bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc and Copper Separation through an Emulsion Liquid Membrane Containing Di‐(2‐Ethylhexyl) Phosphoric Acid as a Carrier
Authors: Fouad E. A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe separation of zinc and copper ions from sulfuric acid solutions by an emulsion liquid membrane (ELM), using di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as a carrier, has been investigated. The batch extraction of zinc and copper was carried out while varying a selection of experimental conditions, i.e., stirring speed, treatment ratio, concentrations of metal ions in the feed phase, carrier and Span 80 concentration in the membrane, and internal phase concentration. The results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of D2EHPA as a carrier for the separation of zinc and copper from sulfuric acid media using an ELM. An increase of the D2EHPA concentration beyond 2 vol.‐% does not result in the improved extraction of zinc because the viscosities of the membrane and emulsion have a trend to increase for higher carrier concentrations. It was found that the extraction rate of copper was affected by the carrier concentration in the liquid membrane and by the pH and metal content in the external phase. A 3 vol.‐% concentration of surfactant in the organic phase was required to stabilize the emulsion. The number of stages required for the extraction of zinc and copper by an ELM was determined from McCabe‐Thiele plots.
Growth of YCOB single crystals by flux technique and their characterization
Authors: Kumar R. Arun , Senthilkumar M. , Dhanasekaran R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractNonlinear optical single crystals of YCOB with good optical quality were grown by the flux technique for the first time. Polycrystalline YCOB samples were synthesized by solid state reaction method. The thermal analysis of the sample was performed with lithium carbonate flux in different weight proportions and the growth temperature was optimised. Single crystals of YCOB with dimensions 3 × 3 × 5 mm3 were obtained by the method of ‘slow‐cooling’. The grown crystals were characterized by XRD, UV‐VIS‐NIR, EDAX, FTIR and etching studies. The powder XRD pattern revealed the formation of YCOB compound. The lattice parameters were identified through single crystal XRD studies. The UV‐VIS‐NIR results showed that the crystal has a sharp cutoff at 220 nm and is nearly 55% transparent over a wide wavelength range enabling applications in the UV region. The EDAX measurement revealed the ‘flux‐free’ crystal formation. The presence of the functional groups belonging to the YCOB crystals was identified by the FTIR results. ‘Hillock‐like’ patterns are observed in the etching studies. The primary emphasis in this study is laid to describe ‘flux technique’ as an alternative method to grow YCOB crystals. The results are presented and discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanical properties of single crystalline and glassy lithium triborate
Authors: Shakhverdova I. P. , Paufler P. , Bubnova R. S. , Filatov S. K. , Levin A. A. , Meyer D. C. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractMechanical properties of LiB3O5 single crystal plates with different orientation as well as of glass with the same composition have been investigated. The nano‐ (H) and microhardness (HM), the reduced Young's modulus (Er) and the crack behaviour of the samples were studied. Both hardness and Young's modulus of glass appeared smaller in comparison to corresponding single crystal data (H ∼ 7 – 8 GPa, HM ∼ 6 GPa, Er ∼ 70 – 80 GPa for glass and H ∼ 10 – 15 GPa, HM ∼ 6 –11 GPa, Er ∼ 93 – 155 GPa for single crystal). H, Er, and the plane of crack propagation proved orientation‐dependent. Cracks in the glass sample were not observed up to 0.49 N microindentation load, whereas for the single crystal the cracks appeared already at 0.098N. In single crystals the observed cleavage planes {211} and/or {412} are oriented nearly parallel to planes of B‐O rings. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reliability and validity of the Norwegian version of the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB)
