bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(Photo‐)conduction measurements during the growth of evaporated bulk heterojunctions of a subphthalocyanine donor and a perfluorinated phthalocyanine acceptor
Authors: Klaus D. , Knecht R. , Dragässer A. , Keil C. , Schlettwein D. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMixed thin films of donor‐ and acceptor‐type molecular semiconductors were prepared by physical vapour deposition and studied by conduction measurements in the dark during film growth and under illumination at three distinct wavelengths across the visible range of the solar spectrum. The molecules were chosen to provide both, good spectral coverage of the solar spectrum and appropriate differences in the electronic energy levels to allow charge carrier separation. Photocurrents were observed that indicated the expected contributions to the net photoconduction but also anomal, negative contributions were found, leading to a decreased conduction under illumination, showing the presence of isolated clusters. Ripening of the mixed films in vacuum and conditioning the films at air were studied subsequently and consequences on conduction and photoconduction discussed. The applicability of such films in evaporated organic bulk heterojunctions as photoconductors or in photovoltaic cells is discussed.magnified imageVacuum chamber for simultaneous evaporation of pure and mixed organic thin films equipped with in situ (photo)‐conduction measurements.
Anthracene‐containing PPE‐PPV copolymers: Effect of side‐chain nature and length on photophysical and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Jadhav Rupali , Türk Stefan , Kühnlenz Florian , Cimrova Vera , Rathgeber Silke , Egbe Daniel A. M. , Hoppe Harald 
Published: November 2009

AbstractHigh‐molecular weight anthracene containing poly(p‐phenylene‐ethynylene)‐alt‐poly(p‐phenylene‐vinylene) (PPE‐PPV) copolymers bearing linear and/or branched alkyl side chains have been synthesized and investigated for use in polymer–fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells. By variation of the nature and length of alkyl side chains the ordering in thin films could be tuned. Besides the basic photophysical characterization, small‐angle X‐ray scattering on extruded fibers and cyclovoltammetry measurements are reported. The photovoltaic characterization indicates that improved ordering due to linear side chains on the arylene–ethynylene segment as well as lower side‐chain volume fraction yield higher photocurrents. Power conversion efficiencies of nearly 2.5% are reported for the best devices with a polymer:fullerene composition of 1:1 by weight.magnified imageIV‐characteristics of partly optimized photovoltaic devices based on [6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blends with a blending ratio of 1:1 under solar simulator illumination.
Antioxidant activities of curcumin and combinations of this curcuminoid with other phytochemicals
Authors: Aftab N. , Vieira A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBiomedical investigations of curcumin (and curcuminoids) have provided evidence of a wide range of molecular and cellular activities, most related to redox reactions and signal transduction. The main goal of the present study was to compare antioxidant activities of curcumin with those of resveratrol, a polyphenol present in some dietary plants such as Vitis vinifera (L.) and Arachis hypogaea (L.) and many other, non‐dietary plants. Combinations of the two were also examined for potential synergism in a heme‐enhanced oxidation reaction. Curcumin exhibited antioxidant effects at all time points (1–5 min; 10 μM), e.g., 30.5 ± 11.9% (SEM) oxidation relative to controls without phytochemicals (p < 0.01) at 3 min, a time chosen for comparisons. The same concentration of resveratrol exhibited about half of curcumin's activity. Curcumin and resveratrol together (5 μM each) resulted in a synergistic antioxidant effect: 15.5 ± 1.7% greater than an average of individual activities. This synergy was significantly greater (p < 0.05; about 4‐fold) than that of curcumin together with the flavonol quercetin. In conclusion, curcumin is a potent antioxidant in a reaction that may be relevant to in vivo toxicity. In relation to two other well‐known antioxidants, curcumin shows significantly greater synergism with resveratrol than with quercetin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and implementation of a control architecture for robot‐assisted orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Barkana Duygun Erol 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundRecent research in orthopaedic surgery indicates that computer‐assisted robotic systems improve the precision and accuracy of the surgery, which in turn leads