bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
QD technology and market prospects in the sectors of space exploration, biomedicine, defense, and security
Authors: Charitidis C. A. , Golnas A. , Chouliaras F. , Arpatzanis N. , Dimitriadis C. A. , Lee J. I. , Bakolias C. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractQuantum dots (QD) are a unique subset of nanomaterials characterized by their extraordinary quantum confinement behaviour. Even though the quantum dot industry is still in its infancy with revenues now reaching $10 million, it is expected to surpass $500 million in 2009. However, in order to leverage the full potential of the QD technology, new fabrication processes must be developed to attain high detectivity and high operating temperature (HOT) photodetector devices. The Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors (QDIPs) possess an immense potential for civilian and military applications due to the distinct characteristics stemming from their dimensionality – which provides 3D carrier confinement and the capacity for normal‐incidence detection – and their amenability to bandgap engineering – which allows tailoring the peak and cutoff wavelengths according to custom needs. The QDIPs, especially when optimized to operate at higher temperatures, can become critical components in space exploration, defence and security, optical communication, quantum computing and cryptography, and medical imaging applications. Robust and reliable solutions for these fields will command a premium position in the marketplace as by responding to the societal need for secure electronic transactions, exponentially faster data processing, and higher quality diagnostic tools. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A wireless sensor network for building structural health monitoring and seismic detection
Authors: Katsikogiannis P. , Zervas E. , Kaltsas G. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe aim of this work is to develop a wireless sensor network for both structural health monitoring of civil infrastructure and seismic event detection and recording. The network is consisted of a small number of nodes, on which high resolution ADXL accelerometers are connected. The nodes are placed within the building in pre‐determined locations, in order to acquire and record data generated by seismic activity. A massive installation of such networks could monitor the seismic activity of wide areas within a city, allowing civil safeguard to act quickly in case of serious earthquakes events. The nodes are stationary and the network is self‐organized and self‐configured. We mainly focus on the routing protocol of the network and the time synchronization of the data. Since all data are gathered to a master node placed at the base of the building, successful transmission to that node is of great importance. Therefore, the developed routing protocol emphasizes at the delivery robustness of the transmitted data, trading off latency. Data travel through a multi‐hop order and no periodic routing advertisement is required. Regarding the time synchronization, the desired accuracy is on the order of 1ms. In order to achieve such accuracy, a time synchronization protocol has been developed. Clock differences and drifts between the nodes are calculated and taken into account when synchronizing the acquired data, thus accomplishing even better accuracy (tens of μs). Experimental evaluation in laboratory specially designed set‐up, proved that the performance of both protocols meet the needs of the propose application. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evolution of photoluminescence and chemical composition of the nanostructured silicon in water solutions
Authors: Shevchenko V. B. , Makara V. A. , Dacenko O. I. , Veblaya T. S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractModification of the IR absorption spectra and photoluminescent properties of nanoporous silicon as a result of its interaction with water solutions is investigated. The effect of air pre‐oxidation and the solution pH on the interaction is studied. It is found that the reaction of silicon dissolution dominates at the first stage of water treatment, while the formation of the stoichiometric silicon oxide occurs at the second one. Thereafter, the properties of nanoporous silicon are stabilized. The pre‐oxidation extent of the sample is found to determine the stabilization time for its properties and the ultimate photoluminescence (PL) parameters. Variation of the solution pH from 4 to 8.5 affects only the evolution rate of the PL spectra. The modifications of the nanostructured silicon PL spectra are explained within the quantum‐size model of luminescence. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Naringin ameliorates mitochondrial lipid peroxides, antioxidants and lipids in isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats
Authors: Rajadurai M. , Prince P. Stanely Mainzen 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe present study was undertaken to evaluate the preventive role of naringin on mitochondrial lipid peroxides, antioxidants and lipids in isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced myocardial infarction (MI) in male Wistar rats. Rats subcutaneously injected with ISO (85 mg/kg) at an interval of 24 h for 2 days resulted in a significant increase in the levels of mitochondrial lipid peroxides with a significant decrease in the activities/levels of mitochondrial antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione‐S‐transferase and reduced glutathione). ISO‐induction also showed a significant increase in the levels of mitochondrial cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids with a subsequent decrease in the levels of phospholipids. Oral pretreatment with naringin (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) to ISO‐induced rats daily for a period of 56 days significantly decreased the levels of mitochondrial lipid peroxides with a significant increase in the activities/levels of mitochondrial antioxidants and significantly minimized the alterations in the mitochondrial lipid levels in ISO‐induced rats. Thus, the findings demonstrate that naringin prevents alterations in mitochondrial lipid peroxides, antioxidants and lipids in ISO‐induced MI in rats. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accelerator mass spectrometry 14C determination in CO2 produced from laser decomposition of aragonite
