bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public attitudes to the storage of blood left over from routine general practice tests and its use in research
Authors: Treweek Shaun , Doney Alex , Leiman1 David 
Published: December 2008

Objective: There is increasing international interest in DNA biobanks but relatively little evidence concerning appropriate recruitment methods for these repositories of genetic information linked to patient-specific phenotypic data. To this end, our study aimed to investigate the attitudes of members of the public recruited through general practices to the donation and storage of blood left over from routine clinical tests in general practice. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to 2600 individuals randomly selected from two general practice patient lists in Dundee, Scotland. Using a 7-point Likert scale, respondents rated their attitudes toward DNA biobanks in general, and procurement of blood samples specifically. Results: Overall, 841 (34%) of 2471 delivered questionnaires were returned. Compared with patients on the practice lists, respondents were older and more likely to be women. A majority of respondents (61%) were unequivocally positive about storing blood left over from routine tests. Despite general support for this collection method, when asked about open-ended consent, respondents expressed concern about future uses. Respondents’ increasing age and level of deprivation had significant adverse effects on attitudes towards making leftover routine biological samples available for research (P = 0.013 and P = 0.034, respectively). The study had three main limitations: there was a low response rate (34%) such that respondents were not entirely respresentative of the survey population; some respondents had difficulty with the questionnaire; and the study was somewhat underpowered for some comparisons. Conclusion: Despite its limitations, this first survey of a general practice population suggests that the majority would be willing to consider giving open-ended consent for the use of blood left over from routine clinical tests in general practice to be stored and used later for medical research.
A pilot survey of the use and implementation of cardiac markers in acute coronary syndrome and heart failure across Europe The CARdiac MArker Guideline Uptake in Europe (CARMAGUE) study
Authors: Pulkki Kari , Suvisaari Janne , Collinson Paul , Ravkilde Jan , Stavljenic-Rukavina Ana , Hammerer-Lercher Angelika , Baum Hannsjörg , van Dieijen-Visser Marja P. , Laitinen Päivi 
Published: December 2008

Abstract: Guidelines on preferred cardiac marker strategies for investigation of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are available from the laboratory medicine and cardiology communities. Therefore, implementation of these guidelines into daily clinical practice should be a joint effort of laboratory specialists and clinicians. This was investigated in this survey.: A pilot study was performed sponsored by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. A link to an online questionnaire was e-mailed to 990 laboratories from eight European countries in May 2006. The requested information included tests performed, clinical protocol development, and reference limits.: We obtained a total of 220 responses. Out of these, 208 responses (95%) were from hospitals that provide 24-h admission of patients. The suggested turn-around-time (<60 min) was apparently met by >88% for cardiac troponin T/I and for CK-MB mass. The majority of the laboratories derive their decision limits from kit inserts provided by the manufacturers. The results revealed a worrying fact that external quality assessments are not used in all testing.: Our survey demonstrated that cardiac troponin is the preferred biomarker for the diagnosis of ACS. Half of the participants had written protocols, mostly as a result of collaboration between laboratorians and clinicians.Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:227–34.
Safer Ski Jump Landing Surface Design Limits Normal Impact Velocity
Authors: Hubbard Mont 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Skiing and snowboarding have become more acrobatic with terrain park jumps and other manmade features playing a prominent role in an increase in serious spinal cord injuries. Yet these jumps rarely, if ever, involve formal or detailed design or engineering. This paper presents a coherent theory and methodology for the design of ski jump landing surfaces. The motion of the skier center of mass is modeled. Although jumpers may land in many configurations, we assume that the probability of severe landing injury is correlated with the component of skier velocity perpendicular (normal) to the landing surface v⊥ or, more understandably, with the corresponding equivalent fall height (EFH). The requirement that v⊥ and EFH be small is satisfied by making the landing surface nearly parallel to the skier flight path at landing. Safer landing surfaces that limit EFH to a given value are shown to satisfy a first order ordinary differential equation (ODE). Having chosen an EFH deemed safe enough by the designer, integration of this ODE provides members of an infinite family of landing surfaces that limit the EFH to the desired value, for any jumper in-run velocity. Using the takeoff ramp angle as another design variable, one can choose a member of this family to fit on almost any available jump site. The formulation incorporates the fact that skiers can slightly modify velocity direction and magnitude at takeoff by jumping and is valid for any landing body configuration. Such landing surfaces can still yield exhilarating flight experiences with relatively large flight times and air height above the surface, but without the danger posed by jumps created in an ad hoc manner, which can expose the skier to much larger unsafe equivalent fall heights.
