bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative acrylic bone cement formulations for cemented arthroplasties: Present status, key issues, and future prospects
Authors: Lewis Gladius 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAll the commercially available plain acrylic bone cement brands that are used in cemented arthroplasties are based on poly (methyl methacrylate) and, with a few exceptions, have the same constituents. It is well known that these brands are beset with many drawbacks, such as high maximum exotherm temperature, lack of bioactivity, and volumetric shrinkage upon curing. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about a number of the constituents, such as toxicity of the activator (N,N,dimethyl‐p‐toluidine) and possible involvement of the radiopacifier (BaSO4 or ZrO2 particles) in third‐body wear. Thus, over the years, many research efforts have been expended to address these drawbacks, culminating in a large number of alternative formulations, which may be grouped into 16 categories. Although there are a number of reviews of the large literature that now exists on these formulations, each covers only some of the categories and none contains a detailed discussion of the germane issues. The objective of the present work, therefore, was to present a comprehensive and critical review of the whole field. In addition to succinct descriptions of the cements in each category, there are explicative summaries of literature reports, a detailed discussion of several key issues surrounding the potential for use of these cements in cemented arthroplasties, and a presentation of numerous ideas for future studies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2008
Non‐linearity in statistical downscaling: does it bring an improvement for daily temperature in Europe?
Authors: Huth R. , Kliegrová S. , Metelka L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSeveral linear and non‐linear statistical downscaling methods are compared for winter daily temperature at eight European stations. The linear methods include linear regression of gridpoint values (pointwise regression) and of predictors' principal components (PC regression). The non‐linear methods are represented by artificial neural networks. The non‐linearity is also achieved by a stratification of data by classification of circulation patterns and a linear regression conducted separately within each class. As predictors, gridded 500 hPa heights and 850 hPa temperature are used. The verification is conducted in the cross‐validation framework. The downscaling methods are evaluated according to four criteria: (1) fit to observations (quantified by the correlation coefficient), (2) shape of the statistical distribution, namely its skewness and kurtosis, (3) temporal autocorrelations with 1 day lag, and (4) interstation correlations. Considering all the criteria together, the pointwise linear regression appears to be the best method. It achieves the best fit with the observations and possesses the best temporal structure. The deviations of statistical distributions from normality are only captured by the neural networks, while the classification methods yield the best spatial correlations. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Corporate investments and growth options
Authors: Reuer Jeffrey J. , Tong Tony W. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractReal options theory models certain corporate investments as investments in growth options, yet there is little direct evidence on whether firms actually capture growth option value from these investments. In the current paper, we attempt to bridge this empirical gap, and we also examine the conditions under which the growth option value embedded in such investments is enhanced. Results from a sample of manufacturing firms during 1989–2000 reveal that investments in research and development and joint venture (JV) investments contribute to firms' growth option values. We also show that, among JVs of different ownership structures, only minority JVs increase growth option value. Our findings affirm options theory's assertion that real options can help firms capture valuable upside opportunities, they highlight the value of examining contingencies that drive option value, and they also point to the challenges firms face in realizing the unique benefits the theory emphasizes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myostatin DNA vaccine increases skeletal muscle mass and endurance in mice
Authors: Tang Liang , Yan Zhen , Wan Yi , Han Wei , Zhang Yingqi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMyostatin is a transforming growth factor‐β family member that acts as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. In mice, genetic disruption of the myostatin gene leads to a marked increase in body weight and muscle mass. Similarly, pharmacological interference with myostatin in vivo in mdx knockout mice results in a functional improvement of the dystrophic phenotype. Consequently, myostatin is an important therapeutic target for treatment of diseases associated with muscle wasting. To construct a therapeutic DNA vaccine against myostatin, we coupled the foreign, immunodominant T‐helper epitope of tetanus toxin to the N terminus of myostatin, and BALB/c mice were immunized with the recombinant vector. Sera from vaccinated mice showed the presence of specific antibodies against the recombinant protein. In addition, body weight, muscle mass, and grip endurance of vaccinated mice were significantly increased. Our study provides a novel, pharmacological strategy for treatment of diseases associated with muscle wasting. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Computerized hand grip myometry reliably measures myotonia and muscle strength in myotonic dystrophy (DM1)
Authors: Moxley Richard T. , Logigian Eric L. , Martens William B. , Annis Chris L. , Pandya Shree , Moxley Richard T. , Barbieri Cheryl A. , Dilek Nuran , Wiegner Allen W. , Thornton Charles A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop a reliable, sensitive, quantitative measure of grip myotonia and strength and to determine whether CTG repeat length is correlated with grip myotonia and with muscle strength in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Three maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) of the finger flexors (i.e., handgrip) were recorded on 2 successive days using a computerized handgrip myometer in 29 genetically confirmed DM1 patients and 17 normals. An automated computer program calculated MVIC peak force (PF) and relaxation times (RTs) along the declining (relaxation) phase of the force recordings at 90%, 75%, 50%, 10%, and 5% of PF. Patients also underwent quantitative strength testing (QST) manual muscle testing (MMT). The patients had longer grip RTs and lower PFs than normals. RT (90% to 5%) was above the normal mean +2.5 SD in 25 (86%) patients. In DM1, prolongation of RT was mainly in the terminal (50% to 5%), rather than the initial (90% to 50%) phase of relaxation. PFs and RTs for each patient were reproducible on consecutive days. RTs were positively correlated with leukocyte CTG repeat length, whereas measures of muscle strength, such as PF, QST, and MMT, were negatively correlated with repeat length. We conclude that computerized handgrip myometry provides a sensitive, reliable measure of myotonia and strength in DM1 and offers a method to assess natural history and response to treatment. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Numerical modelling of regional faults in land subsidence prediction above gas/oil reservoirs
Authors: Ferronato Massimiliano , Gambolati Giuseppe , Janna Carlo , Teatini Pietro 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe stress variation induced by gas/oil production may activate pre‐existing regional faults. This may enhance the expected land subsidence due to the generation of mechanically weak points close to the producing field. A class of elasto‐plastic interface elements (IE), specifically designed to address the mechanical behaviour of faults over a regional scale, is integrated into a finite element (FE) geomechanical model and used to investigate the role exerted by active faults in anthropogenic land subsidence. The importance of regional faults depends on a variety of factors including depth of the depleted reservoir, fault number, orientation and size, geomechanical properties of porous medium, pore pressure drawdown induced by fluid production, etc. With the aid of some representative examples, a useful indication is provided as to where and how fault activation may influence both magnitude and extent of the land subsidence bowl above producing gas/oil reservoirs, pointing to a generally limited impact on the ground surface. The simulation of a real faulted gas reservoir in a complex 3‐D setting shows that the proposed IE can be simply and efficiently incorporated into a FE geomechanical model, thus improving the quality of the stress and displacement prediction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacterial meningitis from Rothia mucilaginosa in patients with malignancy or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Lee Alisa B. , Harker‐Murray Paul , Ferrieri Patricia , Schleiss Mark R. , Tolar Jakub 
Published: June 2007

