bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tropical environmental changes at the mid-Pleistocene transition: insights from lipid biomarkers
Authors: Schefuß Enno , Jansen J. H. F. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Mid-Pleistocene (1250–450 ka) lipid biomarker accumulation rates and bulk organic geochemical records have been examined from the Angola Basin in the eastern tropical Atlantic to assess the low-latitude environmental changes associated with the onset of the Middle Pleistocene ice ages. In combination with information on lipid sources, we use principal component and spectral analyses to evaluate the main forcing factors of phytoplankton productivity and lipid transport changes. Cross-spectral analyses reveal the phasing in orbitally driven climatic cycles. The average export of marine productivity remained high and unchanged throughout the mid-Pleistocene transition. However, the relative lipid contributions indicate a significant change in the primary-producing ecosystem. Before the growth of mean global ice volume, enhanced siliceous marine production was mainly controlled by monsoonal variations in river runoff, and oceanic upwelling was forced by variations in trade wind zonality. Both precession-driven processes were suppressed by the enlarged global ice mass after the beginning of the mid-Pleistocene transition. With the onset of 100 ka cyclicity, aeolian transport of terrigenous plant waxes and wind-driven coastal and oceanic upwelling strongly increased. From this time onwards, aridification of the continent and strengthening of the trade winds caused profound environmental changes in the tropical realm.
The stratigraphic transition and suggested boundary between the Early and Middle Pleistocene in the loess record of northern Eurasia
Authors: Dodonov A. E. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
This review focuses on the loess-palaeosol record across the Early-Middle Pleistocene transition to show the main structural features in key sections from the Loess Plateau of China via central Asia to Europe. Loess-palaeosol sequences in general demonstrate an impressive coherence with oxygen isotope osillations, providing a high-resolution terrestrial record for stratigraphic subdivision. Accordingly, they are considered useful for detailed climatostratigraphy and correlation. Nonetheless, there are many uncertainties in loess-palaeosol stratigraphic correlation across the Early-Middle Pleistocene transition from region to region within northern Eurasia. The interval between the top of the Jaramillo Subchron and the Matuyama-Brunhes (M-B) Chron boundary is discussed in detail because it embraces suitable horizons for placing the Early-Middle Pleistocene boundary. This interval contains a variable number of loess and palaeosol horizons in sections along the different loess provinces from east to west. A distinctive palaeosol unit just below the M-B reversal can serve as a marker horizon for establishing the Early-Middle Pleistocene boundary. In south Tajikistan, it corresponds to the pedocomplex 10 (PC10) and to palaeosol S8 in the Loess Plateau of China. The base of this soil horizon correlated with the base of Marine Isotope Stage 21 can be considered as a distinctive geological level for recognizing the Early-Middle Pleistocene boundary on the continent.
Environmental change across the Early-Middle Pleistocene transition: small mammalian evidence from the Trinchera Dolina cave, Atapuerca, Spain
Authors: Cuenca-Bescós G. , Rofes J. , Garcia-Pimienta J. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

The sites of Atapuerca are well known for their hominin-bearing localities of Early to Middle Pleistocene age. Trinchera Dolina yields western Europe’s oldest fossil hominin, the 850 ka
Homo antecessor
; and at Sima de los Huesos there occurs the best collection of the Middle Pleistocene hominin
Homo heidelbergensis
. However, small mammals (Rodentia, Insectivora, Chiroptera and Lagomorpha) represent the largest number of species and greatest fossil abundance in the deposits of the Atapuerca cave complex. The small mammals are grouped by habitat categories, but because the ecology of mammals is complex, we base our study on the evolution of these categories throughout the sequence. The assemblage distribution at the Trinchera Dolina site reflects landscape and environmental changes during the past million years. Shifts between woodland, open land and moorland are indicated by the relative abundance of species based on diagnostic elements such as first lower molars. These data are combined with the distribution of large mammals, pollen, sediments and geological context of the Trinchera Dolina site. From this interdisciplinary approach, we conclude that the first hominins from western Europe (
Homo antecessor
) lived during a warm, wet and wooded interval, probably corresponding to Marine Isotope Stages 21 to 19. The transition from Early to Middle Pleistocene at Atapuerca is characterized by palaeoenvironmental changes recorded between levels TD5–6 and TD8–10, respectively. The general opening of the landscape at the beginning of the Middle Pleistocene could have favoured the dispersal of hominins (
Homo heidelbergensis
) across western Europe.
Dissolution Characteristics of Al2Cu and Al-4Cu Thin Films
Authors: Missert N. A. , Isaacs Hugh S. , Copeland Guild , Ingham Bridget , Huang Ruoshuang , Vasiljevic Natasa 
Published: September 2007

