bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonographic longitudinal cervical length measurements in nulliparous women at term: prediction of spontaneous onset of labor
Authors: Meijer‐Hoogeveen M. , Van Holsbeke C. , Van Der Tweel I. , Stoutenbeek P. , Visser G. H. A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to predict spontaneous onset of labor by serial transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length (CL) in a homogeneous population of nulliparous women at term.Methods162 nulliparous women with singleton fetuses in cephalic presentation were examined at weekly intervals from 36 weeks' gestation to delivery. CL was measured by transvaginal ultrasound in the supine and upright positions.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in CL in the last 12 days prior to delivery. However, this decrease was small with substantial variation between individuals. Women with spontaneous onset of labor could be divided into three different groups: those with unchanged CL before delivery; those with a fall in CL in the last 2 weeks prior to delivery; and those with a gradual change in CL starting before the last 2 weeks prior to delivery. A single CL measurement below 30 mm between 37 and 38 weeks of gestation predicted spontaneous onset of labor before 41 weeks' gestation with a sensitivity of 46%, specificity of 78%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 82%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 40% in the supine position; and sensitivity of 53%, specificity of 72%, PPV of 81%, NPV of 40% in the upright position.ConclusionBetween 37 and 38 weeks' gestation, spontaneous onset of labor before 41 weeks can be predicted by a CL measurement, but with low sensitivity and NPV. Inter‐individual variations in CL and in CL changes are large, which hampers the value of single and repeated CL measurements for the prediction of spontaneous onset of labor at term. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface chemical analysis of plasma polymer films: How far shines the light today?
Authors: Unger Wolfgang E.S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA survey is given on how a combination of modern methods of surface analysis with appropriate data evaluation procedures can be used to provide a thorough chemical characterization of plasma polymerized organic films often called plasma polymers. Technologically relevant parameters can be monitored versus variation of plasma process parameters and during ageing of the films on air. The level of development of analytical approaches reached during the last ten years opens many options which are useful to be applied in plasma process development, optimization and control. However, in a number of important cases further development of analytical methods is required. Another future challenge is to develop standards with metrological underpinning to reach comparability of measurements in the community.
Altes und Neues über Dünnschicht Strahlteiler
Authors: Schürmann Mark , Kaiser Norbert 
Published: August 2008

AbstractEs gibt verschiedene Möglichkeiten, achromatische Strahlteiler (Neutralteiler) mittels dünner Schichten zu realisieren. Ob die Wahl dabei auf einen metallischen, einen dielektrischen oder einen metall‐dielektrischen Strahlteiler fällt, hängt im Wesentlichen von den optischen Anforderungen, den Umweltbedingungen, unter denen er eingesetzt werden soll und von wirtschaftlichen Gesichtspunkten ab. Grundlegende Arbeiten zu achromatischen Strahlteilern von H. Pohlack aus den 1950er Jahren besitzen bis heute Aktualität. Ihre Kenntnis ist weiterhin ein wertvoller Wegweiser bei der Auswahl geeigneter Schichtsysteme für die unterschiedlichsten Anwendungen.
HIPIMS Power for Improved Thin Film Coatings
Authors: Ochs Dirk. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractHigh Power Impulse Sputtering (HIPIMS) has received increasing attention as a new sputtering technique. The main feature of the HIPIMS process is the high ionization percentages in the sputter flux. This can be used for film densification, surface modification, trench filling and other applications. Layers produced with HIPIMS show superior properties in many applications. The most investigated and promising HIPIMS application is for hard coatings in wear and corrosion protection (e.g., CrN or TiN). This application and the related coating equippment has been discussed in detail by W.‐D. Münz in a previous issue [1]. The significantly lower heat transfer to the substrate compared to standard magnetron sputtering is another advantage of the HIPIMS process. This enables high rate coating even on temperature sensitive substrates. HIPIMS also significantly changes the hysteresis curve in reactive sputtering, offering a much easier control of the reactive process. HIPIMS power supplies can be added to existing sputter systems with little or no system modification. By this way the process capability can be extended easily. Production power supplies with pulse energies up to 16MW and pulse frequencies up to 1 kHz are available. Design and features of these power supplies are discussed in this article.
