bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transmission electron microscopy application for the phenomena of hydroxyapatite precipitation in micropore‐structured Ti alloy
Authors: Lee Kang , Moon Byung‐Hak , Ko Yeong‐Mu , Choe Han‐Cheol 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe phenomena of hydroxyapatite (HA) precipitation in micropore‐structured Ti alloy have been studied using transmission electron microscopy and field‐emission SEM (FE‐SEM). HA layer was grown on anodized Ti surface by electrochemical deposition process in modified simulated body fluid at 85 °C. The deposition process involved two steps: (i) porous TiO2 on Ti alloy was formed at high potential, and (ii) cyclic voltammetric method was carried out in modified simulated body fluid for HA electrodeposition on anodized Ti alloys.Homogenized Ti‐30Nb alloy showed the equiaxed structure with β phase, whereas the Ti‐30Ta alloy showed the martensite structure with α″ phase. In case of anodized Ti binary alloys at applied 270 V, the anodized surface showed the uniform pore formation and Ca/P ratio was the range of 1.61 and 1.72.HA was formed with plate and fiberlike shape on anodized Ti alloys. HA was precipitated densely in the pore and connected with each other in the TiO2 layer. The selected‐area diffraction patterns of the HA were composed of rings and intense spots with some crystallized precipitates. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Awareness of danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy complication among women in Jordan
Authors: Okour Abdelhakeem , Alkhateeb Monadel , Amarin Zouhair 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the level and determinants of awareness of the danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy complication among pregnant Jordanian women aged 15 years and older.MethodsA descriptive cross‐sectional study of 350 women attending prenatal care services was performed. Interviews were conducted at 4 public‐health centers in Zarqa, Jordan, using a structured questionnaire. Awareness was defined as “knowing at least 4 danger signs and symptoms”.ResultsOverall, 84.8% of the women interviewed were not aware of danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy complication. Sociodemographic factors—including duration of education and current employment; husband's duration of education; family size; and whether women were given information about danger signs and symptoms—were associated with awareness in a binary analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that education level of study participants, their husbands' education level, and receiving information about danger signs and symptoms were all associated with awareness (P = 0.02 for all associations).ConclusionAwareness of danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy complication among women in Jordan is low. A need exists to provide prenatal care that includes sufficient information about pregnancy‐related danger signs and symptoms to meet the need for safe motherhood, as pointed out by the Millennium Development Goals.
In vitro fertilization at a public hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Orhue Augustine A. , Aziken Michael E. , Osemwenkha Abieyuwa P. , Ibadin Kennedy O. , Odoma Gabriel 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the results of an in vitro fertilization program newly established within a conventional infertility program at a university hospital in Nigeria.MethodsFrom June 1, 2007, to June 30, 2011, following unsuccessful conventional treatments, 600 couples were offered in vitro fertilization with (if needed) intracytoplasmic sperm injection in batches of 30 couples. The outcomes measured were duration of ovarian stimulation and rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; numbers of follicles aspirated, oocytes retrieved, oocytes fertilized, and embryos transferred; and clinical pregnancy rate.ResultsThe mean duration of stimulation was 11.8 ± 1.6 days and 1% of the women had severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The mean number of follicles aspirated was 8 ± 2.8; of oocytes retrieved 6 ± 3.2; and fertilized 3 ± 1.8. The maximum number of embryos transferred per woman was 3. The rates of clinical pregnancy and multiple pregnancy were 30% and 6.0%. The rates of abortion and ectopic pregnancy were 6.6% and 0.6%. The preterm delivery rate was 2.5%.ConclusionSuccessfully conducting an assisted reproduction program at a public health facility is feasible in a low‐resource country. Treating couples in batches was cost effective, with a low complication rate.