Hydrogen-Related Degradation of Mechanical Properties of Titanium and Titanium Alloys
Authors: Asaoka Kenzo , Maejima Kunimitsu 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Hydrogen can have a pronounced effect on the mechanical properties of titanium (Ti) and Ti alloys, such as deformation, fracture, and fatigue life. The delayed fracture of medical Ti alloy devices is commonly caused by hydrogen embrittlement. Experimentally, we confirmed that the degradation in the performance of Ni-Ti superelastic alloy is caused by the hydrogen absorption related with specific factors in vivo; i.e., hydrogen embrittlement is related to such factors as sustained stress, in vivo environment (pH and potential), and surface chemistry. In our research a thermal desorption gas spectrometer (TDS) was used to measure the hydrogen content in the alloys without fusion. The measured hydrogen concentration showed clearly that the hydrogen concentration affects considerably the degradation of the mechanical properties. It is unclear how the alloy can naturally absorb hydrogen under biological circumstances. However, it is suspected that the hydrogen absorption is related to galvanic currents, fretting corrosion, hydrogen ions in a biological fluid, and changes in pH under biostructures, biofilms, and tumors. It may lead to the degradation of their mechanical properties by hydrogen absorption in vivo. Also the processes of medical Ti alloy devices, such as pickling, are associated with their hydrogen content. Thus, the estimation of the hydrogen absorption in vivo in relation to surface features is required to evaluate its effect on such properties as fatigue and the service life of the Ni-Ti alloys used as medical devices.
Kleopatra und der Kobrabiß  das Ende eines Mythos?
Authors: Mebs Dietrich , Schäfer Christoph 
Published: December 2008

Zusammenfassung
Drei verschiedene Versionen überliefern die antiken Quellen hinsichtlich Kleopatras Selbstmord. In der Nachwelt hat sich der Schlangenbiß als attraktivste Variante erwiesen und weitgehend durchgesetzt. Während ein Giftpflaster oder eine Hohlnadel auszuschließen sind, ist der Biß einer Schlange immerhin eine ernsthafte Möglichkeit für die Ursache ihres Ablebens. Die interdisziplinäre, altertumswissenschaftliche, herpetologische und toxikologische Analyse zeigt jedoch, daß auch ein Schlangenbiß ausgeschlossen werden kann. Am wahrscheinlichsten ist eine oral eingenommene Dosis von Pflanzengiften.
Die alexandrinischen Juden im Spannungsfeld von griechischer Bürgerschaft und römischer Zentralherrschaft. Der Krieg des Jahres 66 n. Chr. in Alexandria
Authors: Pfeiffer Stefan 
Published: December 2008

Zusammenfassung
Im Jahr 66 kam es in Alexandria zu einem militärischen Vorgehen des römischen Statthalters Tiberius Iulius Alexander gegen die jüdische Gemeinde der Stadt: Zwei Legionen vernichteten die in ihrem Stadtteil verschanzten Juden. Vorliegendem Beitrag geht es darum, die Hintergründe und möglichen Ursachen für diesen Krieg gegen die Juden Alexandrias zu beleuchten, der letztlich als Konflikt zwischen griechischer Stadtbürgerschaft und Juden zu interpretieren ist. Da sich die Juden außerhalb der römischen Staatsordnung gestellt hatten, weil sie den Statthalter beleidigten und dessen Schlichtungsversuch verweigerten, wurden sie von Rom zu Feinden erklärt, was den Krieg gegen sie zur Folge hatte. Nach der Bitte um Frieden und der Anerkennung der römischen Autorität wurden den Juden ihre alten Rechte zurückgegeben: Sie durften weiterhin gemeindlich verfaßt in Alexandria leben und bemühten sich, der Staatsmacht gehorsam zu dienen.
