bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction and Evaluation of a Gold Tubular Electrode for Flow Analysis: Application to Speciation of Antimony in Water Samples
Authors: Santos João Rodrigo , Lima José L. F. C. , Quinaz M. Beatriz , Rodríguez J. Antonio , Barrado Enrique 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA tubular gold electrode (TGE) is described for the first time by summarizing the important aspects of its construction and evaluation. Applicability of the TGE is evaluated in the speciation of Sb(III) and Sb(V) using anodic stripping voltammetry in a single flow manifold. Studies with surface active interferences and metallic cations were performed. The proposed conditions for antimony determination showed good tolerance towards cationic, anionic and nonionic surface active substances. A linear response for antimony was obtained for solutions containing significant amounts of several metallic cations. Linear calibration curves for Sb(III) were obtained in the range 1–10 ppb with a detection limit of 0.19 ppb (CV=2.91%, n=5, [Sb(III)]=5 ppb). For Sb(V), linear calibration curves were in the range 1–15 ppb with a detection limit of 0.32 ppb (CV=1.41%, n=5, [Sb(V)]=5 ppb). The figures of merit achieved sustain for the good applicability of the proposed method as it allows the determination of antimony at levels below maximum values permitted in consuming waters. Results of antimony concentration determined in water samples were validated against the ICP‐MS reference procedure or compared with reference water samples.
Multi‐scale modelling approach for the pushover analysis of existing RC shear walls—Part I: Model formulation
Authors: Mulas Maria Gabriella , Coronelli Dario , Martinelli Luca 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis work focuses on the modelling issues related to the adoption of the pushover analysis for the seismic assessment of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures. To this purpose a prototype reference structure, one of the RC shear walls designed according to the multi‐fuse concept and tested on shaking table for the CAMUS project, is modelled at different levels of refinement. The meso‐scale of a stiffness‐based fibre element and the micro‐scale of the finite element (FE) method are herein adopted; in the latter separate elements are adopted for the concrete, the steel and the steel–concrete interface. This first of the two companion papers presents in detail the wall under study, illustrating the design philosophy, the geometry of the wall, the instrumentation set‐up and the test programme. The two modelling approaches are then described; the most important points in terms of element formulation and constitutive relations for materials are presented and discussed for each approach, in the light of the particular design of the wall and of its experimental behaviour. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic behaviour of self‐centring braced frame buildings with reusable hysteretic damping brace
Authors: Zhu Songye , Zhang Yunfeng 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper presents the seismic behaviour of a concentrically braced frame system with self‐centring capability, in which a special type of bracing element termed reusable hysteretic damping brace (RHDB) is used. The RHDB is a passive energy dissipation device with its core energy‐dissipating component made of superelastic Nitinol wires. Compared with conventional bracing in steel structures, RHDB has a few prominent performance characteristics: damage free under frequent and design basis earthquakes in earthquake prone areas; minimal residual drifts due to the self‐centring capability of RHDB frame; and ability to survive several strong earthquakes without the need for repair or replacement. This paper also includes a brief discussion of the RHDB's mechanical configuration and analytical model for RHDB. The seismic performance study of RHDB frame was carried out through a non‐linear time history analysis of 3‐storey and 6‐storey RHDB frame buildings subjected to two suites of 20 earthquake ground motions. The analysis results were compared with buckling‐restrained brace (BRB) frames. This study shows that RHDB frame has a potential to outperform BRB frames by eliminating the residual drift problem. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lamotrigine therapy in elderly patients with epilepsy, bipolar disorder or dementia
Authors: Sajatovic Martha , Ramsay Eugene , Nanry Kevin , Thompson Thomas 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIntroductionIn spite of circumstances that precipitate high use of anticonvulsants in geriatric populations, there is a paucity of data on the use of antiepileptic drugs in elderly patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders.MethodsReports of lamotrigine therapy in elderly patients with epilepsy, bipolar disorder (BD), or dementia were identified by conducting an electronic search of major publication databases. Abstracts and presentations from professional meetings were searched as were the bibliographies of relevant articles.ResultsFourteen reports were identified, and included well‐controlled prospective trials, retrospective analyses, and case reports of lamotrigine treatment. Controlled trials in elderly patients with epilepsy demonstrate efficacy and tolerability comparable to gabapentin. Improvement in bipolar depressive symptoms, improvement in core manic symptoms, and delay in mood relapse was reported in geriatric patients with BD. Preliminary case studies in patients with dementia note improvement in cognition and symptoms of agitation and depression.ConclusionReview of the available literature suggests lamotrigine is effective and well tolerated in elderly patients with epilepsy and relatively well‐tolerated and may be effective in delaying mood relapse, particularly in the depressive pole, in patients with BD. While very limited literature suggests that lamotrigine may be effective and relatively well‐tolerated in patients with dementia, further studies are needed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Setting priorities for research: a practical application of ‘payback’ and expected value of information