to better long‐term outcomes. Increasing demand for minimally invasive bone‐cutting operations has been encouraging surgical robot developments in orthopaedics. An orthopaedic robotic system and an intelligent control architecture that will be used in bone‐cutting operations were developed.MethodsAn orthopaedic surgical robotic system called OrthoRoby was developed. A computed‐torque low‐level control method was used for OrthoRoby to track a desired bone‐cutting trajectory. Kinematic and dynamic analysis of OrthoRoby was derived for control purposes. An intelligent control architecture was designed that systematically combines a high‐level controller with a computed‐torque low‐level controller to complete bone‐cutting operations in a desired and safe manner.ResultsA series of experimental tests were conducted on a bone model to evaluate the performance of the intelligent control architecture. Experimental results demonstrated that the intelligent control architecture could monitor the progress and the safety of the cutting operation, such that necessary dynamic modifications could be made to complete the bone‐cutting operation in a safe manner.ConclusionsThe experiments performed on the OrthoRoby robotic system and its intelligent control architecture yielded promising results. Although minor problems still exist at the prototype stage, minor modifications of the OrthoRoby and intelligent control architecture would be a significant step towards the use of the OrthoRoby and its intelligent control architecture in a surgical operation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On robust stability of uncertain systems with multiple time‐delays
Authors: Zhou Tong 
Published: November 2009

AbstractOn the basis of an infinite to one mapping and the structure of the null space of a multivariate matrix polynomial (MMP), a novel sufficient condition is derived in this paper for the robust stability of a linear time‐invariant system with multiple uncertain time‐delays, parametric modelling errors and unmodelled dynamics. This condition depends on time‐delay bounds and is less conservative than the existing ones. An attractive property is that this condition becomes also necessary in some physically meaningful situations, such as the case that there is only one uncertain time‐delay and neither parametric perturbations nor unmodelling errors exist. Moreover, using ideas of representing a positive‐definite MMP through matrix sum of squares, an asymptotic necessary and sufficient condition is derived for the robust stability of this system. All the conditions can be converted to linear matrix inequalities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morbidity and Mortality of 109 Consecutive Cytoreductive Procedures with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) Performed at a Community Hospital
Authors: Kerscher Alexander G. , Mallalieu Jared , Pitroff Allison , Kerscher Friderike , Esquivel Jesus 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundCytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is playing an increasing role in the management of isolated peritoneal dissemination of gastrointestinal malignancies. Historically this surgery is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Recognizing this, our study was developed to prospectively evaluate morbidity and mortality after cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC performed at a community hospital.MethodsFrom January 19, 2005 to January 9, 2008, 109 consecutive patients successfully underwent cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC for peritoneal surface malignancies. All cases were performed by a single surgeon at a 323‐bed community hospital. Using an institutional review board approved study we prospectively evaluated postoperative complications using the standard National Institutes of Health morbidity and mortality grading system.ResultsThere was no 30‐day or inpatient mortality. Overall grade III and IV morbidity was 30.2% (33 of 109 patients); 29.3% of the patients had at least one grade III complication, with the most common being postoperative anemia requiring a blood transfusion in 20 of the 109 patients (18.3%). Eight patients (7.3%) had wound infections, and three patients (2.7%) developed pneumonia. One patient required computerized tomography guided drainage of a pelvic abscess. There were 3 (2.7%) grade IV complications, with only one patient requiring reoperation.ConclusionsRecent studies at tertiary medical centers have shown acceptable morbidity and mortality with this procedure. Our study demonstrates that this procedure can be safely performed in the community setting as well if surgeons, other medical professionals, and ancillary caregivers have great experience in this procedure.
