bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular Initiative of the Human Proteome Organisation, 5th Workshop October 2007, Seoul, Korea
Authors: Warburton Sarah , White Melanie Y. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Cotter Robert J. , Ping Peipei , Dunn Michael J. , Vondriska Thomas M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe Cardiovascular Initiative (CVI) of the Human Proteome Organisation (HUPO) held its fifth workshop prior to the Sixth Annual HUPO World Congress in Seoul, Korea in October 2007. The objectives of this report are as follows: to trace the (relatively brief) history of the CVI for those who may not be acquainted with it; to highlight lectures given by members of the CVI during this Workshop; and to make the community aware of the aims of this Initiative, including collaborative projects currently under consideration.
Glass‐fiber‐reinforced wood/plastic composites
Authors: Rizvi Ghaus M. , Semeralul Hamid 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe usage of wood‐plastic composites (WPCs) is rapidly growing because of their many advantages. However, they still suffer from lack of strength and toughness, which can be improved by adding a small amount of glass fiber reinforcement (GFR). Tensile tests of high‐density polyethylene WPC specimens with varying amounts of wood fiber content and 5% of GFR were carried out. Significant improvements in properties were observed. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
A new synergistic effect in the smoke suppression of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) by mixed‐metal Cu(II) oxides
Authors: Ho W.‐K. , Walker J.K. , Orski S.V. , Fuller T.W. , Zestos A.G. , Grinnell C.L. , Pike R.D. , Starnes W.H. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) formulation of a commercial type, various mixed‐metal oxides of Cu(II) were effective smoke suppressants when used alone and strongly synergistic for smoke suppression when they were combined. Particularly attractive for smoke suppression was a synergistic binary blend of Cu3(MoO4)2(OH)2 and CuTi3O7, which was much more active for smoke reduction, in cone calorimetry trials, than the well‐known commercial additive, ammonium octamolybdate. In plasticized commercial‐type formulations, some mixed‐metal Cu(II) oxides and their blends were also highly effective for reducing heat evolution. Smoke performance was assessed according to ASTM‐E662 and ASTM‐E1354; total heat release was studied by pyrolysis‐combustion flow calorimetry. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL, 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surface modification of polypropylene. I. Surface enrichment of poly(ethylene glycol) on polypropylene/poly(ethylene glycol) blends
Authors: Chen Hanjia , Shi Xuhua , Zhu Yafei , Zhang Yi , Xu Jiarui 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe enrichment of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on the surface of poly(ethylene glycol)/polypropylene (PEG/PP) blends was investigated by using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), contact angle measurement (CDA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The preferred aggregation of the PEG component on the film surface of PP/PEG blends was affected mainly by the content, the molecular weight, and the segregated domains of PEG. Lower content and dies with higher surface energy favored the surface enrichment of PEG. The PEG with higher molecular weights was distributed in PP with larger phase domains, which resulted in a lower tendency toward preferred aggregation and surface enrichment. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL, 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Collection of semen by manual stimulation and ejaculate characteristics of the black flying‐fox (Pteropus alecto)
Authors: Melville Debbie F. , Crichton Elizabeth G. , Paterson‐Wimberley Trish , Johnston Steve D. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractSemen collection and preservation is the first step toward the development of an artificial insemination program in endangered Pteropus spp. Semen was collected by manual stimulation from a single “human‐habituated” P. alecto. Manual stimulation resulted in the successful collection of motile spermatozoa on 17 of 34 attempts. The semen had a pH of 8.2 (n=2). With the exception of volume, seminal characteristics (concentration, motility, acrosome and plasma membrane status) were similar to those collected previously by electro‐ejaculation. Zoo Biol 27:159–164, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Investigation of Long Alkylchain Betaine Zwitterionic Surfactant
Authors: Qi Liyun , Fang Yun , Wang Zeyun , Ma Na , Jiang Liangyu , Wang Yiyou 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAn effective and economic two‐step route was developed to synthesize the long alkyl chain betaine zwitterionic surfactant directly from natural fatty acids. The optimal processing conditions for synthesizing the intermediate and final product were probed and the yields of 96.4% and 88.3% were obtained for each step, respectively. The surface active behavior of the synthesized decylbetaine surfactant was investigated using the surface tension method. The related thermodynamic parameters were calculated and discussed. The fluorescence probe technology was applied to determine the micropolarity of decylbetaine micelles.
