bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iodine‐binding in Granular Starch: Different Effects of Moisture Content for Corn and Potato Starch
Authors: Saibene Debora , Zobel Henry F. , Thompson Donald B. , Seetharaman Koushik 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe ability of iodine to complex with glucan polymers has been mainly used to elucidate the structure of dispersed starch molecules. In a previous publication [D. Saibene, K. Seetharaman, Carbohydr. Polym., 2006, 64, 539‐547] we reported the ability of granular corn starches to bind iodine at moisture contents as low as 8%. We presumed that iodine binding in a native granule requires a certain minimal level of mobility of the linear molecules, and that the water content would plasticize the starch, thus increasing the ability to bind iodine by the formation of single helices. The objective of the present study was to investigate iodine complex formation with starch molecules in granular common corn starch (CCS) and potato starch (PS) as a function of water content. CCS and PS granules have approximately similar amylose content (21 and 17% amylose, respectively), but different crystalline structures (A‐ and B‐type, respectively). Variable water contents were achieved using salt solutions at water activities (aw) of 0.33, 0.75 or 0.97, and also using Drierite® (aw less than 0.15). The granular samples were then exposed to iodine vapor before determination of the K/S spectra (the ratio of the absorption and scattering coefficients), and X‐ray diffraction patterns. Based on the K/S spectra, at moisture contents in the range of 12‐20%, CCS binds iodine more effectively than PS. We suggest that the reason may be related to the greater amount of water associated with the crystalline regions of PS. Iodination more strongly diminished the crystallinity of PS granules than it did in CCS granules. This behavior is consistent with a greater involvement of amylose in the crystalline structures of PS than in CCS.
Orofaciodigital syndrome Type IV (Mohr–Majewski): early prenatal diagnosis in siblings
Authors: Rösing B. , Kempe A. , Berg C. , Kahl P. , Knöpfle G. , Gembruch U. , Geipel A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe report the sonographic and autopsy findings in two sibling fetuses with autosomal recessive orofaciodigital syndrome (OFDS) Type IV (Mohr–Majewski) diagnosed at 11–13 weeks' gestation. The first‐trimester anomaly scan showed a markedly increased nuchal translucency (NT) thickness in both fetuses (4.7 mm and 5.1 mm). Both fetuses had multiple anomalies involving the brain, cranium, heart and skeletal system and their karyotypes were normal. The pregnancies were terminated and the autopsies showed findings consistent with Mohr–Majewski syndrome. These cases show the overlap between OFDS Type II (Mohr) and lethal short‐rib–polydactyly syndrome Type II (Majewski) and confirm both the autosomal recessive inheritance of the condition and our ability to diagnose it early in pregnancy using detailed fetal ultrasonography. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproducibility of saline contrast sonohysterography for the detection of intracavitary abnormalities in women with abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: Beemsterboer S. N. , Thurkow A. L. , Verstraeten R. , Brölmann H. A. M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectivesSaline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) is a diagnostic test for the examination of intracavitary abnormalities. The objective of this study was to calculate interobserver and intraobserver agreement for the interpretation of video recordings of SCSH procedures according to different levels of experience.MethodsSCSH examinations were carried out by an operator experienced at performing SCSH and were recorded on video. To assess interobserver and intraobserver agreement, video material was scored by observers allocated to different groups according to their level of experience. Observers who had performed 25 or more SCSH procedures were defined as experienced (Group A), those who had carried out 1–24 as less experienced (Group B), and those with no experience of performing SCSH as inexperienced (Group C). All observers were blinded to the case histories of the patients.ResultsThere was a significant difference in kappa values for interobserver agreement between the most experienced group and the less experienced observers. Group A, with the highest level of experience, had a mean kappa value of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.56–0.67), compared with 0.38 (95% CI, 0.33–0.43) in Group B and 0.47 (95% CI, 0.43–0.52) in Group C. The interobserver agreement in Group A was significantly higher than that in Groups B and C (P < 0.001 and P = 0.023, respectively), and Group C performed better than Group B (P = 0.024). Intraobserver agreement (n = 7) was good, with a mean kappa value of 0.66 (Group A, 0.63; Group C, 0.71).ConclusionsInterobserver agreement in interpretation of video recordings of SCSH by inexperienced sonographers is poor, whereas the intraobserver agreement is good. We consider the poor interobserver agreement to be due to non‐uniform diagnostic criteria. Uniform diagnostic criteria for SCSH should be incorporated into the training of residents and other physicians performing these examinations. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective use of sonographic cervical length measurement for predicting imminent preterm delivery in women with preterm labor and intact membranes