A comparison of Trachway intubating stylet and Airway Scope for tracheal intubation by novice operators: A manikin study
Authors: Tseng Kuang‐Yi , Chau Siu‐Wah , Su Miao‐Pei , Shih Chih‐Kai , Lu I‐Cheng , Cheng Kuang‐I 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe Trachway is a recently developed intubation device that resembles an illuminating stylet and incorporates a video‐assisted system. This study evaluated the use of this system for tracheal intubation by novice operators. This randomized cross‐over study compared the Trachway and the Airway Scope in simulated routine and difficult intubation scenarios. The difficult scenario was simulated by increasing the tongue volume of the manikin. The primary outcome measure in both airway scenarios was the time required for a successful tracheal intubation. For each scenario, the success rate, ease of intubation and operator preference were recorded for the two devices and compared. Average intubation time did not differ significantly between the Trachway and Airway Scope for the normal airway scenario (11.2 ± 6.5 vs. 9.8 ± 4.3 seconds, respectively; p = 0.07), but was significantly longer using the Trachway than with the Airway Scope on the difficult airway scenario (17.1 ± 11.1 vs. 9.5 ± 4.1 seconds, respectively; p < 0.001). The overall success rates of the Trachway and Airway Scope (96.3% and 98.6%, respectively) did not differ significantly (p = 0.13). Preference for the Airway Scope was greater in both scenarios, and particularly in the difficult airway scenario (p < 0.001). Although the devices are comparable in terms of ease of use and intubation time in normal scenarios, the ease of using the Airway Scope makes it more suitable for inexperienced operators in difficult intubation scenarios.
Primary care intervention programme to improve early detection of hearing loss in the elderly
Authors: Bentur N , Valinsky L , Lemberger J , Ben Moshe Y , Heymann A D 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjective:To improve audiology screening in general practice, using an intervention programme aiming to empower older adults and their general practitioners.Methods:We conducted a quasi-experimental community study comparing 206 patients and two control groups (the first being 101 people registered with the same general practitioner, and the second 87 people registered with another general practitioner). Outcome measures were: rates of hearing tests in the six months before interview, and screening recommendation by the general practitioner.Results:Amongst patients, there was a significant increase in numbers undergoing a hearing test, from 19 per cent before the intervention to 49 per cent two years later, while in the two control groups there was little change. Twenty-two per cent of patients and 19 per cent of the first control group reported that their physicians suggested undergoing a hearing test; the second control group subjects (whose general practitioners received no specific educational intervention) showed no change.Conclusion:The two crucial factors for improving hearing screening uptake in the elderly are general practitioner education and patient empowerment.
Current status of near-total laryngectomy: review
Authors: D'Cruz A K , Sharma S , Pai P S 
Published: April 2012

AbstractConcurrent chemoradiation is currently the accepted ‘standard of care’ for locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. However, there is a subset of patients not suitable for chemoradiation, in whom primary surgery is the best option. Speech preservation is of prime importance in these patients. Near-total laryngectomy is a voice-preserving procedure which can be considered as an alternative to total laryngectomy for selected patients with lateralised, locally advanced cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx. Although these patients are left with a permanent tracheostomy, lung-powered speech is maintained by way of a dynamic shunt created from the uninvolved tissues of the larynx. Since its first description in the early 1980s, the procedure has been shown by various authors to be oncologically sound, with high success rates. Unfortunately, the procedure has not gained wide acceptance due to perceived fears of surgical complexity. In this review, we discuss the various issues related to the procedure and we review the relevant literature.
Skull base meningiomas mimicking otitis media
Authors: Shihada R , Lurie M , Luntz M 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Meningiomas are slow-growing, benign tumours originating from the arachnoid villi of the meninges. They account for 13 to 26 per cent of all intracranial neoplasms. Less than 1 per cent of all meningiomas are primary extracranial tumours of the ear and temporal bone. Intracranial meningiomas extending to the middle-ear cleft are uncommon, with fewer than 100 cases reported to date. Presenting symptoms of the latter condition may include hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo and facial palsy. Otitis media with effusion secondary to eustachian tube dysfunction has also been reported.Aim:To describe three patients in whom chronic otitis media was the presenting sign of skull base meningioma.Method:Case presentations.Results:Presentation of clinical and imaging findings as well as management considerations.Conclusion:Meningioma involving the middle ear is an extremely rare condition, and is diagnosed by computed tomography in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging. When biopsy is performed, the histological features, characteristic immunophenotype and ultrastructural analysis are valuable aids to definitive diagnosis. In patients with no neurological symptoms, ‘wait and scan’ is often the best management option.
