bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CartGen: Robust, efficient and easy to implement uniform/octree/embedded boundary Cartesian grid generator
Authors: Tavakoli Rohallah 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAn efficient and easy to implement method to generate Cartesian grids is presented. The presented method generates various kinds of Cartesian grids such as uniform, octree and embedded boundary grids. It supports the variation of grid size along each spatial direction as well as anisotropic and non‐graded refinements. The efficiency and ease of implementation are the main benefits of the presented method in contrast to the alternative methods. Regarding octree grid generation, applying a simple and efficient data compression method permits to store all grid levels without considerable memory overhead. The presented method generates octree grids up to a 13‐level refinement (81923grids on the finest level) from a complicated geometry in a few minutes on the traditional desktop computers. The FORTRAN 90 implementation of the presented method is freely available under the terms of the GNU general public license. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of tropical temperature trends with model predictions
Authors: Douglass David H. , Christy John R. , Pearson Benjamin D. , Singer S. Fred 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe examine tropospheric temperature trends of 67 runs from 22 ‘Climate of the 20th Century’ model simulations and try to reconcile them with the best available updated observations (in the tropics during the satellite era). Model results and observed temperature trends are in disagreement in most of the tropical troposphere, being separated by more than twice the uncertainty of the model mean. In layers near 5 km, the modelled trend is 100 to 300% higher than observed, and, above 8 km, modelled and observed trends have opposite signs. These conclusions contrast strongly with those of recent publications based on essentially the same data. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Production of α‐amylase by Aspergillus oryzae As 3951 in solid state fermentation using spent brewing grains as substrate
Authors: Xu Hui , Sun Lanping , Zhao Daqing , Zhang Bin , Shi Yazhong , Wu Yahua 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: The optimisation of nutrient levels for the production of α‐amylase by Aspergillus oryzae As 3951 in solid state fermentation (SSF) with spent brewing grains (SBG), an inexpensive substrate and solid support, was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) based on Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and Box–Behnken design (BBD).RESULTS: In the first optimisation step a PBD was used to evaluate the influences of related factors. Corn steep liquor, CaCl2 and MgSO4 were found to be the most compatible supplements to the substrate of SBG and influenced α‐amylase activity positively. In the second step the concentrations of these three nutrients were optimised using a BBD. The final concentrations (g/g dry substrate basis) in the medium optimised with RSM were 1.8% corn steep liquor, 0.22% CaCl2 and 0.2% MgSO4 · 7H2O using SBG as the solid substrate. The average α‐amylase activity reached 6186 U g−1 dry substrate under the optimised conditions at 30 °C after 96 h. Under the optimised conditions of SSF an approximately 17.5% increase in enzyme yield was observed.CONCLUSION: SBG was found to be a good substrate for the production of α‐amylase by A. oryzae As 3951 under SSF. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Microbiological quality of fresh fruit and vegetable products in Catalonia (Spain) using normalised plate‐counting methods and real time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR)
Authors: Badosa Esther , Trias Rosalia , Parés Dolors , Pla Maria , Montesinos Emilio 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Commercially available fruits and raw and ready‐to‐eat vegetables (n = 445) were examined for aerobic, coliform, and yeast and mould counts using normalised methods. Listeria spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. were detected by real time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) after enrichment.RESULTS: Aerobic plate counts ranged from < 10 to > 109 colony‐forming units (CFU) g−1, with the lowest and highest counts recorded for fruits and sprouts respectively. The highest incidence level of coliforms was found in ready‐to‐eat vegetables, with up to 65.7% of samples containing from 5 to 9 log10CFU g−1. Yeasts and moulds showed their highest incidence level between 5 and 6 log10 CFU g−1, with an overall range from < 2 to 9 log10 CFU g−1. Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes were detected in 0.67, 2.7 and 0.9% respectively of the total samples examined.CONCLUSION: The samples analysed can be gathered into two main groups, one showing low microbial counts (fruits) and a second group (raw whole leaves and roots and packed ready‐to‐eat vegetables) with higher microbial contamination. Although incidence levels of pathogenic bacteria reported here are in the lower range of those reported elsewhere, positive detections highlight the importance of good hygienic measures throughout the whole food chain. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Rest‐induced suppression of anterior horn cell excitability as measured by F waves: Comparison between volitionally inactivated and control muscles