Authors: Rosenheim Brad E. , Thorrold Simon R. , Roberts Mark L. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe determination of 14C in aragonite (CaCO3) decomposed thermally to CO2 using an yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet doped neodymium laser is reported. Laser decomposition accelerator mass spectrometry (LD‐AMS) measurements reproduce AMS determinations of 14C from the conventional reaction of aragonite with concentrated phosphoric acid. The lack of significant differences between these sets of measurements indicates that LD‐AMS radiocarbon dating can overcome the significant fractionation that has been observed during stable isotope (C and O) laser decomposition analysis of different carbonate minerals. The laser regularly converted nearly 30% of material removed into CO2 despite it being optimized for ablation, where laser energy breaks material apart rather than chemically altering it. These results illustrate promise for using laser decomposition on the front‐end of AMS systems that directly measure CO2 gas. The feasibility of such measurements depends on (1) the improvement of material removal and/or CO2 generation efficiency of the laser decomposition system and (2) the ionization efficiency of AMS systems measuring continuously flowing CO2. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct measurement of the nitrogen content by XPS in self‐passivated TaNx thin films
Authors: Lamour Patrice , Fioux Philippe , Ponche Arnaud , Nardin Michel , Vallat Marie‐France , Dugay Pierre , Brun Jean‐Paul , Moreaud Nathanaël , Pinvidic Jean‐Marc 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe nitrogen content in tantalum nitride (TaNx) thin films, where x indicates that TaNx is not generally stoechiometric, can be measured directly by XPS. This is the purpose of the present study. However, the XPS spectra of TaNx present electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) peaks that lead to a complex peak fitting, particularly for self‐passivated thin films. A complete peak fitting procedure based upon Tougaard's background, the Doniach‐Sunjic Function and EELS peaks, is presented. It is applied to two self‐passivated TaNx thin films elaborated by reactive sputtering and presenting a different nitrogen content. The physical properties of these surfaces are interpreted in terms of Ta 4f7/2 chemical states directly dependent on the nitrogen content. The main results are discussed and improvements are proposed to the method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behaviors of single CO2molecule on pentagon at carbon nanotube tip observed by field emission microscopy
Authors: Kishimoto Yoshiki , Hata Koichi 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBehaviors of a single CO2 molecule on a clean pentagon at a tip of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) were investigated by field emission microscopy (FEM). A CO2 admolecule was recognized as a gourd‐shaped bright spot in an FEM image similar to the nitrogen admolecule previously reported. The shape of bright spot reflected an adsorption state that the molecular axis was parallel to substrate pentagon. The CO2 admolecule moved between five steady adsorption sites which were reflected in the geometrical five‐fold symmetry of pentagon. From these experimental results, we propose an adsorption site model for a CO2 admolecule on a clean pentagon. By an Nd:YAG pulse laser irradiation, the CO2 admolecule successfully desorbed without any damage of the substrate pentagon whereas the end‐atoms are oxygen. This suggests that a CO2 molecule on a pentagon is physisorbed and chemically inert for surfaces of MWNT. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sources of stress and coping strategies of US soccer officials
Authors: Voight Mike 
Published: October 2008

AbstractStress from officiating has been found to have a profound impact on official's mental health, attentional focus, performance, satisfaction with their profession and dropout intentions. Although some studies have been conducted regarding the frequency and intensity of the major sources of stress experienced by sport officials, no research has attempted to determine how sport officials cope or attempt to cope with these stressors. Through a national soccer official organization, questionnaire packets were administered to over 200 officials. Questionnaire packets included sources of stress and ways of coping questionnaires. The top sources of stress experienced by the officials included ‘conflict between officiating and family demands,’ ‘making a controversial call’ and ‘conflict between officiating and work demands.’ The top acute coping strategies utilized by the officials included ‘thought hard about steps to manage’ and ‘asked fellow officials what they did’ (problem‐focused strategies). Other results indicated the importance of officials' learning and implementing numerous stress management interventions, including time management, restructuring unproductive thoughts, physiological relaxation techniques, communication training and mental skill training techniques such as imagery, relaxation breathing and self talk. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Postoperative Interleukin‐8 Levels Related to Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Wu Zhong‐Kai , Laurikka Jari , Vikman Saila , Nieminen Riina , Moilanen Eeva , Tarkka Matti R. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently encountered postoperative arrhythmic complication after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). There is increasing evidence to support the influence of inflammation in the pathogenesis of AF. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation of postoperative new AF and systemic inflammatory changes after CABG.MethodsA total of 113 CABG patients were recruited in the present study. Holter data from 24‐hour electrocardiography were collected from 1 day before the operation to postoperative day 2 (POD2). AF was registered as positive if any AF event occurred. Serum cytokine, including interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 were analyzed before and after surgery.ResultsThe overall incidences of postoperative AF and sustained AF were 36.3% and 31.9%, respectively. Patients with postoperative AF had longer respiratory treatment, intensive care unit treatment, and inotropic medication periods. Similar concentrations of serum IL‐6 were found after surgery in patients with and without AF. The concentrations of serum IL‐8 was significantly higher at 2 hours and on POD1 and POD2 in patients with postoperative AF. The concentration of serum IL‐10 was significantly higher on POD1 in patients with postoperative AF.ConclusionsPostoperative AF in CABG patients is associated with a more complicated postoperative outcome. Higher concentrations of serum IL‐8 in CABG patients with postoperative AF suggested that an influence of inflammation in the pathogenesis postoperative AF after open heart surgery.
