bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase Behavior and Shear Alignment in SWNT‐Surfactant Dispersions
Authors: Nativ‐Roth Einat , Yerushalmi‐Rozen Rachel , Regev Oren 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe effect of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) on the phase behavior of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in aqueous solutions is investigated at room temperature. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) are used for characterization of bulk dispersions and nanometrically thin films. Additional carbonaceous additives (fullerenes, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, and carbon black) serve as reference systems. It is found that dispersions of carbonaceous additive (excluding fullerenes) at intermediate surfactant concentrations (below the liquid‐crystalline region of the native surfactant) induce demixing and macroscopic phase separation in otherwise homogeneous solutions of CTAB. Two coexisting liquid phases of similar CTAB concentrations are observed, with the carbonaceous species residing within the lower phase. At high CTAB concentrations (liquid‐crystal region) the SWNTs are found to incorporate into the ordered lyotropic liquid‐crystalline phase while preserving the native d‐spacing. Investigation of nanometrically thin films at intermediate surfactant concentrations under external shear reveals shear‐induced structure (SIS) in the presence of minute amounts of SWNTs. The effect is found to be exclusive to SWNT and does not occur in dispersions of other carbonaceous additives.
Using XBDDs and ZBDDs in points‐to analysis
Authors: Lhoták Ondřej , Curial Stephen , Amaral José Nelson 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBinary decision diagrams (BDDs) have recently become widely accepted as a space‐efficient method of representing relations in points‐to or reference analyses. When BDDs are used to represent relations, each element of a domain is assigned a bit pattern to represent it, but not every bit pattern represents an element. The circuit design, model checking, and verification communities have achieved significant reductions in BDD sizes using several techniques to reduce the overhead of these don't‐care bit patterns. We adapt these techniques to BDD‐based program analysis, and we study their effect on the BDD size in this context. Specifically, we compare the effectiveness of Coudert and Madre's restrict operation and the use of zero‐suppressed BDDs (ZBDDs) to represent relations. Using don't‐care BDDs (XBDDs) and ZBDDs to reduce the size of the relations allows a compiler or other software analysis tools to analyze larger programs with greater precision. Our experimental evaluation considers both context‐insensitive and context‐sensitive program analyses. We also provide a metric that can be used to estimate whether ZBDDs will be more compact than BDDs for a given analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fretting fatigue strength of SCM435H steel and SUH660 heat‐resistant steel in hydrogen gas environment
Authors: Kubota M. , Tanaka Y. , Kondo Y. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractUtilisation of hydrogen is expected to be one of the solutions against the problems of exhaustion of fossil fuels and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Evaluation of the materials for hydrogen utilisation machines is required. The objectives of this study are the characterisation of fretting fatigue strength of low‐alloy steel SCM435H and heat‐resistant steel SUH660, and the validation of effectiveness of nitriding in hydrogen gas environment. Fretting fatigue tests were conducted up to 3 × 107 cycles. The decrease of fretting fatigue strength in hydrogen gas environment was found at the long‐life region exceeding 107 cycles. The amount of the decrease of the fretting fatigue limit at 3 × 107 cycles was 11% for SCM435H and 15% for SUH660. However, at the stress level above the fretting fatigue limit in air, the finite life in hydrogen gas increased more than that in air. The cause of extension of fatigue life was the delay of start of stable crack propagation. Fretting fatigue crack, which was smaller than 200 µm in length, consumed approximately 60% of the fatigue life in hydrogen gas environment. Fretting fatigue crack was steadily propagated after the test was started in air. Observations of the fretted surface showed that the fretting wear process in hydrogen gas environment was dominated by adhesion. Tangential force coefficient was higher in hydrogen gas environment than that in air. It is considered that the adhesion has a close relation to crack initiation in hydrogen gas environment, and as a result, the failure of specimen occurred at a lower stress level comparing the fretting fatigue limit in air. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency assignments in IEEE 802.11 WLANs with efficient spectrum sharing
