bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular and collective relaxations of ferroelectric side chain liquid crystalline polysiloxanes
Authors: Hsiue Ging‐Ho , Lee Rong‐Ho 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe influences of mesogenic group chemical structures on dielectric relaxation behavior were investigated for ferroelectric side chain liquid crystalline polymers (FLCPs). The relaxation time and activation energies of the Goldstone mode, α‐, and β‐relaxations decrease with increasing spacer length because of the plasticizer effect of the spacer. Moreover, the relaxation intensity increases with increasing spacer length for FLCPs. An FLCP with a longer spacer length exhibits a higher mesogenic group mobility, and subsequently leads to easier reorientation toward the alternating electrical field. An increase in mesogenic core rigidity results in an increase in the relaxation time and activation energies, and a decrease in the relaxation intensities for the Goldstone mode, α‐, and β‐relaxations. Moreover, the β‐relaxation is suppressed and cannot be observed in the glassy state for FLCPs containing naphthyl biphenylcarboxylate as the mesogenic group. Shorter relaxation time, smaller activation energies, and higher intensity of the α‐, and β‐relaxations were obtained for FLCPs containing chiral moiety with a flexible heptyl alkyl chain. However, the relaxation intensity of the Goldstone mode for FLCPs containing this chiral moiety was smaller than that for FLCPs containing the chiral moiety with a butyl alkyl chain. For FLCPs containing a chiral moiety with two asymmetrical centers, their Goldstone mode relaxation showed larger amplitude. The α‐ and β‐relaxations are suppressed for these FLCPs because of the dense packing and memory effect of the smectic phase. The relationship between the chemical structure of the mesogenic group and dielectric relaxations is discussed in great detail. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2035–2049, 2006
Effects of Cry1Ac toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis and nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on larval mortality and pupation
Authors: Liu Xiaoxia , Zhang Qingwen , Xu Baoliang , Li Jiancheng 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn the laboratory, the percentage mortality and pupation of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) were investigated when larvae were exposed to Cry1Ac of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, nuclear polyhedrosis virus of H. armigera (HaNPV) or Cry1Ac and HaNPV together. The results revealed that interactions between Cry1Ac and HaNPV varied with bioassay method and concentration of the suspension. When larvae were infected using a suspension containing both HaNPV and Cry1Ac, most combinations of Cry1Ac (62.5, 125 and 250 µg mL−1) and HaNPV (1.2 × 106, 6.0 × 106 and 3.0 × 107 PIB mL−1) showed an antagonistic effect. In the bioassay procedure where larvae were force fed diet containing Cry1Ac 48 h after being infected by HaNPV, interaction between Cry1Ac (0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 µg mL−1) and HaNPV (6.0 × 106 and 3.0 × 107 PIB mL−1) showed an additive effect, while combinations of Cry1Ac (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 µg mL−1) and HaNPV (1.2 × 106 PIB mL−1) showed an antagonistic effect. In the bioassay procedure where larvae being infected by HaNPV were fed on Cry1Ac diet from neonate to death or pupation, the results suggested that Cry1Ac and HaNPV showed an additive interaction. The percentage mortality was lower in the treatment of larvae infected by transgenic Bt cotton leaf discs containing HaNPV suspension than in the treatment of larvae by conventional cotton leaf discs containing HaNPV, while the pupation rate was higher. The combination of Bt cotton and HaNPV showed antagonism. The present results showed that a combination of Cry1Ac and HaNPV usually resulted in mortality levels greater than in the case of Cry1Ac but not greater than with the virus alone. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Understanding genetics: Analysis of secondary students' conceptual status
