bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medical Expert Systems
Authors: Hudson Donna L. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The first medical expert system was designed over 30 years ago. Since that time, advances in both computer technology and software design have permitted the development of increasingly sophisticated models. Most medical expert systems are designed to function as decision support tools. The original systems used techniques from artificial intelligence as a basis for developing models that were symbolic in nature in which the reasoning structure and knowledge base were separate entities. The hallmark of these systems is the use of natural language, the easy representation of concepts, and the ability to provide explanations. Relevant artificial intelligence methodologies include knowledge representation, knowledge acquisition, and problem solving. In the course of thirty years, many additional techniques have been employed, including causal and deep reasoning, fuzzy logic, approximate reasoning, hybrid systems, consequential reasoning, and intelligent agents. Hybrid systems and intelligent agent models meld symbolic techniques with data‐based models to bring all available information to bear on a problem. Medical applications include all major specialties and range from very specific areas such as antibiotic therapy to entire domains such as internal medicine.
Microsensors and Nanosensors
Authors: Nagel David J. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Sensors are systems or devices that provide signals, which are correlated to some physical, chemical, or biological condition in their neighborhood. The signals can be transformed, by use of a calibration curve, into information about the environment of a sensor. There are two classes of sensors, point sensors that provide information only from their immediate surroundings and volume sensors (imagers or cameras) that can give information on conditions in an extended region. Sensors are old, but recent advances in miniaturization technologies have been leading to very small and capable sensors. Micromachining processes, which grew out of the microelectronics industry, have been used for about two decades to make microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that are relative cheap and extraordinarily reliable. Microsensors for pressure and acceleration are now sold by the tens of millions annually. In the past decade, processes have been developed to grow nano‐materials, which have structures on the scale of molecules. They are proving to be very useful for small sensors, especially for chemical and biological applications. Two‐dimensional arrays of bio‐sensors, based on DNA or antibodies to recognize the target molecules in a sample, are especially important. They, and other small sensors, enable almost immediate diagnostics at the point of care, rather than sending samples to a central laboratory. Small sensors make it possible to put diagnostic equipment inside the body. They are expected to have an increasing impact on biomedical engineering and clinical medicine.
Nanophase Materials
Authors: Ballard Jake D. , Dulgar-Tulloch Aaron J. , Siegel Richard W. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractGreat strides are being made in our ability to synthesize and assemble nanoscale building blocks to create nanophase materials with novel properties and functionalities. The novel properties of nanostructures are derived from their confined sizes and their very large surface‐to‐volume ratios. The former give rise to unique size‐dependent properties in the nanoscale (1–100 nm) regime, while the latter give rise to the ability of nanoscale additions to conventional material matrices to dramatically change the host material's properties. Nanostructured surfaces have also been shown to elicit more favorable and selective biomolecule and cellular responses than surfaces at coarser length scales. The characteristics of nanophase materials are described and what is known about their interactions with proteins and cells is reviewed with extensive references. While many studies have been carried out to probe such interactions, we are still at a very early stage of understanding the fundamental issues controlling these interactions. Much careful work remains before these important interactions are fully understood so that they can be controlled to impact biomedicine to benefit society.
Orthotics
Authors: Fatone Stefania 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Orthoses are externally applied devices used to modify the structural or functional characteristics of the neuro‐musculo‐skeletal system. They can be fitted to almost any part of the body from the leg to the arm, spine, and head, and are named systematically based on the principle joint/s they encompass. The basic functional goals of orthoses are to provide support, to correct deformity, or to modify motion occurring at a joint. Three general biomechanical principles apply to most orthotic devices: moments and force couples, pressure tolerance of tissues, and alignment of joint axes. When fabricating an orthosis, material selection depends on the function to be performed by the orthosis and with the orthosis. Metals and thermoplastics are the most common materials in modern orthotics, although thermosets are also used. Many different kinds of orthoses are available, not only with respect to the body part they encompass, but also how they are fabricated: Orthoses may be either prefabricated or custom‐fabricated. Three main categories of orthoses exist: Lower limb orthoses, from the foot to the hip, generally play an important role in weight‐bearing and locomotion; spinal orthoses, including cranial orthoses, are used to reduce pain, correct or decrease the progression of deformity, and prevent or minimize further injury; and upper limb orthoses, both static and dynamic, play an important role in aiding function of the upper limb, especially the hand. Within each category, many different types of orthoses are available. The main types of orthoses are described with respect to their treatment objectives, materials from which they are constructed, and mechanisms of action.
Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Heinzer Raphael , Jordan Amy , Malhotra Atul 
Published: April 2006

AbstractDiseases affecting the respiratory system are usually present during the day and the night; however, sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome is a disease manifesting only during sleep. It is defined as a cessation (apnea) or a reduction of breathing (hypopnea) of 10 seconds or more during sleep. Each of these apneas or hypopneas is usually terminated when the person awakens for a few seconds. Typically, patients do not remember these transient awakenings.There are two general categories of apnea: central and obstructive. These categories are classified according to the presence or the absence of respiratory effort. Central sleep apnea is a result of the absence of nerve impulses from the brain to the respiratory muscles and therefore occurs in absence of respiratory effort. Obstructive sleep apnea is much more common. This condition is caused by repetitive obstruction of the upper airway (pharynx) during sleep. Therefore, respiratory efforts are still present during apnea and usually increase throughout the apnea. The individual makes larger and larger respiratory efforts until they arouse from sleep apnea and reopen their upper airway so breathing can resume. As will be discussed, some overlap exists between obstructive and central apnea in both disease presentation (so‐called mixed apnea) and in pathogenesis.
Human Nervous System, Noninvasive Coupling of Electronically Generated Data into
Authors: Kercel Stephen , Bach-y-Rita Paul 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe tongue display unit (TDU) is a practical technology for coupling machine‐generated data into the human nervous system. Through the TDU, a human user experiences what the machine captures by direct perception. It is an enabling technology through which the human literally becomes “one with the machine,” as if the machine were another appendage of the body. Unlike conventional human‐machine interface (HMI) analog and digital displays, direct coupling to the nervous system is based on unconscious integration and is far faster and more effective than conscious interpretation of data. TDU‐based human‐machine synergism enables anticipatory behavior derived from themeaningof a data stream, rather than a reactive response to individual data. It provides a means to integrate anticipatory function into manmade processes. Unlike the invasive direct‐coupling HMI strategies being investigated by many researchers, this interface requires no surgical implants.The TDU, developed at the University of Wisconsin Medical School, uses electrotactile contact with the tongue. Prototype TDU‐based sensory prosthesis have been applied to the restoration of lost senses, such as sight to blind persons and balance to victims of vestibular loss. Earlier vibro‐ and electrotactile interfaces to various skin areas (abdomen, finger, forehead, back) have also been used with artificial sensors for vision substitution and to restore the lost sense of touch in victims of leprosy.The TDU's potential goes beyond enabling the restoration of lost senses. Decades of experience in sensory substitution suggest that the brain can abstract meaning from many different forms of data passing through the TDU, implying that it can enable subjects to directly experience processes that would otherwise be outside the range of human sensibilities. For example, using this interface to monitor a large computer network, an administrator may be able to unconsciously abstract meaning from data flows, and to sense problems in the network “by feel.” In other words, the TDU provides a practical means of creating artificial senses.This development has many potential broad impacts. First, it heralds a new and highly significant type of relationship between human and machine; they become one. Second, it enables a level of process monitoring that is unavailable through any other technology, enabling dramatic improvements in the quality, safety, and reliability of practically any industrial or commercial processes. Third, it provides a novel strategy for solving many of the most perplexing problems in the information technology industry.