The trend in sport participation among Dutch retirees, 1983–2007
Authors: COZIJNSEN RABINA , STEVENS NAN L. , VAN TILBURG THEO G. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the trend in sport participation among retirees between 1983 and 2007. Sport participation is important for retirees because of its health benefits and the opportunities it offers for social interaction. Factors that influence sport participation such as educational level, physical limitations, and occupational background have changed during the last decades, possibly accounting for changes in sport participation. Data are from the Amenities and Services Utilization Survey (AVO), a nationally representative Dutch survey with seven observations between 1983 and 2007. The trend in sport involvement, sports club membership, and competition was investigated in a sample of 2,497 male and 1,559 female retirees aged 58–67 years. Increases in participation were observed in sport involvement and sports club membership. This trend can partially be explained by increases in educational level, decreases in the number of retirees with physical limitations, and in those retiring from sedentary jobs. Yet, sport participation seems to have increased for all retirees, regardless of their socio-economic background and health status. Alternative explanations for the observed trend are discussed.
CAN COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS INTEGRATE CONCERNS FOR EQUITY? SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Johri Mira , Norheim Ole Frithjof 
Published: April 2012

Objectives:The aim of this study was to promote approaches to health technology assessment (HTA) that are both evidence-based and values-based. We conducted a systematic review of published studies describing formal methods to consider equity in the context of cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA).Methods:Candidate studies were identified through an unrestricted search of the Pub Med and EMBASE databases. The search closed on January 20, 2011. We identified additional studies by consulting experts and checking article bibliographies. Two authors independently reviewed each candidate study to determine inclusion and extracted data from studies retained for review. In addition to documenting methods, data extraction identified implicit and explicit notions of fairness. Data were synthesized in narrative form. Study quality was not assessed.Results:Of the 695 candidate articles, 51 were retained for review. We identified three broad methods to facilitate quantitative consideration of equity concerns in economic evaluation: integration of distributional concerns through equity weights and social welfare functions, exploration of the opportunity costs of alternative policy options through mathematical programming, and multi-criteria decision analysis.Conclusions:Several viable techniques to integrate equity concerns within CEA now exist, ranging from descriptive approaches to the quantitative methods studied in this review. Two obstacles at the normative level have impeded their use in decision making to date: the multiplicity of concepts and values discussed under the rubric of equity, and the lack of a widely accepted normative source on which to ground controversial value choices. Clarification of equity concepts and attention to procedural fairness may strengthen use of these techniques in HTA decision making.
Derivation of diameter measurements for buttressed trees, an example from Gabon
Authors: Ngomanda Alfred , Mavouroulou Quentin Moundounga , Obiang Nestor Laurier Engone , Iponga Donald Midoko , Mavoungou Jacques-François , Lépengué Nicaise , Picard Nicolas , Mbatchi Bertrand 
Published: April 2012

Many tropical tree species have buttresses at the standard breast height (1.3 m above ground) of diameter measurement, with a presumable role in improving nutrient acquisition or tree anchorage in the ground (Newbery et al. 2009, Richter 1984). Measuring the diameter using standard dendrometrical tools such as callipers or graduated tapes, which require that the cross-section of the trunk has a convex shape, is then impossible (Nogueira et al. 2006). The recommended method in this case is to measure the diameter above the buttress (DAB), thus possibly leading to biased estimates of the basal area (West 2009), of tree above-ground biomass (Dean & Roxburgh 2006, Dean et al. 2003) and of tree growth (Metcalf et al. 2009). As an alternative, one can measure the basal area at breast height of buttressed trees, using a method that can deal with the irregular non-convex shape of the cross-section of the stem such as the Picus calliper, photogrammetry or 3D laser scanning (Badia et al. 2003, Dean 2003, Newbery et al. 2009).