Authors: Tsui Chi‐Yan , Treagust David F. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article explores the conceptual change of students in Grades 10 and 12 in three Australian senior high schools when the teachers included computer multimedia to a greater or lesser extent in their teaching of a genetics course. The study, underpinned by a multidimensional conceptual‐change framework, used an interpretive approach and a case‐based design with multiple data collection methods. Over 4–8 weeks, the students learned genetics in classroom lessons that included BioLogica activities, which feature multiple representations. Results of the online tests and interview tasks revealed that most students improved their understanding of genetics as evidenced in the development of genetics reasoning. However, using Thorley's (1990) status analysis categories, a cross‐case analysis of the gene conceptions of 9 of the 26 students interviewed indicated that only 4 students' postinstructional conceptions were intelligible–plausible–fruitful. Students' conceptual change was consistent with classroom teaching and learning. Findings suggested that multiple representations supported conceptual understanding of genetics but not in all students. It was also shown that status can be a viable hallmark enabling researchers to identify students' conceptual change that would otherwise be less accessible. Thorley's method for analyzing conceptual status is discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 205–235, 2007
Significance of HBV DNA in the Hepatic Parenchyma from Patients with Non‐B, Non‐C Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Nakai Takuya , Shiraishi Osamu , Kawabe Takashi , Ota Hideo , Nagano Hiroaki , Shiozaki Hitoshi 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIntroductionThe etiologic and prognostic factors for non‐B, non‐C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is defined by its seronegativity for both hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, remain unclear.MethodsNonneoplastic liver tissue from 46 patients with non‐B, non‐C HCC were examined for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and HCV RNA using in situ hybridization. Recurrence‐free survival rates were compared between patients showing high or low HBV DNA expression. Other potential prognostic factors were examined as well.ResultsHBV DNA was detected in nonneoplastic liver specimens from 35 patents (76.1%), whereas HCV RNA was not detected in any case. In patents with high HBV DNA group expression, recurrence‐free survival rates at 1 and 5 years after onset were 68.8% and 13.8%, respectively; those with low expression had higher rates of 89.2% and 59.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified high tumor stage (P = 0.042) and high HBV DNA expression (p = 0.014) as independent negative prognostic factors.ConclusionsIn many patients with non‐B, non‐C HCC, HBV DNA in the liver appears to be involved in the carcinogenesis, with intense HBV DNA expression predicting poor outcome for patients with these cancers.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Patients Aged 80 Years and Over
Authors: Kwon A‐Hon , Matsui Yoichi 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIntroductionThe aging population has led to a significant rise in the number of patients undergoing operations such as cholecystectomy. We have evaluated and compared the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients aged 80 years and over with those of patients aged between 65 and 79 years.MethodsA total of 471 patients aged 65 to 79 years (group 1) and 45 patients aged ≥80 years (group 2) underwent LC. All patients underwent preoperative spiral computed tomography after intravenous infusion cholangiography and intraoperative cholangiography.ResultsThere was a higher incidence of choledocholithiasis and gallbladder cancer in the patients ≥80 years of age. In addition, group 2 patients had a higher incidence of cardiopulmonary disease and higher American Association of Anesthesiology scores than did those in group 1. With respect to the conversion rate to open surgery, morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay, there were no significant differences between the two groups. There was a significantly higher incidence of positive bile cultures and gram‐negative rods in group 2 patients than in those in group 1.ConclusionsOctogenarians tolerated LC well. Therefore, early elective LC should be encouraged to minimize morbidity and mortality in these elderly patients who have symptomatic cholelithiasis.