Authors: Schmitz T. , Kayem G. , Maillard F. , Lebret M.‐T. , Cabrol D. , Goffinet F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo determine, in a population of women with preterm labor and intact membranes, whether ultrasound cervical length measurement performed only in patients selected according to the Bishop score predicts imminent preterm delivery better than does systematic cervical length measurement in the entire population.MethodsThe Bishop score and sonographic cervical length were recorded prospectively in women with preterm labor between 24 and 34 completed weeks' gestation. Outcome measures were preterm delivery within 48 h and within 7 days. Predictive values were calculated for each marker separately and then in combination.ResultsOf the study population of 395 women, 17 (4.3%) and 32 (8.1%) delivered within 48 h and within 7 days, respectively, following inclusion. For delivery within 7 days, areas under the Bishop score (0.848) and sonographic cervical length (0.813) receiver–operating characteristics curves did not differ significantly. For the selective use of sonographic cervical length measurement in patients selected according to the Bishop score, the test was considered positive if the Bishop score was ≥ 8, or 4–7 with cervical length ≤ 30 mm. This test was as sensitive (94%) but more specific (60% vs. 42%, P < 0.001) for predicting preterm birth within 7 days than was sonographic cervical length with a 30‐mm cut‐off value in the entire population. Results were similar for delivery within 48 h.ConclusionFor predicting imminent preterm delivery in women with preterm labor, measuring sonographic cervical length only in patients with a Bishop score between 4 and 7, compared with a strategy of systematic measurement in the entire population, reduces by 30% the number of false positives and might thus decrease unnecessary therapeutic intervention. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mixture model of nuchal translucency thickness in screening for chromosomal defects
Authors: Wright D. , Kagan K. O. , Molina F. S. , Gazzoni A. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveFetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness increases with crown–rump length (CRL). In screening for chromosomal defects patient‐specific risks are derived by multiplying the a priori maternal age‐related risk by a likelihood ratio, determined from the deviation of the measured NT from the expected median. To quantify this deviation the measured NT is either subtracted (delta NT) or divided by the expected median (multiple of the median method, MoM). This study examines the validity of these methods.MethodsNT was prospectively measured at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks in screening for chromosomal defects. The distribution of NT in euploid and chromosomally abnormal fetuses was examined.ResultsThere were 37 078 normal pregnancies and 264 with trisomy 21, 81 with trisomy 18, 38 with trisomy 13 and 27 with Turner syndrome. We found that firstly, contrary to the assumption underlying the delta NT method, the distribution of delta NT changes with CRL and secondly, contrary to the assumption underlying the MoM method the distribution of NT was not Gaussian. Fetal NT followed two distributions, one that was dependent on CRL and one that was independent of CRL. The distribution in which NT increases with CRL was observed in about 95% of euploid fetuses, 5% with trisomy 21, 30% with trisomy 18, 15% with trisomy 13 and 10% with Turner syndrome. The median CRL‐independent NT was 2.0 mm for the euploid group and 3.4, 5.5, 4.0 and 7.8 mm for trisomies 21, 18, 13 and Turner syndrome, respectively.ConclusionsThe NT thickness in chromosomally normal and abnormal fetuses follows a mixture of a gestation‐dependent and gestation‐independent distribution. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal frequency assignment for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks
Authors: El‐Hajj Wassim , Alazemi Hamed 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe performance of wireless local area networks (WLANs) is based on the performance of the corresponding access points (APs). Nowadays, network engineers tend to manually assign data channels (frequencies) for each AP. They only use channels 1, 6, and 11 because no interference exists between these channels. But it will be far more efficient if all 11 channels are used. Therefore, the channel allocation problem becomes a major challenge when deploying WLANs. In this paper, we assume that the location of each AP is known. Our objective is to optimally assign a frequency for each AP such that the throughput is maximized and the interference between the various APs is minimized. We also consider a realistic scenario where the APs are not in line of sight of each other, but on the other hand there are different barriers that separate them. We formulate the problem using integer linear programming (ILP) in order to obtain the optimal frequency assignment (OFA). Then, we propose two efficient heuristic algorithms to achieve the same results. Finally, we evaluate the performance of all techniques and make a comparison between them. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A routing layer based approach for energy efficient service discovery in mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Ververidis Christopher N. , Polyzos George C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractService discovery can be greatly enhanced in terms of efficiency, both regarding service discoverability and energy consumption, by piggybacking service information into routing messages. Thus, service discovery does not generate additional messages and a node requesting a service, in addition to discovering that service, it is simultaneously informed of the route to the service provider. We extended the Zone Routing Protocol in order to encapsulate service information in its routing messages. Our extended protocol, E‐ZRP, may be seen as a representative of routing layer protocols providing service discovery functionality. Simulations demonstrate the superiority of this routing layer‐based service discovery scheme over that of a similar, but application layer based service discovery scheme. In order to have a thorough evaluation of our approach we introduced a new metric, called Service Availability Duration (SAD), which characterizes the ‘quality’ of discovered services and experimentally examines the implications of network density and node mobility on the availability of services discovered with E‐ZRP, as a typical representative of routing layer based service discovery protocols. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early Experience with the Bioabsorbable Anal Fistula Plug