Authors: Fleurence Rachael L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground: Setting priorities for research using economic in addition to scientific criteria can ensure that resources are spent efficiently and equitably.Objective: This study applies two priority setting methods ‘payback’ and expected value of information (EVI) to two research areas (osteoporosis and pressure ulcers) and where appropriate to four clinical trials: the Record Trial, the Vitamin D and Calcium Trial and the Hip Protector Trial (osteoporosis), and the Pressure Trial (wound care).Methods: Two decision‐analytic models were developed. For ‘payback’, the PATHS model was used to estimate the expected net benefits of conducting the four clinical trials. An EVI framework was applied to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of conducting further research in the two disease areas investigated.Results: The application of ‘payback’ suggests that the Record Trial and the Vitamin D and Calcium Trial would be cost‐effective. The Hip Protector and the Pressure Ulcer Trial are cost‐effective under certain assumptions concerning the likelihood of obtaining positive, negative or inconclusive results. The EVI method suggests that research would be potentially cost‐effective in these areas in the populations considered.Conclusion: EVI provides strategic information for setting priorities for research between disease areas and study populations. ‘Payback’ provides information on the cost‐effectiveness of specific research designs. However, further work in this area, particularly concerning the issue of implementation of research, is required. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐year post‐fire erosion rates in Bitterroot National Forest, Montana
Authors: Spigel Kevin M. , Robichaud Peter R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAccelerated runoff and erosion commonly occur following forest fires due to combustion of protective forest floor material, which results in bare soil being exposed to overland flow and raindrop impact, as well as water repellent soil conditions. After the 2000 Valley Complex Fires in the Bitterroot National Forest of west‐central Montana, four sets of six hillslope plots were established to measure first‐year post‐wildfire erosion rates on steep slopes (greater than 50%) that had burned with high severity. Silt fences were installed at the base of each plot to trap eroded sediment from a contributing area of 100 m2. Rain gauges were installed to correlate rain event characteristics to the event sediment yield. After each sediment‐producing rain event, the collected sediment was removed from the silt fence and weighed on site, and a sub‐sample taken to determine dry weight, particle size distribution, organic matter content, and nutrient content of the eroded material. Rainfall intensity was the only significant factor in determining post‐fire erosion rates from individual storm events. Short duration, high intensity thunderstorms with a maximum 10‐min rainfall intensity of 75 mm h−1caused the highest erosion rates (greater than 20 t ha−1). Long duration, low intensity rains produced little erosion (less than 0·01 t ha−1). Total C and N in the collected sediment varied directly with the organic matter; because the collected sediment was mostly mineral soil, the C and N content was small. Minimal amounts of Mg, Ca, and K were detected in the eroded sediments. The mean annual erosion rate predicted by Disturbed WEPP (Water Erosion Prediction Project) was 15% less than the mean annual erosion rate measured, which is within the accuracy range of the model. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using a hybrid genetic algorithm–simulated annealing algorithm for fuzzy programming of reservoir operation
Authors: Chiu Yu‐Chen , Chang Li‐Chiu , Chang Fi‐John 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe present a novel approach for optimizing reservoir operation through fuzzy programming and a hybrid evolution algorithm, i.e. genetic algorithm (GA) with simulated annealing (SA). In the analysis, objectives and constraints of reservoir operation are transformed by fuzzy programming for searching the optimal degree of satisfaction. In the hybrid search procedure, the GA provides a global search and the SA algorithm provides local search. This approach was investigated to search the optimizing operation scheme of Shihmen Reservoir in Taiwan. Monthly inflow data for three years reflecting different hydrological conditions and a consecutive 10‐year period were used. Comparisons were made with the existing M‐5 reservoir operation rules. The results demonstrate that: (1) fuzzy programming could effectively formulate the reservoir operation scheme into degree of satisfaction α among the users and constraints; (2) the hybrid GA‐SA performed much better than the current M‐5 operating rules. Analysis also found the hybrid GA‐SA conducts parallel analyses that increase the probability of finding an optimal solution while reducing computation time for reservoir operation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
B‐scan ultrasound in the management of patients with occult abdominal hematomas
Authors: Kaplan Gerson N. , Sanders Roger C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractExperience with B scan ultrasound in the study of a series of patients admitted to the Johns Hopkins hospital for suspected occult hematomas has been reviewed. Patients included in this report acquired hematomas primarily as the result of medical or surgical therapy. The ultrasonic appearance in most patients is that of a cyst, due to unclotted or homogeneously clotted blood which generates no internal echoes. As soon as fragmentation of the clot occurs, internal echoes are usually found. B scanning was of value in detection, localization and follow‐up of hematomas and was the only diagnostic test used in seven of eleven cases.The advantage of this technique for diagnosis and follow‐up are related to the simplicity of the procedure, its lack of sideeffects and low cost.