QoS‐based space‐frequency prefiltering for TDD MC‐CDMA systems in slowly time‐varying channels
Authors: Yan Zhou 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis work presents a space‐frequency prefiltering scheme for slowly time‐varying TDD MC‐CDMA downlink communications with multiple antennas at the base station (BS). Unlike the conventional spatially uncorrelated block fading channel model, both channel variation in each packet and spatial correlation are considered in the design. In the TDD mode, the mobile terminals (MTs) transmit training signals at the end of each uplink packet. In the following downlink packet, the BS computes the signal weights on different antennas and subcarriers for each MT in each symbol period based on the channel state predicted from the received training signals. The goal is to minimize the total required transmit power while keeping the received signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) as the target for each MT. Moreover, the maximum packet length for satisfying the SINR requirements has been determined. The results indicate that the total required transmit power can be reduced by a lower mobile speed or more BS antennas. As a result, the maximum packet length can be extended in virtue of the power reduction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new method of sequential sampling to obtain the population estimates with a fixed level of precision
Authors: Kuno Eizi 
Published: August 2008

SummaryA simple method of sequential sampling is developed which would make it automatically possible to secure, without excess sampling, a predetermined level of precision for a series of population estimates being required. It appears to have wide application to sampling field populations under various situations since it is simply based upon the relationship of variance to mean for which a comprehensive formula deduced for biological populations from the linearity in the regression of mean crowding on mean density could be adopted. Some problems that may arise in practical application of the method are also discussed.
Depth distribution of adults and immatures of two Tribolium Castaneum strains in pure and mixed cultures
Authors: Wool David 
Published: August 2008

Summary
The distribution of adults and immatures of two Tribolium castaneum strains in plexiglas towers was studied both in single‐strain and in mixed cultures.
The adults of the + + strain tended to be, on the average, deeper in the flour than the bb adults, in pure and in mixed cultures.
Adult distribution was independent of sex.
The correlation between adult and egg distribution was usually negative, due to either adult movement in the flour, or to reduced fecundity and increased cannibalism of eggs where adults were numerous, or both.
Larvae, and especially pupae, of bb were more abundant in the upper sections, and + + in the lower sections, of towers, both in pure and in mixed cultures and, in particular, at the higher density.
In general, the distribution of the strains in the mixed cultures was very similar to the pure cultures, showing a very small effect of the interaction between the two strains, in comparison with GHENT’S results with two species. It seems that the two strains are very much alike in their ability to exploit their environment and therefore their success is the same (when pupal cannibalism is reduced) whether the biological component of the environment is composed of one or two strains.
Energetics of isopod populations in a forest of central Japan
Authors: Saito Susumu 
Published: August 2008

SummaryEnergetics of the populations of three isopods, Armadillidium vulgare, Porcellio scaber and Ligidium japonicum were studied in a warm‐temperate evergreen broadleaved forest of Mt. Kiyosumi in central Japan. The study deals with age composition, survivorship curves, relations of body size to number of eggs or young, and mean growth curves of the populations. Respiratory rates, calorific values and food consumptions of the individual animals were determined in the laboratory.Population density of A. vulgare was highest of the three species, being about 350/m2 in June 1966. The survivorship curve of the L. japonicum population was more close to L‐type than the others. Average total biomass for populations of A. vulgare, P. scaber and L. japonicum were 3.3 kcal/m2, 0.67 kcal and 0.43 kcal on the monthly basis, respectively. The energy of 35.2 kcal/m2 was estimated to be assimilated by the A. vulgare population, 7.84 kcal by P. scaber and 6.91 kcal by L. japonicum during the period from October 1965 to September 1966.The relations between assimilation A and production P for fish, grasshopper and isopod populations were found to be expressed as A=aPb. The values of the constant a for the fish, grasshopper and isopod populations seem to be in the range from 10 to 25, from 2 to 7 and from 4 to 8, respectively.Production efficiencies presented as P/A of A. vulgare, P. scaber and L. japonicum populations were estimated as 19.1%, 15.3% and 13.1%, respectively. The ecological efficiency represented as M/C of these isopod populations was estimated to be in the range from 7.6% to 11. 2%. Reproduction efficiency (Rp/P) of L. japonicum population was 20%, being the highest value of the three isopod species. This may be related to the L‐type survivorship curve of L. japonicum population. Reproduction efficiency, relating closely to the age structure of the population, is important in the investigation of populations of animals, particularly those that have long life span.
