bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Summary of ISO/TC201 standard: ISO/TR 18394:2006—surface chemical analysis—Auger electron spectroscopy—derivation of chemical information
Authors: Kövér L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractISO/TR 18394 provides guidance for the identification of chemical effects on x‐ray or electron‐excited Auger electron spectra as well as for applications of these effects in chemical characterization of surface/interface layers of solids. In addition to elemental composition, information can be obtained on the chemical state and the surrounding local electronic structure of the atom with the initial core hole from the changes of Auger electron spectra upon the alteration of its local environment. The methods of identification and use of chemical effects on Auger electron spectra, as described in this Technical Report, are very important for accurate quantitative applications of Auger electron spectroscopy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internal pilots for a class of linear mixed models with Gaussian and compound symmetric data
Authors: Gurka Matthew J. , Coffey Christopher S. , Muller Keith E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn internal pilot design uses interim sample size analysis, without interim data analysis, to adjust the final number of observations. The approach helps to choose a sample size sufficiently large (to achieve the statistical power desired), but not too large (which would waste money and time). We report on recent research in cerebral vascular tortuosity (curvature in three dimensions) which would benefit greatly from internal pilots due to uncertainty in the parameters of the covariance matrix used for study planning. Unfortunately, observations correlated across the four regions of the brain and small sample sizes preclude using existing methods. However, as in a wide range of medical imaging studies, tortuosity data have no missing or mistimed data, a factorial within‐subject design, the same between‐subject design for all responses, and a Gaussian distribution with compound symmetry. For such restricted models, we extend exact, small sample univariate methods for internal pilots to linear mixed models with any between‐subject design (not just two groups). Planning a new tortuosity study illustrates how the new methods help to avoid sample sizes that are too small or too large while still controlling the type I error rate. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dopamine D1 receptor facilitation of depolarization‐induced release of γ‐amino‐butyric acid in rat striatum is mediated by the cAMP/PKA pathway and involves P/Q‐type calcium channels
Authors: Arias‐Montaño J.‐A. , Floran B. , Floran L. , Aceves J. , Young J.M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTransmission in the “direct” pathway through the basal ganglia, which has an important role in the control of motor movement, is markedly facilitated by the concurrent activation of dopamine D1 receptors. Consistent with this, Ca2+‐dependent, depolarization‐induced release of [3H]‐GABA from striatal slices from rats pretreated with reserpine was greatly increased in the presence of 1 μM SKF 38393, a dopamine D1‐like receptor agonist. The effect of SKF 38393 was mimicked by 1 mM 8‐bromo‐cyclic AMP (Br‐cAMP) and inhibited by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H‐89, mean inhibition 92% ± 4% with 10 μM H‐89 (n = 3). The effects of SKF 38393 and Br‐cAMP were not additive. The stimulatory effects of SKF 38393 and Br‐cAMP were practically abolished in the presence of the histamine H3 receptor agonist immepip (1 μM). The depolarization‐induced release of [3H]‐GABA in the presence of SKF 38393 was not significantly inhibited by 5 μM nimodipine, an L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker, or by 0.3 μM ω‐conotoxin MVIIA, a selective blocker of N‐type channels. However, preincubation of the slices with 0.95 μM ω‐agatoxin TK, a P/Q‐type channel blocker, followed by washing before changing to a depolarizing medium containing SKF 38393, resulted in a marked inhibition of the stimulated release of [3H]‐GABA, mean 68% ± 4% (n = 3). These observations provide evidence that dopamine D1 agonist facilitation of the depolarization‐induced release of GABA from striatal terminals is mediated by the cAMP/PKA pathway and involves mainly P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels. Synapse 61:310–319, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamics in the ultrastructure of asymmetric axospinous synapses in the frontal cortex of hibernating European ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus)