Mechanical Compression Versus Subcutaneous Heparin Therapy in Postoperative and Posttrauma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Eppsteiner Robert W. , Shin Jennifer J. , Johnson Jonas , van Dam Rob M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe risk of postoperative venous thromboembolic disease is as high as 30%, with an associated fatality risk of 1%. Therefore, prophylaxis is essential, but the optimal regimen remains controversial. This study was designed to systematically review and quantitatively summarize the impact of mechanical compression versus subcutaneous heparin on venous thromboembolic disease and posttreatment bleeding in postsurgical and posttrauma patients.MethodsComputerized searches of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through November 2008 were performed and supplemented with manual searches. We included studies that had: (1) a patient population undergoing surgery or admitted immediately posttrauma, (2) a randomized comparison of prophylaxis with mechanical compression versus subcutaneous heparin, (3) outcome measured in terms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or bleeding.ResultsTwo reviewers independently extracted data from the original articles, which represented 16 studies, including a total of 3,887 subjects. Meta‐analysis was performed using a random effects model. The pooled relative risk for mechanical compression compared with subcutaneous heparin was 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72, 1.61) for DVT and 1.03 (95% CI 0.48, 2.22) for PE. Mechanical compression was associated with a significantly reduced risk of postoperative bleeding compared with subcutaneous heparin (risk ratio 0.47; 95% CI 0.31, 0.70). Subgroup analyses by heparin type suggested that low molecular weight heparin may reduce risk of DVT compared with compression (relative risk 1.80; 95% CI 1.16, 2.79) but remains similarly associated with an increased risk of bleeding.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the overall bleeding risk profile favors the use of compression over heparin, with the benefits in term of venous thromboembolic disease prophylaxis being similar between groups. Subgroup analyses suggest that low molecular weight heparin may have a differential effect; this observation should be further evaluated in future studies.
Ratio Between Metastatic and Examined Lymph Nodes (N Ratio) May Have Low Clinical Utility in Gastric Cancer Patients Treated by Limited Lymphadenectomy: Results from a Single‐Center Experience of 526 Patients
Authors: Pedrazzani Corrado , Sivins Armands , Ancans Guntis , Marrelli Daniele , Corso Giovanni , Krumins Viesturs , Roviello Franco , Leja Marcis 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the ratio of metastatic to examined lymph nodes (N ratio) in gastric cancer patients who underwent limited lymphadenectomy and had a small number (≤15) of analyzed nodes.MethodsThe prognostic value of the actual AJCC/UICC pN staging system and the N ratio (0%, 1–25%, > 25%) were analyzed by means of univariate and multivariate analyses for 526 patients who underwent R0 resection for gastric adenocarcinoma at the Latvia Oncology Center.ResultsThe mean (SD) number of analyzed nodes was 5.6 (2.8). The number of positive nodes significantly increased with the number of analyzed nodes (p < 0.001). No significant differences in survival (p = 0.508) and risk of death (p = 0.224) were observed between pN1 and pN2 subsets. When the N ratio (1–25% vs. > 25%) was taken into account, a significant difference was demonstrated between pNR1 and pNR2 with respect to survival (p = 0.017) and risk of death (p = 0.012). Nonetheless, the joint allocation of the two classifications demonstrated that only a minority of patients (28 cases) belonged to the pNR1 subset and none of these belonged to the AJCC/UICC pN2 subset.ConclusionsWhen a small number of lymph nodes are analyzed, the N ratio can discriminate patients better than TNM classification. However, because a small number of retrieved nodes produced only a small number of pNR1 patients, the N ratio classification cannot be justified for clinical use.
