bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimising barriers to dental care in older people
Authors: Borreani Elena , Wright Desmond , Scambler Sasha , Gallagher Jennifer E 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Older people are increasingly retaining their natural teeth but at higher risk of oral disease with resultant impact on their quality of life. Socially deprived people are more at risk of oral disease and yet less likely to take up care. Health organisations in England and Wales are exploring new ways to commission and provide dental care services in general and for vulnerable groups in particular. This study was undertaken to investigate barriers to dental care perceived by older people in socially deprived inner city area where uptake of care was low and identify methods for minimising barriers in older people in support of oral health.

Methods
A qualitative dual-methodological approach, utilising both focus groups and individual interviews, was used in this research. Participants, older people and carers of older people, were recruited using purposive sampling through day centres and community groups in the inner city boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham in South London. A topic guide was utilised to guide qualitative data collection. Informants' views were recorded on tape and in field notes. The data were transcribed and analysed using Framework Methodology.

Results
Thirty-nine older people and/or their carers participated in focus groups. Active barriers to dental care in older people fell into five main categories: cost, fear, availability, accessibility and characteristics of the dentist. Lack of perception of a need for dental care was a common 'passive barrier' amongst denture wearers in particular. The cost of dental treatment, fear of care and perceived availability of dental services emerged to influence significantly dental attendance. Minimising barriers involves three levels of action to be taken: individual actions (such as persistence in finding available care following identification of need), system changes (including reducing costs, improving information, ensuring appropriate timing and location of care, and good patient management) and societal issues (such as reducing isolation and loneliness). Older people appeared to place greater significance on system and societal change than personal action.

Conclusion
Older people living within the community in an inner city area where NHS dental care is available face barriers to dental care. Improving access to care involves actions at individual, societal and system level. The latter includes appropriate management of older people by clinicians, policy change to address NHS charges; consideration of when, where and how dental care is provided; and clear information for older people and their carers on available local dental services, dental charges and care pathways.
Hypoxia induces protection against etoposide-induced apoptosis: molecular profiling of changes in gene expression and transcription factor activity
Authors: Sermeus Audrey , Cosse Jean-Philippe , Crespin Marianne , Mainfroid Veronique , de Longueville Francoise , Ninane Noelle , Raes Martine , Remacle Jose , Michiels Carine 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
it is now well established that hypoxia renders tumor cells resistant to radio- but also chemotherapy. However, few elements are currently available as for the mechanisms underlying this protection.

Results
in this study, physiological hypoxia was shown to inhibit apoptosis induced in HepG2 cells by etoposide. Indeed, hypoxia reduced DNA fragmentation, caspase activation and PARP cleavage. The DNA binding activity of 10 transcription factors was followed while the actual transcriptional activity was measured using specific reporter plasmids. Of note is the inhibition of the etoposide-induced activation of p53 under hypoxia. In parallel, data from low density DNA microarrays indicate that the expression of several pro- and anti-apoptotic genes was modified, among which are Bax and Bak whose expression profile paralleled p53 activity. Cluster analysis of data unravels several possible pathways involved in the hypoxia-induced protection against etoposide-induced apoptosis: one of them could be the inhibition of p53 activity under hypoxia since caspase 3 activity parallels Bax and Bak expression profile. Moreover, specific downregulation of HIF-1α by RNA interference significantly enhanced apoptosis under hypoxia possibly by preventing the hypoxia mediated decrease in Bak expression without altering Bax expression.

Conclusion
these results are a clear demonstration that hypoxia has a direct protective effect on apoptotic cell death. Moreover, molecular profiling points to putative pathways responsible for tumor growth in challenging environmental conditions and cancer cell resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.
Human-machine interfaces based on EMG and EEG applied to robotic systems
Authors: Ferreira Andre , Celeste Wanderley C , Cheein Fernando A , Bastos-Filho Teodiano F , Sarcinelli-Filho Mario , Carelli Ricardo 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Two different Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) were developed, both based on electro-biological signals. One is based on the EMG signal and the other is based on the EEG signal. Two major features of such interfaces are their relatively simple data acquisition and processing systems, which need just a few hardware and software resources, so that they are, computationally and financially speaking, low cost solutions. Both interfaces were applied to robotic systems, and their performances are analyzed here. The EMG-based HMI was tested in a mobile robot, while the EEG-based HMI was tested in a mobile robot and a robotic manipulator as well.

Results
Experiments using the EMG-based HMI were carried out by eight individuals, who were asked to accomplish ten eye blinks with each eye, in order to test the eye blink detection algorithm. An average rightness rate of about 95% reached by individuals with the ability to blink both eyes allowed to conclude that the system could be used to command devices. Experiments with EEG consisted of inviting 25 people (some of them had suffered cases of meningitis and epilepsy) to test the system. All of them managed to deal with the HMI in only one training session. Most of them learnt how to use such HMI in less than 15 minutes. The minimum and maximum training times observed were 3 and 50 minutes, respectively.

