bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image analysis in time‐resolved large field of view 3D MR‐angiography at 3T
Authors: Frydrychowicz Alex , Bley Thorsten A. , Zadeh Zahra Abdullah , Harloff Andreas , Winterer Jan T. , Hennig Jürgen , Langer Mathias , Markl Michael 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPurposeTo qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the image quality in accelerated time‐resolved 3D contrast‐enhanced MR angiography (tr‐CE‐MRA) at 3T.Materials and MethodsIn all, 113 MRA were performed in 107 patients on a 3T MR system after written informed consent and approval by the ethics committee. Twenty consecutive thoracic (n = 87) or craniocervical (n = 26) 3D data volumes were acquired. The timeframes with maximum arterial and venous contrast were determined and a total of 663 arterial and venous segments were analyzed by two blinded observers. Diagnostic image quality was graded by applying a 0 (low) to 3 (excellent) scale. Additionally, local signal‐to‐noise (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratios (relative CNR) were evaluated.ResultsTr‐CE‐MRA was successfully performed in all patients. Good to excellent image quality (2.42 ± 0.31) was observed in all individuals with preserved discrimination of arteries (2.43 ± 0.48) and veins (2.20 ± 0.56). Minor image degradation due to artifacts (2.62 ± 0.25) and constantly high vascular signal and contrast were detected. There was a significant superiority of coronal orientation during thoracic MRA (P < 0.05). In 18 cases tr‐CE‐MRA provided additional information on vascular pathologies.ConclusionLarge field of view tr‐CE‐MRA enables constantly high‐quality thoracic and craniocervical angiographies. In addition, the dynamics of tr‐CE‐MRA can offer additional information on vascular pathologies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1116–1124. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MRI assessment of basal ganglia iron deposition in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wallis Lauren I. , Paley Martyn N.J. , Graham Jacqueline M. , Grünewald Richard A. , Wignall Emma L. , Joy Harriet M. , Griffiths Paul D. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPurposeTo estimate the levels of basal ganglia iron levels in Parkinson's disease (PD) using the PRIME MR sequence at 3.0 Tesla, in relation to patients' motor symptom severity.Materials and MethodsSeventy patients with PD and 10 healthy controls underwent assessment of movement and MR imaging. Mean R2′ relaxation rates were recorded in the substantia nigra, frontal white matter and in the rostral, mid, and caudal putamen.ResultsR2′ relaxation rates were significantly higher in patients with PD than in healthy controls. R2′ in the most affected substantia nigra correlated with PD patients' motor symptom severity, but not with disease duration. Neuroradiological observation revealed a rostral to caudal “gradient” of putaminal hypointensity. This was substantiated by the finding that the mid and caudal putamen showed significantly higher R2′ relaxation rates, consistent with higher iron levels in PD relative to the healthy controls.ConclusionMRI at 3.0 Tesla suggests that substantia nigra iron levels are increased and linked to the severity of motor symptoms experienced in PD. Findings consistent with increased iron levels in the PD putamen are shown, in a region‐specific rostral to caudal gradient. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1061–1067. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genome‐wide expression analysis of intra‐ and extraarticular connective tissue
Authors: Pearse Richard V. , Esshaki Diana , Tabin Clifford J. , Murray Martha M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn comparison to extraarticular ligaments and tendons, the intraarticular ligaments such as the anterior and posterior cruciates exhibit different biochemical, biomechanical, and viscoelastic properties and most importantly, differential abilities to heal after surgical repair. Little is known about the underlying basis for these differences, in large measure due to the paucity of molecular markers distinguishing different classes of tendons and ligaments. To date, there has been no systematic analysis of gene expression differences between different types of connective tissues. We used Affymetrix expression arrays to analyze the differences in gene expression levels between the anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, and medial collateral ligaments, the patellar and Achilles tendons and the synovium. We have identified five clusters of gene cohorts displaying similar expression patterns. These clusters group into three categories including: (1) genes that are strongly expressed in all connective tissues compared to the synovium control tissue; (2) genes that distinguish intraarticular connective tissues from extraarticular connective tissues; and (3) a group of genes expressed in common by the patellar tendon and the synovium. Our analysis identifies a new marker of tendons and ligaments (fibin2), demonstrates molecular diversity between subtypes of tendons and ligaments, and indicates that the primary molecular subdivision among dense regular connective tissues is intra‐ versus extraarticular rather than ligament versus tendon. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 427–434, 2009
Investigation into the protein composition of human tear fluid using centrifugal filters and drop coating deposition Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Filik Jacob , Stone Nicholas 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDrop coating deposition Raman spectroscopy (DCDRS) is a simple method of analysing weak protein solutions. This study is another step in evaluating the analysis of tear fluid by DCDRS as a future medical diagnostic technique. The main aims of this study are to determine whether the DCDR spectra from tear samples contain signals from more than one protein (so relative levels can be measured) and, if so, are the proteins homogeneously distributed in the dried ring of the deposited material. Tear samples were collected from four healthy volunteers and pooled prior to analysis. Proteins were separated by mass into three groups using centrifugal filters. These groups contained proteins with (1) masses greater than 100 kDa, (2) masses between 100 and 50 kDa and (3) masses between 50 and 3 kDa. DCDR spectra from each of these protein group solutions displayed significant differences, confirming that the mass separation had been successful. When used as basis vectors for least‐squares fitting, these spectra (and that of urea) produced excellent fits to the normal tear spectra. Least‐squares fitting of spectra from the same point on a single sample and from several drops of the same sample showed that the tear DCDR spectra were highly reproducible. Raman point mapping of the tear ring showed significant radial ring variation, especially towards the outer edge of the ring. The specific peak changes in the protein signal across the ring suggested that the difference in the outer edge was due to protein desiccation as opposed to inhomogeneous protein deposition. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of the effective distribution function for determination of the distributed activation energy models using the maximum likelihood method: Isothermal thermogravimetric data
