bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid network based on optical intersatellite communication links and WDM technology
Authors: Carrozzo V. , Parca G. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe use of optical wavelengths for intersatellite link can lead the whole system at high data rates performing, low interference, low power requirement and small antenna size. Systems based on Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology preserve data signal from interchannel interference. Proposed system is composed of one fixed node, a HAP, High Altitude Platform, in a quasi‐stationary position at an altitude of 30 km from the Earth surface, and a mobile node on a LEO orbit which communicates by an optical link with HAP and other LEO microsatellites. The choice of microsatellites number guarantees a good area target coverage and a continuous data transfer from slave nodes to master, with the consequent increase in communication capacity. The HAP motion makes it possible to configure an ad‐hoc network for the monitoring of natural and man‐made disasters, or every emergency application on rural environment. The main constraint affecting the system performance is concerned with signal degradation, due to antenna misalignment as well as the Doppler effect suffered by the signal because of relative motion between satellite. The subsystem configuration is based on semiconductor laser, transmitting at ITU grid frequencies, and an EDFA preamplifier at receiver end. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐Trocar Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Closure of Inguinal Hernia in Children
Authors: Chang Yu‐Tang , Wang Jaw‐Yuan , Lee Jui‐Ying , Chiou Chi‐Shu , Hsieh Jan‐Sing 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopy is an alternative procedure for pediatric inguinal hernia; however, reported techniques necessitate two or three trocars and excellent intra‐abdominal skills. This study was designed to describe and evaluate the preliminary result of one‐trocar laparoscopic‐assisted transperitoneal closure for inguinal hernia in children.MethodsA total of 33 children with inguinal hernia (body weight range, 2270 g to 58 kg) were included in this study from March to November 2007. Under a 5‐mm laparoscopic guidance, the hernia defect was enclosed by a nonabsorbable suture, which was introduced into the abdomen by an 18‐gauge vascular access on one side of the hernia defect and withdrawn on the opposite side by a homemade hook‐pin through a needle puncture wound. Then, extracorporeal knot tying was performed.ResultsA total of 52 procedures were performed, and the mean operating time was 46.2 ± 16.2 (range, 18–87) minutes. No cauterization was used during the operations and there was no serious operative morbidity. The mean follow‐up period was 7.6 ± 2.5 (range, 4–12) months. No recurrence was observed during this period.ConclusionsThis easy technique provides the benefits of laparoscopic herniorrhaphy and combines the advantages derived from the novel use of a hook‐pin and vascular access simplicity, low cost, safety, minimized tissue trauma, and improved cosmetics. In addition, only one umbilical trocar wound and another needle puncture point were made. Therefore, this procedure is recommended for pediatric inguinal hernia.
Single-photon Transistors Based on the Interaction of an Emitter and Surface Plasmons
Authors: Hong Fang-Yu , Xiong Shi-Jie 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
A symmetrical approach is suggested (Chang DE et al. Nat Phys 3:807, 2007) to realize a single-photon transistor, where the presence (or absence) of a single incident photon in a ‘gate’ field is sufficient to allow (prevent) the propagation of a subsequent ‘signal’ photon along the nanowire, on condition that the ‘gate’ field is symmetrically incident from both sides of an emitter simultaneously. We present a scheme for single-photon transistors based on the strong emitter-surface-plasmon interaction. In this scheme, coherent absorption of an incoming ‘gate’ photon incident along a nanotip by an emitter located near the tip of the nanotip results in a state flip in the emitter, which controls the subsequent propagation of a ‘signal’ photon in a nanowire perpendicular to the axis of the nanotip.