Authors: Lawes D. A. , Efron J. E. , Abbas M. , Heppell J. , Young‐Fadok T. M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPurposeManagement of anal fistula represents a balance between curing the condition and maintaining anal continence. Recent reports of the results of the porcine anal fistula plug have demonstrated excellent fistula healing rates without reporting significant complications.MethodsThe outcome of patients who underwent treatment for anal fistula with the Surgisis® anal plug was retrospectively reviewed.ResultsTwenty patients were treated; three underwent concomitant anal advancement flap at the time of plug placement. Seventeen patients had a trans‐sphincteric fistula, and three had an anoperineal fistula. Ten patients had previously undergone failed surgical therapy to cure their fistula, including anal advancement flap in four, muscle interposition flap in two, fistulotomy in two, and cutting seton placement in two. Mean follow‐up was 7.4 months. Only 4 of 17 (24%) patients treated with the plug alone had closure of their fistula. Acute postoperative sepsis was seen in 5 of 17 (29%) patients treated with the plug alone. Four developed perianal abscesses that required incision and drainage, and one intersphincteric abscess was treated with antibiotics. Two of the patients who underwent concomitant anal advancement flaps and plug placement healed successfully.ConclusionsContrary to other published series, the use of the Surgisis® anal plug was associated with a low rate of fistula healing and a high incidence of perianal sepsis. The addition of a transanal advancement flap to the procedure may improve success rates.
Cultured stellate cells in human vocal fold mucosa
Authors: Sato K , Miyajima Y , Izumaru S , Nakashima T 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectives:Stellate cells in the maculae flavae, located at both ends of the human vocal fold mucosa, have been considered an independent category of cells. We aimed to isolate and subculture these stellate cells, and to observe their morphological characteristics.Methods:Stellate cells from the maculae flavae and fibroblasts from Reinke's space were cultured in three normal, adult human vocal fold mucosa preparations.Results:The subcultured cells from Reinke's space were conventional fibroblasts. The subcultured cells from the maculae flavae were stellate in shape and had cytoplasmic processes. They were larger than conventional fibroblasts, and lipid droplets in the cytoplasm disappeared in the second culture. These stellate cells proliferated by attaching their cytoplasmic processes to each other. During the seven to 10 month subculture period, each cell type continued to exhibit its own morphological characteristics.Conclusion:This study demonstrated that such stellate cells form an independent cell category, which should be considered as a new category of cells within the human vocal fold.
Laryngeal reconstruction following shrapnel injury in a British soldier: case report
Authors: Sharma N , De M , Martin T , Pracy P 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIntroduction:Laryngeal injuries are uncommon but result in high mortality and morbidity rates when they do occur. We report a case of laryngeal fracture due to penetrating shrapnel injury, repaired with miniplates.Case report:A 26-year-old soldier was involved in an explosion and sustained a shrapnel wound to his right neck. After immediate airway management at the field hospital he was transferred to the UK, where he underwent a neck exploration, laryngofissure and repair of the thyroid cartilage using miniplates. An endolaryngeal stent was placed, which was removed at a second operation seven days later. Post-operatively, the patient recovered well and his voice improved rapidly. Six months post-operatively, he returned to work.Discussion:The cause and nature of laryngeal injury differs between wartime and peacetime. The methods of diagnosis and management strategies are reviewed. The early recognition of injury and protection of the airway are of paramount importance when dealing with laryngeal injury. Delayed laryngeal reconstruction using miniplates can give a good functional result.
Expansion of source equation of elastic line
Authors: Filipovic Mirjana , Vukobratovic Miomir 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYThe paper is concerned with the relationship between the equation of elastic line motion, the “Euler-Bernoulli approach” (EBA), and equation of motion at the point of elastic line tip, the “Lumped-mass approach” (LMA). The Euler–Bernoulli equations (which have for a long time been used in the literature) should be expanded according to the requirements of the motion complexity of elastic robotic systems. The Euler–Bernoulli equation (based on the known laws of dynamics) should be supplemented with all the forces that are participating in the formation of the bending moment of the considered mode. This yields the difference in the structure of Euler–Bernoulli equations for each mode. The stiffness matrix is a full matrix. Mathematical model of the actuators also comprises coupling between elasticity forces. Particular integral of Daniel Bernoulli should be supplemented with the stationary character of elastic deformation of any point of the considered mode, caused by the present forces. General form of the elastic line is a direct outcome of the system motion dynamics, and can not be described by one scalar equation but by three equations for position and three equations for orientation of every point on that elastic line. Simulation results are shown for a selected robotic example involving the simultaneous presence of elasticity of the joint and of the link (two modes), as well the environment force dynamics.