Authors: Bergh Sverre , Selbæk Geir , Engedal Knut 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) is developed to test cognitive function in patients with dementia of moderate to severe degree. We have conducted a study to assess the inter‐rater reliability and the validity of the Norwegian version of SIB.MethodsThe reliability study comprised 30 patients, and the validity study 59 patients in nursing homes. We assessed Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale and the inter‐rater reliability for the total SIB score and its nine sub scores between two testers by means of the Spearman's correlation coefficients. In the validity study we compared the SIB scores with the scores on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale.ResultsThe mean SIB score was 72.10 (SD 25.37). The Cronbach's alpha was 0.97, and the inter‐rater reliability of total SIB score was Spearman's rho 0.85, and ranged from 0.46 to 0.76 for the nine sub‐scores. The mean SIB score for patients with a CDR score < 2 was 84.2(13.4), whereas total scores for patients with CDR 2 and 3 were 74 (18.9) and 48.4 (33.3), respectively. A cut‐off point of 80.5 points gave the highest accuracy in discriminating between patients with CDR 2 and CDR 3, while a cut‐off point of 87.5 best discriminated between CDR < 2 and CDR 3.ConclusionThe study indicates that the Norwegian version of SIB is a reliable and valid test with which to evaluate the cognition in patients with dementia of moderate to severe degree. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of low‐crystallinity hydroxyapatite foam based on the setting reaction of α‐tricalcium phosphate foam
Authors: Karashima Satoshi , Takeuchi Akari , Matsuya Shigeki , Udoh Koh‐ichi , Koyano Kiyoshi , Ishikawa Kunio 
Published: March 2008

AbstractLow‐crystallinity hydroxyapatite (HAP) foam is an ideal material for bone substitutes and scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration, because its interconnected pores provide the space for cell growth and tissue penetration, and its composition induces excellent tissue response and good osteoconductivity. In this study, the feasibility of low‐crystallinity HAP foam fabrication was evaluated based on the phase transformation reaction or the so‐called dissolution‐reprecipitation reaction of α‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP) foam granules. When α‐TCP foam granules were placed in water at 37°C for 1 day, no reaction was observed. However, α‐TCP foam granules set to form low‐crystallinity HAP by treating it hydrothermally at 200°C. The network of fully interconnected pores was retained, and porosity was as high as 82%. Pore size ranged from 50 to 300 μm with an average pore size of 160 μm. Compressive strength was 207 kPa. Although no setting reaction was observed at 37°C, the setting reaction caused by the hydrothermal treatment of α‐TCP foam granules allowed the fabrication of any shape of low‐crystallinity HAP. Therefore, this method may be useful for the fabrication of bone substitutes and scaffolds in bone tissue regeneration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Uncoupling protein‐2 induction in rat hepatocytes after acute carbon tetrachloride liver injury
Authors: Demori Ilaria , Burlando Bruno , Gerdoni Ezio , Lanni Antonia , Fugassa Emilia , Voci Adriana 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis study is focused on the role of UCP‐2 in hepatic oxidative metabolism following acute CCl4 administration to rats. UCP‐2 mRNA, almost undetectable in the liver of controls, was significantly increased 24 h after CCl4 administration, peaked at 72 h and then tended to disappear. UCP‐2 protein, undetectable in controls, increased 48–72 h after CCl4 treatment. Experiments with isolated liver cells indicated that in control rats UCP‐2 was expressed in non‐parenchymal cells and not in hepatocytes, whereas in CCl4‐treated rats UCP‐2 expression was induced in hepatocytes and was not affected in non‐parenchymal cells. Addition of CCl4 to the culture medium of hepatocytes from control rats failed to induce UCP‐2 expression. Liver mitochondria from CCl4‐treated rats showed an increase of H2O2 release at 12–24 h, followed by a rise of TBARS. Vitamin E protected liver from CCl4 injury and reduced the expression of UCP‐2. Treatment with GdCl3 prior to CCl4, in order to inhibit Kupffer cells, reduced TBARS and UCP‐2 mRNA increase in hepatic mitochondria. Our data indicate that CCl4 induces the expression of UCP‐2 in hepatocytes with a redox‐dependent mechanism involving Kupffer cells. A role of UCP‐2 in moderating CCl4‐induced oxidative stress during tissue regeneration after injury is suggested. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 413–418, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts: The clinical features and surgical outcome of 25 cases