AbstractOpportunistic infections contribute to morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and treatment for malignancies. Rothia mucilaginosa, a gram‐positive bacterium, is responsible for rare, but often fatal meningitis in severely immunocompromised patients. We describe two cases of meningitis from discrete strains of R. mucilaginosa on our pediatric bone marrow transplant unit, summarize the published cases of R. mucilaginosa meningitis in oncology and stem cell transplant patients, and provide updated recommendations regarding the use of antibiotic therapy in this patient population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:673–676. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of swelling process of protein by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Akiyama Yoko , Shibahara Yuji , Takeda Shin‐ichi , Izumi Yoshinobu , Honda Yoshihide , Tagawa Seiichi , Nishijima Shigehiro 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe change in the nanoscopic structure and bound state of water in the protein gel were investigated using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Gelatin was used as a protein. To examine the bound state of water in gelatin gel, the amount of freezing and nonfreezing water in gelatin gels were evaluated by fusion enthalpy of DSC curves. Below water content of 40% (w/w), the whole amount of water was nonfreezing water, whereas above water content of 40% (w/w), the amount of freezing water increased according to increase in water content. To investigate the nanoscopic spatial structure under coexistence of polymer and water, positron annihilation lifetime measurement was performed. The lifetime of o‐Ps or the pore size increased according to increase in water content, particularly below the water content of 40% (w/w). When the water penetrates into the gelatin network, the water molecules form hydrogen bonds with hydrophilic groups inside the helical structure in gelatin gel. The water molecules inside the helical structure expand the structure outward, leading to increase in pore size. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2031–2037, 2007.
Pyriproxyfen activates reproduction in prediapause northern strain plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar Herbst)
Authors: Hoffmann Eric J , VanderJagt Joshua , Whalon Mark E 
Published: June 2007