Water‐Soluble Contrast Medium (Gastrografin) Value in Adhesive Small Intestine Obstruction (Asio): A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial
Authors: Di Saverio Salomone , Catena Fausto , Ansaloni Luca , Gavioli Margherita , Valentino Massimo , Pinna Antonio Daniele 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundPatients with adhesive small intestine obstruction (ASIO) are difficult to evaluate and to manage and their treatment is still controversial. The diagnostic and therapeutic role of water‐soluble contrast medium (Gastrografin) in ASIO is still debated. This study was designed to determine the therapeutic role of Gastrografin in patients with ASIO.MethodsThe study was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled investigation. The primary end points were the evaluation of the operative rate reduction and shortening the hospital stay after the use of Gastrografin. A total of 76 patients were randomized into two groups: the control group received traditional treatment (TT), whereas the study group (GG) received in addition a Gastrografin meal and follow‐through study immediately. Patients with Gastrografin in the colon within 36 hours were considered to be partially obstructed and submitted to nonoperative management. If after 36 hours, the Gastrografin had not entered the colon, the subjects were submitted to laparotomy.ResultsNo significant differences were found in age, sex, intravenous administration of prokinetics, incidence and characteristics of the previous procedures in surgical history of the patients, previous episodes of ASIO and surgery for adhesiolysis, or duration of symptoms before admission. In the GG group obstruction resolved subsequently in 31 of 38 cases (81.5%) after a mean time of 6.4 hours. The remaining seven patients were submitted to surgery, and one of them needed bowel resection for strangulation. In the control group, 21 patients were not submitted to surgery (55%), whereas 17 showed persistent untreatable obstruction and required laparotomy: 2 of them underwent bowel resection for strangulation. The difference in the operative rate between the two treatment groups reached statistical significance (p = 0.013). The time from the hospital admission for obstruction to resolution of symptoms was significantly lower in the GG group (6.4 vs. 43 hours; p < 0.01). The length of hospital stay revealed a significant reduction in the GG group (4.7 vs. 7.8 days; p < 0.05). This reduction was more evident in the subset of patients who did not require surgery (3 vs. 5.1 days; p < 0.01). No GG‐related complications or significant differences in major complications and the relapse rate were found (relapse rate, 34.2% after a mean time to relapse of 6.3 months in the GG group vs. 42.1% after 7.6 months in the TT; p = not significant).ConclusionsData showed that the use of Gastrografin in ASIO is safe and reduces the operative rate and the time to resolution of obstruction, as well as the hospital stay.
Identification of Monosialylated N-glycoforms in the CDG Urinome by Ion Mobility Tandem Mass Spectrometry: The Potential for Clinical Applications
Authors: Vakhrushev Sergey Y. , Langridge James , Campuzano Iain , Hughes Chris , Peter-Katalinić Jasna 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Introduction
A novel approach of ion mobility tandem mass spectrometry (IMS-MS/MS) is applied to analysis of human glycourinome to obtain carbohydrate pattern data of congenital disorders of glycosylation patient. Overlapping of the complex carbohydrate mass range landscape has been highly reduced upon IMS-MS procedure, allowing more efficient identification by mapping and sequencing of glycan precursor ions, following their separation by mobility, according to difference in drift time through the traveling wave IMS cell. Intact and truncated N- and O-glycan structures modified by sialylation and fucosylation were identified according to their drift time separated molecular ions and submitted to fragmentation in a narrow mass window.