Authors: Ruediger J. , Van der Zee E.A. , Strijkstra A.M. , Aschoff A. , Daan S. , Hut R.A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractRecent theories on the function of arousals from torpor in hibernating mammals focus on the repair of the central nervous system from damage accumulating during prolonged hypothermia. In this framework, we investigated the synaptic ultrastructure in Layer 2 of the frontal cortex from hibernating European ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus) sacrificed at four different phases in the torpor‐arousal cycle. Using electron microscopy, we quantified synapse number and morphometric data on asymmetric axospinous synapses. Length, width, and surface area of postsynaptic densities (PSDs), and the synaptic apposition length of the analyzed synapse were measured. Five groups of animals were compared during entrance into torpor (Torpor Early, TE, n = 6), late torpor (Torpor Late, TL, n = 5), beginning of euthermic arousal episodes (Arousal Early, AE, n = 5), late in the euthermic arousal episode (Arousal Late, AL, n = 5), and during continuous euthermy in spring (EU, n = 6). The results showed that during torpor and at the beginning of arousals the PSD length and synaptic apposition length are significantly increased compared to synapses during late arousal and in spring conditions. In contrast, the width and surface area of the PSDs are decreased in torpor. At the beginning of an arousal the width of the PSD increases and gains maximum value in late arousals (AL), returning to spring (EU) values. No differences were found in total number of synapses during the torpor‐arousal cycle. The results indicate reversible changes in ultrastructure of (asymmetric axospinous) synapses in the frontal cortex, which may be critical for the maintenance of cortical neuronal networks and for protection against potential deleterious effects of prolonged hypothermic phases of hibernation. Synapse 61:343–352, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The case against interest: Is it compelling?
Authors: Chapra M. Umer 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe entire international financial system is now based on interest in spite of its prohibition by four of the world's major religions. However, the Muslim world is now trying to replace the conventional interest‐based system with one where there is greater reliance on profit‐and‐loss sharing (PLS) and where the debt is created not by pure lending and borrowing but by the sale or lease of real assets. The introduction of a new system raises the question of whether the case against interest is so compelling as to justify the difficulties and risks associated with it. This article is an attempt to answer this question. It argues that the main factor underlying the financial crises experienced by a large number of countries around the world over the last few decades is the excessive expansion of debt. The primary reason for this is the lack of adequate discipline in the financial system. The PLS system should help ensure greater discipline by making the bankers more careful in lending and the depositors more vigilant about the health of their banks. Asset‐based debt should further help by not allowing the debt to exceed the growth of the real economy. The introduction of such a discipline carries the potential of helping realize not only greater stability, but also greater efficiency and equity in the financial system. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulation and performance of Islamic banking in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmad Abu Umar Faruq , Hassan M. Kabir 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis article examines current legal and regulatory issues of Islamic banking in Bangladesh. The most important issue in this context is the lack of a well‐defined regulatory and supervisory framework for Islamic banks for their effective functioning in line with the tenets of Shariah. Other major issues come from the absence of an interbank Islamic money market, following the same policy and guidelines for Islamic and conventional banking by the Bangladesh Bank, presence of a discriminatory legal reserve requirement for Islamic and conventional banking, prevalence of a restrictive environment in the capital market, and the lack of legal support and protection of Bangladesh Bank to avoid the associated risks of Islamic banks. For this purpose, it is suggested that Islamic banks in Bangladesh should have an independent banking act that controls, guides, and supervises their functions and provide legal support to the parties concerned. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of residential distance to hospitals with neonatal surgery care on prenatal management and outcome of pregnancies with severe fetal malformations
Authors: Pasquier J.‐C. , Morelle M. , Bagouet S. , Moret S. , Luo Z.‐C. , Rabilloud M. , Gaucherand P. , Robert‐Gnansia E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the effect of maternal origin and distance between maternal residence and the nearest maternity ward with a neonatal surgical center in the same hospital, on prenatal diagnosis, elective termination of pregnancy, delivery in an adequate place and neonatal mortality for pregnancies with severe malformations requiring neonatal surgery, and to examine the effect of the place of delivery on neonatal mortality.MethodsThis was a retrospective study, through the France Central‐East malformation registry, of 706 fetuses with omphalocele (n = 123), gastroschisis (n = 99), diaphragmatic hernia (n = 222), or spina bifida (n = 262), but without chromosomal anomalies. Maternal origin was classified as Western European and non‐Western