Surgical anatomy of the sphenoid sinus on the CT using multiplanar reconstruction technique
Authors: Enatsu Kaori , Takasaki Kenji , Kase Kei‐Ichi , Jinnouchi Shinya , Kumagami Hidetaka , Nakamura Takashi , Takahashi Haruo 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVETo clarify the three‐dimensional anatomical features of the sphenoid sinus and its surrounding structures as are relevant to performing an endoscopic sphenoidotomy.METHODSVarious dimensions of 224 CT images of the sphenoid sinus and surrounding structures from 122 Japanese adult patients were measured using the multiplanar reconstruction technique.RESULTSThe mean distance from the nasal sill to the sphenoid ostium was nearly 66 mm, and that from the sphenoid ostium to the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus was nearly 14 mm. The angles from the sphenoid ostium to both the carotid artery and the optic canal varied among the patients. The sphenoid ostium was located at almost the vertical midpoint of the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus.CONCLUSIONThe present study provides anatomical information about the sphenoid sinus and surrounding structures that is essential for avoiding complications in performing an endoscopic sphenoidotomy.
Patient and surgeon radiation exposure in balloon catheter sinus ostial dilation
Authors: Church Christopher A. , Kuhn Frederick A. , Mikhail Janel , Vaughan Winston C. , Weiss Raymond L. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to determine the extent of radiation exposure to the patient and the surgeon in balloon catheter dilation.METHODSDosimeters were used to record radiation exposure to both patients and surgeons. The mean radiation dose per sinus treated and per patient treated was calculated for each dosimeter location.RESULTSThe mean patient dose (108 sinuses treated in 34 patients), was 0.32 mSv per sinus and 1.02 mSv per patient over the eye and 1.33 mSv per sinus and 4.22 mSv per patient over the temple. The average total fluoroscopy time was 3.6 minutes per patient. The average number of sinuses treated was 3.2. The mean surgeon dose at the chest (254 sinuses in 89 patients) was 0.025 mSv per sinus and 0.072 mSv per patient. The mean surgeon dose at the hand (182 sinuses in 68 patients) was 0.009 mSv per sinus and 0.023 mSv per patient.CONCLUSIONSThe use of fluoroscopy in balloon catheter dilation exposes both the patient and surgeon to very low doses of radiation.
Intranasal corticosteroids reduce ocular symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Naclerio Robert 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVEClinical data and recent guidelines support the positive effects of intranasal corticosteroids on allergic rhinitis‐associated ocular symptoms. This article reviews the epidemiology and pathophysiology of ocular allergy symptoms and efficacy, tolerability, and potenti mechanisms of action of intranasal corticosteroids in the treatment of this condition.DATA SOURCESMEDLINE database.REVIEW METHODSA search of pertinent literature identified in vitro, preclinical, and clinical data that involve intranasal corticosteroids in ocular‐related studies. Searches that used epidemiology, pathophysiology, drug class and specific agents, and other appropriate search terms were conducted.RESULTSOcular symptoms, common in patients with allergic rhinitis, are associated with reduced quality of life and substantial economic costs. In the conjunctival epithelium, an early, type‐1 hypersensitivity reaction occurs after direct allergen exposure. Progression to late‐phase response, with recurrence of symptoms and infiltration of inflammatory cells, may occur 4 to 8 hours later and appears to be dose‐related. Alteration of nasal ocular reflex pathways may also contribute to ocular symptoms in allergic rhinitis. Clinical data indicate that intranasal corticosteroids significantly reduce total and individual ocular symptoms in subjects with allergic rhinitis. Meta‐analyses have found that oral/topical antihistamines are not superior to intranasal corticosteroids in reducing ocular allergy symptoms. Ocular adverse events from intranasal corticosteroids are rare.CONCLUSIONIntranasal corticosteroids are effective and well‐tolerated in the treatment of ocular symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. Additional studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of intranasal corticosteroids on ocular symptoms.