Knee Meniscus, Biomechanics of
Authors: Pangborn Christine A. , Athanasiou Kyriacos A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTo fully understand the function of the knee meniscus, it is important to define the characteristics of its structure and composition, and how they vary spatially within the tissue. The meniscus is an excellent example of how structure can confer function in a mechanical device. The goal of this article is to summarize current findings related to meniscal properties. Cellular, biochemical, ultrastructural, and biomechanical characteristics are compared in the different zones, depths, and topographical regions of the knee meniscus. It is important to note the wide variety of species and testing methods that have been used to evaluate such properties. These variations render difficult direct comparisons of the properties of this anisotropic and inhomogeneous tissue. Understanding the structure‐function relationships within the meniscus will lead to better design of replacements for this tissue.
Magnetic Resonance—Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Eyüboğlu B. Murat 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Magnetic resonance‐electrical impedance tomography (MR‐EI) is a promising new imaging modality which was magnetic flux density measurements, acquired using magnetic resonance current density imaging (MRCDI) techniques, and surface potential measurements, similar to conventional electrical impedance tomography (EIT) measurements, to reconstruct high resolution images of true conductivity. Utilizing MRCDI techniques, magnetic flux density is measured throughout the field of view at very high resolution, hence significant improvement in spatial resolution and the uniformly of sensitivity can be achieved.
Sutures
Authors: Jones C.W. , Schreuder F.B. , Walsh W.R. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Suture materials are probably the most common biomedical materials and are used to repair virtually all known body tissues. The primary role of sutures remains that of wound closure; principally the fixing of tissues in opposition in order to facilitate healing. However, the continual evolution of materials has seen the applications of sutures widen with the development of new surgical techniques necessitating a concurrent development of suturing technologies. In this chapter, we provide a brief history of sutures and examine the role of biomedical engineering in the testing and development of suturing materials and techniques, including mechanical property testing under various conditions, knot holding capacities, suturing pattern optimization, suture fixation, and anchoring techniques. The
in vivo
response of the human body to various sutures may have an important effect on the material or mechanical properties of the suture/tissue complex, including the viscoelasticity, the stress relaxation, and the strain rate. In this context, we consider the body's response to suture materials according to the inflammatory response, the histological characteristics, and the differences between absorbable and nonabsorbable suture materials. Further, we explore the emerging types of angiogenic and thrombogenic sutures in relation to the biomedical engineering practices that are being used to develop the great potential of these devices. Finally, we consider the continuing development of biomedically engineered sutures with associated advances in clinical effectiveness.
Meniscal Replacements
Authors: Haut Donahue Tammy , Maes Jason 
Published: April 2006

AbstractMenisci are fibrocartilagenous structures in the knee joint that act to distribute the load from the femur to the tibia. Menisci are frequently torn as a result of sporting activity or degenerative tears associated with aging. Approximately 12.5% of annual visits to orthopedic surgeons are related to knee injury, and of those visits, 43% are directly related to meniscal injuries (see review by McBride and Reid, 1988). Some tears do not heal because they either occur in the avascular region of the meniscus or are too complex for repair. Therefore, the common treatment for these types of tears is either complete or partial meniscectomy depending on the severity of the tear. However, meniscectomies have been shown to lead to degenerative arthritis in the knee. Therefore, in an effort to prevent premature arthritis caused by removal of the meniscus or a portion of the meniscus, meniscal replacement strategies are being investigated.This article will detail the basic structure and function of meniscal tissue and the attachments of the menisci to the surrounding structures. The strengths and weaknesses of various meniscal replacement strategies will be discussed, including autografts, meniscal allografts, synthetic prosthesis, and tissue‐engineered constructs. The success of meniscal replacements likely depends on their ability to restore normal meniscal function both biologically and biomechanically. Previous studies indicate that a number of biomechanical criteria are important for proper meniscal function, such as the material properties and geometry of the replacement tissue as well as the attachment of the replacement to the tibial plateau.