Comparison of Mechanical Bowel Obstruction Cases of Intra‐abdominal Tumor and Non‐tumoral Origin
Authors: Akcakaya Adem , Sahin Mustafa , Coskun Aytekin , Demiray Sinan 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIntroductionMechanical bowel obstruction cases constitute an important place in emergency health care services. In this study, bowel obstructions caused by intra‐abdominal tumors were compared with those without tumoral causes.Patients and MethodsA total of 155 cases of mechanical bowel obstruction diagnosed were retrospectively evaluated. The cases resulting from abdominal wall hernias were excluded. Neoplasia cases were classified as group I, and all other cases as group II.ResultsGroup I totaled 46 patients (30%); group II, 109 (70%). The difference between two groups in terms of gender was found to be statistically insignificant, but the difference in terms of age range was significant (P< 0.05). The etiology of group II cases included intra‐abdominal strictures (n = 68), volvulus (n = 15), internal herniation (n = 7), Meckel’s diverticulum (n = 7), tuberculous peritonitis (n = 4), foreign body (n = 4), invagination (n = 2), and inflammatory bowel disease (n = 2). Previous surgical operations had been performed in 9 patients (19%) of group I and 52 patients (47%) of group II. The difference between two groups in terms of bowel obstruction localization was significant (χ2: 37.78,P< 0.0001). Group I had a significantly higher morbidity and mortality than group II (P< 0.01 andP< 0.001).ConclusionsNon‐tumoral cases causing intra‐abdominal mechanical bowel obstruction occur mostly in younger people and in patients with previous surgical operation. Patients in older ages or who haven’t had any surgical intervention must be operated as soon as possible because of the high rate of malignancy.
Penetrating Cardiac Injuries: Recent Experience in South Africa
Authors: Degiannis Elias , Loogna Peter , Doll Dietrich , Bonanno Fabrizio , Bowley Douglas M. , Smith Martin D. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackgroundPenetrating cardiac injury is a dramatic and lethal form of trauma. The majority of patients will die before reaching medical care, but for those who arrive at hospital alive, the diagnostic acumen and rapid surgical intervention of physicians and surgeons can lead to successful outcomes.Materials and MethodsA structured diagnostic and management approach is used in our trauma unit to deal with penetrating cardiac injury. A retrospective study of 117 patients with penetrating trauma to the heart was conducted over 32 months; the purpose of this study was to describe our protocol and review overall outcome with this type of injury. Demographic details, mechanism of injury, and mode of presentation were recorded. Mortality and morbidity data were collated and echocardiographic follow‐up was performed.ResultsThere were 109 male patients, mean age 29 years (range: 15–54 years) and 8 female patients, mean age 35 years (range: 23–56 years). Most patients (96/117) had sustained stab wounds, and the associated mortality was 15.6%. Twenty‐one patients had sustained gunshot wounds (GSW), with a mortality of 81%. Gunshot wounds were significantly more likely to result in death (P ≤ 0.0001). Five patients sustained multiple cardiac wounds, and three of them died. The risk of death was not different between patients sustaining single or multiple cardiac wounds (P = 0.11). Eleven patients had thoracoabdominal injury, and 3/11 (27%) died; all of those that died had sustained GSW. The risk of death was not different between patients sustaining thoracoabdominal wounds and those with isolated thoracic injury (P = 1.0). Among the 51 patients with stab wounds who presented with cardiac tamponade, the mortality was only 8%. Compared to the other patients with stab wounds, cardiac tamponade conferred a significant survival advantage (P = 0.02).ConclusionsA high index of suspicion for penetrating cardiac injury and an understanding of the modes of presentation can lead to rapid diagnosis even by inexperienced junior staff. Such a structured approach to patients with penetrating trauma to the chest leads to early definitive management and acceptable results.
Hand‐assisted Laparoscopic Surgery with a Pfannenstiel Incision in β‐Thalassemia Patients: Initial Experience
Authors: Leandros Emmanuel , Alexakis Nicholas , Albanopoulos Konstadinos , Dardamanis Dimitris , Karagiorga Markisia , Gomatos Ilias , Papadopoulos Stefanos , Bacoyiannis Christos , Bramis John 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIntroductionβ‐Thalassemia patients have splenomegaly significant enough to require splenectomy; furthermore, these patients also often require concurrent procedures.MethodsBetween January and October 2005, seven patients with β‐thalassemia underwent hand‐assisted laparoscopic splenectomy with cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and liver biopsy with the hand‐port device introduced through a Pfannenstiel incision.ResultsThe median age of the patients was 28 years, and the median spleen length was 23 cm. The median operating time was 210 minutes; there were no conversions to an open procedure; and the median spleen weight was 1072 g. One major postoperative complication occurred. The median hospital stay was 6 days.ConclusionsThe proposed hand‐assisted laparoscopic approach is safe and feasible. It provides a minimally invasive alternative that may become the treatment of choice in β‐thalassemia patients who require concurrent operations.