Inferior turbinate debriding technique: Ten‐year results
Authors: YaÑez Carlos , Mora Nallely 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the efficacy and long‐term outcomes (10 years) of the submucous stroma debriding technique (SSD) in nonallergic chronic hyperthrophy of the inferior turbinates (N/A‐ChITOHD).STUDY DESIGNProspective cohort study. METHODS: From June 1994 to October 1996, a group of 350 nonallergic patients with chronic obstructive hypertrophy of the inferior turbinates were followed‐up after SSD and compared with a group of 323 normal patients. None of them exhibited obstructive septal deviation or sinus disease. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations were obtained from visual analog scale graded questionnaire, endoscopy, acoustic rhinometry, and mucociliary saccharin transit time. End results were obtained at 6 months, 1, 5, and 10 years intervals. Biopsies from 35 volunteer SSD patients were obtained.RESULTSSymptom‐free patients were observed in 91.3%, partial symptoms in 5.2%; 3.5% of the patients had recurrence of nasal obstruction 10 years postoperatively. Endoscopy, anterior rhinometry, and mucociliary transit time revealed long‐term improvements. Few complications were observed.CONCLUSIONSSD has long‐lasting effects and it is the only sparing ciliated epithelium technique.
The effect of anesthetic agents on perioperative bleeding during tonsillectomy: Propofol‐based versus desflurane‐based anesthesia
Authors: Okuyucu Semsettin , Inanoglu Kerem , Akkurt Cagla Ozbakis , Akoglu Ertap , Dagli Safak 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVEHemorrhage during tonsillectomy is related to the surgical technique, management of bleeding, and choice of anesthetic agent. This study evaluated the effects of anesthetic agents on hemorrhage during tonsillectomy with standardized surgical techniques and management of bleeding.STUDY DESIGNDouble‐blind, randomized controlled trial.SUBJECTS AND METHODSSixty patients, aged 3 to 12 years, who were scheduled for elective tonsillectomy were enrolled in the study. Propofol‐based anesthesia was administered to the first group; desflurane‐based anesthesia, to the second. The amount of blood loss due to hemorrhage was measured.RESULTSPropofol‐based anesthesia significantly decreased bleeding during tonsillectomy.CONCLUSIONPropofol‐based anesthesia is a reliable method for use in children who undergo tonsillectomy.
Papillary thyroid cancer: Pathological parameters as prognostic factors in different classes of age
Authors: Miccoli Paolo , Minuto Michele N. , Ugolini Clara , Panicucci Erica , Massi Marco , Berti Piero , Basolo Fulvio 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVETo analyze aspects of a series of papillary thyroid carcinomas and evaluate the prognostic features specific to different age classes.STUDY DESIGNRetrospective study.SUBJECTS AND METHODSFrom 2000 to 2005, 2709 patients underwent a total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma in our department. Patients were divided into three groups: <18 years (G1), 19 to 45 years (G2), and >46 years (G3). Histologic and clinical features were statistically evaluated.RESULTSTumor size was larger in G1 when compared with both G2 and G3 (P < 0.0001). Infiltration of the thyroid capsule and node metastases were higher in G1 than both G2 and G3 (P < 0.0001). The Tall‐cell variant was more represented in G2 and G3.CONCLUSIONIn the pediatric population, papillary carcinoma is a more aggressive disease. Because pediatric cancers have a better prognosis than their adult counterparts, this does not influence patient outcome. Age can then be considered the most important factor in determining prognosis.