Conclusion
Such works are the initial parts of a system to help people with neuromotor diseases, including those with severe dysfunctions. The next steps are to convert a commercial wheelchair in an autonomous mobile vehicle; to implement the HMI onboard the autonomous wheelchair thus obtained to assist people with motor diseases, and to explore the potentiality of EEG signals, making the EEG-based HMI more robust and faster, aiming at using it to help individuals with severe motor dysfunctions.
Experimental and numerical study of measuring high welding residual stresses by using the blind-hole-drilling technique
Authors: Moharami R , Sattari-Far I 
Published: March 2008

The hole-drilling strain gauge method, described in ASTM E837, is the common method used in evaluation of residual stresses. However, yielding of the material around the hole causes errors related to disregarding the hypotheses of the basic theory of the method. In this work, several welded specimens were prepared and welding residual stresses were measured by using the standard hole-drilling technique. Next, plasticity effects on the measured results of the hole-drilling technique were investigated by using numerical modelling and experiments. In the experimental part of this work, several tensile specimens with pre-existing holes were tested, and the errors at different load levels were evaluated. In the numerical part of the work, drilling a blind hole on a preloaded infinite plate was simulated, and the plasticity errors for different materials and loading combinations were studied. Based on the obtained results, a simple procedure is proposed to correct the measured stresses obtained from the hole-drilling technique for the cases when the measured stresses are uniform and exceed 50 per cent of the yield strength. These corrected results may be used as reference data in numerical studies of welds.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis of a journal bearing with surface texturing
Authors: Cupillard S , Glavatskih S , Cervantes M J 
Published: March 2008

An analysis of a lubricated conformal contact is carried out to study the effect of surface texture on bearing friction and load carrying capacity using computational fluid dynamics. The work focuses on a journal bearing with several dimples. Two- and three-dimensional bearing geometries are considered. The full Navier—Stokes equations are solved under steady-state conditions with a multi-phase flow cavitation model. The coefficient of friction can be reduced if a texture of suitable geometry is introduced. This can be achieved either in the region of maximum hydrodynamic pressure for a bearing with high eccentricity ratio or just downstream of the maximum film for a bearing with low eccentricity ratio. An additional pressure build-up produced as a result of the surface texture has been shown at low eccentricity ratios.
Approximation of the integral of the asperity height distribution for the Greenwood—Tripp asperity contact model
Authors: Panayi A P , Schock H J 
Published: March 2008