Authors: Janković Bojan 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe new procedure for identification of the effective distribution function for determination of the distributed activation energy models, which is based on use the maximum likelihood method (MLM), was established. The five different continuous probability functions (exponential, logistic, normal, gamma, and Weibull probability functions (the extended set of distributions)) were used for searching the best reactivity model for two heterogeneous processes: (a) the isothermal reduction process of nickel oxide under hydrogen atmosphere and (b) the isothermal degradation process of bisphenol‐A polycarbonate (Lexan) under nitrogen atmosphere. The MLM showed that for both processes, the most suitable reactivity model represents the Weibull distribution model. It was concluded that the values of Arrhenius parameters (ln A and Ea), evaluated from the Weibull distribution model, represent the effective kinetic values for both considered processes. This procedure enables identification the suitable distribution model for considered process only from the experimental data (based on the shapes of obtained integral kinetic curves), and this fact represents the advantage of established analysis. The established mathematical procedure, which is based on the MLM, can be applied as the preliminary analysis for evaluating the distribution of activation energies for complex heterogeneous processes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 27–44, 2009
Task assignment, incentives and technological factors
Authors: De Paola Maria , Scoppa Vincenzo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the allocation of tasks between a principal and an agent considering their incentives to provide effort, their different abilities in handling tasks, and transmission costs. We focus our attention on two tasks: the first may be handled by the principal or by the agent, whereas the second is necessarily carried out by the agent. Under a fully decentralised organisation, the agent performs both tasks, whereas, under partial delegation, the principal handles the first task and transfers the outcome to the agent who handles the second task. Assuming technological complementarities, from our analysis it emerges that, if there is imperfect observability of effort, full delegation is better at eliciting effort by the agent in the second task, whereas, in comparison with partial delegation, it lowers effort in the first task. Although with contractible effort, the choice between the two organisational forms depends only on transmission costs and on the relative ability of its members, when moral hazard problems are taken into account, the organisational choice is related to the relative importance played by the two tasks in production. If the agent's task is relatively important in production, full delegation, encouraging a higher level of effort in this task, may be optimal, even if technological factors favour partial delegation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on Parkinson motor function—Systematic review of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Elahi Behzad , Elahi Behrad , Chen Robert 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on motor signs in Parkinson's disease (PD). Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus bibliographic, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Relevant controlled clinical trials published between January 1985 and October 2007 were extracted, reviewed, and validated according to the study protocol. The outcome of interest was the motor section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). We calculated the effect size for the included studies. Sensitivity analysis was performed to further assess factors that may change the results. Ten randomized, controlled clinical trials were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooling of the results from these trials yielded an effect size of −0.58 in UPDRS for high‐frequency rTMS studies and no significant effects for low‐frequency rTMS studies. The benefit of high‐frequency rTMS on motor signs in PD was confirmed by the meta‐analysis. Lower frequency rTMS had little effect on motor signs in PD. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Spanish web searching tools: An exploratory study
Authors: Morales‐Arroyo Miguel A. , Chang Yun‐Ke , Sanchez‐Guerrero Gabriel , Spink Amanda 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWeb search engines are now major tools that people use to find information on the Web. Few studies have examined the extent and functionality of these Web searching tools that support Spanish‐speaking users. Our study identified 72 publically available Spanish‐language‐supporting Web search engines. The research questions are the following: a) What Web searching tools are available to Spanish speaking users?, b) What are the features of these tools?, c) What are the current web search engine restrictions? d) What are the functionalities of multimedia Web search engines that allow searching in Spanish? The Web functionality methodology developed by Tjondronegoro and Spink was adapted and modified to examine the functionality of Spanish Web search engines. The findings include: (1) limited set of Web search features for Spanish‐speaking users, (2) a lack of Spanish language interfaces, (3) lack of functionality in 18% of the Web searching tools examined, and (4) due to the high interest in Spanish language media, a need for multimedia Web search tools to support Spanish language users. Further research is needed to examine the needs of Spanish language users and the development of Spanish language Web search tools.
