bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A methodology for curve‐fitting of the XPS Si 2p core level from thin siloxane coatings
Authors: O'Hare Lesley‐Ann , Hynes Alan , Alexander Morgan R. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractPlasma‐enhanced coating processes are recognised as a route to well‐adhered, conformal coatings, and are often used as a means of modifying the surface properties of materials, while having a minimal effect on the bulk characteristics of the substrate. Here, a method for providing an understanding of the chemistry of siloxane coatings prepared by plasma liquid deposition in atmospheric pressure (AP) is described.An iterative Si 2p–C 1s method for curve‐fitting the C 1s and Si 2p core levels of siloxane coatings thinner than the depth of analysis of XPS has been developed when the substrate is poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film. In addition to the determination of unambiguous binding energy positions for four siloxy environments, this has allowed the elemental composition of the coating to be determined in isolation of the substrate.Application of the binding energies to the Si 2p core levels of industrially relevant materials where the composition is not known by any other means can now be carried out. This can be used to provide understanding of the relationship between coating chemistry and plasma parameters, which is essential in the development of novel processes such as AP plasma liquid deposition, and will result in the deposition of coatings with controlled properties. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing maintainability change over multiple software releases
Authors: Kozlov Denis , Koskinen Jussi , Sakkinen Markku , Markkula Jouni 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe focus of the paper is to reveal the relationships between software maintainability and other internal software quality attributes. The source code characteristics of five Java‐based open‐source software products are analyzed using the software measurement tool SoftCalc. The relationships between maintainability and internal quality attributes are identified based on the Pearson product moment correlation analysis. Our results show negative correlations between maintainability and some well‐known internal software quality attributes, as well as the ones between maintainability and complexity metrics. Particularly, according to our results, the Number of Data Variables Declared and the Decisional Complexity McClure Metric have the strongest correlations with maintainability. The results of our study, that is to say, knowledge about the relationships between internal software quality attributes and maintainability, can be used as a basis for improvement of software maintainability at earlier stages of the software development process. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining fetal nuchal fold thickness with second‐trimester biochemistry to screen for trisomy 21
Authors: Borrell A. , Mercade I. , Casals E. , Borobio V. , Seres A. , Soler A. , Fortuny A. , Cuckle H. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess second‐trimester screening for trisomy 21 by combining ultrasound nuchal fold (NF) measurement with maternal serum biochemistry.MethodsNF, maternal serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) were determined concurrently at 14–19 weeks' gestation in a study population comprising 1813 women with singleton pregnancies, including 1257 unselected women undergoing serum screening for trisomy 21 (1999–2002), and 556 high‐risk pregnancies prior to amniocentesis (2003–2005), 402 of whom had positive serum screening tests. The results were expressed in multiples of the gestation‐specific normal median (MoMs).ResultsThere were 1799 unaffected singleton pregnancies, and their NF values approximately fitted a log Gaussian distribution over a wide range. There was a weak but statistically significant correlation between log NF and log AFP (r = − 0.069, P < 0.005) and the correlation coefficient between log NF and log free β‐hCG was even smaller and not statistically significant (r = 0.038, P = 0.11). Among the seven trisomy 21 pregnancies, the median NF level was 1.53 MoM (geometric mean 1.75 MoM), a highly statistically significant increase compared with unaffected pregnancies (P < 0.0001, one‐tail Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test). In pregnancies referred because of positive serum screening tests (391 unaffected, seven cases of trisomy 21, one of monosomy X and three other chromosomal anomalies) the use of NF to modify the serum screening risk would have reduced the invasive procedures in unaffected pregnancies by 46% without affecting the detection rate of trisomy 21 or other anomalies. Statistical modeling predicted that adding NF to AFP and free β‐hCG would increase detection more than would adding unconjugated estriol as well as inhibin‐A, an analyte that is difficult to measure with precision.ConclusionsThe addition of NF measurement to second‐trimester biochemical markers improves screening performance, and could overcome drawbacks in the implementation of inhibin‐A assay in clinical practice. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physicochemical and Rheological Properties of Crystallized Blends Containing trans‐free and Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil
Authors: Reyes‐Hernández J. , Dibildox‐Alvarado E. , Charó‐Alonso M. A. , Toro‐Vazquez J. F. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThree vegetable oil blends, intended for formulation of high melting temperature confectionary coatings, were prepared by mixing different proportions of coconut oil, palm stearin, and either partially hydrogenated soybean oil (PH‐SBO) or native soybean oil (i.e., trans‐free SBO). The blends were crystallized under the same isothermal conditions and the crystallized systems evaluated by DSC, SFC, polarized light microscopy, and rheology under low [i.e., G′ and yield stress (σ*)] and high (i.e., creep and recovery profiles) stress forces. Overall, all trans‐free blends showed lower SFC and heat of crystallization than the ones obtained with PH‐SBO blends. These results showed that trans‐fatty acids decrease the level of structural order of the crystals, and probably also the organization of the crystal network. As a result, most of the crystallized blends with PH‐SBO showed lower σ* values and higher creep profiles (i.e., softer texture) than trans‐free blends, particularly in systems crystallized at high supercooling and blends with saturated medium chain TAG. Nevertheless, at particular crystallization temperatures some trans‐free formulations provided crystallized systems with rheological properties that would result in softer textures than the ones obtained with PH‐SBO blends. Knowledge of the rheological properties under low and high stress forces is vital when comparing the functionality of crystallized TAG systems with and without TAG with trans‐fatty acids.
A New Soy Flour‐Based Adhesive for Making Interior Type II Plywood
Authors: Huang Jian , Li Kaichang 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn this study, we developed a formaldehyde‐free adhesive from abundant, renewable, and inexpensive soy flour (SF). The main ingredients of this adhesive included SF, polyethylenimine (PEI), and maleic anhydride (MA). The optimum formulation of this adhesive and the optimum hot‐press conditions for making plywood were investigated. A three‐cycle soak test and a boiling water test (BWT) were employed for evaluating the strength and water‐resistance of plywood bonded with this adhesive. Results showed that SF, PEI, MA and sodium hydroxide were all essential components for the adhesive and the SF/PEI/MA weight ratio of 7/1.0/0.32 resulted in the highest water‐resistance. When the hot‐press temperature was in the range of 140–170 °C, both water‐resistance and shear strength of plywood bonded with the adhesive remained statistically the same, except that the dry shear strength of plywood at 170 °C was statistically lower than that at 160 °C. When the hot‐press time ranged from 2 to 6 min, the plywood panels at 5 min had the highest boiling water test/wet (BWT/w) shear strength. The plywood panels made at 5 min had a higher dry shear strength than those made at 3 min. Plywood panels bonded with this SF/PEI/MA adhesive exceeded the requirements for interior applications.
Changes in the expression of NaV1.7, NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 in a distinct population of dorsal root ganglia innervating the rat knee joint in a model of chronic inflammatory joint pain
Authors: Strickland Iain T. , Martindale Jo C. , Woodhams Peter L. , Reeve Alison J. , Chessell Iain P. , McQueen Daniel S. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractVoltage‐gated sodium channels play an essential role in regulating the excitability of nociceptive primary afferent neurones. In particular the tetrodotoxin‐sensitive (TTX‐S) NaV1.7 and the tetrodotoxin‐resistant (TTX‐R) NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 channels have been suggested to play a role in inflammatory pain. Previous work has revealed acute administration of inflammatory mediators, such as Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) or carrageenan caused an upregulation in the levels of NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 protein in DRG (dorsal root ganglia) tissue up to 4 days post‐insult. In the present study, the expression of NaV1.7, NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 was examined over a 28 day timecourse during a rat model of FCA‐induced chronic inflammatory joint pain. Using the retrograde tracer Fast Blue (FB) and specific NaV1.7, NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 sodium channel antibodies, immunohistochemical staining techniques were used to study sodium channel expression in a distinct population of L3–L5 knee joint afferent DRGs. In the ganglia, counts were made of positively labelled cells in the FB population. The results demonstrate that, following FCA injection, NaV1.9 expression is upregulated at days 14, 21 and 28 post‐FCA, with NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 showing increased channel expression at days 14 and 28. These observations are accompanied by a unilateral joint hypersensitivity in the FCA‐injected knee indicated by a behavioural shift in weight distribution measured using an incapacitance tester. The increased presence of these channels suggests that NaV1.7, NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 play a role, at least in part, in the maintenance of chronic inflammatory pain several weeks after the initial insult.