Laryngeal reinnervation with nerve‐nerve anastomosis versus laryngeal framework surgery alone: A comparison of safety
Authors: Blumin Joel H. , Merati Albert L. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVETo characterize any additional risks and rate of complication associated with laryngeal reinnervation in comparison to traditional laryngeal framework surgery.DESIGNRetrospective chart review over a 5‐year period.RESULTSA total of 16 reinnervation procedures were performed to rehabilitate a paralyzed vocal fold. Of the 16 procedures, 12 (75%) were combined with arytenoid adduction. One reinnervation was aborted due to presence of scar and vascular malformation in the tracheal‐esophageal groove. There were no major complications (airway obstruction or death). There were no cases of prolonged dysphagia or aspiration pneumonia; there was one wound infection (6%). Endoscopic findings postoperatively included pharyngeal ecchymoses in three patients (19%), all of whom underwent a simultaneously performed arytenoid adduction. There was a similar incidence of minor complications in traditional framework surgery performed without reinnervation (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONLaryngeal reinnervation, alone or in combination with laryngeal framework surgery, does not appear to add significant perioperative morbidity. This is the first report to document the safety of laryngeal reinnervation by nerve‐nerve anastomosis.
Anterior transcanal tympanoplasty: A novel technique to repair anterior perforations
Authors: Seidman Michael D. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVETo report a novel, minimally invasive technique for anterior tympanic membrane (TM) perforation repair.STUDY DESIGNA transcanal repair of the anterior TM was performed on 45 patients.METHODSA total of 689 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media underwent surgical intervention; of these, 45 patients with isolated anterior TM perforations underwent an anterior tympanoplasty. This approach is similar to a transcanal approach for small posterior perforations; an anterior rather than a posterior flap is raised.RESULTSPerforations ranged from 20 to 50 percent in size. Preoperative air‐bone gaps ranged from 5 to 51 dB and averaged 25 dB. Postoperative air‐bone gaps ranged from 0 to 33 dB and averaged 14 dB. Of 45 patients, 40 (88%) had closure of their perforations. Data from 1‐ to 10‐year follow‐up are provided.CONCLUSIONSThe anterior transcanal tympanoplasty is a minimally invasive technique to repair anterior TM perforations. The procedure is simple and obviates the need for a large postauricular incision.
Intracapsular versus subcapsular coblation tonsillectomy
Authors: Chang Kay W. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVETo compare the postoperative recovery of patients who undergo intracapsular to subcapsular Coblation tonsillectomy.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGThis was a prospective, randomized, double‐blinded study. A total of 69 children, aged 2 to 16 years, were randomized to intracapsular (n = 34) or subcapsular (n = 35) tonsillectomy. The Coblation technique was used with both groups. Outcomes measures were assessed on postoperative day 1 or 2 and 5 or 6. These included child and parental rating of pain with the Wong Faces pain scale, analgesic use, oral intake, and activity level.RESULTSIntracapsular tonsillectomy patients had similar levels of pain to subcapsular tonsillectomy patients on day 1 or 2. However, at day 5 or 6, intracapsular tonsillectomy patients had significantly less pain than the subcapsular tonsillectomy patients. Intracapsular patients ate more and were more active at both time points.CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCEChildren with obstructive sleep apnea who undergo tonsillectomy demonstrate better postoperative recovery after intracapsular tonsillectomy. The intracapsular versus subcapsular difference may be best appreciated at a delayed time point (day 5 or 6) rather than early (day 1 or 2).