Authors: Paik Kwang Yeol , Heo Jin Seok , Choi Seong Ho , Choi Dong Wook 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIntraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts (IPN‐B) is considered an uncommon tumor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics of IPN‐B, and its prognosis.MethodsFrom October 1995 to August 2006, a retrospective analysis was made of 25 patients that underwent surgery for IPN‐B. Clinical features and radiological, pathological, and operative findings were reviewed, and survival rates were determined.ResultsIn five patients (20.0%), lesions were incidentally found. Radiologically, 23 of the 25 (92.0%) showed bile duct dilatation, bile duct dilatation with or without an intraductal mass, and cystic changes of bile ducts. Twenty three of the 25 patients underwent hepatic resection with or without extrahepatic bile duct resection. No in hospital mortality occurred. Median survival time of resected patients was 59.8 months and 1‐, 2‐, and 4‐year survival rates were 90.5%, 84.0%, and 84.0%, respectively. All six patients with benign IPN‐B remained alive at a mean of 26.2 postoperative months without recurrence.ConclusionsA diagnosis of IPN‐B is usually made in patients with biliary dilatation by radiologic study. The prognosis of IPN‐B, especially of the benign category, is excellent. Aggressive surgical resection is the treatment of choice for IPN‐B. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:508–512. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overexpression of protein kinase cα mRNA may be an independent prognostic marker for gastric carcinoma
Authors: Lin Kai‐Yuan , Fang Chia‐Lang , Uen Yih‐Huei , Chang Chun‐Chao , Lou Horng‐Yuan , Hsieh Ching‐Ruey , Tiong Cheng , Pan Shiann , Chen Sheng‐Hsuan 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe variability of the prognosis of gastric carcinoma drives extensive researches for novel prognostic markers. The aims of this study were to correlate the expression of protein kinase Cα (PKCα) mRNA with clinicopathological parameters and to evaluate the significant value of PKCα in gastric carcinoma prognosis.MethodsPKCα mRNA levels were analyzed in tumor/non‐tumor pairs of gastric tissues from surgical specimens of 41 patients with gastric carcinoma employing quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Expression of PKCα in gastric carcinoma was also examined using immunohistochemistry.ResultsPKCα mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in gastric carcinoma (P = 0.007). Overexpression of PKCα mRNA was correlated with distant metastasis (P = 0.040). Patients with high PKCα mRNA expression had a significantly poorer overall survival compared with patients with low PKCα mRNA expression (P = 0.0113). The uni‐variate Cox regression analysis showed that high PKCα mRNA expression (P = 0.0363) and depth of invasion (P = 0.0443) were two significant prognostic markers for gastric carcinoma. In backward stepwise multi‐variate analysis, PKCα mRNA overexpression was also proved to be an independent prognostic marker for gastric carcinoma (P = 0.0275).ConclusionsOur results suggest that overexpression of PKCα mRNA has correlation with distant metastasis and may be an independent prognostic marker for gastric carcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:538–543. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Standard‐free kinetic calibration for rapid on‐site analysis by solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Ouyang Gangfeng , Cai Jibao , Zhang Xu , Li Hui , Pawliszyn Janusz 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn this study, a new calibration method, standard‐free kinetic calibration, is proposed for rapid on‐site analysis by solid‐phase microextraction (SPME), based on the diffusion‐controlled mass transfer model and equilibrium extraction. With this calibration method, all analytes can be directly calibrated with only two samplings. The feasibility of this calibration method was validated in a standard aqueous solution flow‐through system and a standard gas flow‐through system. The distribution coefficients of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, anthracene, and pyrene, between water and the PDMS fiber coating were determined and the concentrations of the PAHs in the flow‐through system were successfully calibrated with the proposed standard‐free calibration method. The extracted amounts of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbezene, o‐xylene) at equilibrium were also successfully calibrated with this method with two rapid sampling periods at 5 and 10 s. Compared with the previous calibration methods for rapid on‐site analysis by SPME, this method does not require a standard to calibrate the extraction, nor does it require additional equipment to control or measure the flow velocity of the sample matrix. In addition, all of the extracted analytes can be quantified without considering whether the system reached equilibrium. The newly proposed standard‐free kinetic calibration approach enriched the calibration methods available for on‐site analysis by SPME.