Which tinnitus patients benefit from transcranial magnetic stimulation?
Authors: Kleinjung Tobias , Steffens Thomas , Sand Philipp , Murthum Tobias , Hajak Goeran , Strutz Juergen , Langguth Berthold , Eichhammer Peter 
Published: November 2007

ObjectivesChronic tinnitus is associated with hyperactivity of the central auditory system. Low‐frequency repetitive transcra‐nial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the temporal cortex has been proposed as a treatment for chronic tinnitus. This study determined the factors that predict a beneficial outcome with rTMS treatment.Study DesignForty‐five patients with chronic tinnitus underwent 10 sessions of low‐frequency rTMS to their left auditory cortex. The treatment outcome was assessed with a tinnitus questionnaire. Therapeutic success was related to the patients' clinical characteristics.ResultsA significant reduction in tinnitus complaints occurred after rTMS. In the questionnaire, 40% of the patients improved by five points or more. Treatment responders were characterized by shorter duration of tinnitus complaints and no hearing impairment.ConclusionTinnitus‐related neuroplastic changes might be less pronounced in patients with normal hearing and a short history of complaints. This could explain why those patients benefitted more from rTMS treatment.
A comparison of polysomnography and the WatchPAT in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Kenny P. Pang , Christine G. Gourin , David J. Terris 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveOur goal was to validate the WatchPAT in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.Study DesignWe conducted a prospective, blinded, nonrandomized clinical trial.MethodsPatients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea scheduled for an overnight level I polysomnogram were offered enrollment in a study to compare the WatchPAT (Itamar Ltd, Israel) device with polysomnography. Patients wore the WatchPAT device simultaneously while undergoing polysomnography during evaluation in the sleep lab.ResultsThirty‐seven patients participated in the study. They had a mean age of 50.1 years (range, 31–73 years) and mean body mass index of 34.6 kg/m2 (range, 21.2–46.8 kg/m2). There was high correlation between the polysomnogram and WatchPAT apnea‐hypopnea index (r = 0.9288; 95% confidence interval = 0.8579–0.9650, P < 0.0001). The lowest oxygen saturation also showed high correlation (r = 0.989; 95% confidence interval = 0.9773–0.9947, P < 0.0001). The overall polysomnogram and WatchPAT sleep times revealed a correlation of r = 0.5815 (P = 0.005).ConclusionThe WatchPAT showed a high correlation with the polysomnogram in apnea‐hypopnea index, lowest oxygen saturation, and sleep time.SignificanceIt's use as a reliable tool in the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Anterior lateral thigh flap for buccal mucosal defect after resection of buccal cancer
Authors: Chuang Hui‐Ching , Su Chih‐Ying , Jeng Seng‐Feng , Chien Chih‐Yen 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveTo preserve oral function after buccal cancer resection, a free anterior lateral thigh flap (ALTF) was used to cover the buccal mucosal defect.Study Design and SettingNine patients who underwent primary surgical treatment between June 2005 and September 2006 for buccal cancer were enrolled in this study. An ALTF was used to repair the defect immediately after tumor resection. Oral function, including mouth‐opening width, oral intake, and teeth cleaning, were compared pre‐ and postoperatively.ResultsNo difference was observed in the mouth‐opening width between that preoperatively and three months postoperatively (P = 0.54). The oral intake and teeth cleaning also remained unchanged three months postoperatively.ConclusionRepair of a buccal mucosa defect with a free anterior lateral thigh flap is a good alternative for selected patients who undergo resection of buccal cancer; oral function is likely to be preserved.