Although Cu redistribution during dissolution of Al-Cu alloys is thought to have an important influence on susceptibility to localized corrosion, the details of the redistribution process in different environments are still not clear.	This work uses in-situ x-ray absorption spectroscopy to follow the oxidation state of Cu in intermetallic Al2Cu and Al-4%Cu thin films during dissolution under potential control, in pH 10 borate and near-neutral Cl- environments. The oxidation state of Cu is observed to change only following significant dissolution of Al at potentials well above open circuit. In borate, formation of Cu (I) and Cu (II) occurs at potentials below the equilibrium potential for Cu/Cu2O, suggesting that the surface Cu is electrically isolated from the matrix. At higher potentials and longer exposure times, Cu ions went into solution, but subsequent re-plating of Cu on the surface was not observed.
Nanofabrication Process for Highly Ordered Porous Materials by the Liquid Phase Deposition Methods
Authors: Deki Shigehito , Nakata Akiyoshi , Miyake Takuya , Ooka Sachiyo , Mizuhata Minoru 
Published: September 2007

We have studied a novel technique for the direct synthesis of two-dimensional metal oxide films with highly ordered periodic structure. TiO2 films with highly nano-ordered architectures were directly deposited on substrates at room temperature by the liquid phase infiltration (LPI) method. 2D arrays of several kinds of metal oxide rods with diameters ranging from ca. 100 to 1000 nm are fabricated by filling the holes in a Si wafer.	We summarized the various kinds of ordered structured metal oxide thin film with this method and the other techniques which have been reported that a novel soft solution process for the direct synthesis of large-area well-crystallized oxides with 1D-3D ordered periodic structure has been developed based on the LPI method. Metal oxide thin films were deposited directly into the nano-space, and thus the nano-space was completely infiltrated with metal oxide. The LPI process provides a direct fabrication route for metal oxide films with highly ordered structures, enabling nanoscale modification of optical properties of photonic crystals.
Graphite Foams for Lithium-Ion Battery Current Collectors
Authors: Dudney Nancy J. , Tiegs Terry N. , Kiggans James O. , Jang Young-Il , Klett James W. 
Published: September 2007

Graphite open-cell foams, with their very high electronic and thermal conductivities, may serve as high surface area and corrosion resistant current collectors for lithium-ion batteries. As a proof of principle, cathodes were prepared by sintering carbon-coated LiFePO4 particles into the porous graphite foams. Cycling these cathodes in a liquid electrolyte cell showed promising performance even for materials and coatings that have not been optimized. The specific capacity is not limited by the foam structure, but by the cycling performance of the coated LiFePO4 particles. Upon extended cycling for more than 100 deep cycles, no loss of capacity is observed for rates of C/2 or less.	The uncoated graphite foams will slowly intercalate lithium reversibly at potentials less than 0.2 volts versus lithium.
Challenges and Opportunities for Electrochemical Processing in Microelectronics
Authors: Ritzdorf Tom 
Published: September 2007

Electrochemical deposition processes have become increasingly accepted in mainstream semiconductor and microelectronic processing over the last four decades.	The most commonly discussed process is copper deposition for damascene interconnect manufacturing, but plating has also been used extensively for depositing metal layers in thin film recording heads, depositing solder alloys for flip chip bumps and for depositing gold conductors in III-V semiconductor devices. There are many other opportunities to utilize electrochemical processes in microelectronic manufacturing. This overview discusses some of the current development direction of processes currently in use, as well as some opportunities for implementing additional electrochemical processes in semiconductor processing.
The Kinetics of Sub-Fluorinated Carbon Fluoride Cathodes for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Yazami Rachid , Ozawa Yasunori , Miao Shu , Hamwi Andre , Whitacre Jay , Smart Marshall , West W. , Bugga Ratnakumar 
Published: September 2007