Authors: Villegas Eduard Garcia , Ferré Rafael Vidal , Paradells Josep 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAs the number of WLAN users grows, the need to perform efficient radio resource management strategies becomes essential due to the fact that most popular technologies, those based on IEEE 802.11 standards, use unlicensed frequency bands. A good channel assignment improves the network performance, producing benefits that are perceived by the users and also by the network administrators. In this paper, we present a new frequency management scheme for IEEE 802.11 WLANs in the 2.4 GHz ISM band that minimizes interference to increase the throughput available to client stations by adapting a weighted DSATUR algorithm for graph coloring. The algorithm takes both co‐channel and adjacent channel interference into account, and makes use of all available channels instead of the traditional non‐overlapping three. In this way, collisions as well as transmission errors are minimized, thus improving the network capacity and the user experience. Different architectures are discussed for the implementation of our approach, including the possibility to incorporate client stations into the management system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Bone Mineral Density and Parathyroidectomy on Fracture Risk in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: VanderWalde Lindi H. , Liu In‐Lu Amy , Haigh Philip I. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundBone mineral density is one parameter used to decide whether patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) should undergo parathyroidectomy. However, the influence of bone mineral density and parathyroidectomy on subsequent fracture risk is unclear.MethodsThe authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with PHPT based on administrative discharge abstract data. The dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan T‐scores at the femur were collected by chart review, and 10‐year fracture‐free survival (FFS) was the main outcome measured.ResultsA total of 533 patients were identified, most of them ≥ 50 years old (89%) and female (87%). Seventeen percent of the patients were black. Mean initial calcium, parathormone, and creatinine levels were 11.1 mg/dl, 116 pg/ml, and 0.9 mg/dl, respectively. Parathyroidectomy was performed in 159 (30%) patients, and 374 (70%) were observed. The 10‐year FFS after PHPT diagnosis was 94% in patients treated with parathyroidectomy and 81% in those observed (p = 0.006). Compared to observation, parathyroidectomy improved the 10‐year FFS by 9.1% (p = 0.99), 12% (p = 0.92), and 12% (p = 0.02) in patients with normal bones (T‐score ≥ −1.0), osteopenia (T‐score ≤ −1.0, ≥ −2.5), and osteoporosis (T‐score < −2.5), respectively. On multivariate analysis, parathyroidectomy was independently associated with decreased fracture risk (HR = 0.41; 95%CI 0.18, 0.93), whereas non‐black race (HR = 2.94; 95%CI 1.04, 8.30) and T‐score < −2.5 (HR = 2.29; 95%CI 1.08, 4.88) remained independently associated with increased fracture risk.ConclusionsParathyroidectomy decreases the risk of fracture in patients with normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic bones. The largest impact from parathyroidectomy is in patients with osteoporosis. The highest risk of fracture is in non‐blacks and in patients with osteoporosis.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Splenectomy for Nontraumatic Diseases
Authors: Maurus Christine F. , Schäfer Markus , Müller Markus K. , Clavien Pierre‐Alain , Weber Markus 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the standard procedure for normal size or moderately enlarged spleens; open splenectomy (OS) is preferred in cases of splenomegaly. In this study, indications for and complications of open and laparoscopic splenectomy were analyzed, with the aim to identify patients who will benefit from either technique.MethodA consecutive series of 52 patients undergoing elective open or laparoscopic splenectomy between January 2001 and December 2006 was analyzed. Spleen volume was calculated as length × width × depth from the pathologist’s measurements.ResultsLS was performed in 25 patients with a median age of 41 years (range = 24–65). OS was performed in 27 patients with a median age of 60 years (range = 24–86) (p < 0.001). Conversion to OS was necessary in two patients (8%). Operation time was significantly shorter in LS (p < 0.05). Spleen volume was significantly greater in patients who underwent open (median = 2520 ml, range = 150–16,800 ml) versus laparoscopic (median = 648 ml, range = 150–4860 ml) splenectomy (p = 0.001). In 36% of all laparoscopic procedures, spleen volume exceeded 1000 ml. The underlying disease was mainly immunothrombocytopenia in LS patients and lymphoma and osteomyelofibrosis in OS patients. Five patients died after OS. Significantly more patients were hospitalized longer than 7 days following OS than following LS (p < 0.05). Overall complication rate was higher after OS (LS, 8; OS, 13 patients; p < 0.05).ConclusionsLS was preferred in younger patients with moderate splenomegaly, while massive splenomegaly mostly led to OS. In view of the absence of technique‐related differences, LS can primarily be attempted in all patients.