AbstractField‐collected, prediapause northern strain plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), adults were treated with the juvenile hormone analogue pyriproxyfen to assess effects on reproductive development. Adults of this pest have an obligate winter reproductive diapause and do not reach reproductive maturity until after spring emergence. Topical (1.0 µL) doses of 10, 1.0 and 0.1 µg µL−1 pyriproxyfen induced oocyte development and reproductive maturation in all treated females as assessed by dissection. There was no increased mortality in treated beetles, and control insects showed no reproductive maturation. Treatment of prediapause males and females with 1.0 µg µL−1 of topical pyriproxyfen or exposure to residues on fruit induced successful egg laying and F1 emergence; F1 pupation success in topical treatments and residue exposure was 47 and 59% respectively. Filial adults require re‐exposure to initiate reproductive development. Treatment protocols with pyriproxyfen will allow researchers to culture the northern strain, instead of relying exclusively on the non‐diapausing southern strain. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Model for magnetic–nonmagnetic binary alloys
Authors: Razafimandimby H. , Randrianasoloharisoa D. , Rakotomahevitra A. , Parlebas J. C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAn extension of a mean‐field approximation (MFA) developed within standard basis operators (SBO) is used to study magnetism in magnetic–nonmagnetic binary alloys. The Curie temperature is calculated from the free energy within the framework of the present approach. The calculated results are in fair agreement with the theoretical results of other research groups for the same problem but utilizing other methods. Finally, the case of NiPt alloys is briefly examined as an example test for the comparison with experiment. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigation of the effects of Chinese medicine on fibroblast viability: implications in wound healing
Authors: Lau T. W. , Chan Y. W. , Lau C. P. , Chan C. M. , Lau C. B. S. , Fung K. P. , Leung P. C. , Ho Y. Y. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractDiabetes mellitus has been a clinical problem for hundreds of years. Over 194 million people suffer from this disease worldwide. Improper control of diabetes may result in diabetic foot ulcer or even amputation. Granulation formation is an important issue essential for ulcer healing. The CRL‐7522 fibroblast cell line and primary fibroblasts from a diabetic foot ulcer patient were used to model the wound healing enhancing activities of two clinically efficacious Chinese herbal formulae, Formula 1 (F1) and Formula 2 (F2) and their component herbs. Results showed that the two formulae and four of their component herbs, Radix Astragali, Radix Rehmanniae, Rhizoma Alismatis and Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae significantly enhanced CRL‐7522 cell viability. However, these component herbs showed compromised effects on the viability of primary fibroblasts cultured from the ulcerous tissue of a diabetic patient. Interestingly, F1 and F2 enhanced the viability of primary cultured fibroblasts from the diabetic patient even in the face of insulin resistance. These results further support the previously reported clinical efficacies of the two formulae on healing diabetic foot ulcers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Naturally occurring glucosinolates in plant extracts of rocket salad (Eruca sativa L.) identified by liquid chromatography coupled with negative ion electrospray ionization and quadrupole ion‐trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Cataldi Tommaso R. I. , Rubino Alessandra , Lelario Filomena , Bufo Sabino A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA method for the comprehensive profiling of intact glucosinolates (GLSs), major and minor, occurring in leaves and seeds of rocket salad (Eruca sativa L.) is presented using optimized reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (RP‐LC) with electrospray ionization (ESI) ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS). ESI‐ITMS in the negative mode was confirmed to be very suitable to analyze these compounds in crude extracts. After extraction