We have developed a new family of sub-fluorinated carbon fluoride materials, CFx (x<1) that show a good tradeoff between energy density and power density, together with excellent low temperature (down to	-60{degree sign}C) performances in lithium primary batteries application. The starting carbon materials consist of synthetic graphite and carbon multi-wall nanotubes. The outstanding CFx electrode kinetics may be related to its unique nano-composite crystal structure having intimately mixed fluorinated and unfluorinated carbon domains, as evidenced by x-ray diffractometry and electron microscopy studies.
Charge Carrier Tunneling Across the Passive Film on Platinum
Authors: Bao Jianer , Macdonald Digby D. 
Published: September 2007

The reduction of oxygen on platinum in 0.1M KOH has been studied at ambient temperature using a rotating ring disk electrode and two Tafel slopes are observed. The structural and electronic properties of this film were investigated over an extended temperature range (25oC to 220oC) using the rate of hydrogen oxidation as an experimental probe in a pressurized, controlled hydrodynamic flow channel. By combining Quantum Mechanical Tunneling theory and the Point Defect Model, a new method was devised for determining the thickness of the extremely thin oxide film on platinum.	This QMT-PDM method yields a temperature-invariant tunneling constant (which defines the blocking character of the oxide film to charge transfer) as 0.57x108cm-1 and yields a barrier height of 0.31eV. Finally, the barrier oxide layer on platinum is postulated to comprise a columnar, nano crystalline structure with tetragonal unit cells oriented with the c-axis perpendicular to the metal surface.
Noise reduction and efficiency improvements via Clatter and Rattle Noise Free (CARF-)Transmissions
Authors: Novak W , Kiefer S , Bertsche B , Stockmeier M , Ryborz J , Doĝan S N 
Published: September 2007

Clatter and rattle noise is an increasing challenge for the development of low-noise transmissions. Efforts to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of combustion engines combined with a decrease of the idle speed cause increasing cyclic irregularities within modern drivelines, which result in an increasing clatter and rattle noise. Numerous external and internal measures for the reduction of clatter and rattle noise propensity have been developed; however, only a few were applied to series products. This article publishes a potential measure for this noise reduction. New grounds were broken in the field of clatter and rattle noise free automotive transmissions by decoupling all gears which are not in the power flow. In addition, a reduction of drag torque is one of the results of this measure which leads to an enhanced efficiency. On the basis of a patented solution (CARF-Transmission), the clatter and rattle noise free transmission is presented as well as a derived development.
Is arthroscopic surgery for stabilisation of chronic shoulder instability as effective as open surgery?
Authors: Hobby J. , Griffin D. , Dunbar M. , Boileau P. 
Published: September 2007

A systematic search of the literature published between January 1985 and February 2006 identified 62 studies which reported the results of arthroscopic procedures for chronic anterior shoulder instability or comparisons between arthroscopic and open surgery. These studies were classified by surgical technique and research methodology, and when appropriate, were included in a meta-analysis. The failure rate of arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation using staples or transglenoid suture techniques appeared to be significantly higher than that of either open surgery or arthroscopic stabilisation using suture anchors or bio-absorbable tacks. Arthroscopic anterior stabilisation using the most effective techniques has a similar rate of failure to open stabilisation after two years.
Treatment of haematogenous pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis by single-stage anterior debridement, grafting of the defect and posterior instrumentation
Authors: Sundararaj G. D. , Babu N. , Amritanand R. , Venkatesh K. , Nithyananth M. , Cherian V. M. , Lee V. N. 
Published: September 2007