Authors: Taniguchi Shoichi , Kimura Jun , Yanagisawa Toshiyuki , Okada Fumiaki , Yamada Thoru , Taniguchi Shinichirou , Ootsuka Takanobu 
Published: December 2007

AbstractTo test the hypothesis that the anterior horn cells become hypoexcitable in the absence of central drive, we recorded F waves simultaneously from the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) before and after volitionally inactivating one muscle (target) while periodically contracting the other muscle (control). In 14 healthy subjects, F waves recorded from the target muscle showed a progressive decrease in persistence and amplitude (whether counting all 100 trials or only detectable responses) after muscle relaxation for 1, 3, and 6 hours, followed by a quick recovery upon brief muscle contraction. We conclude that volitional inactivation suppresses the F waves of the target muscle without equally affecting the control muscle innervated by the same nerve. The history of activity of a muscle should therefore be taken into account in clinical testing, especially when the study of a paretic muscle shows abnormal F‐wave excitability. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Changes in short afferent inhibition during phasic movement in focal dystonia
Authors: Richardson Sarah Pirio , Bliem Barbara , Lomarev Mikhail , Shamim Ejaz , Dang Nguyet , Hallett Mark 
Published: December 2007

AbstractImpaired surround inhibition could account for the abnormal motor control seen in patients with focal hand dystonia, but the neural mechanisms underlying surround inhibition in the motor system are not known. We sought to determine whether an abnormality of the influence of sensory input at short latency could contribute to the deficit of surround inhibition in patients with focal hand dystonia (FHD). To measure digital short afferent inhibition (dSAI), subjects received electrical stimulation at the digit followed after 23 ms by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded over abductor digiti minimi (ADM) during rest and during voluntary phasic flexion of the second digit. F‐waves were also recorded. We studied 13 FHD patients and 17 healthy volunteers. FHD patients had increased homotopic dSAI in ADM during flexion of the second digit, suggesting that this process acts to diminish overflow during movement; this might be a compensatory mechanism. No group differences were observed in first dorsal interosseous. Further, no differences were seen in the F‐waves between groups, suggesting that the changes in dSAI are mediated at the cortical level rather than at the spinal cord. Understanding the role of these inhibitory circuits in dystonia may lead to development of therapeutic agents aimed at restoring inhibition. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of semi‐IPN hydrogels consisted of poly(methacrylic acid) and guar gum for colon‐specific drug delivery
Authors: Li Shengfang , Liu Xianli 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe semi‐IPN hydrogels consisting of poly(methacrylic acid) and guar gum (GG) are prepared at room temperature using water as solvent. 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) is entrapped in the hydrogel in the synthesis of hydrogel and all entrapment efficiencies are found above 85%. The hydrogel shows excellent pH‐sensitivity. It exhibited minimum swelling in an acidic pH medium through the formation of a complex hydrogen‐bonded structure and maximal swelling due to the electrostatic repulsion due to the ionization of the carboxylic groups in pH 7.4 medium. The degradation in vitro shows that the degree of degradation (R%) depended on the concentration of cross‐linking agent and content of GG. The hydrogel shows a minimum release of 5‐ASA due to the complex hydrogen bonded structure of the hydrogels in the medium of pH 2.2. The enzymatic degradation of hydrogels by cecal bacteria can accelerate the release of 5‐ASA entrapped in the hydrogel in pH 7.4 medium. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
School‐based promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption in multiculturally diverse, urban schools
Authors: Blom‐Hoffman Jessica 
Published: December 2007

AbstractRates of childhood overweight1The term childhood overweight as opposed to childhood obesity is used in this article. This term is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (2007a) nomenclature for describing children's weight status. For children, weight status is determined by a BMI percentile using age‐ and gender‐specific normative data. Underweight is defined as a child being below the 5th percentile based on the age‐ and gender‐specific norms, Normal Weight is defined as being between the 5th and the 84th percentile, At Risk for Overweight is defined as being between the 85th and the 94th percentile, and Overweightis defined as at or above the 95th percentile. For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/childrens_BMI/about_childrens_BMI.htm.