Concomitant Detection of Systemic Atherosclerotic Disease while Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Waterhouse D.F. , Cahill R.A. , Sheehan F. , Sheehan S.J. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIntroductionAlthough population screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has/had a significant impact on disease‐specific mortality, coexisting systemic atherosclerosis represents the major impediment to improved longevity. We examined the feasibility and yield of full cardiovascular assessment concomitant with screening for AAA detection.MethodsA total of 1032 asymptomatic men over the age of 50 years (328 were >60 years) underwent a detailed cardiac health questionnaire, sphygmomanometry, body mass index calculation, fasting lipid profiling, ultrasonographic (US) examination of their infrarenal aorta and carotid arteries, and treadmill exercise stress testing. Framingham and SCORE project estimations of the 10‐year risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) of any cause were calculated for the men with an AAA and in those >60 years but with neither AAA nor known cardiac disease.ResultsOverall, we detected an AAA >3 cm in 30 men (2.9%). Unaddressed obesity, smoking, hypertension, impaired glucose metabolism, and hypercholesterolemia were commonly identified in individuals both with and without an AAA, being notably frequent in those >60 years without an AAA. The 10‐year risk of IHD and CHD in those >60 years was similar regardless of whether an AAA was present. Doppler screening for significant carotid stenosis had detection rates similar to those for aortic US scanning, being most useful in those >65 years of age. Exercise stress testing, however, was of only limited value when used nonselectively.ConclusionsModifiable atherosclerotic disease and cardiovascular risk can be readily detected in individuals presenting for AAA screening and are present to a significant degree at an earlier age. Consideration of selected, additional investigations is required to maximize the value of generalized screening programs.
Sharpless Surgery: A Prospective Study of the Feasibility of Performing Operations using Non‐sharp Techniques in an Urban, University‐based Surgical Practice
Authors: Makary Martin A. , Pronovost Peter J. , Weiss Eric S. , Millman E. Anne , Chang David , Baker Susan P. , Cornwell Edward E. , Syin Dora , Freischlag Julie A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractContextPercutaneous injuries occur frequently during surgical procedures and represent a significant occupational hazard to operating room personnel.ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of performing select general surgical procedures using a combination of non‐sharp devices and techniques to replace the conventional use of scalpels and needles.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsCandidate procedures for which sharpless techniques could replace conventional scalpels and suture needles were identified preoperatively in an urban, university‐based general surgical practice over a 1‐year period (June 2003–June 2004). Non‐sharp techniques included monomeric 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive, electrocautery, tissue stapler, and minimally invasive instrumentation. Conventional scalpels and suture needles were readily available and used whenever necessary.Main Outcome MeasuresWe rated the feasibility of performing specific procedures without sharps. We also documented the rate of overall reversion to sharps during operations on patients that had been identified preoperatively as candidates for sharpless surgery.ResultsOf 358 procedures performed in the general surgery university practice, 91 were identified preoperatively as appropriate for sharpless surgery. Of these, 86.8% (79/91) were completed without the use of sharps, including 13/22 (59.1%) open laparotomy procedures, 20/22 (90.9%) laparoscopic procedures, and 46/47 (97.8%) soft tissue procedures. Intraoperative reversion to sharps occurred in 12 cases when deemed necessary by the surgeon.ConclusionsSelect common procedures can be performed entirely with sharpless techniques, eliminating the risk to surgical personnel associated with intraoperative percutaneous injuries.