The Clouding Phenomenon for Anionic Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate + Quaternary Bromides in Polar Nonaqueous‐Water‐Mixed Solvents
Authors: Kabir‐ud‐Din  , Kumar Sanjeev , Parveen Nahid 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions show clouding in the presence of tetra‐n‐butylammonium bromide (TBAB) and tetra‐n‐butylphosphonium bromide (TBPB). In this study, we report the effect of various volume percents of different polar nonaqueous solvents (acetonitrile, AN; dimethylsulfoxide, DMSO; methyl ethylene glycol ether, MC; formamide, FA; ethylene glycol, EG) on the clouding behavior of SDS + quaternary bromide (TBAB or TBPB) systems. The cloud point (CP) was found to decrease with initial increase in the volume percent of the above solvents in mixtures (with water). After a minimum in CP vs. volume percent plots, further increase in the volume percent caused an increase in the CP, followed by a near constant region. The data have been discussed on the basis of the effect of the above solvents on the two types of water present in the system: hydrated water and bulk water. As AN had shown a gradual decrease in the CP to a larger volume percent, it was chosen for detailed studies. Compared to TBAB, TBPB has diminished the effect of AN on CP increase due to its bigger size. The limited CMC data also run parallel to CP results.
Virgin‐Olive‐Oil Color in Relation to Sample Thickness and the Measurement Method
Authors: Gómez‐Robledo L. , Melgosa M. , Huertas R. , Roa R. , Moyano M. J. , Heredia F. J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractColor changes of virgin‐olive‐oil samples contained in cells with different thicknesses were analyzed. Ten different commercial virgin olive oils were measured at different sample thicknesses by two methods: conventional spectrophotometry (5.0, 10.0, and 50.0 mm path length cells), and spectroradiometry (cylindrical cells with 8.0, 11.2, 15.6, 19.6, 23.2, 27.2, 36.8 and 46.4 mm internal diameters) with samples placed on the floor of a commercial cabinet using a standard daylight source. The illumination in these two methods was different, resulting in notable color differences in the samples. Color variations of virgin olive oils depending on thickness do not follow the same trend for all samples. Neither the Bouguer‐Lambert‐Beer law nor the Kubelka‐Munk theory provided successful color predictions in the whole range of thicknesses considered here. We can conclude that for precise and reproducible color measurements of virgin‐olive‐oil color, it is necessary to fix both the thickness of the sample and the illumination geometry. To achieve an easier communication between industries and/or consumers, we propose that virgin‐olive‐oil color be measured using a spectrophotometer with 5.0‐mm path length cells, for three reasons: conventional olive‐oil laboratories have spectrophotometers more often than spectroradiometers; with virgin olive oils the cleaning of 5.0 mm cells is easier than for 1.0 mm cells and it does not consume a large amount of oil; spectrophotometric signals for 5.0‐mm path length cells allow reliable measurements of even the darkest virgin‐olive‐oil samples.
Self‐generated goals and goal process appraisals: Relationships with sociodemographic factors and well‐being
Authors: Massey Emma K. , Gebhardt Winifred A. , Garnefski Nadia 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this study the full array of personal goals pursued by adolescents was examined using an idiographic goal‐elicitation procedure. The aims of the study were twofold. Firstly, we investigated individual differences in self‐generated goals and goal process appraisals based on sociodemographic characteristics. Secondly, we investigated the relationship between goal content, goal process appraisals and well‐being. Questionnaires were completed by 438 high‐school students aged 12 to 19. Girls reported more school, relationship, self and body goals and older students reported more future trajectory goals. In addition, girls and ethnic minority adolescents were more likely to report goal frustration. Well‐being was positively associated with goal related self‐efficacy and negatively associated with endorsement of self goals, perceived difficulty in goal attainment and goal frustration. These results extend previous findings and suggest that goal‐related efficacy, attainment beliefs and impediment to goal pursuit are important factors in adolescent well‐being.