European. Adequate place for delivery was defined as birth in a Level‐III maternity ward with a neonatal surgical center in the same hospital.ResultsThe prenatal diagnosis rate was 67.7% in 1990–1995 and 80.2% in 1996–2001 (odds ratio (OR), 2.07 (95% CI, 1.24–3.45)). On multivariate analysis, the rate was significantly lower for women living 11–50 km (adjusted OR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.25–0.94)), or > 50 km (adjusted OR, 0.39 (0.20–0.74)) from the closest adequate place of delivery, compared with those living < 11 km from it, but there was no difference for maternal origin. Non‐Western European women had fewer elective terminations of pregnancy (adjusted OR, 0.34 (95% CI, 0.14–0.81)) and fewer deliveries in an adequate place (adjusted OR, 0.40 (95% CI, 0.18–0.89)). Neonatal mortality was lower in the case of delivery in an adequate place (adjusted OR, 0.22 (95% CI, 0.07–0.72)) and was not associated with maternal origin and distance from nearest maternity ward with a neonatal surgical center.ConclusionRate of prenatal diagnosis decreases with increasing distance between parental residence and referral center. Non‐Western European women are diagnosed prenatally as often as are Western Europeans, but terminate their pregnancy less often, perhaps for cultural reasons. Non‐Western European women with malformed fetuses deliver in adequate centers less often, probably because of the way the perinatal care system is run. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of major morphological abnormalities of the levator ani
Authors: Dietz H. P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectivesMorphological abnormalities of the levator ani are found in a significant minority of women presenting with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. In this study quantification of such injuries using tomographic three‐dimensional (3D) pelvic floor ultrasound was attempted.MethodsIn a prospective observational study undertaken at two tertiary urogynecological clinics, 262 consecutive women referred for complaints of lower urinary tract dysfunction and prolapse underwent an interview, clinical assessment and 3D translabial ultrasound imaging. Blinded offline analysis of volume datasets was performed at a later date using 4D View software. Main outcome measures were craniocaudal and ventrodorsal extent of defects of the pubovisceral muscle.ResultsAvulsion injuries were diagnosed in 50 women (19%; 21.3% of the vaginally parous). Defects were found unilaterally (right, n = 17; left, n = 12) and bilaterally (n = 21). In some women they affected the entire volume; in others defects were visible in only two of 16 slices. Hiatal area on Valsalva was correlated weakly with defect score (r = 0.28, P = 0.05) and total defect width (r = 0.4, P = 0.005). Defect score (P = 0.001) and maximum width (P = 0.002) were significantly higher in women who presented with symptoms of prolapse. Defect score was associated with cystocele as assessed clinically (P = 0.021) and on ultrasound (P = 0.014).ConclusionsDepth and width of levator ani defects can be quantified by tomographic pelvic floor ultrasound. These parameters are associated with the likelihood of symptoms of prolapse and cystocele descent, but not with incontinence. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraoperative Ultrasound with Palpation is Still Superior to Intra‐arterial Calcium Stimulation Test in Localising Insulinoma
Authors: Wong M. , Isa S. H. Md , Zahiah M. , Azmi K. Nor 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAimThis study assessed the sensitivities of preoperative localisation modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), arteriography and arterial stimulation venous sampling (ASVS) using serum insulin and C‐peptide gradients to intraoperative techniques in localising insulin‐secreting tumours in our institution.MethodsFourteen patients with proven insulinoma, aged 20–66 years, who presented from 1997 to 2004, were studied retrospectively. All patients underwent ASVS where C‐peptide and/or insulin gradients were calculated. The results were compared with the preoperative findings of CT, MRI, arteriography, as well as intraoperative ultrasound and palpation.ResultsIntraoperative ultrasound with palpation correctly localised 10 of the 11 tumours with a sensitivity of 91%. Sensitivities of other localisation techniques were lower: 31% by CT, 50% by MRI, and 46% by arteriography. ASVS with insulin gradients alone allowed accurate localisation in 40% of patients while localisation using only C‐peptide gradients of more than 2 was 43%. The insulinomas, measuring 10–30 mm, were successfully removed in 13 patients—6 from the body, 4 from the tail, 2 from the head and 1 from the junction of the body and tail. All except 1 were cured by selective surgery and remained free of hypoglycaemia over the next 2–60 months of follow‐up. One patient had left lobectomy due to liver metastases from a malignant insulinoma and remained asymptomatic with medical therapy.ConclusionsIntraoperative ultrasound with palpation is a highly sensitive method for the localisation of insulinoma compared with other preoperative localisation techniques.