Stent‐graft Treatment for Isolated Infrarenal Aortic Dissecting Aneurysms
Authors: Caronno Roberto , Piffaretti Gabriele , Tozzi Matteo , Lomazzi Chiara , Rivolta Nicola , Laganà Domenico , Carrafiello Giampaolo , Cuffari Salvatore , Castelli Patrizio 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjectivesWe report three cases of isolated infrarenal aortic dissecting aneurysms managed with stent‐graft.Materials and MethodsThree patients, two men and one woman, with a mean age at diagnosis of 69 years were identified. In all cases, chest CT‐A did not reveal evidence of thoracic aortic dissection. The mean maximal aneurysm diameter was 6.7 ± 1.5 cm (range: 5.5–8 cm). All patients underwent stent‐graft repair. Follow‐up computed tomographic (CT)‐angiography examinations were scheduled 1, 4, and 12 months after the procedure.ResultsStent‐graft deployment was technically successful in all cases. Intraoperative mortality was not observed. All patients were adequately treated with a bifurcated device. Intensive care unit (ICU) stay was never required. Mean hospitalization was 4.6 days (range: 4–6 days). Mean follow‐up was 18 months. No stent‐graft–related complications were observed.ConclusionsEndovascular repair for isolated infrarenal abdominal aortic dissecting aneurysms is feasible and effective.
Moral competence and character strengths among adolescents: The development and validation of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth
Authors: Park Nansook , Peterson Christopher 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTMoral competence among adolescents can be approached in terms of good character. Character is a multidimensional construct comprised of a family of positive traits manifest in an individual's thoughts, emotions and behaviours. The Values in Action Inventory for Youth (VIA‐Youth) is a self‐report questionnaire suitable for adolescents that measures 24 widely valued strength of character. Data from several samples bearing on the internal consistency, stability, and validity of the VIA‐Youth are described, along with what is known about the prevalence and demographic correlates of the character strengths it measures. Exploratory factor analysis revealed an interpretable four‐factor structure of the VIA‐Youth subscales: temperance strengths (e.g., prudence, self‐regulation), intellectual strengths (e.g., love of learning, curiosity), theological strengths (e.g., hope, religiousness, love), and other‐directed (interpersonal) strengths (e.g., kindness, modesty). The uses of the VIA‐Youth in research and practise are discussed along with directions for future research.
Psychometric properties of the MOS (Medical Outcomes Study) Sleep Scale in patients with neuropathic pain
Authors: Rejas Javier , Ribera María Victoria , Ruiz Manuel , Masrramón Xavier 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjective: This study assessed the psychometric properties of the MOS Sleep Scale in neuropathic pain (NeP).Methods: Psychometric properties were tested in patients with neuropathic pain enrolled in a prospective study exploring the effectiveness of gabapentin for 3 months. Participants also completed scales for pain intensity, anxiety, depression, disability, and health‐related quality of life. Feasibility, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change were measured in this study.Results: Six‐hundred‐three patients [58.4±14.4 years (65.1% female), mean±SD] with pain for 1.2±3.3 years were included. The MOS Sleep Scale was acceptable (items with missing data <10% and floor and ceiling effects <50% per item and <15% per domain) and reliable (Cronbach's α between 0.64 and 0.87, and test–retest intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.79 and 0.91, p<0.001 for all cases). After adjusting for confounders, the MOS Sleep Scale was able to distinguish between sex, present pain intensity, level of disability and presence of anxiety or depression. Correlations with other scales were moderate; ρ‐coefficients between −0.21 and 0.57 (p<0.01, all cases). The scale was sensitive to change after treatment with gabapentin; after adjusting, responders (≥50% reduction in baseline pain) showed a decrease in sleep problems index of −25.6±14.3 points vs. −12.1+14.5 points in nonresponders (F=80.5, df=1/398, p<0.0001). Score reduction in summary index and subscales correlated significantly with pain intensity reduction (Pearson r‐coefficients between 0.428 and 0.116, p<0.01, all cases).Conclusions: The MOS Sleep Scale showed good psychometric properties and was sensitive to changes in patients with NeP of broad aetiology.