Design and Construction of an Ambulatory Surgery Center
Authors: Lindeman William E. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTTHE REGULATORY CLIMATE in which an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) must operate is complex. Seemingly contradictory regulations at the federal, state, and local levels can be resolved by using the “greatest requirement” approach to facilitate flexibility in the long‐term use of an ASC.A WELL‐DESIGNED ASC should be profitable, flexible, and attractive to both surgeons and patients. The development team must keep the ultimate goal in mind: a high‐performance facility with maximum efficiency, high patient satisfaction, and minimal staff turnover, resulting in lower operating costs and correspondingly higher profit potential.PLANNING A NEW FACILITY can be accomplished most effectively through a series of ordered steps for decision making. The ultimate success of an ASC will lie in its ability to meet both initial expectations and longer‐term demands for operational flexibility and financial integrity. AORN J 88 (September 2008) 369–389. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
Tension-Free Transvaginal (TVT) and Transobturator (TOT) Tapes in Women with Multiple Failed Incontinence Procedures or Complex Urogynaecological Intervention
Authors: Ockrim Jeremy L. , Greenwell Tamsin J. , Shah P. Julian 
Published: September 2008

Objectives: We report the outcomes of transvaginal (TVT)/transobturator (TOT) tape in women with multiple or complex urogynaecological intervention and persistent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Patients and methods: Thirty-seven patients with multiple procedures (median 3) or complex urogynaecological intervention for SUI, McGuire classified on videourodynamics, underwent TVT ( n = 26) or TOT ( n = 11) placement. Patients categorised outcome as excellent, good or poor. Excellent was defined as dry, asymptomatic and completely satisfied. Good was defined as no SUI but residual or de novo urgency, or lack of complete satisfaction. Poor was defined as minimal improvement of symptoms. All patients with residual symptoms underwent repeat video-urodynamics. Results: Mean follow-up was 37 months. Thirty-two patients (86%) were cured of SUI. According to the outcome definitions 46% were excellent, 30% good and 24% poor. Of six patients with McGuire type III SUI, five (83.3%) had persistent SUI, accounting for all with persistent SUI. Bladder perforation and de novo urgency occurred in 11.5% and 19.2% of TVT, but none of those with TOT. Temporary voiding difficulty occurred in 11.5% TVT and 9.1% TOT. Protracted retention occurred in two TVT cases, of which one required tape division. Conclusions: TVT/TOT cured SUI in 86% of patients with multiple SUI procedures or complex urogynaecological intervention, with minimal morbidity. Subjective outcomes were less than objective outcomes mainly due to urgency. The TOT route reduced the risk of bladder injury and de novo urgency. Type III SUI on preoperative urodynamics predicted failure.
Neuroprotection by hypothalamic peptide proline‐rich peptide‐1 in Aβ25–35 model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Galoyan Armen A. , Sarkissian John S. , Chavushyan Vergineh A. , Meliksetyan Irina B. , Avagyan Zaruhi E. , Poghosyan Mikhail V. , Vahradyan Hasmik G. , Mkrtchian Hovhannes H. , Abrahamyan Davit O. 
Published: September 2008

BackgroundThis work sought to determine the effects of hypothalamic proline‐rich peptide (PRP)‐1 in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease.MethodsComplex histochemical, electrophysiologic, and behavioral analyses were performed on intact or diseased Wistar rats (n = 28). Pathologic conditions were induced by bilateral intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid peptide Aβ25–35. The diseased rats received systemic administration of PRP‐1 or placebo control.ResultsAβ25–35 caused cellular neurodegeneration with marked glial reaction in the hippocampal complex and almost full destruction of the dentate fascia, which was not observed in conditions of PRP‐1 administration after Aβ25–35 injection. Hippocampal neurons of intact animals responded to high‐frequency (tetanic) stimulation of entorhinal cortex of ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere by tetanic and posttetanic potentiation of a different intensity and duration, which was accompanied by posttetanic depression. Aβ25–35 led to significant changes in the level and pattern of hippocampal neuronal activity, indicating the absence of both tetanic and posttetanic activity. Poststimulus activity manifestations rarely occurred and rapidly decreased after repeated trials. This indicated the focal character of lesion. Regular administration of PRP‐1 for 4 weeks resulted in optimal restoration of electrophysiologic parameters. PRP‐1 maintained the initial learning level achieved in a behavioral study in a Morris water maze.ConclusionsSystemic administration of PRP‐1 possesses neuroprotective effects and can prevent the neurodegeneration in hippocampus induced by Aβ25–35. This suggests that PRP‐1 could be a potential therapeutic agent for specific neurodegenerative diseases.