Micellization of Cetyl Triphenyl Phosphonium Bromide Surfactant in Binary Aqueous Solvents
Authors: Shrivastava Ashish , Ghosh Kallol K. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe effect of the different binary aqueous organic solvents viz. 1,4‐dioxane, acetonitrile, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol, and methanol, on the micelle formation and thermodynamics of a cationic surfactant cetyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide has been studied conductometrically at 298–318 K. From the conductivity data critical micelle concentration, degree of counter ion dissociation (α) and thermodynamic parameters of micellization have been determined. It is observed that micellization tendency of the surfactant decreases in the presence of binary aqueous solvents. The entropies of micellization are all positive, and they compensate the enthalpies of the process.
Liver TAG Transiently Decreases While PL n‐3 and n‐6 Fatty Acids are Persistently Elevated in Insulin Resistant Mice
Authors: Scheja Ludger , Toedter Klaus , Mohr Raoul , Niederfellner Gerhard , Michael Mervyn D. , Meissner Axel , Schoettler Anja , Pospisil Heike , Beisiegel Ulrike , Heeren Joerg 
Published: September 2008

AbstractChanges in fatty acid metabolism associated with insulin resistance have been described in rats and humans but have not been well characterized in the frequently used mouse model of diet‐induced obesity. To analyse the early phase as well as established insulin resistance, C57BL/6 mice were placed for 1 or 16 weeks on a high fat diet (1w‐HFD, 16w‐HFD). Endocrine and metabolic parameters indicated that 1w‐HFD mice showed a moderate but significant induction of insulin resistance while 16w‐HFD mice exhibited profound obesity‐associated insulin resistance and dyslipidemias. Significant alterations in fatty acid composition were observed in plasma and liver in both groups. Liver phospholipid‐associated arachidonate and docosahexaenoate were increased in both 1w‐HFD and 16w‐HFD mice, possibly due to increased expression of the desaturases Fads1 and Fads2. Unexpectedly, SCD1 activity and gene expression in liver were decreased in the 1w‐HFD group accompanied by diminished total hepatic lipid levels, while they were increased in chronically fed mice. Our data indicate that the early phase of HFD‐induced insulin resistance is not associated with elevated liver lipid concentration. Furthermore, the early and persistent rise of arachidonate and docosahexaenoate indicates that insulin resistance is not due to insufficient availability (or concentrations) of polyunsaturated fatty acids as postulated previously.
Varus-producing osteotomy for patients with lateral pillar type B and C Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease followed to skeletal maturity
Authors: Castañeda Pablo , Haynes Richard , Mijares Jorge , Quevedo Héctor , Cassis Nelson 
Published: September 2008

Purpose We sought to determine if a varus-producing osteotomy of the proximal femur was related to a better outcome than non-operative treatment for LCP disease. Methods This was a retrospective review of 121 patients; clinical outcome was determined with the Iowa Hip Score, and radiographic outcome was determined with the Stulberg classification. Results A total of 73 patients undergoing a VO and 48 treated non-operatively were included; 70 had lateral pillar type B and 51 type C hips. Average follow-up was 12.03 years. The mean Iowa Hip Score was 86.8 for the VO group and 85.9 for the non-operative group. According to the Stulberg classification for the group undergoing a VO, there were 8 type II, 33 type III, and 32 type III, and for the group undergoing non-operative treatment there were 11 type II, 24 type III, and 13 type IV. Conclusions We found no statistically significant difference in the clinical or radiographic result for patients undergoing a VO compared to non-operative treatment.