Markieren mit dem Laser
Authors: Müller Helmut 
Published: February 2008

AbstractEs gibt kein Material, das sich nicht mit dem Laser beschriften lässt. Aufgrund dieser einzigartigen Eigenschaft haben Laserhersteller und Industrie gemeinsam eine Vielzahl von Markierungsanwendungen entwickelt. Ein wesentlicher Treiber für diesen Einsatzbereich des Lasers ist die Forderung der Industrie nach 100‐prozentiger Rückverfolgbarkeit aller Produkte und Komponenten – der so genannten Traceability. Und das aus gutem Grund: Weltweit verschärfen Gesetzgeber die Produkthaftungsgesetze – und Rückrufaktionen kosten nicht nur Unsummen, sondern schaden auch dem Image.
Institutional settings and rent appropriation by knowledge‐based employees: the case of Major League Baseball
Authors: Chacar Aya S. , Hesterly William 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe examine the role of institutional settings in determining rent appropriation by employees. Based on an inductive historical study of owner–player relations in Major League Baseball from the inception of professional baseball to the present, we show that both formal and informal institutional rules can dramatically influence rent appropriation. We draw upon anthropology research on social relations to understand how differences in informal norms regarding the social relations between the owners and the players affect appropriation. Our findings show that when social relations are defined by authority ranking, pay is determined more by fiat than by market forces or bargaining. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence and constipation in adults: A short version cochrane review
Authors: Mowatt G. , Glazener C. , Jarrett M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundFecal incontinence and constipation are disabling conditions that reduce quality of life. If conservative treatment fails, one option is sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), a minimally invasive technique allowing modulation of the nerves and muscles of the pelvic floor and hindgut.ObjectivesTo assess the effects of SNS for fecal incontinence and constipation in adults.Search strategyWe searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialized Trials Register (searched 24 April 2007) and the reference lists of relevant articles.Selection criteriaAll randomized or quasi‐randomized trials assessing the effects of SNS for fecal incontinence or constipation in adults.Data collection and analysisTwo review authors independently screened the search results, assessed the methodological quality of the included studies, and undertook data extraction.Main resultsThree crossover studies were included. Two, enrolling 34 (Leroi) and two participants (Vaizey), assessed the effects of SNS for fecal incontinence, and one (Kenefick), enrolling two participants, assessed SNS for constipation.In the study by Leroi, following the crossover period, participants, while still blinded, chose the period of stimulation they had preferred. Outcomes at different time points were reported separately for 19 participants who preferred the “on” and five who preferred the “off” period. For the group of 19, the median (range) episodes of fecal incontinence per week fell from 1.7 (0–9) during the “off” period to 0.7 (0–5) during the “on” period; for the group of five, however, the median (range) rose from 1.7 (0–11) during the “off” period compared with 3.7 (0–11) during the “on” period. Vaizey reported an average of six, and one, episodes of fecal incontinence per week during the “off” and “on” periods, respectively. Leroi reported that four of 27 participants experienced an adverse event resulting in removal of the stimulator; Vaizey did not report adverse events.For SNS for constipation, during the “off” crossover period the participants experienced an average of two bowel movements per week, compared with five during the “on” period. Abdominal pain and bloating occurred 79% of the time during the “off” period compared with 33% during the “on” period. No adverse events occurred.Authors' conclusionsThe very limited evidence from the included studies suggests that SNS can improve continence in selected people with fecal incontinence, and reduce symptoms in selected people with constipation. However, temporary, percutaneous stimulation for a 2–3‐week period does not always successfully identify those for whom a permanent implant will be beneficial. Larger, good quality randomized crossover trials are needed to allow the effects of SNS for these conditions to be assessed with more certainty. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:155–161, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decreased plasma levels of metastin in early pregnancy are associated with small for gestational age neonates