Seed dispersal ofSyzygium oblatum(Myrtaceae) by two species of fruit bat (Cynopterus sphinxandRousettus leschenaulti) in South-West China
Authors: Tang Zhan-Hui , Xu Jian-Ling , Flanders Jon , Ding Xue-Mei , Ma Xun-Feng , Sheng Lian-Xi , Cao Min 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:In this study we investigated the importance of two species of fruit bat (Rousettus leschenaultiandCynopterus sphinx) as seed dispersers for a species of fruit tree (Syzygium oblatum) found in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in South-West China. We found that althoughR. leschenaultiandC. sphinxwere the two primary seed dispersers ofS. oblatumover half of the fruit produced by the tree (65%) fell to the ground. Out of the fruit collected,R. leschenaultiandC. sphinxwere able to disperse seeds up to 73 m from the parent tree with the highest density of feeding roosts occurring at 21.3 m (SE = 5.2 m). We found no signs that either species of bat used the parent tree as a feeding roost, instead choosing specific trees that were at lower densities compared with other trees in the forest that were not used. When comparing the viability of seeds in three different habitats (under parent tree, in forest gap, under feeding roost) survival analysis revealed that seedling survival was significantly higher in the forest gap (91.7% ± 4.41%) than under the parent tree (78.3% ± 1.67%), but was not significantly different to seedling survival underneath feeding roosts (86.7 ± 1.67%). Further work also showed that the seeds did not have to be removed from the fruit or ingested by the bat in order to germinate. We conclude that althoughS. oblatumis not dependent onR.leschenaultiandC. sphinxfor successful germination of its seeds, these two species of bat are important seed dispersers and can move seeds to areas where there is a greater chance of germination success and survival.
Species associations among dipterocarp species co-occurring in a Malaysian tropical rain forest
Authors: Suzuki Ryo. O. , Numata Shinya , Okuda Toshinori , MD. Noor Nur Supardi , Kassim Abdul Rahman , Kachi Naoki 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:Spatial association patterns reflect underlying mechanisms of coexistence, community structure of plant species in tropical forests. We hypothesized that if spatial associations between two species shift toward segregation patterns during the course of growth, deterministic mechanisms, such as interspecific competition and habitat differentiation, would prevail, whereas if no directed change in spatial associations between two species is observed and, consequently, the initial association pattern is retained through growth, the two species would experience weak interspecific competition and show no habitat differentiation. To assess the underlying mechanisms operating between confamilial species, we analysed spatial associations among 11 dipterocarp species in terms of three growth stages distinguished on the basis of dbh in the Pasoh 50-ha plot in Peninsular Malaysia. We analysed the spatial associations of all possible combinations among identical stages (165 pairs) and among different stages (330 pairs) for each pair of 11 species, except between identical species. Our previous study revealed that the 11 species could be characterized into two classes: seven fast-growing species exhibited high growth and mortality rates, spatial aggregation on a small scale, and positive habitat associations, while four slow-growing species exhibited low growth and mortality rates, spatial aggregation on a large scale, and no habitat associations except one. Spatial segregation was observed between fast-growing species (32 pairs, 17%) and between species of different classes (35 pairs, 14%), but not between slow-growing species. Throughout the growth stages, positive associations with other species were maintained for slow-growing species versus fast-growing species. In contrast, changes in initial associations toward segregation were observed more in fast-growing species. These results indicated that interspecific competition or habitat differentiation dominated for fast-growing species, while non-directed random processes dominated for slow-growing species.