The load carried by asperity contacts is a very important quantity when performing elastohydrodynamic analyses in the mixed-lubrication regime. The Greenwood—Tripp model for the contact of two nominally flat rough surfaces is traditionally used for the evaluation of these loads. In this model it is assumed that the asperity heights follow a Gaussian distribution, thus, the load carried by the asperities can be evaluated by the integration of a non-linear function that relates the surface separation with the asperity height distribution. In order to avoid the computational burden of integrating this function numerically, several approximations have been proposed in literature. In the current technical note, the authors examine the quality of two of these approximations, a power law approximation and a sixth-order polynomial approximation, proposed in research efforts for the lubrication analysis of piston rings. The lack of fit for these two approximations is identified and in turn a new exponential approximation is proposed with the coefficients derived via the method of least squares. This new approximation exhibits a better fit over the entire range of the tabulated values for the asperity height distribution integral provided by Greenwood and Tripp. The computational cost of this approximation is also found to be acceptable. Researchers can use this approximation with confidence in mixed-lubrication analyses.
Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome Associated with α1-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Cantrell Matthew A , Bream-Rouwenhorst Heather R , Steffensmeier Andrew , Hemerson Phyllis , Rogers Meaghan , Stamper Benton 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE: To describe intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) in association with α1-adrenergic receptor (α1AR) antagonists by conducting a thorough literature review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Literature retrieval was accomplished by searching MEDLINE (2000–December 2007) using the terms intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), adrenergic α-antagonist(s), tamsulosin, doxazosin, terazosin, and/or alfuzosin. In addition, reference lists from identified publications were reviewed to identify additional reports and studies of interest. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All articles in English identified from data sources were reviewed for relevance and uniqueness prior to inclusion. DATA SYNTHESIS: IFIS was first described in 2005 as a clinical triad observed during cataract surgery that includes fluttering and billowing of the iris stroma, propensity for iris prolapse, and constriction of the pupil. IFIS increases the risk of complications during cataract surgery. Numerous reports have linked IFIS to use of α1AR antagonists, most notably tamsulosin, which is prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Tamsulosin blocks prostatic α1AARs but may also selectively block α1AARs in the iris dilator muscle, preventing mydriasis during cataract surgery. Other α1AR antagonists, including terazosin, doxazosin, and alfuzosin, have also been linked to IFIS; however, their relationship to the syndrome is not as definitive. When ophthalmologists are aware of a patient's previous α1AR antagonist exposure, specific steps can be taken to reduce the risk of surgical complications. Corrective measures used during surgery have included iris expansion hooks, intracameral phenylephrine, and preoperative atropine. CONCLUSIONS: IFIS is a clinical syndrome observed during cataract surgery reported in patients taking systemic α1AR antagonists. It has been most strongly linked to use of tamsulosin. Medication washout periods of up to 2 weeks and specific surgical procedures have been attempted to reduce risk of complications from α1AR antagonists in the setting of cataract surgery. Patients should be educated regarding potential risks of this drug class so that they can discuss them with their healthcare providers, specifically ophthalmologists, prior to cataract surgery.
Evaluation of thermographic imaging of the limbs of healthy dogs
Authors: Loughin Catherine A. , Marino Dominic J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective—To describe a thermographic imaging protocol, identify normal thermographic patterns (ie, color map reflecting the skin temperature distribution) for various regions of interest (ROIs) of dog limbs, and evaluate effects of clipping the coat on thermographic patterns and limb temperature in healthy dogs.
Animals—10 healthy dogs.
Procedures—Each dog was thermographically evaluated in the same room (ambient temperature, 21°C) via ROIs that included cranial and caudal views of the body, full lateral body views, full views of the limbs, and views of various limb regions. After initial imaging, the coat was clipped on the forelimbs and hind limbs only. Each dog was then evaluated 15 and 60 minutes and 24 hours after clipping by use of the same protocol.
Results—For each ROI within a category (intact coat and each time point after clipping), mean temperatures were similar among the 10 dogs. Pairwise comparisons for 15 and 60 minutes and 24 hours established patterns of temperature stabilization among the 3 time points. Temperatures did not differ significantly between the left and right limbs. There was a mean success rate of 75% for use of image pattern analysis for recognition of similar thermographic patterns in the forelimbs and hind limbs.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Thermography can be a viable, noninvasive imaging modality that provides consistent images with reproducible thermal patterns in ROIs examined in healthy dogs. Although the coat had a predictable influence to decrease the mean temperature, thermal patterns remained fairly consistent after the coat was clipped.
Compact groups of galaxies (CGs) from the SDSS Data Release 6
Authors: Deng Xin-Fa , He Ji-Zhou , Ma Xin-sheng , Jiang Peng , Tang Xiao-Xun 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
From the volume-limited MAIN galaxy sample of the SDSS Data Release 6 (SDSS6), we have identified 1298 compact groups of galaxies (CGs) at the neighbourhood radius of R = 1.2 Mpc by three-dimensional cluster analysis. In order to compile the CG catalog, we also estimated velocity dispersion, virial radius, virial mass and crossing time of CGs. In addition, our results show that properties of galaxies may not correlate with merging frequencies.
Towards optimization of quantum circuits
Authors: Sedlák Michal , Plesch Martin 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Any unitary operation in quantum information processing can be implemented via a sequence of simpler steps — quantum gates. However, actual implementation of a quantum gate is always imperfect and takes a finite time. Therefore, searching for a short sequence of gates — efficient quantum circuit for a given operation, is an important task. We contribute to this issue by proposing optimization of the well-known universal procedure proposed by Barenco et al. [Phys. Rev. A 52, 3457 (1995)]. We also created a computer program which realizes both Barenco’s decomposition and the proposed optimization. Furthermore, our optimization can be applied to any quantum circuit containing generalized Toffoli gates, including basic quantum gate circuits.
Chain length probability distribution — equivalence of ASYNNNI and 1d Ising model
Authors: Milić Mirjana 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
An expression for the chain length probability distribution p(l) of a one dimensional Ising chain was derived using the cluster variation method formalism, the p(l) being expressed through the pair cluster probabilities. It was shown numerically that the same expression also applies in the case of one dimensional chains formed along one of the next-nearest neighbor interactions included in the two dimensional ASYNNNI (Asymmetric Next-Nearest Neighbor Ising) model, widely used to describe the statistics of oxygen ordering in the basal CuOx planes of the YBa2Cu3O6+x
type high-Tc superconducting materials. Equivalency between ASYNNNI and 1d Ising model is discussed.
Finite grade pheromone ant colony optimization for image segmentation
Authors: Yuanjing F. , Li Y. , Liangjun K. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBy combining the decision process of ant colony optimization (ACO) with the multistage decision process of image segmentation based on active contour model (ACM), an algorithm called finite grade ACO (FACO) for image segmentation is proposed. This algorithm classifies pheromone into finite grades and updating of the pheromone is achieved by changing the grades and the updated quantity of pheromone is independent from the objective function. The algorithm that provides a new approach to obtain precise contour is proved to converge to the global optimal solutions linearly by means of finite Markov chains. The segmentation experiments with ultrasound heart image show the effectiveness of the algorithm. Comparing the results for segmentation of left ventricle images shows that the ACO for image segmentation is more effective than the GA approach and the new pheromone updating strategy appears good time performance in optimization process.
Orthostatic Hypotension Induced by Postural Change in the Rat (Tilt Test)
Authors: Guillaume Philippe , Hervé Stéphane , Picard Sandra , Lacroix Pierre 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPostural‐change‐induced (orthostatic) hypotension is defined as an excessive drop in arterial blood pressure occurring when moving toward an upright position. This side effect, which may limit the therapeutic use of some agents, can occur with drugs, such as adrenoceptor blockers and vasodilators, that dampen sympathetic reflex activity. Described in this unit is a procedure for evaluating the effects of test substances on the changes in blood pressure and heart rate that occur in an anesthetized, normotensive rat during a tilting challenge (head‐up position). In addition to being a relatively simple technique, this assay yields reproducible orthostatic hypotensive responses and allows for the investigation, in the same preparation, of several ascending doses of a test substance. Examples of results obtained with prazosin, an α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist that is notorious for causing orthostatic hypotension, are provided for illustrative purposes. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 40:5.45.1‐5.45.8. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mouse Models of Bleomycin‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Walters Dianne M. , Kleeberger Steven R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPulmonary fibrosis is a component of many interstitial lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic, progressive disease for which there is currently no effective therapy. Bleomycin has been widely used in rodents to model pulmonary fibrosis for the study of mechanisms involved in fibrogenesis and for evaluation of potential therapies. Bleomycin induces DNA strand breaks, resulting in pulmonary inflammation, injury, and subsequent interstitial fibrosis. This unit describes methods for delivering bleomycin, either directly into the lung or systemically, to create models of pulmonary fibrosis in rodents. Also described is a rapid and easy procedure for measuring lung collagen content to quantify the severity of fibrosis. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 40:5.46.1‐5.46.17. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Models in Mice and Rats
Authors: Wu Kenneth K. , Huan Youming 
Published: March 2008