from the plant material with methanol/water (70:30 v/v) at 70°C, the analytes of interest were separated on a C18 column using an eluent acidified with formic acid (0.1%) and modified with acetonitrile. All the GLSs found in leaves of rocket salad gave good signals corresponding to the deprotonated precursor ion, [M−H]−. Although the mass spectra also exhibited an analytically important non‐covalent adduct ion at [2M−H]−, the structures of glucosinolates were confirmed by extensive sequential MS analysis, thereby substantially improving the identification of unknown compounds. The results obtained not only revealed in leaves of E. sativa at least twelve species of GLSs including seven aliphatic compounds (glucoraphanin with [M−H]− at m/z ratio of 436, glucoerucin at m/z 420, 4‐mercaptobutyl‐GLS at m/z 406, progoitrin/epiprogoitrin at m/z 388, sinigrin at m/z 358, 4‐methylpentyl‐ and n‐hexyl‐GLS at m/z 402) and three indole glucosinolates (i.e., three N‐heterocyclic compounds: 4‐hydroxyglucobrassicin and 5‐hydroxyglucobrassicin at m/z 463, and 4‐methoxy‐glucobrassicin at m/z 477), but also two structurally related compounds containing one intermolecular disulfide linkage (4‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyldisulfanyl)butyl‐GLS at m/z 600 and a dimeric 4‐mercaptobutyl‐GLS at m/z 811). This latter symmetric disulfide was previously considered as an artefact formed during extraction of GLSs from vegetative tissues. Glucosinolates were detected in the leaves with a wide range of contents (10–200 µmol/g) and a great variation in the composition. Only three GLSs were identified in seeds of rocket salad, namely glucoraphanin, glucoerucin and 4‐methoxyglucobrassicin. As expected, the most abundant GLS in seeds is glucoerucin. The feasibility of the strategy was also demonstrated using a rapeseed extract of certified reference material (BCR367R). The results indicated the usefulness of this method for a rapid, sensitive and comprehensive profiling of the GLS family naturally occurring in extracts of crude plant matter. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study of the effect of temperature on soy lecithin‐stabilized emulsions
Authors: Whittinghill J. M. , Norton J. , Proctor A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe effect of temperature on soy lecithin‐stabilized emulsions was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Oil‐in‐water (o/w) 4% (wt/vol) soy lecithin emulsions were prepared in 6% (vol/vol) medium‐chain triglycerides and 94% (vol/vol) water using a two‐stage homogenizer set at a pressure of 3000 psig. Three types of emulsions were used in this study: emulsions containing Lecigran and Lecimulthin as emulsifiers and a control emulsion, with no emulsifier added. After preparation, the emulsions were cooled to 4°C, held at this temperature, and spectra were collected after 1 h. The emulsions and reference water were raised to room temperature (22°C) and held at that temperature for 1 h and the spectra collected. The temperature was raised 15°C over the temperature range of 22 to 82°C, and spectral data were collected similarly. The four regions used for this determination in the subtracted spectra of the emulsion were those contributing to ‐OH vibration, ‐CH2 stretching, H‐O‐H bending vibrations, and P=O, C‐O‐C, and P‐O‐C vibrations. The control emulsion was greatly affected at temperatures other than room temperature. This was due to the lack of lecithin as an emulsifier, resulting in a destabilization of the emulsion with temperature increases. The vibrational peaks for the emulsion containing Lecimulthin were found to be lower than those for the emulsion made with Lecigran due to greater water bonding. The control had the highest peaks at the ‐OH regions because of reduced interaction at the oil‐water interface. Both of the emulsions with phospholipids remained stable throughout the temperature range. FTIR is a potentially powerful tool that could be used in the rapid determination of emulsion stability in food systems by measuring emulsifier‐water interactions.
Peptide characteristics of sunflower protein hydrolysates
Authors: Villanueva Alvaro , Vioque Javier , Sánchez‐Vioque Raúl , Clemente Alfonso , Pedroche Justo , Bautista Juan , Millán Francisco 
Published: June 2007