Subxiphoid echocardiography
Authors: Chang Sonia , Feigenbaum Harvey 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA technique is described for doing the echocardiographic examination with the transducer in the subxiphoid region instead of along the left sternal border (routine examination). This examination has proved to be extremely useful in patients in whom the routine examination was difficult. These patients include those with emphysema and large barrel chests. The examination is most successful in patients whose diaphragms are depressed. In patients whose diaphragms are elevated due to marked obesity, ascites, or distended abdomens this subxiphoid examination may be very difficult. In those patients in whom both routine and subxiphoid examinations were performed the ultrasonic dimensions of the left ventricle were quite comparable with both approaches. However, there were some significant differences in the measurements of the right ventricle with the two examinations. Technically satisfactory examinations of the aorta and left atrium were inconsistent with the subxiphoid approach. Thus the subxiphoid examination was most useful for examining the left ventricle. Since the subxiphoid examination views different areas of the left ventricle, the technique holds promise of providing a means of examining areas of the heart not visualized with the routine approach.
Ultrasonically guided percutaneous puncture technique
Authors: Holm H. H. , Rasmussen S. N⊘Rby , Kvist Kristensen J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractUltrasound provides anatomical sectional pictures of organs and lesions on the basis of which optimum direction and depth of puncture can be established. The use of a specially designed transducer with a central canal through which the needle is introduced ensures the maintenance of the correct direction during the procedure.A number of areas of applicability are discussed and it is found that as an aid in percutaneous puncture ultrasound has essential advantages when compared to radiology.
Influence of body position on intracranial pulsations and blood pressure
Authors: Fernandez Heriberto , McKinney William , Toole James F. , Barnes Ralph , Meyer David 
Published: February 2007

AbstractChanges in blood pressure (measured by the indirect method) were noted in 20 normal human subjects lying supine when a tilt table position was changed. The amplitude of intracranial echo pulsations was affected also by changes in the position of the body. This effect varied from subject to subject and even in the same subject, changes in the amplitude of pulsations in different locations within the brain might occur in different directions simultaneously.
Ventricular aneurysm: Use of echocardiography
Authors: Kreamer Robert , Kerber Richard E. , Abboud Francois M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo cases of anterolateral ventricular aneurysm are presented; results of pre‐ and postoperative echocardiography were shown to correlate well with other diagnostic methods in demonstrating the lesion. Diagnostic ultrasound is a potentially valuable technique in the management of patients with ventricular aneurysm.
Ultrasonography of echinococcal cysts
Authors: King Donald Latham 
Published: February 2007

AbstractUltrasonographic examinations were carried out on four patients who had a total of six hydatid cysts. Three different patterns of cyst structure were recognized. These patterns are simple cyst, cyst with non‐specific complex internal structure, and a “cyst within a cyst” pattern. The latter pattern depicting a daughter cyst within the primary cyst is thought to be a distinctive feature of echinococcal cysts, if not specific for them. Recognition of the cyst within a cyst pattern should permit a reasonably confident Ultrasonographic diagnosis of hydatid disease.
Assessment of differences in sonar biparietal diameter values regarding fetal age and weight
Authors: Sabbagha Rudy E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractVarious investigators have reported different mean BPD measurements to represent the attainment of a specific gestational week or of a predicted mean weight. These differences are too large to be attributed solely to inherent population variabilities. Nonuniformity in methodology and in standardization of equipment are additional factors contributing to this observed variance. Furthermore in ascertaining the accuracy of sonar BPD measuring methods, comparison of in utero results can only be made with postnatal caliper readings obtained from fetuses delivered by repeat cesarean section. This study demonstrates that the closest correlation between prenatal sonar and postnatal caliper BPD values is obtained when nonpersistent image scanning (NPIS) and electronic calipers are integrated into the procedure of ultrasonic cephalometry. However since the calibration of electronic markers is dependent upon the speed of ultrasound through the skull and brain tissue per unit of time, it is mandatory that a universally agreed upon velocity be used by all manufacturers of ultrasonic equipment. Biparietal diameter differences resulting from inherent population variabilities alone, can only be assessed after uniform methodology is adopted. Until such time, each center utilizing diagnostic sonography must establish and depend on its own intrauterine BPD scale, for the clinical management of patients.