Long‐Term Outcome of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Experience in a Developing Country
Authors: Bhargav Panchagan Rama Kant , Mishra Anjali , Agarwal Gaurav , Agarwal Amit , Pradhan Prasanta Kumar , Gambhir Sanjay , Verma Ashok Kumar , Mishra Saroj Kanta 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe presentation and outcome of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in developing countries are different from the developed nations. We report the clinicopathologic profile and long‐term outcome of DTC in an iodine‐deficient area (IDA) in a developing country.MethodsThis retrospective study included 302 patients with DTC operated between 1989 and 2002. These patients had been followed up for a minimum period of 5 years after surgery. Clinicopathological profile, intervention, and follow‐up details were noted.ResultsMean age of the patients was 42 ± 14 years. Mean follow‐up period was 80 ± 34 (24–196) months. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) was present in 62, 30, and 8% patients, respectively. Mean tumor size was 3.5 cm. Tumor multicentricity was noted in 40% of PTC, 22.2% of FTC, and 25% of PDTC patients. Lymphadenopathy was observed in 45, 10, and 67% patients with PTC, FTC, and PDTC, respectively. Extrathyroidal invasion and distant metastasis were observed in 36.8% (PTC 33%; FTC 36%; PDTC 71%) and 27% (PTC 17%; FTC 44%; PDTC 42%) of cases, respectively. Twenty percent of patients had synchronous metastases. Risk stratification ratio was 1:1.8 (high‐risk vs. low‐risk). Initial operative procedure was total thyroidectomy in 86.5% cases, and therapeutic lymph node dissection was performed in 37% cases. A total of 77.2% patients received adjuvant radioiodine therapy. Disease recurred in 26.6% of patients (thyroid bed recurrence 1.7%), and 21.2% patients died during follow‐up. Overall survival (OS) rate at 10 years in both low‐risk and high‐risk groups of FTC (80 and 54%) was inferior to PTC (94 and 62%). Five‐year OS for PDTC was 50%. Tumor multicentricity was a significant risk factor for OS in the low‐risk group, whereas the presence of skeletal metastases and extrathyroidal invasion were significant factors for OS in the high‐risk group.ConclusionsAdvance stage at presentation and proportionately high rates of FTC and PDTC contribute to poor outcome of DTC in developing countries. Despite dismal outcome, total thyroidectomy seems to prevent thyroid bed recurrence in surviving patients.
Characterization of Annona cherimola Mill. Seed Oil from Madeira Island: a Possible Biodiesel Feedstock
Authors: Branco Pedro Costa , Castilho Paula C. , Rosa Maria Fernanda , Ferreira Juan 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe possibility of using Annona seed oil as an added value product, namely as a source of biodiesel, is explored. Milled Annona seeds were extracted with hexane at room temperature (72 h) and at solvent boiling point (6 h). Oil content was found to be 25 and 22.4% respectively. The oil was characterized in terms of lipid composition (HPLC–APCI–MS and 13C NMR), resistance to oxidation and acidity index. FAME composition was determined by GC–MS and five major peaks were identified. Production of biodiesel from Annona's seed oil was achieved by base‐catalyzed transesterification. Density, viscosity, refraction coefficient, acid value, cold filter plugging point, cloud point and oxidation stability were measured. The iodine value and the “apparent cetane number” were calculated. Density, viscosity, acid value, iodine value, cold filter plugging point and cloud point were within EN14214 specifications and the calculated “apparent cetane number” was also indicative of a suitable product.
Perceived gender role that shape youth sexual behaviour: Evidence from rural Orissa, India
Authors: Pradhan Manas Ranjan , Ram Usha 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThe study attempts to understand the association of perceived gender role with youth sexual behavior using qualitative data such as focus group discussions (N = 8), in‐depth interviews (N = 42), and free listing (N = 50) of rural married youths from Orissa, India. Data collection was conducted during July 2006–April 2007. Atlas. ti and ANTHROPAC packages have been used for the analysis. Youths in general are expected to adhere to the roles ascribed for them based on their biological construct and any deviation is not warranted for, more so for young women. Moreover, for many young men perceived gender role coupled with poor self risk perception result into unsafe sexual activities, putting them as well as their partners at the risk of STI/HIV and unintended parenthood.
Intact cutaneous C fibre afferent properties in mechanical and cold neuropathic allodynia
Authors: Hulse Richard , Wynick David , Donaldson Lucy F. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractPatients with neuropathy, report changes in sensory perception, particularly mechanical and thermal allodynia, and spontaneous pain. Similar sensory changes are seen in experimental neuropathies, in which alteration in primary afferent properties can also be determined. The neural correlate of spontaneous pain is ongoing activity in sensory afferents. Mechanical and heat allodynia are thought to result from lowered activation thresholds in primary afferent and/or central neurones, but the mechanisms underlying cold allodynia are very poorly understood.We investigated nociceptive behaviours and the properties of C and A fibre intact afferents running adjacent to damaged afferents following a partial ligation injury of the saphenous nerve (PSNI). Animals developed mechanical and cold allodynia by 3 days after PSNI. Intact mechanosensitive C fibre afferents developed ongoing activity, and had slower conduction velocities 3 and 7 days following nerve injury, with no change in mechanical threshold. There was a large increase (∼46‐fold) in calculated afferent input 3 days after nerve injury, as a result of the ongoing activity in these fibres. Mechano‐cooling‐sensitive C fibre afferents showed both enhanced cooling‐evoked firing, and increased ongoing activity. The afferent barrage associated with mechano‐cooling‐sensitive afferents was increased 26‐fold 7 days after nerve injury. We observed no differences in the properties of intact A fibre mechanosensitive afferents.These studies demonstrate for the first time that the altered nociception seen after PSNI is associated with ongoing activity and enhanced cooling‐evoked activity in intact C fibre afferents in the saphenous nerve, with no concurrent alteration in A fibre afferents.