Potential efficacy of enzyme replacement and substrate reduction therapy in three siblings with Gaucher disease type III
Authors: Cox‐Brinkman J. , van Breemen M. J. , van Maldegem B. T. , Bour L. , Donker W. E. , Hollak C. E. M. , Wijburg F. A. , Aerts J. M. F. G. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryWe report three siblings with Gaucher disease type III, born between 1992 and 2004. During this period, new developments resulted in different potential therapies, changing clinical practice. The two eldest siblings received enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) from the age of 24 and 5 months respectively, later followed by an increase in dosage. ERT was combined with substrate reduction therapy (SRT) from the ages of 12 and 8 years, respectively. In the youngest sibling the combination of high‐dose ERT and SRT was given from the age of 5 months. The two eldest siblings showed significant neurological impairment from the age of 1.5 years, starting with a convergent strabismus and partial oculomotor apraxia, followed by cognitive decline and an abnormal EEG and BAER. In contrast, the neurological development in the youngest sibling is almost completely normal. At the age of 3 years, cognitive development, EEG and BAER are all normal. Disturbed saccadic eye movements, which were already present at the start of therapy, remained stable. In addition to the clinical efficacy, we report on the biochemical response to therapy. Based on our results, the combination of high‐dose ERT and SRT should be considered as a possible therapeutic approach for GD III, especially if started at a young age. Further follow‐up studies are necessary to explore the long‐term therapeutic effects.
Garrod's Croonian Lectures (1908) and the charter ‘Inborn Errors of Metabolism’: Albinism, alkaptonuria, cystinuria, and pentosuria at age 100 in 2008
Authors: Scriver Charles R. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryGarrod presented his concept of ‘the inborn error of metabolism’ in the 1908 Croonian Lectures to the Royal College of Physicians (London); he used albinism, alkaptonuria, cystinuria and pentosuria to illustrate. His lectures are perceived today as landmarks in the history of biochemistry, genetics and medicine. Garrod gave evidence for the dynamic nature of metabolism by showing involvement of normal metabolites in normal pathways made variant by Mendelian inheritance. His concepts and evidence were salient primarily among biochemists, controversial among geneticists because biometricians were dominant over Mendelists, and least salient among physicians who were not attracted to rare hereditary ‘traits’. In 2008, at the centennial of Garrod's Croonian Lectures, each charter inborn error of metabolism has acquired its own genomic locus, a cloned gene, a repertoire of annotated phenotype‐modifying alleles, a gene product with known structure and function, and altered function in the Mendelian variant.
Gold Nanoparticles and Microwave Irradiation Inhibit Beta-Amyloid Amyloidogenesis
Authors: Araya Eyleen , Olmedo Ivonne , Bastus Neus G , Guerrero Simón , Puntes Víctor F , Giralt Ernest , Kogan Marcelo J 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Peptide-Gold nanoparticles selectively attached to β-amyloid protein (Aβ) amyloidogenic aggregates were irradiated with microwave. This treatment produces dramatic effects on the Aβ aggregates, inhibiting both the amyloidogenesis and the restoration of the amyloidogenic potential. This novel approach offers a new strategy to inhibit, locally and remotely, the amyloidogenic process, which could have application in Alzheimer’s disease therapy. We have studied the irradiation effect on the amyloidogenic process in the presence of conjugates peptide-nanoparticle by transmission electronic microscopy observations and by Thioflavine T assays to quantify the amount of fibrils in suspension. The amyloidogenic aggregates rather than the amyloid fibrils seem to be better targets for the treatment of the disease. Our results could contribute to the development of a new therapeutic strategy to inhibit the amyloidogenic process in Alzheimer’s disease.
