bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in extreme precipitation indices derived from a daily rainfall database for the South of Portugal
Authors: Costa Ana Cristina , Soares Amílcar 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe rainfall regime of the South of Portugal is Mediterranean with Atlantic influence. Long‐term series of reliable precipitation records are essential for land and water resources management, climate‐change monitoring, modelling of erosion and run‐off, among other applications for ecosystem and hydrological impact modelling. This study provides a qualitative classification of 106 daily rainfall series from stations located in the South of Portugal and evaluates temporal patterns in extreme precipitation by calculating a number of indicators at stations with homogeneous data within the 1955/1999 period. The methodology includes both absolute and relative approaches and a new homogeneity testing procedure, besides the application of other statistical tests. The proposed technique is an extension of the Ellipse test that takes into account the contemporaneous relationship between several candidate series from the same climatic area (SUR + Ellipse test). The results indicate that this technique is a valuable tool for the detection of non‐climatic irregularities in climate time series if the station network is dense enough. The existence of trends and other temporal patterns in extreme precipitation indices was investigated and uncertainty about rainfall patterns evolution was assessed. Three indices describing wet events and another three indicators characterizing dry conditions were analysed through regression models and smoothing techniques. The simple aridity intensity index (AII) reflects increases in the magnitude of dryness. Especially pronounced trends are found over most of southern Portugal in the 1955/1999 period, highlighting the fact that large areas are threatened by drought and desertification. The trend signals of the wetness indices are not significant at the majority of stations, but there is evidence of increasing short‐term precipitation intensity over the region during the last three decades of the twentieth century. Finally, the results also indicate that extreme precipitation variability and climate uncertainty are greater in recent times. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Raman and infrared structural investigation of (PbO)x(ZnO)(0.6−x)(P2O5)0.4 glasses
Authors: Le Saoût Gwenn , Simon Patrick , Fayon Franck , Blin Annie , Vaills Yann 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe structure of ternary (PbO)x(ZnO)(0.6−x)(P2O5)0.4glasses was investigated using Raman scattering and infrared spectroscopy over the compositional range x = 0–0.6. No significant change of the average chain length composed by PO4 tetrahedral units with the substitution of zinc for the lead cation was observed. The linewidth and wavenumber variations of the Raman high‐wavenumber bands reflect the Zn/Pb substitution in these glasses and are correlated with the metal–oxygen force constant and local disorder. The infrared reflectivity spectra have been fitted with the four‐parameter dielectric function model. The variation in the 1000–1200 cm−1wavenumber range has been attributed to an increase of the oscillator damping ΓLO(PO3)2− as with PbO content vibrations rather than a variation of the chain length. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic study of the metatellurate mineral: xocomecatlite Cu3TeO4(OH)4
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Keeffe Elle C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe mineral xocomecatlite is a hydroxy metatellurate mineral with Te6+ O4 units. Tellurates may be subdivided according to their formula into three types of tellurate minerals: type (a) (AB)m (TeO4)pZq, type (b) (AB)m(TeO6)·xH2O and (c) compound tellurates in which a second anion including the tellurite anion, is involved. The mineral xocomecatlite is an example of the first type. Raman bands for xocomecatlite at 710, 763 and 796 cm−1, and 600 and 680 cm−1 are attributed to the ν1(TeO4)2− symmetric and ν3 antisymmetric stretching mode. Raman bands observed at 2867 and 2926 cm−1 are assigned to TeOH stretching vibrations and enable estimation of the hydrogen bond distances of 2.622 Å (2867 cm−1), 2.634 Å (2926 cm−1) involving these OH units. The hydrogen bond distances are very short implying that they are necessary for the stability of the mineral. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gelation and Hollow Particle Formation in Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Copolymerization of Styrene and Divinylbenzene in Miniemulsion