Fish assemblages in floodplain lakes in a Neotropical river during the wet season (Magdalena River, Colombia)
Authors: Granado-Lorencio Carlos , Gulfo Alejandra , Alvarez Frank , Jiménez-Segura Luz Fernanda , Carvajal-Quintero Juan David , Hernández-Serna Andrés 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:A number of studies have pointed out that abiotic factors and recolonization dynamics appear to be more important than biotic interactions in structuring river–fish assemblages. In this paper, we studied the fish assemblages in 27 floodplain lakes, with perennial connection to the river, in the middle section of the Magdalena River (Colombia), to examine spatial pattern in freshwater fish diversity in relation to some environmental parameters. Our objective was to examine relationships between floodplain-lake fish communities and environmental variables associated with lake morphology, water chemistry and river–floodplain connectivity in a large river–floodplain ecosystem. During the study, a total of 18 237 fish were caught from 50 species (regional richness; 17 were migrants and 33 residents). In the present study, the most diverse order was Characiformes with 20 species, followed by Siluriformes, with 19 species. Characidae and Loricaridae were the richest families. The range of species richness (local richness) varied between five and 39 species. Similarity of local assemblages (using the presence–absence data) depends on the distance between lakes. A positive relationship was observed between the Ln of the total abundance of each species and the number of lakes where they were found. Out of all the environmental parameters taken in the lakes, only the size (Log Area) and relative perimeter length are significantly related to local assemblage species richness. It has not been possible to demonstrate that the connectivity (distance) from lakes to the main river can be considered a predictor of the local richness.
Soft drink consumption in Sri Lankan adolescents
Authors: Ratnayake Nilantha , Ekanayake Lilani 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the factors associated with sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption in adolescents from Sri Lanka.DesignA cross-sectional study where the data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire.SettingGovernment, private and international schools in the Colombo district of Sri Lanka.SubjectsAdolescents aged 17 years attending sixty-five schools.ResultsOverall 82 % consumed sugar-sweetened soft drinks once weekly or more often, while 77 % and 48 % consumed sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks and sugar-sweetened fruit drinks once weekly or more often. Being a boy (OR = 1·44; 95 % CI 1·02, 2·03), attending a private/international school (OR = 4·12; 95 % CI 1·94, 8·75), mother's level of education (OR = 1·53; 95 % CI 1·03, 2·28) and father's occupation (middle level: OR = 2·39; 95 % CI 1·63, 3·52; upper level: OR = 2·48; 95 % CI 1·35, 4·56) were independently associated with the consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks.ConclusionsThe majority of adolescents in this sample consumed sugar-sweetened beverages once weekly or more often. It was evident that some sociodemographic factors were associated with the consumption of these drinks.
Improvement of Depth Resolution of ADF-SCEM by Deconvolution: Effects of Electron Energy Loss and Chromatic Aberration on Depth Resolution
Authors: Zhang Xiaobin , Takeguchi Masaki , Hashimoto Ayako , Mitsuishi Kazutaka , Tezuka Meguru , Shimojo Masayuki 
Published: April 2012

AbstractScanning confocal electron microscopy (SCEM) is a new imaging technique that is capable of depth sectioning with nanometer-scale depth resolution. However, the depth resolution in the optical axis direction (Z) is worse than might be expected on the basis of the vertical electron probe size calculated with the existence of spherical aberration. To investigate the origin of the degradation, the effects of electron energy loss and chromatic aberration on the depth resolution of annular dark-field SCEM were studied through both experiments and computational simulations. The simulation results obtained by taking these two factors into consideration coincided well with those obtained by experiments, which proved that electron energy loss and chromatic aberration cause blurs at the overfocus sides of the Z-direction intensity profiles rather than degrade the depth resolution much. In addition, a deconvolution method using a simulated point spread function, which combined two Gaussian functions, was adopted to process the XZ-slice images obtained both from experiments and simulations. As a result, the blurs induced by energy loss and chromatic aberration were successfully removed, and there was also about 30% improvement in the depth resolution in deconvoluting the experimental XZ-slice image.