Anterior debridement, grafting of the defect and posterior instrumentation as a single-stage procedure is a controversial method of managing pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis. Between 1994 and 2005, 37 patients underwent this procedure at our hospital, of which two died and three had inadequate follow-up. The remaining 32 were reviewed for a mean of 36 months (12 to 66). Their mean age was 48 years (17 to 68). A significant pre-operative neurological deficit was present in 13 patients (41%). The mean duration of surgery was 285 minutes (240 to 360) and the mean blood loss was 900 ml (300 to 1600). Pyogenic organisms were isolated in 21 patients (66%). All patients began to mobilise on the second post-operative day. The mean hospital stay was 13.6 days (10 to 20). Appropriate antibiotics were administered for 10 to 12 weeks. Early wound infection occurred in four patients (12.5%), and late infection in two (6.3%). At final follow-up, the infection had resolved in all patients, neurological recovery was seen in ten of 13 (76.9%) and interbody fusion had occurred in 30 (94%). The clinical outcome was excellent or good in 30 patients according to Macnab’s criteria. This surgical protocol can be used to good effect in patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis when combined with appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Twentieth-century survival from osteosarcoma in childhood
Authors: Foster L. , Dall G. F. , Reid R. , Wallace W. H. , Porter D. E. 
Published: September 2007

We have reviewed the data from our regional Bone Tumour Registry on patients with osteosarcoma diagnosed between 1933 and 2004 in order to investigate the relationship between survival and changes in treatment. There were 184 patients with non-metastatic appendicular osteosarcoma diagnosed at the age of 18 or under. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves, and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression proportional hazards model. The five-year survival improved from 21% between 1933 and 1959, to 62% between 1990 and 1999. During this time, a multi-disciplinary organisation was gradually developed to manage treatment. The most significant variable affecting outcome was the date of diagnosis, with trends in improved survival mirroring the introduction of increasingly effective chemotherapy. Our experience suggests that the guidelines of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence on the minimum throughput of centres for treatment should be enforced flexibly in those that can demonstrate that their historical and contemporary results are comparable to those published nationally and internationally.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autologous double hamstrings: a comparison of standard versus minimal debridement techniques using MRI to assess revascularisation
Authors: Gohil S. , Annear P. O. , Breidahl W. 
Published: September 2007

Animal studies have shown that implanted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts initially undergo a process of revascularisation prior to remodelling, ultimately increasing mechanical strength. We investigated whether minimal debridement of the intercondylar notch and the residual stump of the ruptured ACL leads to earlier revascularisation in ACL reconstruction in humans. We undertook a randomised controlled clinical trial in which 49 patients underwent ACL reconstruction using autologous four-strand hamstring tendon grafts. Randomised by the use of sealed envelopes, 25 patients had a conventional clearance of the intercondylar notch and 24 had a minimal debridement method. Three patients were excluded from the study. All patients underwent MR scanning postoperatively at 2, 6 and 12 months, together with clinical assessment using a KT-1000 arthrometer and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation. All observations were made by investigators blinded to the surgical technique. Signal intensity was measured in 4 mm diameter regions of interest along the ACL graft and the mid-substance of the posterior cruciate ligament. Our results indicate that minimal debridement leads to earlier revascularisation within the mid-substance of the ACL graft at two months (paired t-test, p = 0.002). There was a significant reduction of mid-substance signal six months after the minimal debridement technique (paired t-test, p = 0.00007). No statistically significant differences were found in tunnel placement, incidence of Cyclops lesions, blood loss, IKDC scores, range of movement or Lachman test between the two groups.
Panton-Valentine leukocidin-secreting Staphylococcus aureus causing severe musculoskeletal sepsis in children
Authors: Mitchell P. D. , Hunt D. M. , Lyall H. , Nolan M. , Tudor-Williams G. 
Published: September 2007

Panton-Valentine leukocidin secreted by Staphylococcus aureus is known to cause severe skin, soft tissue and lung infections. However, until recently it has not been described as causing life-threatening musculoskeletal infection. We present four patients suffering from osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, widespread intravascular thrombosis and overwhelming sepsis from proven Panton-Valentine leukocidin-secreting Staphylococcus aureus. Aggressive, early and repeated surgical intervention is required in the treatment of these patients. The Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin not only destroys host neutrophils, immunocompromising the patient, but also increases the risk of intravascular coagulopathy. This combination leads to widespread involvement of bone with glutinous pus which is difficult to drain, and makes the delivery of antibiotics and eradication of infection very difficult without surgical intervention.
Recommendations for the Clinical Evaluation of Agents for Treatment of Osteoporosis: Consensus of an Expert Panel Representing the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD), and the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF)
Authors: Silverman Stuart L , Cummings Steven R , Watts Nelson B ,   for the Consensus Panel of the ASBMR, ISCD, and NOF
Published: September 2007