Authors: Zetterlund Per B. , Saka Yuichi , Okubo Masayoshi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractNetwork formation in the nitroxide‐mediated cross‐linking copolymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene (3 or 8.2 mol‐% relative to total monomer) using the nitroxide 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxy (TEMPO) at 125 °C can proceed markedly differently in aqueous miniemulsion compared to the corresponding solution polymerization depending on the organic‐phase composition. When the organic phase comprises 54 vol‐% of the hydrophobe tetradecane, gelation occurs at much lower conversion in miniemulsion than in solution, and at significantly lower conversion than predicted by Flory–Stockmayer gelation theory. This is proposed to be a result of an effect of the oil–water interface, whereby the concentration of polymer with pendant unsaturations is higher near the interface than in the particle interior.magnified image
Simultaneous Deconvolution of the Bivariate Distribution of Molecular Weight and Chemical Composition of Polyolefins Made with Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts
Authors: Alghyamah Abdulaziz A. , Soares João B. P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPolyolefins made with Ziegler–Natta catalysts have non‐uniform distributions of molecular weight (MWD) and chemical composition (CCD). The MWD is usually measured by high‐temperature gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and the CCD by either temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) or crystallization analysis fractionation (CRYSTAF). A mathematical model is needed to quantify the information provided by these analytical techniques and to relate it to the presence of multiple site types on Ziegler–Natta catalysts. We developed a robust computer algorithm to deconvolute the MWD and CCD of polyolefins simultaneously using Flory's most probable distribution and the cumulative CCD component of Stockmayer's distribution, which includes the soluble fraction commonly present in linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) resins and have applied this procedure for the first time to several industrial LLDPE resins. The deconvolution results are reproducible and consistent with theoretical expectations.magnified image
Neue Auswertungsmethode zur Bestimmung der Kennwerte der Dehnungswöhlerlinie und der Spannungs‐Dehnungs‐Kurve unter Berücksichtigung der Kompatibilität
Authors: el Dsoki C. , Nieslony A. , Kaufmann H. , Krug P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEs wird eine Methode zur Auswertung dehnungsgeregelter Versuche vorgeschlagen. Sie beinhaltet eine Regressionsrechnung auf Basis der Versuchsergebnisse im 3‐Dimensionalen Raum. Dabei wird jeder Versuchspunkt genau einer Spannungsamplitude, einer Dehnungsamplitude und einer Schwingspielzahl zugeordnet. Die gesuchten zyklischen Konstanten und Exponenten werden direkt aus dem Richtungsvektor R und dem Stützpunkt P aus der Regressionsrechnung bestimmt. Weiterhin wird anhand der 3D‐Methode gezeigt, wie die Kompatibilitätsbedingung, d. h. die Gleichsetzung der elastischen und plastischen Anteile aus der Ramberg‐Osgood‐ und der Coffin‐Manson‐Basquin‐Gleichung, sowohl die mathematischen als auch die physikalischen Zusammenhänge beibehält. Anhand von Versuchsdaten, die an sprühkompaktierten Aluminiumlegierungen mit unterschiedlichen Fertigungs‐ und Prüfparametern ermittelt wurden, wird das Ergebnis und die Vorteile dieser neuen Auswertemethode gezeigt.