have reached epidemic proportions (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001), and schools have been called on to play a role in the prevention of this medical condition. This article describes a multiyear health promotion effort—the Athletes in Service fruit and vegetable (F&V) promotion program—which is based on social learning theory for urban, elementary school children in kindergarten through third grade. Children participate in the program for a period of 3 years. The goals of the program are to increase opportunities for children to be more physically active during the school day and to help students increase their F&V consumption. This article describes the F&V promotion components of the program that were implemented in year 1, including implementation integrity and treatment acceptability data. Year 1 evaluation data demonstrated that the program is acceptable from the perspective of school staff and was implemented by school staff with high levels of integrity. Hallmarks of the program's successful implementation and high acceptability include (a) having a school‐based program champion; (b) designing the program to include low‐cost, attractive, interactive materials; (c) including many school staff members to facilitate a culture of healthy eating in the school; and (d) spreading out implementation responsibilities among the multiple staff members so that each individual's involvement is time efficient. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topological resonance energy, bond resonance energy, and circuit resonance energy
Authors: Aihara Jun‐ichi 
Published: December 2007

AbstractCircuit resonance energy (CRE) is a key quantity that links energetic and magnetic criteria of aromaticity for a polycyclic π‐system. Topological resonance energy (TRE) correlates well with the sum of CREs for an entire π‐system. We found that bond resonance energy (BRE), so far defined to estimate the degree of kinetic stability for a polycyclic π‐system, also correlates very well with the corresponding quantity defined with CREs. These findings justify the view that graph‐theoretical quantities, such as TRE and BRE, can be used safely even though they rely on unrealistic reference structures. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dendritic macromers for hydrogel formation: Tailored materials for ophthalmic, orthopedic, and biotech applications
Authors: Grinstaff Mark W. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractDendritic macromolecules are well‐defined highly branched macromolecules synthesized via a divergent or convergent approach. A salient feature of the macromolecules described herein, and a goal of our research effort, is to prepare dendritic macromolecules suitable for in vitro and in vivo use by focusing on biocompatible building blocks and biodegradable linkages. These dendritic macromolecules can be subsequently crosslinked to form hydrogels using a photochemical acrylate‐based or a chemical ligation strategy. The properties—mechanical, swelling, degradation, and so forth—of the hydrogels can be tuned by altering the composition, crosslinking chemistry, wt %, generation number and so forth. The utility and diverse applicability is demonstrated through successful use of these hydrogels in three unique applications: hydrogel adhesives for repairing corneal wounds, hydrogel scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering, and hydrogel reaction chambers for high throughput screening of molecular recognition events. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 383–400, 2008.
Improved compound‐specific δ13C analysis of n‐alkanes for application in palaeoenvironmental studies
Authors: Zech Michael , Glaser Bruno 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe present an optimized method for compound‐specific stable carbon isotope (δ13C) analysis of n‐alkanes. For sample preparation, the traditionally used Soxhlet extraction was replaced by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). δ13C values of individual n‐alkanes – measured using gas chromatography–combustion–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) – were first drift‐corrected with regularly discharged pure CO2 pulses as reference gas and, secondly, corrected for the amount dependence of the δ13C values by co‐analyzing standards with varying analyte concentrations. Finally, the δ13C values were calibrated against two internal standards. The improved method was applied to selected sediment samples from a palaeoenvironmental study in subtropical NE Argentina. The measured δ13C values of all long‐chain n‐alkanes (nC27, nC29, nC31 and nC33), representing biomarkers for terrestrial plants, correlate significantly with the δ13C of bulk organic matter (δ13CTOC). The latter is hence corroborated as a proxy for C3‐C4 vegetation changes. Furthermore, the δ13C variations reveal higher amplitudes for nC31 and nC33 than for nC27 and nC29, indicating that the former n‐alkanes mainly derive from C3 and/or C4 grasses, whereas the latter homologues mainly derive from C3 plants (trees and shrubs). Except for the lowermost part of the sediment core, the δ13C values of the mid‐chain alkanes nC23 and nC25 do not reflect the terrestrial δ13C pattern, thus indicating that they are probably mainly of lacustrine origin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mechanism study with dihydroxybenzoic acid isomers as matrices
Authors: Jessome Lori , Hsu Nien‐Yeen , Wang Yi‐Sheng , Chen Chung‐Hsuan 
Published: December 2007

AbstractDesorption and ionization efficiencies of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) for various biolmolecules with different dihydroxybenzoic acid isomers were studied. No clear relationships were observed between MALDI biomolecule signals vs. gas‐phase basicity, proton affinity and ionization potential. This indicates the the gas‐phase protonation mechanism is not adequate to explain the observed results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between anal sphincter defects and anal incontinence following obstetric sphincter tears: assessment using scoring systems for sonographic classification of defects
Authors: Norderval S. , Markskog A. , Røssaak K. , Vonen B. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if there is a correlation between the sonographic extent of anal sphincter defects revealed by three‐dimensional endoanal sonography (EAUS) and the degree of anal incontinence following primary repair of obstetric sphincter tears.MethodsThis was a follow‐up study of women who had suffered anal sphincter tearing during vaginal delivery at Aalesund Hospital between January 2002 and July 2004. Incontinence was assessed by St Mark's score. The anal canal was assessed with three‐dimensional endoanal sonography (EAUS). Sphincter defects were classified according to the Starck score and our new EAUS defect score. The EAUS images were interpreted by an observer blinded to other patient data.ResultsSixty‐one women were included in this study. Incontinence was reported by 32 (52%) women at a median of 21 (range, 9–35) months after delivery. Three‐dimensional EAUS datasets were obtained in 55 women. There was a significant correlation between St Mark's score and our EAUS defect score (P = 0.034), and correlation approached but did not reach significance between St Mark's score and the Starck score (P = 0.053). There was a strong correlation between our EAUS defect score and the Starck score (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThere is a positive correlation between the extent of sphincter defects and the degree of anal incontinence following primary repair of obstetric sphincter tears. Our findings highlight the importance of adequate reconstruction of the anal sphincters during primary repair. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electron Beam Bias for Thin Capacitor Web Coating
Authors: Küper Stephan , Hagemann Heiko 
Published: December 2007

AbstractElectron beam induced bias was applied for high speed, high quality coating of ultra thin capacitor web. Electron beam charging applies a static charge to the film and allows higher bias voltages than conventional bias systems. Using a numerical calculation of the electrical and thermal forces at work it can be shown that electron beam bias results in better cooling and lower peak temperatures of the film. The advantages for the film coating process are higher possible coating speeds and/or better film quality. Further, the effect of pinholes during coating is much reduced.