AbstractStreptozotocin (STZ) is an antibiotic that can cause pancreatic β‐cell destruction, so it is widely used experimentally as an agent capable of inducing insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), also known as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This unit describes protocols for the production of insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia in mice and rats, using STZ. These models for diabetes can be employed for assessing the mechanisms of T1DM, screening potential therapies for the treatment of this condition, and evaluation of therapeutic options. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 40:5.47.1‐5.47.14. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Animal Models of Multiple Myeloma and Their Utility in Drug Discovery
Authors: Campbell Richard A. , Berenson James R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTo evaluate potential new therapies and targets for treating multiple myeloma (MM), reproducible, biologically relevant in vivo models are required. Preclinical in vivo models of human MM allow investigators to evaluate novel therapies alone and in combination and quickly translate these results to the clinic where patients directly benefit, whether in the form of a new clinical trial, new doses and schedules, or new drug combinations. Presented in this unit are protocols for generating and maintaining a human extramedullary MM tumor in mice. Additionally, the extramedullary tumor can be excised and digested into a single‐cell suspension and the human MM cells injected into mice subcutaneously, intravenously, or intratibially. Once these tumors are generated, they can be used to evaluate novel anti‐MM agents and other therapies. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 40:14.9.1‐14.9.22. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis of Dimeric 2‐Amino‐1,8‐Naphthyridine and Related DNA‐Binding Molecules
Authors: Nakatani Kazuhiko , He Hanping , Uno Shin‐nosuke , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Dohno Chikara 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe synthetic protocols for dimeric 2‐amino‐1,8‐naphthyridine and related compounds are described in this unit. These compounds represent a novel class of compounds that bind selectively to mismatched base pairs. The compounds consist of two main components: the heterocycles and a linker. Connecting two heterocycles by a linker was found to modulate the binding selectivity. This unit describes the synthesis of dimeric 2‐amino‐1,8‐naphthyridine (which binds to the G‐G mismatch), naphthyridine‐azaquinolone (for the G‐A mismatch), N‐alkyl naphthyridine dimer (for the C‐C mismatch), and naphthyridine carbamate dimer (for G‐G mismatches in the (CGG)n trinucleotide repeat). Protocols for connecting the short linker to these molecules providing the compounds suitable for immobilization on solid surface are also described. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 32:8.6.1‐8.6.21. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.