Demographic Analysis of Lost River Sucker and Shortnose Sucker Populations in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon
Authors: Janney Eric C. , Shively Rip S. , Hayes Brian S. , Barry Patrick M. , Perkins David 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe used 13 years (1995‐2007) of capture‐mark‐recapture data to assess population dynamics of endangered Lost River suckers Deltistes luxatus and shortnose suckers Chasmistes brevirostris in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. The Cormack‐Jolly‐Seber method was used to estimate survival, and information theoretic modeling was used to assess variation due to time, gender, species, and spawning subpopulations. Length data were used to detect multiple year‐class failures and events of high recruitment into adult spawning populations. Average annual survival probability was 0.88 for Lost River suckers and 0.76 for shortnose suckers. Mean life span estimates based on these survival rates indicated that Lost River suckers survived long enough on average to attempt reproduction eight times, whereas shortnose suckers only survived to spawn three to four times. Shortnose sucker survival was not only poor in years of fish kills (1995‐1997) but also was low in years without fish kills (i.e., 2002 and 2004). This suggests that high mortality occurs in some years but is not necessarily associated with fish kills. Annual survival probabilities were not only different between the two species but also differed between two spawning subpopulations of Lost River suckers. Length composition data indicated that recruitment into spawning populations only occurred intermittently. Populations of both species transitioned from primarily old individuals with little size diversity and consistently poor recruitment in the late 1980s and early 1990s to mostly small, recruit‐sized fish by the late 1990s. A better understanding of the factors influencing adult survival and recruitment into spawning populations is needed. Monitoring these vital parameters will provide a quantitative means to evaluate population status and assess the effectiveness of conservation and recovery efforts.
Mercury-induced reproductive impairment in fish
Authors: Crump Kate L. , Trudeau Vance L. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, and increasing levels have led to concern for human and wildlife health in many regions of the world. During the past three decades, studies in fish have examined the effects of sublethal mercury exposure on a range of endpoints within the reproductive axis. Mercury studies have varied from highly concentrated aqueous exposures to ecologically relevant dietary exposures using levels comparable to those currently found in the environment. This review summarizes data from both laboratory and field studies supporting the hypothesis that mercury in the aquatic environment impacts the reproductive health of fish. The evidence presented suggests that the inhibitory effects of mercury on reproduction occur at multiple sites within the reproductive axis, including the hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonads. Accumulation of mercury in the fish brain has resulted in reduced neurosecretory material, hypothalamic neuron degeneration, and alterations in parameters of monoaminergic neurotransmission. At the level of the pituitary, mercury exposure has reduced and/or inactivated gonadotropin-secreting cells. Finally, studies have examined the effects of mercury on the reproductive organs and demonstrated a range of effects, including reductions in gonad size, circulating reproductive steroids, gamete production, and spawning success. Despite some variation between studies, there appears to be sufficient evidence from laboratory studies to link exposure to mercury with reproductive impairment in many fish species. Currently, the mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown; however, several physiological and cellular mechanisms are proposed within this review.
Polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants in Chesapeake Bay region, USA, peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) eggs: Urban/rural trends
Authors: Potter Katherine E. , Watts Bryan D. , La Guardia Mark J. , Harvey Ellen P. , Hale Robert C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA total of 23 peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) eggs were obtained between 1993 and 2002 from 13 nests, encompassing 11 locations in the Chesapeake Bay region, USA. When multiple eggs were available from the same clutch, average clutch contaminant concentrations were calculated. An overall median total polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) level of 201 ng/g wet weight was determined for the eggs/clutches examined. The maximum in an individual egg, from an urban highway bridge site, was 354 ng/g. This egg also exhibited the highest BDE 209 burden (48.2 ng/g). Compared to distributions reported in fish and piscivorous birds, falcon eggs were enriched in the more brominated congeners. The BDE congeners 153, 99, and 100 constituted 26.0, 24.8, and 13.1%, respectively, of total PBDEs. In most aquatic species, BDE 47 is the most abundant congener reported; however, it constituted only 4.4% of total PBDEs in the eggs of the present study. The median BDE 209 concentration was 6.3 ng/g. The sum of the octa- to nonabrominated congeners (BDEs 196, 197, 206, 207, and 208) contributed, on average, 14.0% of total PBDEs, exceeding the contribution of BDE 209 (5.9%). Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (4,4′-DDE) also were determined in a subset of 16 eggs (collected in 2001–2002 from six nests) and were an order of magnitude greater than the corresponding PBDEs. Median BDE 209 concentrations were significantly correlated (p &lt; 0.01, Spearman R = 0.690) with the human population density of the area surrounding the nest. Total PBDEs, total PCBs, and 4,4′-DDE levels were not correlated to human population density.
Application of linear discriminant analysis to the study of dew chemistry on the basis of samples collected in Poland (2004–2005)
Authors: Klimaszewska Kamila , Sârbu Costel , Polkowska Żaneta , Lech Dariusz , Pasławski Piotr , Małek Stanisław , Namieśnik Jacek 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis paper presents the results of determination of selected characteristics (anions, cations, formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, phenols, TC, TIC, TOC and metals) in dew samples collected in six different sites in Poland. The influence of local parameters (e.g. wind speed, humidity) was investigated. Discriminant analysis was applied to the study of several dew samples collected from different sampling sites covering six agglomerations in Poland. Discriminant function analysis was used not only for classifying samples into different groups with a better than chance accuracy, but also for detecting the most important variables that discern between the groups of samples considered. In this way it was possible to identify which ions or other physicochemical features are responsible for the similarities or differences observed between different groups of dew samples. A good agreement with their origin and location was observed. It is interesting to note that the classification of all samples was dominated by pH, wind direction, pressure and temperature with a significant contribution of Na+ and Cl− ions.
Synthesis and structure of new 3,7,10-substituted-phenothiazine derivatives
Authors: Turdean Raluca , Bogdan Elena , Terec Anamaria , Petran Anca , Vlase Laurian , Turcu Ioan , Grosu Ion 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe synthesis of new 3,7-dibromophenothiazine derivatives bearing bromoalkyl, mercaptoalkyl and alkylthioacetate groups on the N atom at position 10 is reported. The Suzuki coupling reaction of one of these derivatives via the bromine atoms at positions 3 and 7 with bromothiophene derivatives is also discussed.
Synthesis and structural characterization of amino-functionalized polysaccharides
Authors: Sisu Ioana , Udrescu Valentina , Flangea Corina , Tudor Sorin , Dinca Nicolae , Rusnac Lucian , Zamfir Alina , Sisu Eugen 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA variety of carbohydrates, in particular polysaccharides can be subjected to chemical modification to obtain derivatives with amphiphilic properties, which enable biochemical or biological reactions at the polymer surface. In the present work, a polydisperse maltodextrin mixture of average molecular weight 3000 was coupled with 1,6-hexamethylenediamine (HMD) via reductive amination reaction. Resulting products were characterized by thermal analysis and positive nanoelectrospray quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Both thermal analysis and MS screening confirmed the formation of the HMD-polysaccharide coupling products. Moreover, HMD-linked polysaccharide chains containing 2 to 26 glucose building blocks were identified by nanoESI Q-TOF MS. MS/MS fragmentation using collision-induced dissociation (CID) at low ion acceleration energies provided strong evidence for HMD-maltodextrin linkage formation and the set of sequence ions diagnostic for the composition and structure of a HMD-linked chain containing 18 glucose residues.