Method of oocyte activation affects cloning efficiency in pigs
Authors: Whitworth Kristin M. , Li Rongfeng , Spate Lee D. , Wax David M. , Rieke August , Whyte Jeffrey J. , Manandhar Gaurishankar , Sutovsky Miriam , Green Jonathan A. , Sutovsky Peter , Prather Randall S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe following experiments compared the efficiency of three fusion/activation protocols following somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) with porcine somatic cells transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein driven by the chicken β‐actin/rabbit β‐globin hybrid promoter (pCAGG‐EGFP). The three protocols included electrical fusion/activation (NT1), electrical fusion/activation followed by treatment with a reversible proteasomal inhibitor MG132 (NT2) and electrical fusion in low Ca2+ followed by chemical activation with thimerosal/dithiothreitol (NT3). Data were collected at Days 6, 12, 14, 30, and 114 of gestation. Fusion rates, blastocyst‐stage mean cell numbers, recovery rates, and pregnancy rates were calculated and compared between protocols. Fusion rates were significantly higher for NT1 and NT2 compared to NT3 (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in mean nuclear number. Pregnancy rate for NT2 was 100% (n = 19) at all stages collected and was significantly higher than NT1 (71.4%, n = 28; P < 0.05), but was not significantly higher than NT3 (82.6%, n = 23; P < 0.15). Recovery rates were calculated based on the number of embryos, conceptuses, fetuses, or piglets present at the time of collection, divided by the number of embryos transferred to the recipient gilts. Recovery rates between the three groups were not significantly different at any of the stages collected (P > 0.05). All fusion/activation treatments produced live, pCAGG‐EGFP positive piglets from SCNT. Treatment with MG132 after fusion/activation of reconstructed porcine embryos was the most effective method when comparing the overall pregnancy rates. The beneficial effect of NT2 protocol may be due to the stimulation of proteasomes that infiltrate donor cell nucleus shortly after nuclear transfer. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 490–500, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Can the use of different parameters and waveforms improve the results of intravesical electrical stimulation: A pilot study in the rat
Authors: De Bock Filip , De Wachter Stefan , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAimIntravesical electrical stimulation (IVES) with square wave pulses, low frequencies and short pulse durations has been used for decades in diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction. The results are not always satisfying. Several parameters have been studied before but not the use of other waveforms and the effect of electrical charge. This study compares the effect of changing waveforms, frequencies, pulse durations, amplitudes and derived parameters in IVES.MethodsIVES, performed in seven female Sprague‐Dawley rats, was given for 10 sec with constant current unipolar square or sawtooth pulses with different pulse durations (10, 20, or 100 msec), frequencies (5, 20, or 10 Hz) and amplitudes (2, 4, 6, and 8mA). Bladder pressure was recorded. Electrical charge and power were calculated.ResultsStimulation with the same frequency, same pulse duration and same amplitude showed significantly higher maximal pressure rises (max ΔP) for square wave (all P < 0.05). Stimulation with the same frequency, same pulse duration and same electrical charge, gave no different max ΔP for both waveforms (all P > 0.05). The charge and power could be reduced without changing max ΔP, by lowering frequencies and/or shortening pulse durations.ConclusionsSawtooth pulses are equally effective as square pulses for inducing detrusor contraction during IVES with the same electric charge. Frequency and pulse duration had, in this study, a minor influence on the efficacy of IVES. Lower frequency and/or shorter pulse duration results in lower charge and power without changing stimulation efficacy. This finding can be important for the battery life of implanted stimulators and for patient's comfort. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:246–250, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation produces effects on brain activity: Study on the modifications of the long latency somatosensory evoked potentials
Authors: Finazzi‐Agrò Enrico , Rocchi Camilla , Pachatz Christa , Petta Filomena , Spera Enrico , Mori Francesco , Sciobica Francesco , Marfia Girolama A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveLong‐latency somatosensory evoked potentials (LL‐SEP) provide information on the function of somatosensory cortical structures. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is indicated in the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Aim of this study was to evaluate LL‐SEP in patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) treated by means of PTNS.MethodsSixteen female patients with a diagnosis of pharmacoresistant OAB underwent PTNS while eight female patients with the same diagnosis underwent sham stimulation. LL‐SEP were performed at baseline and at the end of PTNS or sham stimulation. Peak latency and peak to peak amplitude of P80, P100, and P200 waves were measured.ResultsMean latency of P80, P100, and P200 and mean amplitude of P200 did not show any significant change after both stimulation. Mean amplitude of P80 and P100 waves increased significantly after PTNS while it did not vary after sham stimulation.ConclusionThe P80 and P100 amplitude increase might reflect long‐term modifications in synaptic efficiency through the somatosensory pathway. The plastic reorganization of cortical network triggered by peripheral neuromodulation can be hypothesized as a mechanism of action of PTNS. Further studies are needed to correlate LL‐SEP modifications after PTNS with the success of the treatment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:320–324, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The efficacy of a wetting alarm diaper for toilet training of young healthy children in a day‐care center: A randomized control trial
Authors: Vermandel Alexandra , Van Kampen Marijke , De Wachter Stefan , Weyler Joost , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAimsTo evaluate, in a randomized controlled way, the use of a daytime wetting alarm in a day‐care center during three consecutive weeks in healthy children.MethodsThirty‐nine healthy young children, between 18 and 30 months old, were selected at random for a wetting alarm diaper training (n = 27) or control wearing a placebo alarm (n = 12). Toilet behavior was observed during a period of 10 hr by independent observers before, at the end of, and 2 weeks after training. Children were defined as completing daytime toilet training when the child wore undergarments, showed awareness of a need to void, initiated the toileting without prompts or reminder from the trainer and had maximum one leakage accident per day.ResultsChildren in the wetting alarm diaper training group achieved independent bladder control in 51.9% and did significantly better than in the control group (8.3%) (P = 0.013). The results were sustained during the following 14 days (P = 0.013).ConclusionThe wetting alarm diaper training is an effective option for toilet training young healthy children in a day‐care center. It offers day‐care providers clear guidelines and limits the time to complete toilet training in many children without putting too much burden on the child and the day‐care center activities. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:305–308, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Face validity and reliability of the first digital assessment scheme of pelvic floor muscle function conform the new standardized terminology of the International Continence Society
Authors: Slieker‐ten Hove M.C.P. , Pool‐Goudzwaard A.L. , Eijkemans M.J.C. , Steegers‐Theunissen R.P.M. , Burger C.W. , Vierhout M.E. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAimsTo test the face validity and reliability of a new digital pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) assessment scheme that was designed on the basis of the recently standardized terminology of the International Continence Society.MethodsStudy participants comprised 41 women, age 18–85 years. Data on age and parity were obtained. Face validity of the new assessment scheme was tested by three senior and one junior pelvic physiotherapists, using the Delphi technique. PFMF of each woman was assessed four times by three specially trained pelvic physiotherapists. Examiners were blinded to parity and other findings. To test reliability, Kappa (K) was used for the dichotomous variables and Weighted Kappa (Kw) for the items with more than two categories.ResultsMean age of the women was 41 years (SD 10.5); 14 were nulliparous (34.1%), 6 primiparous (14.6%), and 21 multiparous (51.2%). The new assessment scheme showed satisfactory face validity and intra‐observer reliability but low inter‐observer reliability.ConclusionsThe new assessment scheme based on the terminology of the ICS showed satisfactory face validity and intra‐observer reliability. It can therefore be considered suitable for use in clinical practice. More detailed redefinition of the described outcome measures is necessary to improve the inter‐observer reliability. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:295–300, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictive value of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex
Authors: Podnar Simon 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAimsTo determine the predictive values and specificity of clinical and neurophysiologic testing of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex.MethodsA group of 22 control men and a group of 53 men with chronic cauda equina lesions (patients) were studied. The penilo‐cavernosus reflex was elicited clinically and measured neurophysiologically using single and double electrical stimulation. The sensory threshold, reflex threshold and stimulation strength in all controls, and latency of the response in all subjects, were compared to reference intervals. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex testing were calculated.ResultsSensitivity of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex was 72–83% and 81–83%, specificity 52–57% and 90–91%, positive predictive value 83–97% and 95–96%, negative predictive value 52–57% and 66–68%, and likelihood ratios 1.9–2.8 and 8.3–9.0 for clinical (circumcised subjects: included/excluded; reflex pathologic when diminished/non‐elicitable) and neurophysiologic testing (using three stimulation modalities), respectively. Specificities of the sensory threshold, reflex threshold and stimulation strength were approximately 90% or higher.