Personal perspectives of persons with Alzheimer's disease and their carers: A global survey
Authors: Kurz Alexander , Schulz Mary , Reed Peter , Wortmann Marc , Rodrigo Jesús , von Lützau Hohlbein Heike , Grossberg George 
Published: September 2008

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) impacts on persons with AD as well their families. This survey aimed to identify information/communication gaps, and quality of life and other issues, from both perspectives.MethodsPersons with AD and their families or other carers from Europe, Brazil, and North America completed telephone interviews. Responses were analyzed by country.ResultsFive hundred two persons with AD and 614 carers were included. Issues important to persons with AD were treatment that helps control symptoms; feeling safe and supported at home; and ability to enjoy life. Most felt well‐respected by family members. Families/carers considered a wider range of issues important, including detailed information about AD, regimens that are easier to comply with, and medication in a form that is easier to take. This reflects the fact that carers very often manage medications.ConclusionsThis is the first global survey to include persons with AD themselves. Differences between responses from persons with AD and their caregivers highlight the importance of considering both viewpoints.
The Constitutional Protection of Minority Religious Rights in Malawi: The Case of Rastafari Students
Authors: Owen Mhango Mtendeweka 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn Malawi, Rastafari students are prevented from attending public schools on account of their dreadlocks. This article seeks to analyse a framework for assessing whether Rastafari qualifies as a religion under section 33 of the Constitution of Malawi. The article argues that Rastafari is a recognized religion and that its sincere adherents should have full protection under the Constitution of Malawi, as do members of other religious groups. The article discusses potential problems for Rastafari litigants in Malawi and proposes some solutions. It introduces a three prong balancing test, which has been applied in particular cases in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and makes recommendations about future interpretation of the Constitution of Malawi using this test. It examines the current interpretation of the freedom of religion in Malawi and concludes with an argument for Malawi to follow the approach taken in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Political Globalization and Citizenship: New Sources of Security Threats in Africa
Authors: Omotola J Shola 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis article analyses the interface between political globalization, citizenship and security threats in Africa. Political globalization is assumed to be capable of engendering inclusive citizenship; in the same way, citizenship is considered to be central to the national question in Africa. It is around citizenship that most issues of human rights revolve, both at individual and group levels. The article argues that political globalization in Africa tends to limit the meaning, essence and substance of citizenship, even if the latter is defined from a minimalist perspective of duties-rights relationships. The marginalization and/or exclusionary politics engendered by political globalization, especially for vulnerable groups such as ethnic minorities, women and youth on all fronts - political, economic and socio-cultural, amount to a gross violation of individual and group rights. Consequently, rather than engender inclusive citizenship predicated upon fairness, equality and social justice, the political globalization processes seem to have done otherwise, thereby perverting democratization and citizenship to become sources of security threats in Africa.
An Opportunity Missed for Male Rape Survivors in South Africa: Masiya v Director of Public Prosecutions and Another
Authors: Dyani Ntombizozuko 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe Constitutional Court of South Africa recently handed down a judgment on the extension of the common law definition of rape to include anal penetration of women, but not of men. The court argued that women form part of the most vulnerable group in society. This article analyses the court's judgment and argues that the court should have included anal penetration of men in the light of South African lower courts' decisions, international law and the fact that there is currently a law before parliament which pertains to the anal penetration of men. The article also argues that the court should have taken into consideration that this case involved a child, who is also from the most vulnerable group in society.
On the use of KrF lasers for fast ignition
Authors: Földes I.B. , Szatmári S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe KrF laser has been considered as an inertial fusion driver alternative to diode-pumped lasers. The possibilities of KrF lasers for fast ignition is supported by their short wavelength and the corresponding larger penetration depth together with the possible use of the same amplifiers for fusion driver and fast ignitor. It is shown that in the case of a fusion test facility both the energy and the intensity requirements can be fulfilled. A fast ignitor using 20 ps KrF pulses requires beam smoothing techniques after angular multiplexing due to the coherence of the beam. A multiple beam fast ignitor is suggested as an alternative in which a high number of beams of 1 ps duration are separately focused on the fuel after polarization demultiplexing. This arrangement allows even the pulse-forming of the ignitor.