Making Good Land from Bad: The Drainage of West Lancashire, c. 1650–1850
Authors: GRITT ANDREW 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis article investigates the changing administrative context of drainage in south-west Lancashire from the mid-seventeenth to the mid-nineteenth centuries. Successive schemes managed by Commissions of Sewers, piecemeal reclamation and private agreement were characterised by primitive technology, under-investment and poor management. Consequently, their achievements were limited. Large scale drainage schemes under the control of single individuals or powerful syndicates enjoyed greater success, but to coordinate drainage across an ecosystem that went beyond estate boundaries required state intervention in the form of an Act of Parliament of 1779. After some initial success the drainage commissioners found themselves immersed in legal wranglings with landowners and maintenance of the drainage system largely fell into abeyance. It was not until the landlords provided the administrative and financial resources to invest in technological solutions in the 1840s that the land achieved its full potential. It is argued that drainage of this land, resulting in its transformation from some of the worst land in the country to some of the best, was a major contributor not only to the agricultural success of the region, but also to Lancashire's industrial success.
‘Cut down by some cowardly miscreants’: Plant Maiming, or the Malicious Cutting of Flora, as an Act of Protest in Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century Rural England
Authors: GRIFFIN CARL J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSince the publication of Hobsbawm and Rudé'sCaptain Swingour understanding of the role(s) of covert protests in Hanoverian rural England has advanced considerably. Whilst we now know much about the dramatic practices of incendiarism and animal maiming and the voices of resistance in seemingly straightforward acquisitive acts, one major gap remains. Despite the fact that almost thirty years have passed since E. P. Thompson brought to our attention that under the notorious ‘Black Act’ the malicious cutting of trees was a capital offence, no subsequent research has been published. This paper seeks to address this major lacuna by systematically analysing the practices and patterns of malicious attacks on plants (‘plant maiming’) in the context of late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century southern England. It is shown that not only did plant maiming take many different forms, attacking every conceivable type of flora, but also that it was universally understood and practised. In some communities plant maiming was the protestors' weapon of choice. As a social practice it therefore embodied wider community beliefs regarding the defence of plebeian livelihoods and identities.
Listening to the learner voice: The ever changing landscape of technology use for language students
Authors: Conole Gráinne 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWhat does learning in today's technology-enhanced environment mean? Is learning as an activity fundamentally changing as a result of the opportunities offered by new technologies and tools? How are the new communicative channels and increased social dimensions possible through Web 2.0 technologies impacting on the way students work and learn? And what does this mean for the role of teachers and institutions in terms of how they support students? This paper considers these questions and reports on findings from current research evaluating how students are actually using technologies and what this research tells us about the ways in which patterns of learning might be changing. It will consider the implications for individual teachers (in terms of designing and supporting learning activities for students) and institutions in terms of the impact on policy and the associated infrastructure needed to provide an appropriate environment that maximises the potential offered by new technologies.
Virtual interaction through video-web communication: A step towards enriching and internationalizing language learning programs
Authors: Jauregi Kristi , Bañados Emerita 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper describes an intercontinental project with the use of interactive tools, both synchronous and asynchronous, which was set up to internationalize academic learning of Spanish language and culture. The objective of this case study was to investigate whether video-web communication tools can contribute to enriching the quality of foreign language curricula, by facilitating a motivating virtual communication environment for purposeful interaction between non native and native speakers of Spanish to accomplish learning tasks. The project was carried out between a class of twenty Spanish as foreign language students from the University of Utrecht, The Netherlands, and a class of twenty Chilean trainee Spanish teachers from the University of Concepción, Chile. Students interacted weekly, over two months, in dyads and small groups making use of a video-web communication tool, Adobe Connect. The video-web communication tool enabled synchronous interactions, during which participants could see each other while talking and sharing audiovisual documents on-line. A blog was also used to promote collaboration, reflection and exchange of ideas about issues raised during the synchronous sessions. Qualitative data was collected through a questionnaire, analysis of recordings of learners' interaction sessions and the project blog. Results show a positive impact on motivation and on learning outcomes, particularly regarding understanding of the use of language in given contexts, and of cultural issues.