AbstractProtein isolate from sunflower seeds was used as the starting material for preparation of an extensively hydrolyzed peptide product. Protein was hydrolyzed using an endopeptidase (Alcalase), an exopeptidase (Flavourzyme), or both enzymes sequentially. Combined use of these proteases generated the highest degree of hydrolysis, 54.2%, and highest solubility, around 90%, between pH 2.5 and 7. Molecular weight profiles of the hydrolysates were characterized by gel filtration chromatography and denaturing electrophoresis. Amino acid compositions and solubilities of the different hydrolysates also were studied.
Effect of extraction system, stage of ripeness, and kneading temperature on the sterol composition of virgin olive oils
Authors: Koutsaftakis A. , Kotsifaki F. , Stefanoudaki E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractComparative extraction trials were carried out among a classical pressing, a dual‐, and a three‐phase centrifugation system using olive crops of Koroneiki variety. Two different kneading temperatures, 30 and 45°C, were tested at three stages of ripeness for two consecutive years of harvest, 1995–1996 and 1996–1997. Composition of the sterol fraction was determined in the resulting olive oil samples (n=72). Stigmasterol was found to be affected by the extraction system; it was obtained in the highest amount in the pressing system. The ratio campesterol/stigmasterol was significantly higher in oils extracted by dual‐ and three‐phase centrifugation. Sterols were significantly affected by the ripening stage of the fruit. During December, the ratio campesterol/stigmasterol reached the maximal and β‐sitosterol the minimal values; this appears to be the optimal period for harvesting the olives. Comparison of the different kneading temperatures showed that at 30°C, Δ5‐avenasterol and campesterol/stigmasterol ratio reached higher values than at 45°C.
The kinematic viscosity of biodiesel and its blends with diesel fuel
Authors: Tat Mustafa E. , Van Gerpen Jon H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAs the use of biodiesel becomes more wide‐spread, engine manufacturers have expressed concern about biodiesel’s higher viscosity. In particular, they are concerned that biodiesel may exhibit different viscosity‐temperature characteristics that could result in higher fuel injection pressures at low engine operating temperatures. This study presents data for the kinematic viscosity of biodiesel and its blends with No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuels at 75, 50, and 20% biodiesel, from close to their melting point to 100°C. The results indicate that while their viscosity is higher, biodiesel and its blends demonstrate temperature‐dependent behavior similar to that of No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuels. Equations of the same general form are shown to correlate viscosity data for both biodiesel and diesel fuel, and for their blends. A blending equation is presented that allows the kinematic viscosity to be calculated as a function of the biodiesel fraction.
Recursive subhomogeneous algebras
Authors: Phillips N. 
Published: June 2007

We introduce and characterize a particularly tractable class of unital type 1 C*-algebras with bounded dimension of irreducible representations. Algebras in this class are called recursive subhomogeneous algebras, and they have an inductive description (through iterated pullbacks) which allows one to carry over from algebras of the form

C
(
X
,

M
n

)

C (X, M_n)

many of the constructions relevant in the study of the stable rank and K-theory of simple direct limits of homogeneous C*-algebras. Our characterization implies, in particular, that if

A
A

is a separable C*-algebra whose irreducible representations all have dimension at most

N
>
∞
,

N > \infty ,

and if for each

n
n

the space of

n
n

-dimensional irreducible representations has finite covering dimension, then

A
A

is a recursive subhomogeneous algebra. We demonstrate the good properties of this class by proving subprojection and cancellation theorems in it. Consequences for simple direct limits of recursive subhomogeneous algebras, with applications to the transformation group C*-algebras of minimal homeomorphisms, will be given in separate papers.