IMS CID MS/MS Analysis
The fragmentation spectra generated from the IMS separated precursor ions contain series of fragment ions maintaining the same mobility as their parent ions, and the assignment accuracy can be significantly enhanced.

Conclusion
According to the specific fragment ion patterns, carbohydrate epitopes described to be involved in pathological processes were assigned. A high potential of this glycomics-based strategy for clinical applications can be presented.
Why embarrassment inhibits the acquisition and use of condoms: A qualitative approach to understanding risky sexual behaviour
Authors: Bell Jo 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThis article is based on research commissioned by the UK Government's Teenage Pregnancy Unit. The Living on the Edge (LOTE) study qualitatively explored factors that shape young people's experiences and attitudes towards sexual behaviour and young parenthood in three linked seaside and rural areas in England. It identifies embarrassment as a key risk factor in young people's sexual behaviour and demonstrates why engaging in protective behaviour and seeking information and advice, can be constrained by fear of embarrassment and concerns about how they are regarded by others. This paper also argues that embarrassment around condom use is not necessarily restricted to adolescence. Embarrassment is a deeply unpleasant experience for everyone and people (young and old) are motivated to avoid it. Implications and recommendations for future policy and service provision are highlighted.
Molecular and ultrastructural characterization of endothelial cells differentiated from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Jazayeri Maryam , Allameh Abdolamir , Soleimani Masoud , Jazayeri Seyed Hamid , Piryaei Abbas , Kazemnejad Somaieh 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn this study characterization of endothelial cells differentiated from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMCs) was investigated in relation to their capillary network formation potential. Differentiation was performed in presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1). A panel of cellular and molecular markers was used for characterization of the endothelial cells. The cells were strongly positive for von Willebrand factor (vWF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) when measured at protein and mRNA levels. Development of endothelial cells was found to be associated with formation of typical organelles such as Weibel Palade (WP) bodies, Cavealae and pinocytic vesicles. Early vessel growth was also evidenced by showing specific junctions between the cells. The migratory and angiogenic properties of the cells were confirmed by showing capillary network formation in vitro. These results indicate that the capacity of endothelial cells differentiated from hBMSCs in formation of vascular system is consistent with molecular and structural development.
Characterization of water of hydration fractions in rabbit skeletal muscle with age and time of post‐mortem by centrifugal dehydration force and rehydration methods
Authors: Cameron Ivan L. , Short Nicholas J. , Fullerton Gary D. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractCentrifugal dehydration force (CDF) and rehydration isotherm (RHI) methods were used to measure and characterize hydration fractions in rabbit psoas skeletal muscle. The CDF method assessed fluid flow rate from rabbit muscle and hydration capacity of the fractions. Bulk and multiple non‐bulk water fractions were identified. The non‐bulk water was divisible into the following fractions: two outer non‐bulk fractions, a main chain proteins backbone or double water bridge fraction, and a single water bridge fraction. The total non‐bulk water amounts to about 85% of the total water in the muscle. The sizes of the water fractions (in g water/g dry mass) agree with a recently proposed molecular stoichiometric hydration model (SHM) applicable to all proteins in and out of cells (Fullerton GD, Cameron IL. Water compartments in cells. Methods Enzymol, 2007; Cameron IL, Fullerton GD. Interfacial water compartments on tendon/collagen and in cells. In: Pollack GH, Chin WC, editors. Phase transitions in cells. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer, 2008). Age of the rabbit significantly slowed the flow rate of the outer non‐bulk water fraction by about 50%. Also, muscle of the older rabbit (26 weeks vs. 12 weeks old) had less bulk water and less outer non‐bulk water but the same amount of main chain backbone water compared to muscle of the younger rabbit. Increase in time post‐mortem from 30 min to 4 h resulted in rigor mortis and a significantly slower flow rate of water from the outer non‐bulk water fraction, which is attributed to muscle contraction, increased packing of contractile elements and increased obstructions to flow of fluid from the muscle fibers.
