screen was present in 36% of cases, nuchal translucency > 2.5 mm in 41%, polyhydramnios in 38% and fetal anomalies at prenatal ultrasonography in 21%. No statistical association was observed between prenatal findings and NS genotype or scores of postnatal clinical phenotype, congenital heart disease, neuropsychomotor development, or short stature. Presence of morphologic fetal anomalies at ultrasonography was associated with developmental delay/intellectual disabilities (p < 0.001) and juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (p = 0.006).ConclusionsAbnormal prenatal findings are frequent in NS pregnancies, though they are not specific and most are not useful for the prediction of the postnatal phenotype. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐trimester prediction of preeclampsia using metabolomic biomarkers: a discovery phase study
Authors: Odibo Anthony O. , Goetzinger Katherine R. , Odibo Linda , Cahill Alison G. , Macones George A. , Nelson D. Michael , Dietzen Dennis J. 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveWe tested the hypothesis that first‐trimester metabolic biomarkers offered a unique profile in women with preeclampsia (PE) in the second half of pregnancy, compared with controls.MethodWe conducted a nested case‐control study within a prospective cohort of pregnant women followed from the first‐trimester to delivery. Cases were those who developed PE at any gestational age, and these were compared with a control group without adverse pregnancy outcome, matched for gestational age within 3 days. We analyzed maternal blood obtained at 11–14 weeks' gestation for 40 acylcarnitine species (C2–C18 saturated, unsaturated, and hydroxylated) and 32 amino acids by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression modeling estimated the association of each metabolite with development of PE.ResultsWe compared 41 cases with PE with 41 controls and found four metabolites (hydroxyhexanoylcarnitine, alanine, phenylalanine, and glutamate) that were significantly higher in the cases with PE. The area under the curve (AUC) using these metabolites individually to predict PE varied from 0.77 to 0.80, and when combined, the AUC improved to 0.82 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.80–0.85] for all cases of PE and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76–0.91) for early onset PE.ConclusionOur findings suggest a potential role for first‐trimester metabolomics in screening for PE. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second trimester biparietal diameter size and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Marsoosi Vajiheh , Pirjani Reihaneh , Jamal Ashraf , Eslamian Laleh , Rahimi‐Foroushani Abbas 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveTo identify the relationship between biparietal diameter (BPD) in the second trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes in low‐risk pregnancies.MethodThis prospective cohort study was performed on 2219 singleton pregnant women from August 2008 to March 2010. The gestational age‐specific percentiles of BPD at 17 to 24 weeks of gestation were established to categorize participants into three groups: a BPD < 10th percentile as small BPD, between 10th and 90th percentile as normal BPD and > 90th percentile as large BPD. Using logistic regression analysis, the association between BPD < 10th and > 90th percentile with pregnancy outcomes was evaluated after controlling for confounding factors.ResultsThere was a significantly increased risk of macrosomia [odds ratio (ORadj) = 2.1; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.23–3.78] and preterm labor (PTL) (ORadj = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.19–3.05) in fetuses with a BPD > 90th percentile compared with fetuses with a normal BPD, and there was a significant relationship between small for gestational age (SGA) at delivery and a BPD < 10th percentile at the second trimester (ORadj = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.77–3.52). No association was present between preeclampsia and second trimester BPD.ConclusionBPD in the first half of pregnancy is related to fetal size at term and risk of PTL. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after total knee or hip replacement: treatment pattern and outcomes
Authors: Penning‐van Beest Fernie J. A. , Overbeek Jetty A. , Meijer Willemijn M. , Woodruff Kimberly , Jackson Joseph , van der Vis Harm , van der Linden Paul , Herings Ron M. C. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTPurposeTo determine the thromboprophylactic treatment pattern and occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), major bleeding, and wound infections in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) or total hip replacement (THR).MethodsFrom the PHARMO database, all patients ≥18 years hospitalized for TKR or THR between January 2003 and September 2008 were selected. Patients with pharmacy data up to 3 months after hospitalization were included in the study cohort. Duration and type of thromboprophylaxis were assessed. VTE, major bleeding, and wound infections were identified by hospitalizations. Regarding VTE, timing of event in relation to thromboprophylaxis was determined.ResultsThe study population included 2930 patients with TKR, 5332 patients with THR without hip fracture, and 289 patients with THR and hip fracture. Mean duration of thromboprophylaxis was about 30 (± 20) days for all procedures, with low‐molecular‐weight heparin being the most frequently used drug. During 3 months of follow‐up, 1% to 2% of patients were hospitalized for an event. The most observed event was wound infection (58%), followed by major bleeding (29%), and VTE (13%). For wound infection and major bleeding, median time after surgery was about 19 days. Median time between surgery and VTE was 24 days for TKR and 60 days for THR. Eighteen of 23 VTE occurred during thromboprophylaxis.ConclusionsAlthough patients are often treated for fewer days than recommended, thromboprophylaxis after TKR and THR in the Netherlands is adequate. Only 5 of 23 VTE hospitalizations occurred off‐treatment and might have been prevented. Furthermore, fewer than 1% of patients were hospitalized for bleeding. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.