Hypertension: Time‐Frequency Analysis for Early Diagnosis
Authors: Davrath Linda , Pinhas Itzik , Toledo Eran , Akselrod Solange 
Published: April 2006

AbstractHypertension is the most common disease in industrialized nations, and it markedly increases both morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular and many other diseases. Yet, appropriate interventions can delay and possibly prevent the development of hypertension and ensuing complications. The risk of cardiovascular death doubles in a near linear fashion for each 20/10 mm Hg increment in blood pressure levels above 115/75 mm Hg. Despite this, no techniques are currently available to identify individuals at increased risk for developing hypertension. Autonomic dysfunction has been quantified at progressive stages of hypertension, providing insight into the malfunctions characteristic of pre‐hypertension, mild, and full‐blown hypertension.Newly developed time‐frequency analysis tools provide a promising prospect for simple, noninvasive identification of individuals with a “pre‐hypertensive” profile. Early identification of individuals prone to developing hypertension may allow for aggressive early intervention to slow down, or even halt, disease progression.
Thyroid anomalies in Williams syndrome: Investigation of 95 patients
Authors: Selicorni A. , Fratoni A. , Pavesi M.A. , Bottigelli M. , Arnaboldi E. , Milani D. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThyroid involvement in Williams syndrome (WS) was recently reported in two small groups of patients, both showing an increased prevalence of elevation of TSH serum concentration; in one of the two reports, 70% of the patients demonstrated a hypoplasia of thyroid gland as well. In our institution, we currently follow a large population of WS patients who periodically undergo a multispecialist clinical evaluation that includes ultrasound evaluation of the thyroid gland, and levels of FT3, FT4, TSH, and anti‐thyroid antibodies. Here, we report on the prevalence of thyroid structural and functional anomalies, in a population of 95 WS patients, half of them followed for more than 5 years. Our study confirms the increased incidence of both elevated TSH serum values (37.9% in our sample) and thyroid gland hypoplasia (74.7%). Moreover, we demonstrated that TSH elevation declines with age. For this reason, we suggest that a complete thyroid evaluation be performed in every patient with WS, and that this medical complication should be periodically searched for in follow‐up visits. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Linkage analysis of genetic loci for kyphoscoliosis on chromosomes 5p13, 13q13.3, and 13q32
Authors: Miller Nancy H. , Marosy Beth , Justice Cristina M. , Novak Steven M. , Tang Edward Y. , Boyce Paul , Pettengil James , Doheny Kimberly F. , Pugh Elizabeth W. , Wilson Alexander F. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractKyphoscoliosis, a three‐dimensional deformity of spinal growth, is characterized by a curvature in the coronal plane (scoliosis) in conjunction with thoracic kyphosis in excess of the normal range in the sagittal plane. We identified kyphoscoliosis within members of seven families (53 individuals) originally ascertained as part of a large collaborative study of familial idiopathic scoliosis. Model‐independent linkage analysis of a genome‐wide microsatellite screen identified areas suggestive of linkage on chromosomes 2q22, 5p13, 13q, and 17q11. Single‐point and multipoint analyses of an additional 25 flanking microsatellite markers corroborated linkage to these regions, with areas on chromosomes 5p13, 13q13, and 13q32 being the most significant (P < 0.005). Analyses of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in the candidate region on chromosome 5 narrowed the region to approximately 3.5 Mb (P < 0.05), with the most significant P values (P < 0.01) occurring in approximately a 1.3‐Mb region. Candidate loci in this region include IRX1, IRX2, and IRX4 of the Iroquois Homeobox protein family. On chromosome 13, single‐point and multipoint analyses resulted in multiple SNPs having P values < 0.05 within five candidate genes: Osteoblast‐specific factor 2 or periostin, forkhead box O1A, A‐kinase anchor protein 11, TBC1 domain family member 4, and glypican 5, thus supporting the potential relevance of this region in the pathogenesis of kyphoscoliosis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meiotic segregation analysis of reciprocal translocations both in sperms and blastomeres