Reciprocal pathway between medullary visceral zone and hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus or paraventricular nucleus involved in hyperosmotic regulation
Authors: Yang Zhijun , Rao Zhiren , Jiang Xiaodan , Yuan Hua , Duan Li , Chen Liangwei , Wang Ying , Xu Ruxiang , Zeng Yanjun 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn this study we try to simultaneously investigate the response of neurons and astrocytes of rats following hyperosmotic stimulation and test the possibility that the reciprocal pathways between medullary visceral zone (MVZ) and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) or supraoptic nucleus (SON). Hyperosmotic pressure animal model was established by administering 3% sodium chloride as drinking water to rats. The distribution and expression of the HRP retrogradely labeled neurons, Fos, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or vasopressin (VP) positive neuron and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive astrocytes in the MVZ, SON and PVN were observed by quadruplicate‐labeling methods of WGA‐HRP retrograde tracing combined with anti‐Fos, TH (or VP) and GFAP immunohistochemical technique. Fos positive neurons within the MVZ, PVN and SON increased markedly. There were also a large number of GFAP positive structures in the brain and their distribution pattern was fundamentally similar or analogous to Fos positive neurons in the above‐mentioned areas. The augmented GFAP reactivities took on hypertrophic cell bodies, thicker and longer processes. Quadruplicate immunohistochemical staining showed that a neuron could be closely surrounded by many astrocytes and they formed neuron–astrocytic complex (N–ASC). Fos+/TH+/HRP+/GFAP+ and Fos+/VP+/HRP+/GFAP+ quadruplicate labeled N–ASC could be found in the MVZ, PVN and SON, respectively. The present results indicated that the neurons and astrocytes might be very active following hyperosmotic pressure and N–ASC as a functional unit might serve to modulate osmotic pressure. There were reciprocal osmoregulation pathways between the MVZ and SON or PVN in the brain.
Sympathomimetic inefficiency in restoring contractility in the acute or chronic β‐blocker‐treated ischaemic heart: Comparison with a new agent
Authors: Mattera Giovan Giuseppe , Vanoli Emilio , Gagnol Jean‐Pierre , Loi Francesca Maria Paola , Borsini Franco , Carminati Paolo 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:Adequate pharmacologic cardiac support in acute myocardial infarction (MI), as well as in chronic MI patients under β‐blocker therapy, is problematic due to the impaired cardiac response to β‐adrenergic agonists. New therapeutic approaches could resolve this problem. Istaroxime (ISTA) is a new Na+,K+‐ATPase inhibitor and SERCA2 agonist.Aims:To evaluate: 1) the effects of dobutamine (DOB) on left ventricular function in early (48–72 h) and late (14 days) phases of a post‐MI canine model, compared to ISTA, and 2) the efficacy of DOB in chronic left ventricular dysfunction (6 months post‐MI) in dogs pre‐treated or not with a β‐blocker, compared with ISTA and milrinone (MIL).Results:When compared to the effects in healthy animals, DOB increased contractility only slightly in the first 48–72 h post‐MI, whereas its efficacy recovered partially by day 14 and fully by 6 months after MI. ISTA had a greater effect on contractility than DOB and improved relaxation, while DOB did not. Moreover, β‐adrenergic blockade inhibited the inotropic action of DOB, without altering the effect of ISTA. Surprisingly, ß‐adrenergic blockade blunted the effects of MIL.Conclusion:ISTA may represent a novel strategy for enhancing left ventricular performance even in the context of acute MI and/or concomitant β‐adrenergic blockade.