MedStar Health Vendor Access Program: One System's Story
Authors: Hardy Cheryl 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTSALES OR SERVICE CALLS by vendor representatives were identified as a potential patient safety issue in a Baltimore, Maryland/Washington, DC, hospital system.A VENDOR BADGING program, which requires vendor representatives to provide a background check, documentation of substance abuse testing, health information, and proof of education was implemented after nine months of investigation and planning.THREE LEVELS OF BADGES were created. The level of the badge indicates whether the vendor representative has access to non‐patient care areas only; patient care areas; or restricted patient care (ie, sterile) areas. AORN J 86 (November 2007) 815–823.
A Bolivian Medical Mission Experience
Authors: Souers Charlotte 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTVOLUNTEERING TO PARTICIPATE in a medical mission is an excellent way for nurses to get back to the basics of nursing and be reminded of why they became nurses in the first place.ONE PERIOPERATIVE NURSE'S EXPERIENCE on a medical mission to Cochabamba, Bolivia, through the organization Solidarity Bridge is described in this article.MISSIONERS HAD TO ADJUST to very basic working conditions, including reusing disposable items and using only minimal monitoring equipment.MEMBERS OF THE SURGICAL TEAM performed 39 surgical procedures during the one‐week mission trip, and many felt that they gained more from the experience than they gave. AORN J 86 (November 2007) 759–766.
The importance of iodine nutrition during pregnancy
Authors: Glinoer Daniel 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjective:To examine the importance of iodine nutrition during pregnancy.Design:Review of existing literature of iodine in pregnancy.Setting:Population surveys and metabolic studies.Subjects:Pregnant women.Results:The main changes in thyroid function associated with pregnancy are due to an increase in hormone requirements that begin in the first trimester of gestation. This increase can only be met by a proportional increase in hormone production, something that depends directly upon the availability of iodine. When dietary iodine is lacking, an adequate physiological adaptation is difficult to achieve and is progressively replaced by pathological alterations that occur in parallel with the degree and duration of iodine deprivation.Conclusions:Iodine prophylaxis should be given systematically to women during pregnancy. In most public health programmes dealing with the correction of iodine deficiency disorders, iodised salt has been used as the preferred means to deliver iodine to households. Iodised salt, however, is not the ideal means of delivering iodine in the specific instances of pregnancy, breast-feeding and complementary feeding because of the need to limit salt intake during these periods. In European countries, presently it is proposed that iodine is given to pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers by systematically administering multivitamin tablets containing iodine in order to reach the recommended dietary allowance of 250 μg iodine day-1.
The impact of iodised salt or iodine supplements on iodine status during pregnancy, lactation and infancy
Authors: Zimmermann Michael B 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectives:Monitoring of iodine status during pregnancy, lactation and infancy is difficult as there are no established reference criteria for urinary iodine concentration (UI) for these groups; so it is uncertain whether iodized salt programs meet the needs of these life stages.Design and Subjects:The method used in this paper was: 1) to estimate the median UI concentration that reflects adequate iodine intake during these life stages; and 2) to use these estimates in a review of the literature to assess whether salt iodisation can control iodine deficiency in pregnant and lactating women, and their infants.Results:For pregnancy, recommended mean daily iodine intakes of 220-250 μg were estimated to correspond to a median UI concentration of about 150 μg l− 1, and larger surveys from the iodine sufficient countries have reported a median UI in pregnant women ≥ 140 μg l− 1. Iodine supplementation in pregnant women who are mild-to-moderately iodine deficient is beneficial, but there is no clear affect on maternal or newborn thyroid hormone levels. In countries where the iodine intake is sufficient, most mothers have median breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC) greater than the concentration (100-120 μg l− 1) required to meet an infant's needs. The median UI concentration during infancy that indicates optimal iodine nutrition is estimated to be ≥ 100 μg l− 1. In iodine-sufficient countries, the median UI concentration in infants ranges from 90-170 μg l− 1, suggesting adequate iodine intake in infancy.Conclusions:These findings suggest pregnant and lactating women and their infants in countries with successful sustained iodised salt programs have adequate iodine status.