Development of efficient method for preconcentration and determination of copper, nickel, zinc and iron ions in environmental samples by combination of cloud point extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Ghaedi Mehrorang , Shokrollahi Ardeshir , Niknam Khodabakhsh , Niknam Ebrahim , Soylak Mustafa 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA cloud point extraction procedure for the preconcentration of copper, nickel, iron and zinc ions in various samples has been described. Analyte ions in aqueous phase are complexed with 3-((indolin-3-yl)(phenyl)methyl)indoline (IYPMI) and following centrifugation quantitatively extracted to the aqueous phase rich in Triton X-114. The surfactant-rich phase was dissolved in 2.0 mol L−1 HNO3 in methanol prior to metal content determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The effects of some parameters including, the concentrations of IYPMI, Triton X-114 and HNO3, bath temperature, centrifuge rate and time were investigated on the recoveries of analyte ions. At optimum conditions, the detection limits of (3 SDb m−1) of 1.6, 2.8, 2.1 and 1.1 ng mL−1 for Cu2+, Fe3+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ along with preconcentration factors of 30 and enrichment factor of 48, 39, 34 and 52 for Cu2+, Ni2+, Fe3+ and Zn2+ respectively, were obtained. The proposed cloud point extraction has been successfully applied for the determination of metal ions in real samples with complicated matrix such as biological, soil and blood samples with high efficiency.
Differential reinforcement of high rate behavior to increase the pace of self‐feeding
Authors: Girolami Kelli M. , Kahng SungWoo , Hilker Kellie A. , Girolami Peter A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAlthough numerous studies have examined treatments for increasing food consumption among children with pediatric feeding disorders, very few have examined treatment of other mealtime‐related difficulties. One such problem is a slow pace of self‐feeding, which can lead to caregivers failure to adhere to treatments or be disruptive to others. We examined the effects of a differential reinforcement of high rate (DRH) intervention to increase a 9‐year‐old boy's pace of self‐feeding. During treatment, the child received reinforcement contingent on consuming his meal within 30 min. Results showed an increase in the pace of self‐feeding and a concomitant decrease in meal duration as compared to baseline. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treating sleep disturbance in infants: What generalizes?
Authors: Healey Dione , France Karyn G. , Blampied Neville M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWhen treating infant sleep problems implementing treatment procedures at bedtime‐only might be easier and more efficient than requiring parents to implement procedures throughout the night, but only if improvements at bedtime generalize to later in the night. This study investigated the immediate and generalized effect of treating bedtime settling problems and later night waking in infants and whether it was parent or child behavior that generalized. Parents recorded sleep problems of seven infants (6–20 months) who exhibited chronic sleep disturbance, then implemented a graduated checking procedure at bedtime‐only (Setting 1). A multiple‐baseline across‐settings and participants design was employed. Immediate (in Setting 1) and any generalized effects (in Setting 2) on wakings and other changes in parent and child behavior were assessed by diary information and all‐night infra‐red video recordings. Clinically significant reductions in sleep problems were evident for five out of seven infants, but these were not consistently observed until parents generalized their use of the procedure throughout the night. There was no evidence that the infants generalized changes in self‐soothing from bedtime to later. It is concluded that changes in infant sleep problems are unlikely to occur unless parents actually alter their management of the problems across all settings in which the problems occur. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two‐dimensional continuum model of biofilm growth incorporating fluid flow and shear stress based detachment
Authors: Duddu Ravindra , Chopp David L. , Moran Brian 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe present a two‐dimensional biofilm growth model in a continuum framework using an Eulerian description. A computational technique based on the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) and the level set method is used to simulate the growth of the biofilm. The model considers fluid flow around the biofilm surface, the advection–diffusion and reaction of substrate, variable biomass volume fraction and erosion due to the interfacial shear stress at the biofilm–fluid interface. The key assumptions of the model and the governing equations of transport, biofilm kinetics and biofilm mechanics are presented. Our 2D biofilm growth results are in good agreement with those obtained by Picioreanu et al. (Biotechnol Bioeng 69(5):504–515, 2000). Detachment due to erosion is modeled using two continuous speed functions based on: (a) interfacial shear stress and (b) biofilm height. A relation between the two detachment models in the case of a 1D biofilm is established and simulated biofilm results with detachment in 2D are presented. The stress in the biofilm due to fluid flow is evaluated and higher stresses are observed close to the substratum where the biofilm is attached. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 92–104. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.