Effects of different field weights on search performance in digital libraries: A preliminary study
Authors: Zhang Xiangmin , Li Yuelin , Zhang Ying , Grenier Gerry , Trivedi Mehul , Gischlar Douglass 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe objective of this research was to examine the effect of major metadata fields on fielded searching in digital libraries. The effectiveness of title, abstract plus full‐text was investigated in an IEEE Xplore test bed. Weights on the three components were varied in five schemes (i.e. five runs) to retrieve relevant documents for twenty different search questions in five subject areas. The five weighting schemes were combinations of low, middle (default), and high weight on title, abstract and full‐text. The top 50 search results of each search question, retrieved by each run, were evaluated for relevance by five human assessors, each responsible for one subject area. Average Precision (AP) scores as the performance measure were calculated and then compared among these runs. The direct comparisons of APs did not find significant differences among the five runs. However, the results demonstrate a better performance for the run with low weight on title but high weight on both abstract and full‐text. This scheme also retrieved the least portion of ephemeral documents. A significant difference was found between the general search question and specific question from one of the runs. This research was a preliminary work towards optimizing weighting assignments among metadata fields and ultimately improving information retrieval performance in digital libraries.
Best‐answer selection criteria in a social Q&A site from the user‐oriented relevance perspective
Authors: Kim Soojung , Oh Jung Sun , Oh Sanghee 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAs an attempt to better understand how people seek, share, and evaluate information in a social Q&A environment, this study identifies the selection criteria people employ when they select best answers in Yahoo! Answers in the context of relevance research. Using content analysis, we analyzed the comments people left upon the selection of best answers to their own questions. From 1,200 samples of comments, only 465 mentioned the specific reasons for their selection, thus becoming eligible for analysis. Through an iterative process of evaluating the types of comments, the best‐answer selection criteria were inductively derived and grouped into seven value categories: Content value, Cognitive value, Socio‐emotional value, Information source value, Extrinsic value, Utility, and General statement. While many of the identified criteria overlap with those found in previous relevance studies, the Socio‐emotional value was particularly prominent in this study, especially when people ask for opinions and suggestions. These findings reflect the characteristics of a social Q&A site and extend our understanding of the relevance of an electronic environment where people bring their every day problem‐solving and decision‐making tasks.