Abstract
A panel of experts representing ASBMR, NOF, and ISCD reviewed evidence and reached consensus that regulatory approval of treatments for osteoporosis should be based on trials with fracture endpoints, lasting 18-24 mo, and extending treatment to 5 yr; other indications could be approved based on BMD and turnover markers.
Introduction: In response to an FDA request for clinical trial guidance in osteoporosis, an expert panel was convened with representatives from the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research, the International Society of Clinical Densitometry, and the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Materials and Methods: The panel used a validated evidence-based expert panel process (the Rand Appropriateness Method) to address issues of trial duration, trial design, use of intermediate endpoints as outcomes, and use of placebo-controlled trials in high-risk patients.
Results and Conclusions: The panel concluded that placebo-controlled trials with fracture endpoints are appropriate and, with informed consent, are ethical for registration of new compounds. Trials may be 18-24 mo in duration for efficacy, assuming longer duration to 5 yr for safety and demonstration of sustained fracture reduction. Once fracture efficacy has been established for a particular agent, intermediate endpoints (e.g., BMD and bone turnover markers) may be used as outcomes for new indications other than corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis.
High-Protein Intake Enhances the Positive Impact of Physical Activity on BMC in Prepubertal Boys
Authors: Chevalley Thierry , Bonjour Jean-Philippe , Ferrari Serge , Rizzoli René 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
In 232 healthy prepubertal boys, increased physical activity was associated with greater BMC at both axial and appendicular sites under high-protein intake.
Introduction: Physical activity is an important lifestyle determinant of bone mineral mass acquisition. Its impact during childhood can be modulated by nutrition, particularly by protein and calcium intakes. We analyzed the relationship between physical activity levels and protein compared with calcium intake on BMC.
Materials and Methods: In 232 healthy prepubertal boys (age: 7.4 ± 0.4 [SD] yr; standing height: 125.7 ± 5.9 cm; body weight: 25.3 ± 4.6 kg), physical activity and protein and calcium intakes were recorded. BMC was measured by DXA at the radial metaphysis, radial diaphysis, total radius, femoral neck, total hip, femoral diaphysis, and L2-L4 vertebrae.
Results: In univariate analysis, the correlation coefficients r with BMC of the various skeletal sites were as follows: physical activity, from 0.26 (p = 0.0001) to 0.40 (p = 0.0001); protein intake, from 0.18 (p = 0.005) to 0.27 (p = 0.0001); calcium intake, from 0.09 (p = 0.181) to 0.17 (p = 0.007). By multiple regression analysis, the β-adjusted values remained correlated with BMC, ranging as follows: physical activity, from 0.219 (p = 0.0007) to 0.340 (p &lt; 0.0001); protein intake, from 0.120 (p = 0.146) to 0.217 (p = 0.009). In contrast, it was not correlated for calcium intake: from −0.069 (p = 0.410) to 0.001 (p = 0.986). With protein intake (mean = 2.0 g/kg body weight/d) above the median, increased physical activity from 168 to 321 kcal/d was associated with greater mean BMC Z-score (+0.6, p = 0.0005). In contrast with protein intake (mean = 1.5 g/kg body weight/d) below the median, increased physical activity from 167 to 312 kcal/d was not associated with a significantly greater mean BMC Z-score (+0.2, p = 0.371). The interaction between physical activity and protein intake was close to statistical significance for mean BMC Z-score (p = 0.055) and significant for femoral neck BMC (p = 0.012). In keeping with the results derived from multiple regression analysis, the increased physical activity on mean BMC Z-score was not influenced by difference in calcium intake above (mean = 945 mg/d) and below (mean = 555 mg/d) the median.
Conclusion: In healthy prepubertal boys, the impact in increased physical activity on BMC seems to be enhanced by protein intake within limits above the usual recommended allowance.