Treatment of Bleeding Pseudoaneurysms in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Udd Marianne , Leppäniemi Ari K. , Bidel Siamak , Keto Pekka , Roth Wolf‐Dieter , Haapiainen Reijo K. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with chronic pancreatitis, an actively bleeding pseudoaneurysm can be life‐threatening. Angioembolization is an attractive alternative to often complex operative management, and its feasibility was assessed in a retrospective analysis.MethodsDuring 1993–2005, 33 patients (27 males, median age 51 years) with bleeding pancreatic pseudoaneurysms underwent urgent angiographic evaluation followed by angioembolization if possible. Angioembolization was performed in 23 patients, whereas 10 patients required hemostatic surgery, including 6 distal pancreatectomies and 3 vessel ligations.ResultsBetween 1993 and 2005 33 out of 745 patients (4.4%) admitted for chronic pancreatitis had bleeding pancreatic pseudoaneurysms. The proportion of bleeders out of the total number of hospital admissions for chronic pancreatitis was 33 out of 1,892 (1.7%). The overall success rate of angioembolization was 22 out of 33 (67%) including 3 patients requiring re‐embolization for recurrent bleeding. The success rate was 16 out of 20 (80%) when the pseudocyst was in the head of the pancreas, and only 50% when the splenic artery was the source of bleeding. Four of the 5 cases with free bleeding into the peritoneal cavity required operative intervention. The overall mortality and morbidity rates were 2 out of 33 (6%) and 7 out of 33 (21%) respectively, with no significant differences between embolized and operated patients. Angioembolization was associated with a significantly lower need for total blood transfusions and length of hospital stay. During the years 2000–2005, the overall success rate of angioembolization was 95%.ConclusionsAll hemodynamically stable patients with chronic pancreatitis and bleeding pseudoaneurysms should undergo prompt initial angiographic evaluation and embolization if possible. Repeated angioembolization is feasible in patients with recurrent bleeding, whether initially embolized or operated. Patients with unsuccessful embolization should undergo emergency hemostatic surgery with ligation of the bleeding vessel in the head of the pancreas and distal resection in patients bleeding from the splenic artery or its branch. The combination of angioembolization and later endoscopic drainage of the pseudocyst via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is effective in the majority of the cases of pseudoaneurysms in chronic pancreatitis.
Brief report: Intimacy, passion, and commitment in romantic relationships—Validation of a ‘triangular love scale’ for adolescents☆
Authors: Overbeek Geertjan , Ha Thao , Scholte Ron , de Kemp Raymond , Engels Rutger C.M.E. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThis study examined the psychometric properties of an adolescent version of the ‘triangular love scale’ (TLS), which assesses three components of romantic relationships: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Using data from 435 Dutch adolescents aged 12–18 years, we found evidence for convergent validity, showing that dimensions of intimacy, passion, and commitment were all positively correlated with relationship satisfaction and duration. Evidence was also found for divergent validity, as adolescents’ perceptions of the main (dis)advantages of being involved in romantic relationships showed a specific pattern of associations with intimacy, passion, and commitment. Finally, CFA analyses in LISREL showed that a model in which all separate questionnaire items were specified to load on three underlying, correlated factors (intimacy, passion, commitment) fit the data adequately. Overall, this measure seems appropriate for use with adolescents.