A rare case of forearm hypoplasia from 18th‐century Gdańsk, Poland
Authors: Gładykowska‐Rzeczycka J. J. , Mazurek T. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe case of forearm hypoplasia with anterior displacement of the radius (transverse forearm deficiency, TFD) presented in this article was noted in skeleton no. 72 recovered from one of the crypts of St John's Church in Gdan´sk. The remains are those of a woman who died in the latter half of the 18th century. Hypoplasia affects the right forearm, whilst the other bones of this extremity are atrophied to varying degrees. Similar traits are apparent on the surviving ribs and the sternal manubrium. The very poorly preserved spinal column shows scoliosis and a fused block of three vertebrae (Th3–5). As pointed out by Mann et al. (1992), materials recovered from the excavation provide historical confirmation of the existence of a link between congenital abnormalities affecting the upper extremities and idiopathic scoliosis. They also offer an opportunity to compare these deformities with those brought about by mothers taking thalidomide. A brief outline of the history of palaeoteratology is presented, drawing attention to the small number of cases described in the literature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytokine signalling by gp130 regulates gastric mucosal healing after ulceration and, indirectly, antral tumour progression
Authors: Judd Louise M , Ulaganathan Meera , Howlett Meegan , Giraud Andrew S 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐11, which signal via the receptor gp130, have been implicated in various gut pathologies, including inflammation and wound healing. We used mouse cytokine signalling mutants to evaluate the role of gp130 pathways in gastric ulceration and healing and the effect of spatially remote fundic ulceration on antral tumour progression, since compromised wound healing may impact tumourigenesis. Glacial acetic acid applied to the serosal surface of stomachs from wild‐type, gp130757FF, IL‐6−/− and IL‐11 receptor (R)α−/− mice was used to induce discrete haemostasis/necrosis and resultant mucosal ulceration. Wound pathology and mRNA expression of key cytokine target genes were examined 2 and 14 weeks after ulcer induction. The outcome of fundic ulceration on antral tumour development in gp130757FF mice was also examined. Chemical haemostasis in gp1307575FF mice produces more severe gastric ulcers than in wild‐type mice. Lack of IL‐6 produces more severe ulceration, while loss of IL‐11Rα less severe ulcers, suggesting a role for IL‐11 in ulcer induction. Increased expression of ulcer‐associated IL‐11 and its established mitogenic target genes RegI, IIIβ and IIIγ paralleled severe ulceration in gp130757FF mice. In this model, coincident with fundic ulceration, antral tumour development was inhibited and correlated with decreased RegI, IIIβ and IIIγ and reduced MMP9 and 13 expression. IL‐11‐driven transcription via gp130 contributes to the gastric mucosal response to ulceration. Fundic mucosal ulceration modulates antral growth factor and metalloproteinase gene expression, thereby contributing to restricted tumour growth. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of morphology of sulfonated syndio‐polystyrene membranes through constraints imposed by siloxane networks
Authors: Lavorgna M. , Fusco L. , Piscitelli F. , Mensitieri G. , Agoretti P. , Borriello A. , Mascia L. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe incorporation of siloxane networks in sulfonated polystyrene membranes by the sol‐gel process was used to explore the possibility of developing low cost membrane for direct methanol fuel cells. A precursor solution of a hydrophobic siloxane network was allowed to diffuse and react into sulfonated syndio‐polystyrene ionomeric membranes. The organic‐inorganic hybrid domains so produced were able to reduce considerably the swelling of the ionomeric polymer in water, thereby increasing the dimensional stability of membranes. The physical and chemical properties of the sulfonated and hybrids membranes were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) analysis. The water uptake and the ionic conductivity were also evaluated at temperatures up to 60° C. It was found that both the unmodified sulfonated membranes and the corresponding hybrid exhibited a two‐phase morphology, consisting of crystalline lamellar domains embedded in the amorphous ionomeric polymer, featuring segregated hydrophobic/hydrophilic domains with characteristic separation lengths ranging between 3.9 and 1.7 nm. The presence of inorganic domains not only increased the dimensional stability of the membrane, by reducing the water uptake, but also decreased the rate of methanol crossover. Furthermore it was found that the inorganic network stabilizes the membrane morphology, enhancing the retention of proton conductivity after aging in water. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhanced lateral current transport via the front N+ diffused layer of n‐type high‐efficiency back‐junction back‐contact silicon solar cells
Authors: Granek Filip , Hermle Martin , Huljić Dominik M. , Schultz‐Wittmann Oliver , Glunz Stefan W. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractN‐type back‐contact back‐junction solar cells were processed with the use of industrially relevant structuring technologies such as screen‐printing and laser processing. Application of the low‐cost structuring technologies in the processing of the high‐efficiency back‐contact back‐junction silicon solar cells results in a drastic increase of the pitch on the rear cell side. The pitch in the range of millimetres leads to a significant increase of the lateral base resistance. The application of a phosphorus doped front surface field (FSF) significantly reduces the lateral base resistance losses. This additional function of the phosphorus doped FSF in reducing the lateral resistance losses was investigated experimentally and by two‐dimensional device simulations. Enhanced lateral majority carrier's current transport in the front n+ diffused layer is a function of the pitch and the base resistivity. Experimental data show that the application of a FSF reduces the total series resistance of the measured cells with 3.5 mm pitch by 0.1 Ω cm2 for the 1 Ω cm base resistivity and 1.3 Ω cm2 for the 8 Ω cm base resistivity. Two‐dimensional simulations of the electron current transport show that the electron current density in the front n+ diffused layer is around two orders of magnitude higher than in the base of the solar cell. The best efficiency of 21.3% was obtained for the solar cell with a 1 Ω cm specific base resistivity and a front surface field with sheet resistance of 148 Ω/sq. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.