Cost savings associated with post‐thyroidectomy parathyroid hormone levels
Authors: Cote Valerie , Sands Noah , Hier Michael P. , Black Martin J. , Tamilia Michael , MacNamara Elizabeth , Zhang Xun , Payne Richard J. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVESA 1‐hour post‐thyroidectomy parathyroid hormone (PTH) level of ≤8 ng/L is predictive of patients who will develop hypocalcemia and guides early supplementation with calcium and vitamin D. However, most hypocalcemic patients fail to meet this criterion. The goal of this study was to determine whether PTH ≤ 15 ng/L could be used as a better predictor of hypocalcemia.STUDY DESIGN, SUBJECTS, AND METHODSThis retrospective study involved 270 thyroidectomy patients (2004‐2006). PTH and calcium levels, length of admission, supplementation, and rates of hypocalcemia were recorded.RESULTSForty‐three percent (26/60) of patients developing hypocalcemia met the PTH ≤ 8 ng/L cut‐off. In contrast, 80% (48/60) of patients developing hypocalcemia had a PTH ≤ 15 ng/L. Two point two percent of patients had a 1‐hour PTH ≤ 15 ng/L and failed to develop hypocalcemia, for a specificity of 97%.CONCLUSIONSA 1‐hour PTH cut‐off of ≤15 ng/L for prophylactic supplementation should allow the prevention of the majority of cases of hypocalcemia, leading to significant cost savings by shortening hospital stays.
‘Getting in, getting out’: militia membership and prospects for re-integration in post-war Liberia
Authors: Bøås Morten , Hatløy Anne 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTLiberian ex-combatants are generally seen as uprooted urban youths with a history of unemployment, underemployment and idleness. The data that form the basis of this article suggest another picture. What caused the Liberian youth to fight were mainly security concerns, suggesting that the effects of ‘idleness’ and ‘unemployment’ are overstated with regards to people joining armed groups. They went to school, worked and lived with parents or close relatives prior to the war. They are not Mkandawire's (2002) uprooted urban youths or Abdullah's (1998) ‘lumpens’. They lived quite ordinary Liberian lives, and based their decision on whether to join an armed group on the security predicament that they believed that they and their families were facing. This suggest that disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and rehabilitation approaches are in need of re-thinking that links them more directly to social cohesion and societal security.
Pipes and politics: a century of change and continuity in Kenyan urban water supply
Authors: Nilsson David , Nyanchaga Ezekiel Nyangeri 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTMajor institutional reforms are currently under way to improve the performance of the public water sector in Kenya. However, a historical perspective is needed in order to achieve sustainable improvements that will also benefit the urban poor. This article seeks to provide such a perspective, applying a cross-disciplinary and socio-technical approach to urban water supply over the last century, in which institutions, organisations and technology are seen to interact with political, economic and demographic processes. Despite a series of reforms over the years, the socio-technical structure of the urban water sector in Kenya has shown a remarkable stability since the 1920s, and into the 1980s. However, the sustainability of the public service systems has been eroded since independence, due to changes in the institutional framework surrounding the systems, while exclusive standards and technological choices have essentially been preserved from the colonial era. Current sector reform must create incentives for addressing technology choices and service standards in order to provide public water services also for the urban poor.
The Enemy Within: Madrasa and Muslim Identity in North India
Authors: ALAM ARSHAD 
Published: January 2008

AbstractEven before 9/11,madrasasin India were being vilified for teaching hatred against the majority Hindu community. Such an understanding of madrasas was not restricted to the Hindu Right alone but even among parties of the Left. This paper argues that such a notion, which is fast becoming common sense, is erroneous. Far from teaching hatred against other communities,madrasasare primarily concerned with the ideological reproduction of their ownmaslak.The paper describes processes and strategies within amadrasain North India through which such ideological reproduction takes place. The paper contends that sites of ideological transmission are located outside the formal curriculum of themadrasa.It focuses on some key texts and debating forums that are important sites of ideological transmission and play a key role in constituting a particular identity of students. Through an understanding of such pedagogical processes, the paper has shown that for students of thismadrasa, the ‘other’ is not a Hindu, but a Muslim from anothermaslak.It follows from the paper that Islam itself is a matter of fierce interpretative debate ‘within’madrasas.While it is important to understand howmadrasasrelate to other religions, an analysis ofmadrasasfrom ‘within’ leads us to different results.