A randomised controlled trial with prolonged‐release oral oxycodone and naloxone to prevent and reverse opioid‐induced constipation
Authors: Meissner Winfried , Leyendecker Petra , Mueller‐Lissner Stefan , Nadstawek Joachim , Hopp Michael , Ruckes Christian , Wirz Stefan , Fleischer Wolfgang , Reimer Karen 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTBackground:Opioid‐induced constipation can have a major negative impact on patients’ quality of life. This randomised, double‐blinded study evaluated the analgesic efficacy of prolonged‐release (PR) oral oxycodone when co‐administered with PR oral naloxone, and its impact on opioid‐induced constipation in patients with severe chronic pain. Another objective was to identify the optimal dose ratio of oxycodone and naloxone.Methods:A total of 202 patients with chronic pain (mainly non‐cancer related, 2.5% of patients had cancer‐related pain) under stable oral oxycodone therapy (40, 60 or 80mg/day) were randomised to receive 10, 20, 40mg/day naloxone or placebo. After a 4‐week maintenance phase, patients received oxycodone only for 2 weeks. Pain intensity was evaluated using a numerical analogue scale and bowel function was assessed using the bowel function index.Results:No loss of analgesic efficacy with naloxone was observed. Mean pain intensity scores on randomisation were comparable for placebo, 10mg, 20mg and 40mg naloxone dose, and remained unchanged during treatment. Bowel function improved with increasing naloxone dose. Naloxone 20mg and 40mg significantly improved bowel function at the end of the maintenance phase compared with placebo (p<0.05). Overall, the combination was well tolerated, with no unexpected adverse events. There was a trend towards an increased incidence of diarrhoea with higher doses of naloxone. The 2:1 oxycodone/naloxone ratio was identified as the most suitable for further development.Conclusion:Co‐administration of PR oral naloxone and PR oral oxycodone is associated with a significant improvement in bowel function compared with PR oral oxycodone alone, with no reduction in the analgesic efficacy of oxycodone.
Morell Mackenzie and Crown Prince Frederick: an unpublished manuscript from the Royal Society of Medicine Library
Authors: Hughes J P , Almeyda J S , Bull T R 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe story of Morell Mackenzie and his involvement in the case of Crown Prince Frederick III (the future Emperor of Germany) is as well known as it is controversial. The consequences of the case were profound, both medically and politically. Most documents concerning the case are affected by varying degrees of bias, and as a result our understanding of the true events is incomplete. We present a brief summary of the case, and review an unpublished manuscript which adds to our understanding of the events. This manuscript is supportive of Mackenzie's early management of the Crown Prince's illness and acknowledges the importance of the case in medical history.
Primary carcinoid tumour of nasal septum
Authors: Galm T , Turner N 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective:We present the first reported case of primary carcinoid tumour of the nasal septum.Method:Case report of our experience of a carcinoid tumour of the nasal septum. We discuss our clinical, radiological and pathological findings.Result:An 83-year-old woman presented with a history of left-sided nasal blockage. Clinical examination showed a unilateral, left-sided nasal polyp. Further imaging and histological analysis confirmed this to be a carcinoid tumour. Carcinoid tumours outside the gastrointestinal tract are rare. There have been reports of carcinoid tumours in the head and neck region, but no published cases occurring in the nasal septum. Our management involved wide surgical resection with regular follow up to monitor for recurrence and for the development of carcinoid syndrome. Four years from initial presentation, the patient remained free of the primary tumour and had displayed no signs or symptoms suggestive of carcinoid syndrome.Conclusion:To the authors' best knowledge, and after searching the world literature, the presented case represents the first report of primary carcinoid tumour of the nasal septum. Despite its rarity, this tumour should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis, as timely recognition and intervention are critical for successful treatment.