Authors: Smets Eva M. L. , Deurloo Koen L. , Go Attie T. J. I. , van Vugt John M. G. , Blankenstein Marinus A. , Oudejans Cees B. M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether pregnancies with small for gestational age (SGA) neonates, defined as customized birth weight below the 10th centile, are associated with altered levels of metastin in maternal plasma in the first trimester.Study DesignMaternal blood was obtained between 8 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. Levels of metastin were measured in pregnancies with (n = 31) or without SGA‐neonates (n = 31), matched for gestational age at venipuncture. Measurement of β‐hCG was included to study the influence of gestational age and placental volume on plasma levels of the measured markers.ResultsMetastin was significantly lower in SGA‐pregnancies compared to an equal number of matched uneventful pregnancies (metastin: 1376 ± 1317 pmol/L vs 2035 ± 1260 pmol/L, p = 0.035; mean ± standard deviation). β‐hCG levels were not different.ConclusionMetastin is significantly lower in maternal plasma in the first trimester, in pregnancies with SGA‐neonates. It might therefore be used in combination with other markers for risk estimation of growth impairment in the first trimester. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative glycomics of connective tissue glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Hitchcock Alicia M. , Yates Karen E. , Costello Catherine E. , Zaia Joseph 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHomeostasis of connective joint tissues depends on the maintenance of an extracellular matrix, consisting of an integrated assembly of collagens, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Isomeric chondroitin sulfate (CS) glycoforms differing in position and degree of sulfation and uronic acid epimerization play specific and distinct functional roles during development and disease onset. This work profiles the CS epitopes expressed by different joint tissues as a function of age and osteoarthritis. GAGs were extracted from joint tissues (cartilage, tendon, ligment, muscle, and synovium) and partially depolymerized using chondroitinase enzymes. The oligosaccharide products were differentially stable isotope labeled by reductive amination using 2‐anthranilic acid‐d0 or ‐d4 and subjected to amide‐hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) online LC‐MS/MS. The analysis presented herein enables simultaneous profiling of the expression of nonreducing end, linker region, and Δ‐unsaturated interior oligosaccharide domains of the CS chains among the different joint tissues. The results provide important new information on the changes to the expression of CS GAG chains during disease and development.
Fluorene‐rich high performance polyesters: Synthesis and characterization of 9,9‐fluorenylidene and 2,7‐fluorenylene‐based polyesters with excellent optical property
Authors: Seesukphronrarak Surasak , Kawasaki Shinichi , Kobori Kana , Takata Toshikazu 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPolyesters PEs containing high content of fluorene units in their backbones were synthesized from 9,9‐diarene‐substituted fluorene diols (1) and fluorene‐based diacid chlorides (2) by high temperature polycondensation at 185 °C in diphenyl ether. The molecular weights of the polyesters PE1‐PE5 were in a range of Mw 25,000–165,000. The polyesters displayed their high thermostability: the glass transition temperatures (Tg) by differential scanning calorimetry analysis ranged from 109 to 217 °C, while the 10% weight loss temperatures (Td10) measured by thermogravimetric analysis were over 400 °C in nitrogen and 395 °C in air. The polyesters had good solubility in most common organic solvents such as chloroform and toluene and gave tough, transparent and flexible cast films. The transmittance of the films was over 80% in the wavelength range from 450 to 700 nm in any PEs. The PEs exhibited high refractive index values around 1.65, while they had very low degree of birefringence. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2549–2556, 2008
An analysis technique to increase testability of object‐oriented components
Authors: Kansomkeat Supaporn , Rivepiboon Wanchai 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObject‐oriented component engineering is increasingly used for system development, partly because it emphasizes portability and reusability. Each time a component is used, it must be retested in the new environment. Unfortunately, the data abstraction that components usually use results in low testability. First, internal variables cannot be directly set. Second, even though a test input may trigger a fault, the failure does not propagate to the output. This paper presents a technique to increase object‐oriented component testability, thereby making it easier to detect faults. Components are often sealed so that source code is not available. The program analysis is performed at the Java component bytecode level. A component's bytecode is analysed to create acontrol and data flow graph, which is then used to increase component testability by increasing both controllability and observability. We have implemented this technique and applied it to several components. Experimental results reveal that fault detection can be increased by using our increasing testability process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.