Authors: Yakut Tahsin , Ercelen Nesrin , Acar Hasan , Kimya Yalçın , Egeli Unal 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBalanced chromosomal rearrangements could lead to unbalanced segregation gametes during meiosis. In this study, sperm flourescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of meiotic segregation products of four reciprocal translocations; 46,XY,t(7;10)(q21;q22), 46,XY,t(15;17)(q11;p12), 46,XY,t(6;13)(p21.1;q32), and 46,XY,t(1;13)(q24;q10) are presented. In three out of these four cases with t(15;17), t(6;13), and t(1;13) additional blastomere FISH analyses are also provided. Multi‐color FISH analysis was applied using diverse probe combinations specific for translocated chromosome segments. The average frequency of sperm nuclei bearing unbalanced products for t(7;10), t(15;17), t(6;13), and t(1;13) were 48.7%, 59.5%, 60.5%, and 62.9%, respectively. Frequencies of blastomeres comprising unbalanced products in cases with t(15;17), t(6;13), and t(1;13) were 80% (12 of 15), 60% (3 of 5), and 50% (2 of 4), respectively. Chi‐square test analysis showed significant differences in the meiotic segregation patterns due to the distribution and numbers of the chiasmatas that could depend on the size of the translocated segments (P < 0.001). In conclusion, FISH analysis of sperm and blastomere for reciprocal translocation carriers effectively estimates the approximate risk of unbalanced products and this result might ensure valuable genetic counseling. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altering lipase activity and enantioselectivity in organic media using organo‐soluble bases: Implication for rate‐limiting proton transfer in acylation step
Authors: Chen Chun‐Chi , Chen Teh‐Liang , Tsai Shau‐Wei 
Published: April 2006

AbstractWith the hydrolytic resolution of (R,S)‐naproxen 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl esters via a partially purified papaya lipase (PCPL) in water‐saturated isooctane as the model system, the enzyme activity, and enantioselectivty is altered by adding a variety of organo‐soluble bases that act as either enzyme activators (i.e., TEA, MP, TOA, DPA, PY, and DMA) or enzyme inhibitors (i.e., PDP, DMAP, and PP). Triethylamine (TEA) is selected as the best enzyme activator as 2.24‐fold increase of the initial rate for the (S)‐ester is obtained when adding 120 mM of the base. By using an expanded Michaelis–Menten mechanism for the acylation step, the kinetic analysis indicates that the proton transfer for the breakdown of tetrahedral intermediates to acyl‐enzyme intermediates is the rate‐limiting step, or more sensitive than that for the formation of tetrahedral intermediates when the enzyme activators of different pKa are added. However, no correlation for the proton transfers in the acylation step is found when adding the bases acting as enzyme deactivators. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective separation of cationic peptides from a tryptic hydrolysate of β‐lactoglobulin by electrofiltration
Authors: Lapointe Jean‐François , Gauthier Sylvie F. , Pouliot Yves , Bouchard Christian 
Published: April 2006

AbstractElectrofiltration (EF) was used to selectively separate cationic (basic) peptides contained in a tryptic β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG) hydrolysate, with particular emphasis on the isolation of basic sequence β‐LG 142–148, which is a potential antihypertensive peptide. Both the influence of feed solution pH and operating parameters (transmembrane pressure, feed velocity) were assessed to find optimum conditions enabling the fractionation between peptides during EF. The cathode (−) was inserted in the permeate side to increase the separation of basic peptides contained in the tryptic β‐LG hydrolysate as compared to conventional NF. The highest separation factor between basic and neutral peptides was obtained at pH 9 using G‐10 membrane with a molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) of 2,500 g/mol, at 5 V with the lowest transmembrane pressure (0.344 MPa) and feed velocity (0.047 m/s). The transmission behavior of the peptides during EF was better explained when taking into account the positive/negative charge ratio. Because of its 3+/1− charge ratio, β‐LG 142–148 had the highest transmission during EF. Consequently, its relative concentration was raised from 3.5% in the initial tryptic β‐LG hydrolysate up to 38% in the permeate. The electric field seemed more effective when the convective/shearing forces were minimized. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.