Beyond Modernisation? Social Care and the Transformation of Welfare Governance
Authors: NEWMAN JANET , GLENDINNING CAROLINE , HUGHES MICHAEL 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis article reflects on the process and outcomes of modernisation in adult social care in England and Wales, drawing particularly on the recently completed Modernising Adult Social Care (MASC) research programme commissioned by the Department of Health. We begin by exploring the contested status of ‘modernisation’ as a descriptor of reform. We then outline some of the distinctive features of adult social care services and suggest that these features introduce dynamics likely to shape both the experiences and outcomes of policy ambitions for modernisation. We then reflect on the evidence emerging from the MASC studies and develop a model for illuminating some of the dynamics of welfare governance. Finally, we highlight the emerging focus on individualisation and on user-directed and controlled services. We argue that the current focus of modernisation involves a reduced emphasis on structural and institutional approaches to change and an increased emphasis on changes in the behaviours and roles of adult social care service users. This focus has implications for both the future dynamics of welfare governance and for conceptions of citizenship.
Using Life Histories in Social Policy Research: The Case of Third Sector/Public Sector Boundary Crossing
Authors: LEWIS DAVID 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe life-history method is a valuable tool for social policy research. Taking an anthropological approach to studying policy, the article analyses the usefulness of the method using data drawn from a set of recently collected life-work histories from the UK. These life-work histories document the experiences of individuals who have crossed over between the public sector and the ‘third sector’ during their careers. The article first briefly reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the life-history method, then goes on to analyse selected issues and themes that emerge from the data at both the contextual and the individual levels. The article concludes that life-history work adds to our knowledge of the relationship between these two sectors, and of the processes through which ideas about ‘sector’ and policy are constructed and enacted.
Older Men and Work in the Twenty-First Century: What Can the History of Retirement Tell Us?
Authors: MACNICOL JOHN 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe New Labour government has set a target of getting 1,000,000 more people aged 50 and over (50+) back into work as part of its aim of achieving an overall employment rate of 80 per cent among people of working age. To this end, a variety of policies have been introduced to encourage citizens to work later in life, notably the 2006 Age Regulations. However, much of the government's analysis is based on supply-side reasoning that has retained its credibility only because of the rise in older people's employment rates that has taken place since 1994. This article focuses on the employment problems of older men, since their employment rates have fallen sharply since the 1970s. Examination of both the history of retirement and less favourable underlying economic trends suggests that extending the working lives of older men may not be easy.
Measuring Poverty in Britain as a Multi-dimensional Concept, 1991 to 2003
Authors: TOMLINSON MARK , WALKER ROBERT , WILLIAMS GLENN 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWhile poverty is widely accepted to be an inherently multi-dimensional concept, it has proved very difficult to develop measures that both capture this multi-dimensionality and facilitate comparison of trends over time. Structural equation modelling appears to offer a solution to this conundrum and is used to exploit the British Household Panel Study to create a multi-dimensional measure of poverty. The analysis reveals that the decline in poverty in Britain between 1991 and 2003 was driven by falls in material deprivation, but more especially by reduced financial stress, particularly during the early 1990s. The limitations and potential of the new approach are critically discussed.
Doing a Bit more for the Poor? Social Assistance in Latin America
Authors: LLOYD-SHERLOCK PETER 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSocial assistance programmes involving cash transfers to poor and vulnerable households have become a major focus of development policy in recent years. This article compares the experiences of three such programmes in Latin America: Oportunidades in Mexico, Jefes y Jefas de Hogares in Argentina, and Brazil's social pension. Particular attention is given to each programme's administrative effectiveness, as well as their impacts on poverty, human capital, and household and gender dynamics. More broadly, the article assesses whether these schemes live up to their billing as ‘best practice’ for developing countries, and how they relate to wider shifts in the political economy of welfare provision. It concludes that experiences have been mixed, that claims about positive outcomes are sometimes exaggerated, and that the potential of these programmes to substantially re-orientate welfare systems and promote equitable public policies remains limited.