Bilateral uterine artery ligation plus B‐Lynch procedure for atonic postpartum hemorrhage with placenta accreta
Authors: Shahin Ahmed Y. , Farghaly Tarek A. , Mohamed Safwat A. , Shokry Mahmoud , Abd‐El‐Aal Diaa‐Eldeen M. , Youssef Mohammed A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of bilateral uterine artery ligation followed by B‐Lynch compression suturing in women with atonic postpartum hemorrhage and placental site bleeding due to adherent placenta accreta.MethodThis protocol was followed in 26 women undergoing cesarean delivery for placenta accreta.ResultsTwo women died from disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. In the remaining 24 women, placental remnants completely disappeared within 8 months and ovulation resumed after a mean ± SD of 51.6 ± 3.2 days. Moreover, 18 women (75%) became pregnant within 12 months.ConclusionAtonic postpartum hemorrhage and placental site bleeding due to adherent placenta accreta can be safely controlled by bilateral uterine artery ligation followed by B‐Lynch compression suturing in women who desire to remain fertile.
Management of Congenital Third Branchial Arch Anomalies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nicoucar Keyvan , Giger Roland , Jaecklin Thomas , Pope Harrison G. , Dulguerov Pavel 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVETo systematically review the existing literature on third branchial arch anomalies and suggest guidelines for their management.DATA SOURCESWe searched PubMed, Medline, and Embase using Scopus, and collected additional publications cited in bibliographies. We included all English‐language articles and all foreign‐language articles with an English abstract.REVIEW METHODSTwo investigators reviewed all cases explicitly identified as third arch anomalies or meeting anatomical criteria for third arch anomalies; they assessed presentation, diagnostic methods, intervention, and outcome.RESULTSWe found 202 cases of third arch anomalies; they presented primarily on the left side (89%), usually as neck abscess (39%) or acute suppurative thyroiditis (33%). Barium swallow, direct laryngoscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging were the most useful diagnostic tools. The recurrence rate varied among the treatment options: incision and drainage, 94 percent; endoscopic cauterization of the sinus tract opening, 18 percent; open‐neck surgery and tract excision, 15 percent; and partial thyroidectomy during open‐neck surgery, 14 percent. Complications after surgery appeared somewhat more frequently in children eight years of age or younger.CONCLUSIONThird arch anomalies are more common than previously reported. They appear to be best treated by complete excision of the cyst, sinus, or fistula during a quiescent period. Repeated incision and drainage yields high rates of recurrence and should be avoided. Complications might be minimized by first initiating antibiotic treatment, delaying surgical treatment until the inflammatory process is maximally resolved, and by using endoscopic cauterization.
The role of water in the deep upper mantle and transition zone: dehydration of stagnant slabs and its effects on the big mantle wedge
Authors: Ohtani E. , Zhao D. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMineral physics data related to the deep dehydration of stagnant slabs are summarized. The hydrogen diffusion in minerals of the mantle transition zone is not fast enough to homogenize the transition zone on the geological time scale, and hydrogen is expected to be unevenly distributed there. The hydrous fluid formed in the transition zone tends to percolate into shallower depths to form gravitationally stable hydrous magmas at the base of the upper mantle. We need further studies on the relation of intraplate volcanism above the stagnant slab and deep dehydration, because we expect the geochemical fingerprints of deep dehydration to be quite different from those of shallow dehydration from the subducting slabs.