Mouse neuroblastoma cells release prion infectivity associated with exosomal vesicles
Authors: Alais Sandrine , Simoes Sabrina , Baas Dominique , Lehmann Sylvain , Raposo Graça , Darlix Jean Luc , Leblanc Pascal 
Published: September 2008

Background information. TSEs (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies) are neurodegenerative disorders affecting humans and animals. PrPSc, a conformationally altered isoform of the normal prion protein (PrPC), is thought to be the pathogenic agent. However, the biochemical composition of the prion agent is still matter of debate. The potential transmission risk of the prion agent through biological fluids has been shown, but the development of competitive diagnostic tests and treatment for TSEs requires a more comprehensive knowledge of the agent and the cellular mechanisms by which it is disseminated. With this aim, we initiated characterization of the prion agent and the pathways by which it can be propagated using the cellular model system neuroblastoma (N2a).Results. The present study shows that N2a cells infected with scrapie release the prion agent into the cell culture medium in association with exosome‐like structures and viral particles of endogenous origin. We found that both prion proteins and scrapie infectivity are mainly associated with exosome‐like structures that contain viral envelope glycoprotein and nucleic acids, such as RNAs.Conclusions. The dissemination of prions in N2a cell culture is mediated through the exosomal pathway.
Reviews
Authors: Simons David , Webster Eddie , Williams Roy 
Published: September 2008

Unfree Labour and its Persistence into the Capitalist Era: A Critical Review of Recent Books by Robert Miles and Robin Cohen reviewed by Bob Currie The New Helots: Migrants in the International Division of Labourby Robin Cohen;Capitalism and Unfree Labour: Anomaly or Neccessity?by Robert Miles.War and Society: The Militarisation of South Africaby Jacklyn Cock & Laurie Nathan (Eds); David Phillip, Cape Town, 1989Coping with Rapid Urban Growth in Africa: An Annotated Bibliography in English and French on Policy and Management of Urban Affairs in the 1980sby Richard Stren with Claire Letemendia, translated by Claude Stren. Bibliography Series no.12, Centre for Developing Area Studies, McGill University, Montreal, 1986
Gene set enrichment analysis using linear models and diagnostics
Authors: Oron Assaf P. , Jiang Zhen , Gentleman Robert 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMotivation: Gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) can be greatly enhanced by linear model (regression) diagnostic techniques. Diagnostics can be used to identify outlying or influential samples, and also to evaluate model fit and explore model expansion.Results: We demonstrate this methodology on an adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) dataset, using GSEA based on chromosome-band mapping of genes. Individual residuals, grouped or aggregated by chromosomal loci, indicate problematic samples and potential data-entry errors, and help identify hyperdiploidy as a factor playing a key role in expression for this dataset. Subsequent analysis pinpoints suspected DNA copy number abnormalities of specific samples and chromosomes (most prevalent are chromosomes X, 21 and 14), and also reveals significant expression differences between the hyperdiploid and diploid groups on other chromosomes (most prominently 19, 22, 3 and 13)—differences which are apparently not associated with copy number.Availability: Software for the statistical tools demonstrated in this article is available as Bioconductor package GSEAlm.Contact: assaf.oron@gmail.comSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Methane emissions by alpine plant communities in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Cao Guangmin , Xu Xingliang , Long Ruijun , Wang Qilan , Wang Changting , Du Yangong , Zhao Xinquan 
Published: September 2008

For the first time to our knowledge, we report here methane emissions by plant communities in alpine ecosystems in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. This has been achieved through long-term field observations from June 2003 to July 2006 using a closed chamber technique. Strong methane emission at the rate of 26.2±1.2 and 7.8±1.1 μg CH
4
m
−2
h
−1
was observed for a grass community in a
Kobresia humilis
meadow and a
Potentilla fruticosa
meadow, respectively. A shrub community in the
Potentilla
meadow consumed atmospheric methane at the rate of 5.8±1.3 μg CH
4
m
−2
h
−1
on a regional basis; plants from alpine meadows contribute at least 0.13 Tg CH
4
yr
−1
in the Tibetan Plateau. This finding has important implications with regard to the regional methane budget and species-level difference should be considered when assessing methane emissions by plants.