The effect of vocal hygiene education for patients with vocal polyp
Authors: Yun Young‐Sun , Kim Min‐Beom , Son Young‐Ik 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveThe authors aimed to assess the effect of vocal hygiene education for patients suffering with vocal polyp and to discover the meaningful factors that can predict better outcomes with performing vocal hygiene.Study Design and SettingVoice evaluation and vocal hygiene education were provided to 340 consecutive patients with vocal polyp. Three months later, 175 of the 340 patients completed a follow‐up evaluation. According to the change in polyp size, these patients were divided into two groups: the “improvement” and the “no improvement.” The effect of vocal hygiene was assessed. Eight parameters were compared between these two groups.ResultsThe “improvement” group was composed of 20% of the 340 patients and 38% of the 175 patients. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that nonsmokers with a small polyp had the greatest possibility of improvement with vocal hygiene and so avoid unnecessary surgery.ConclusionPatients who do not smoke and who have a polyp that is small in size have a much better chance to improve their voice by performing vocal hygiene.
Relationships between nasal obstruction, observed apnea, and daytime sleepiness
Authors: Udaka Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Hideaki , Fujimura Takeyuki , Hiraki Nobuaki , Shiomori Teruo , Kitamura Takuro , Ueda Narihisa , Inaba Tsuyoshi , Fujino Yoshihisa 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveWe administered a questionnaire survey to a working population in an attempt to clarify the relationships between self‐reported nasal obstruction, observed apnea during sleep, and daytime sleepiness.Study DesignA total of 7980 daytime workers were asked to complete questionnaires about nasal obstruction, apnea during sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Of the 7702 responses, the data from 4818 subjects were analyzed. Nasal obstruction and observed apnea were graded into 3 categories. Daytime sleepiness was assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.ResultsSubjects with chronic nasal obstruction had 5.22 and 2.17 times higher odds for having habitual observed apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), respectively, compared with those without nasal obstruction (P < 0.001). After adjusting for 3 potential confounding factors (age, sex, and body mass index) and the presence of habitual observed apnea, odds ratios for having EDS decreased, but still remained significant.ConclusionNasal obstruction is likely to cause daytime sleepiness, at least in part, by causing sleep‐disordered breathing including apnea during sleep.
The characteristics of Hep‐2 cell with multiple drug resistance induced by Taxol
Authors: Li Li , Alice C. Jiang , Pin Dong , Yi Wan , Zi Wei Yu 
Published: November 2007

ObjectivesTo investigate the characteristics of Hep‐2 cell with multidrug resistance (MDR) induced by Taxol.Study DesignHep‐2 cells were exposed in stepwise escalating concentration of Taxol to develop the resistant cell line‐Hep‐2T. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and rhodamine accumulation were studied through flow cytometry. The MDR1 and MRP1 genes were detected through real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR, and the corresponding proteins were detected through Western blotting.ResultsThe drug resistance of Hep‐2T cells to Taxol, doxo‐rubicin, gemcitabine, 5‐FU, and cisplatin all increased. The percentage of G0/G1 phase and the antiapoptosis ability increased significantly compared with Hep‐2 cells. Both MDR1 and MRP1 also increased at gene and protein level, though MDR1 was more prominent.ConclusionMore emphasis should be laid on MDR1/Pgp, the non‐Pgp substrate chemotherapeutic agents, and the changes of cell cycle distribution to prevent MDR induced by Taxol.SignificanceThese findings may provide theoretical support for the reverse of MDR.
External auditory canal closure: an alternative management for the refractory chronically draining ear
Authors: Yoshida Naohiro , Cunningham Calhoun D. , McElveen John T. 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveTo discuss the surgical technique and evaluate the effectiveness of external auditory canal (EAC) closure in patients with refractory chronically draining ears.Study Design and SettingA retrospective case review of seven patients who underwent EAC closure for chronically draining ears at a private tertiary otologic referral center between 2001 and 2004. Three patients underwent concomitant placement of a BAHA implant, and one patient underwent cochlear implantation during a second‐stage procedure.ResultsAll seven patients had successful closure of the external auditory canal with elimination of chronic drainage. The follow‐up interval ranged from 10 to 35 months. There were no cases of iatrogenic cholesteatoma formation or breakdown of the ear canal closure.Conclusion and SignificanceIn patients with refractory chronically draining ears, EAC closure, alone or in conjunction with a bone‐anchored implant, may be a treatment option. A BAHA implant can be placed during the initial procedure or staged.