Long‐term consequences of early infant injury and trauma upon somatosensory processing
Authors: Schmelzle‐Lubiecki B.M. , Campbell K.A. Andrews , Howard R.H. , Franck L. , Fitzgerald M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLong‐term consequences of early infant injury upon somatosensory processing were tested in school aged children. The aim was to test whether the long‐term changes in sensitivity reported in animal models, in regions both local to and distant from the injury site, could be observed in humans. To do this we used quantitative sensory testing (QST) in children aged 9–12 years who had undergone cardiac surgery in infancy. Cutaneous mechanical and thermal thresholds were measured at the thoracic scar region and at control contralateral thoracic and reference thenar areas in this early surgery group (n=9), and compared with thresholds at the same regions in age and gender‐matched controls (n=9). The results showed that the cardiac surgery group was significantly less sensitive to von Frey hair tactile stimulation in the non‐injured thenar area than the control group; mean threshold 5.02, SD±1.59 compared to 2.76, SD±0.79 (von Frey hair number, p=0.04). In addition, their lateral thoracotomy scar areas were significantly less sensitive to von Frey hair stimulation (mean=9.82, SD±1.97, p<0.001) and to cooling and warming than any other site tested. Eight of the nine children in the early surgery group did not perceive warmth on their scars and were only able to detect uncomfortable heat as the temperature was raised. Three of these children felt a paradoxical cold prior to the hot sensation and all reported subtle abnormalities in everyday sensations. Questionnaires revealed perceived differences in pain perception, individual aberrant sensations and pain interfering with daily life that warrant further study. We conclude that tissue injured in early infancy remains measurably altered to mechanical and thermal stimulation in later life. These findings are consistent with the results of animal studies that early infant injury has not only local, but also global long‐term consequences upon sensory processing.
Barriers to rehabilitation and return to work for unemployed chronic pain patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Patel Shilpa , Greasley Kay , Watson Paul J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper explores the perceived barriers to return to work presented by unemployed patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The findings are based on one to one in depth semi‐structured interviews conducted with patients from four sites in the UK. Interview data were recorded from 38 patients (15 male, 23 female) aged between 29 and 62 years the sample included patients who had participated in a vocational rehabilitation scheme, those who had refused to participate and a naïve group. Patients were in receipt of long‐term social welfare benefits (incapacity benefits) and recruited via local Job Centres. The mean duration of work absence was over 5 years. The data was transcribed and analysed by means of thematic analysis. Several themes were identified as barriers to return to work from the data including pain related issues, uncertainty (both financial and physical), the healthcare system, interaction with benefits providers, perceptions of employers and personal limitations. The uncertainty and the pain condition itself were the overarching barriers from which other obstacles stemmed. This is the first qualitative study of long term unemployed benefit recipients with chronic pain. Others authors have reported psychosocial factors as barriers to work among disabled populations however, this qualitative study has identified barriers specific to unemployed chronic pain patients. The themes identified will help with the planning and development of future initiatives for returning chronic pain patients to employment.
Preparation and magnetoresistance of Ag2+xSe thin films deposited via pulsed laser deposition.
Authors: Mogwitz B. , Korte C. , Janek J. , v. Kreutzbruck M. , Kienle L. 
Published: February 2007

The preparation of Ag2+xSe thin films with thicknesses between 4 nm and 3 μm by pulsed laser deposition on single crystalline NaCl and MgO substrates is reported. The films are perfectly dense and show a good lateral uniformity with a small number of defects. The microstructure of the films corresponds to a nanoparquet, being composed of two different phases of silver selenide. One phase is identified as the Naumannite low temperature phase of silver selenide, the structure of the other phase has not been reported in detail before and probably represents a metastable phase. Silver-rich films contain silver precipitates with typical sizes on the nanoscale. Their presence and their size appears to be responsible for the large and linear magnetoresistance effect of silver-rich silver selenide.