RICH–POOR GAP IN UTILIZATION OF REPRODUCTIVE AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES IN INDIA, 1992–2005
Authors: MOHANTY S. K. , PATHAK P. K. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryThis paper examines the trends in utilization of five indicators of reproductive and child health services, namely, childhood immunization, medical assistance at delivery, antenatal care, contraceptive use and unmet need for contraception, by wealth index of the household in India and two disparate states, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The data from three rounds of the National Family and Health Survey conducted during 1992–2005 are analysed. The wealth index is computed using principal component derived weights from a set of consumer durables, land size, housing quality and water and sanitation facilities of the household, and classified into quintiles for all three rounds. Bivariate analyses, rich–poor ratio and concentration index are used to understand the trends in utilization of, and inequality in, reproductive and child health services. The results indicate huge disparities in utilization of these services, largely to the disadvantage of the poor. Utilization of basic childhood immunization among the poorest and the poor stagnated in India, as well as in both states, during 1998–2005 compared with 1992–1998. The use of maternal care services such as medical assistance at delivery and antenatal care remained at a low level among the poor over this period. However, contraceptive use increased relatively faster among the poor, even with higher unmet need. Of all these services, the inequality in medical assistance at delivery is consistently large, while that of contraceptive use is small. The state-level differences in service coverage by wealth quintiles over time are large.
Effects of low-protein diet onSchistosoma mansonimorphology visualized by morphometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Barros L.A. , Neves R.H. , de Moura E.G. , Machado-Silva J.R. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that protein deficiencies can hamper both the course of experimental schistosomiasis and normal development of adult worms. To further investigate this relationship, we compared adult male and femaleSchistosoma mansonifrom malnourished and well-fed mice through morphometric and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis. Swiss mice were fed protein-deficient diets (8%) and infected subcutaneously with approximately 80S.mansonicercariae (BH strain, Brazil). Control mice were fed a standard rodent diet (23% protein). The nutritional status was evaluated by body weight gain and albumin values. Mice were sacrificed 63 days post-infection. Recovered worms were stained with hydrochloric carmine and preserved as whole-mounts for bright-field examination and confocal microscopy. The body weight gain and serum albumin concentrations were significantly lower (P< 0.05) in malnourished mice than in controls. In general, all morphometric values of specimens grown in malnourished mice were lower than those of control mice. Schistosome worms grown in malnourished mice had statistically significant differences (P< 0.05) in the reproductive system and tegument than those grown in mice fed standard diets. In female worms, vitelline glands showed few remaining follicles and ovaries lacked mature oocytes. In male parasites, tubercles were fewer in number on the dorsal surface and testicular lobes presented fewer differentiated germinal cells. In summary, we describe novel data supporting the view that low-protein diets may influence the development of adult worms.
In vitro effects of artesunate on the survival of worm pairs and egg production of Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Mitsui Y. , Miura M. , Aoki Y. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe effect of artesunate (ART) on the survival time of adult worm pairs of Schistosoma mansoni and on their egg output during in vitro culture was assessed. ART significantly decreased the survival time of both paired male and female worms at concentrations of 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg l− 1 during in vitro cultivation. An inhibitory effect of ART on the daily egg output of paired female worms during in vitro cultivation was also observed.
Effect of diathermy on pain and healing in tonsillectomy, compared with other methods of haemostasis: a randomised study
Authors: Hahn C H , Rungby J A , Overgaard T , Møller H , Schultz P , Tos M 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjective:To compare three methods of haemostasis used for ‘cold steel’ tonsillectomy, in terms of pain scores and morbidity.Method and material:Prospective, randomised, single-blinded, controlled clinical study. Three haemostasis methods were compared: compression of the tonsillar fossae with gauze packs; bipolar diathermy; and local anaesthesia then pack compression. The outcome measures were pain scores (derived from a visual analogue scale), peri-operative bleeding, and post-operative episodes of blood-stained saliva, consultation rate, tonsillar bed healing and days before return to regular diet. One hundred and five patients were included.Results:Peri-operative bleeding was significantly reduced in the local anaesthesia group compared with the other two groups. Delayed post-operative tonsillar bed healing was noted in the diathermy group. No other significant differences were found between the three haemostasis groups, for any other outcome measures. The presence of blood-stained saliva was associated with higher pain scores.Conclusion:Diathermy and compression were associated with similar post-tonsillectomy morbidity.
Effect of passive smoking on ciliary regeneration of nasal mucosa after functional endoscopic sinus surgery in children
Authors: Atef A , Zeid I Abo , Qotb M , Rab E Gad El 
Published: October 2008

AbstractHypothesis and background:Passive smoking in the paediatric age group is associated with an increased frequency of a number of childhood respiratory disorders. However, its effect on ciliary regeneration after functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis has not previously been reported.Material and methods:We conducted a prospective, nonrandomised cohort study on 38 paediatric patients with chronic sinusitis. We compared two patient groups – passive smokers and those not subjected to passive smoking – as regards ciliary regeneration after functional endoscopic sinus surgery, using objective methodology.Results and conclusion:We found passive smoking to have a negative impact on sinus cilia regeneration following functional endoscopic sinus surgery.