Thermal injury to the tongue from an operative laryngoscope
Authors: McMullin Brian T. , Blumin Joel H. , Merati Albert L. 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveTo understand risk and possible mechanisms of thermal injury to the tongue during suspension laryngoscopy.Study Design and SettingTongue injury was noted following suspension laryngoscopy in a cluster of cases; the findings raised suspicion for thermal injury. To characterize the potential for thermal injury, a lighted laryngoscope was placed in contact with samples of tongue. Tissue heating was recorded over time at fixed distances from the light carrier within a laryngoscope. Comparisons were made between two light sources and carriers.ResultsMaximal tissue heating using a newer‐model light source and new carrier was 16.7°F immediately beneath the light carrier tip and 19.8°F at 1 cm distal to the carrier tip. Other combinations of an older source and carriers failed to raise temperatures. Heating up to 10.7°F occurred with the new source and an older carrier.Conclusion and SignificanceTissue heating may occur from contact with operative laryngoscopes. This is an important patient safety issue in laryngology.
The motion of conventional and novel total ossicular replacement prostheses during changes in static pressure
Authors: Mills Robert , Zadrozniak Marek , Jie Zhang 
Published: November 2007

PurposeTo investigate the motion of prostheses used to reconstruct ears with an absent stapes arch.Study DesignWe have studied the motion of conventional total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORPs) and a novel incusstapes replica prosthesis (ISRP), which connects the malleus head to the footplate, during changes in middle ear pressure (+400 to −400 dPa) in fresh human temporal bones using digital video clips and photographs. The pressure in the (sealed) external auditory meatus was varied using a manual tympanometer. The displacements of the prostheses in the medial to lateral plane have been measured using the dimensioning tool of Corel Draw.ResultsDuring changes in static pressure, TORPs move more in the lateral to medial plane than ISRPs. The motion of ISRPs is similar to that of the intact ossicular chain.ConclusionThe ISRP design is less likely to damage the cochlea during changes in static pressure than a conventional TORP, but the maximum medial displacement of the TORPs studied was less than 0.1 mm.
Prophylactic antiemetic effect of midazolam after middle ear surgery
Authors: Jung Jae Sik , Park Jun Sik , Kim Si Oh , Lim Dong Gun , Park Sung Sik , Kwak Kyung Hwa , Cho Jin Duck , Jeon Young Hoon 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveTo investigate the prophylactic antiemetic effect of midazolam after middle ear surgery.Study DesignA prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.Subjects and MethodsNinety women patients undergoing middle ear surgery with general anesthesia received intravenously either midazolam 0.075 mg/kg or normal saline (n = 45 each) after induction of anesthesia. The incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting, rescue antiemetics, pain intensity, and side effects such as headache, dizziness, and drowsiness were assessed during the first 24 hours after anesthesia.ResultsMidazolam groups showed total incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting. Patients who required rescue antiemetics were significantly lower than in saline group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in pain intensity and side effects such as headache, dizziness, and drowsiness between groups.ConclusionsMidazolam 0.075 mg/kg is effective for reducing nausea and vomiting after middle ear surgery.
The effect of saline solutions on nasal patency and mucociliary clearance in rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Hauptman Garrett , Ryan Matthew W. 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of two saline nasal sprays on nasal patency and mucociliary clearance in patients with rhinosinusitis.Study DesignRandomized double‐blind trial.Subjects and MethodsEighty patients with rhinosinusitis at a tertiary care academic center had nasal patency and mucociliary clearance measured. Each patient was then treated with either physiological or hypertonic saline. Nasal patency and mucociliary clearance measurements were repeated after treatment. Subjective evaluation was also performed.ResultsBoth solutions improved saccharine clearance times (P < 0.0001). Buffered physiological saline significantly affected nasal airway patency (P = 0.006). Both solutions improved symptoms of nasal stuffiness (P < 0.0001) and nasal obstruction (P < 0.0001). Buffered hypertonic saline caused increased nasal burning/irritation compared with buffered physiological saline (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsBuffered physiological and buffered hypertonic saline nasal sprays both improve mucociliary clearance, which is beneficial for treatment of rhinosinusitis. Additionally, buffered physiological saline improves nasal airway patency, whereas buffered hypertonic saline has no effect. Both solutions provide symptomatic relief, but buffered hypertonic saline is more irritating.