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated higher specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios of neurophysiologic testing of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex compared to clinical testing. The results support the use of clinical penilo‐cavernosus reflex testing as an addition to bladder emptying difficulties and saddle sensory loss as criteria for patient referral for uro‐neurophysiologic examination, and measurement of the reflex as a valuable part of such testing. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:390–394, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transporting jobs through a two‐machine open shop
Authors: Lushchakova Irina N. , Soper Alan J. , Strusevich Vitaly A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe consider the two‐machine open shop scheduling problem in which the jobs are brought to the system by a single transporter and moved between the processing machines by the same transporter. The purpose is to split the jobs into batches and to find the sequence of moves of the transporter so that the time by which the completed jobs are collected together on board the transporter is minimal. We present a $ {7 \over 5} $‐approximation algorithm. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 2009
Scheduling a maintenance activity on parallel identical machines
Authors: Levin Asaf , Mosheiov Gur , Sarig Assaf 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe study a problem of scheduling a maintenance activity on parallel identical machines, under the assumption that all the machines must be maintained simultaneously. One example for this setting is a situation where the entire system must be stopped for maintenance because of a required electricity shut‐down. The objective is minimum flow‐time. The problem is shown to be NP‐hard, and moreover impossible to approximate unless P = NP. We introduce a pseudo‐polynomial dynamic programming algorithm, and show how to convert it into a bicriteria FPTAS for this problem. We also present an efficient heuristic and a lower bound. Our numerical tests indicate that the heuristic provides in most cases very close‐to‐optimal schedules. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 2009
The continuous and discrete path‐variance problems on trees
Authors: Puerto Justo , Ricca Federica , Scozzari Andrea 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this article we consider the problem of locating path‐shaped facilities on a tree network, minimizing the variance objective function. This type of objective is generally adopted in location problems arising in public sector applications, such as the location of evacuation or mass transit routes. We consider a weighted tree, in which a positive weight is assigned to each vertex of the tree, and positive real lengths are associated with its edges. We study the general case in which the path is continuous, that is, the end points of the optimal path can be either vertices, or points along an edge, and there is an upper bound on the length of the path. Given a tree with n vertices, for this problem we provide an O(n2) algorithm, and we show how it can be applied, with the same complexity, to the discrete case, that is, when the end points of the optimal path are vertices of the tree. We improve the previous best complexity bound in (Cáceres et al., Discr Appl Math 145 (2004), 72–79), for the unrestricted length continuous path‐variance problem, by a factor of log n. We also show that the optimal point for the variance objective function does not satisfy any nestedness property with respect to the optimal path in the unconstrained (discrete or continuous) version of the problem. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by Canadian occupational therapists
Authors: Knupp Heidi M. , Esmail Shaniff , Warren Sharon 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to describe the proportion of occupational therapists currently using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), or providing referrals to CAM practitioners, as well as the purposes of use/referral in one Canadian region.A questionnaire survey on CAM was sent through e‐mail and post to 1123 Canadian occupational therapists. Content, construct and face validity, as well as response, desirability/social, and instrument bias were considered and controlled through study design. A response rate of 17.1% was achieved.Overall, 31.2% of respondents have used at least one form of CAM, with 5.5% using >1 form of CAM. Purposes for use focused on the treatment of symptoms. Reasons preventing CAM's use included lack of training (82.4%), interest (23%) and/or supporting evidence (22.3%). Considerations of incorporating CAM into occupational therapy focused on a client‐centred and holistic approach to treatment (43–63.3%), ranking above legal/employer‐related aspects (43–43.6%).Elaborations of negative responses indicated that further supporting evidence on forms of CAM and related research may result in changes of opinion. Therefore, further research on the use of CAM is needed, allowing for evidence‐based decisions to be made. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.