Ultrasonic patterns of tumors of the liver
Authors: Melki Gerard 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis study deals with the ultrasonic analysis of tumors of the liver and involves 85 cases of anatomically confirmed neoplasms. We shall describe four specific patterns of cancer: the large, highly echogenic nodule, anechoic nodules surrounded by a band of echoes, which correspond to necrotic, metastatic nuclei; the indistinct, transonic region within in echogenic parenchyma, often found in cancers observed in the course of cirrhosis; the large, entirely homogeneous hepatomegaly, which is the normal pattern of primary cancers, but which can be mistaken for a fluid collection. We consider that accurate information about these patterns may lead to a more reliable and precise diagnosis.
The influence of ovarian sonication on fetal development in the rat
Authors: Garrison Benjamin M. , Bo Walter J. , Krueger Wayne A. , Kremkau Frederick W. , McKinney William M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis study was undertaken to determine whether sonication of the ovaries on day 8 of pregnancy would alter fetal development in the rat. Mating was confirmed by the presence of sperm (day 1 of gestation) in the vaginal smear, and the rats were grouped and treated on day 8 as follows: Group I (controls) had both ovaries surgically exposed to sonic gel for 10 min/ovary; group II received 10 watts/cm2 temporal peak intensity of pulsed ultrasound through the body wall for 10 min/ovary; group III received 100 watts/cm2 in a similar manner as group II; group IV was treated the same as group III except the ultrasound was applied directly to the surgically exposed ovaries. The frequency employed was 1.9 mHz. The animals were sacrificed on days 15–17, implantation sites and resorptions were counted, and fetal viability was determined. There were no statistically significant differences in the percentage of resorptions among any of the groups. The data indicated that the ovaries were functional with regard to fetal development.
Use of split‐screen video tapes for ultrasound training
Authors: Goldberg Barry B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractVarious split‐screen approaches were used to produce video training tapes. These included A‐mode, B‐scan, and M‐mode ultrasonograms, patient‐transducer relationships and ultrasonic equipment settings. During the procedures, audio information was simultaneously recorded. The entire process was monitored in the central control area, which was easily accessible to the ultrasonic examination rooms. The use of this split‐screen audio‐video technique is recommended for those ultrasonic facilities interested in the training of physicians and technologists. The equipment is easy to operate with only minimal instruction and television engineers or producers are not required.
Ultrasound in the diagnosis of hydronephrosis in infants and children
Authors: Hasch Ernst 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA series of 91 infants and children ranging in age from one day to 15 years and presenting a variety of urologic symptoms was examined by intravenous pyelography and ultrasonic scanning of the kidneys. Ultrasonic examinations were performed without knowledge of the indication for and results of pyelography, in order not to prejudice the interpretation of the results. Pyelography demonstrated hydronephrosis in 20 cases of 181 kidneys examined. The ultrasonic scanning demonstrated hydronephrosis in 19 of these 20 kidneys, the negative result being a case of minimal hydronephrosis. Six kidneys with radiographically dilated pelves were ultrasonically diagnosed as hydronephrosis in three, suspicion of hydronephrosis in one, pelvic dilatation in one and one kidney as normal. In eight kidneys with normal pyelography the ultrasonic scanning suggested hydronephrosis in five and pelvic dilatation in three cases. The criteria used were the demonstration of the dilated renal pelvis and to some extent separation of the calyceal echoes. The results indicate that ultrasonic examination can become a reliable screening procedure in infants and children with urologic symptoms.
Quantitative echography — The basis of tissue differentiation
Authors: Ossoinig Karl C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractQuantitative echography performed with a simple but optimally designed and standardized commercial A‐scan instrument has become the basis of acoustic tissue differentiation in the examination of the eye, orbit and periorbital region. The reflectivity of a lesion is determined by comparing the signal intensities obtained from the lesion with „standard”︁ signals. Two types of quantitative echography are applied: In Type I identical system sensitivities are used to display and compare the signal intensities from an unknown lesion and from known standards. If a high defined, comparable system sensitivity and a standardized A‐scan unit are used, the display of the standard pattern is not necessary; it is then sufficient to measure the height of the lesion spikes and to determine its percentage of the display height. With Type I quantitative echography mass lesions such as tumors can be classified into five groups. Type I quantitative echography requires a special design of the A‐scan instrument used (e.g., S‐shaped amplifier characteristics, dynamic range of 36 dB, calibration of system sensitivity in dB). In Type II quantitative echography identical intensities of both abnormal and “standard” signals are displayed by adjusting the system sensitivity at the proper levels. The difference between the two sensitivity settings indicates the reflectivity of the lesion. Type II quantitative echography is used for the evaluation of single surfaces (e.g., the surface of a tumor). This type of quantitative echography requires an A‐scan instrument with a sensitivity control which is calibrated in dB and can be adjusted continuously. This technique can be applied in any other region of the human body as well if high‐frequency ultrasound (frequencies above 6m Hz) can be used.