bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear propagation of dust ion-acoustic waves in a dusty quantum magnetoplasma
Authors: MISRA AMAR P. , SAMANTA S. , CHOWDHURY A. R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA quantum magnetohydrodynamic model is used to investigate the nonlinear propagation of dust ion-acoustic waves in a three-component quantum plasma composed of electrons, positively charged ions and immobile charged dust grains. Using the standard reductive perturbation technique, a Korteweg–de Vries equation is derived containing the quantum statistical and diffraction effects. There exists a critical value of the non-dimensional parameter H, proportional to the quantum diffraction, beyond which the bright soliton propagation is not possible with positive phase velocity. The effects of obliqueness, charged dust impurity and external magnetic field as well as the quantum mechanical effects are investigated numerically on the profiles of the amplitude and width of the solitary waves.
Full formation control for autonomous helicopter groups
Authors: Fahimi Farbod 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYThis paper reports the design of sliding-mode control laws for controlling multiple small-sized autonomous helicopters in arbitrary formations. Two control schemes, which are required for defining arbitrary three-dimensional formation meshes, are discussed. In the presented leader–follower formation control schemes, each helicopter only needs to receive motion information from at most two neighboring helicopters. A nonlinear six-degree-of-freedom dynamic model has been used for each helicopter. Four control inputs, the main and the tail rotor thrusts, and the roll and pitch moments, are assumed. Parameter uncertainty in the dynamic model and wind disturbance are considered in designing the controllers. The effectiveness and robustness of these control laws in the presence of parameter uncertainty in the dynamic model and wind disturbances are demonstrated by computer simulations.
The epidemiology of melioidosis in the Balimo region of Papua New Guinea
Authors: WARNER J. M. , PELOWA D. B. , GAL D. , RAI G. , MAYO M. , CURRIE B. J. , GOVAN B. , SKERRATT L. F. , HIRST R. G. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYThe distribution ofBurkholderia pseudomalleiwas determined in soil collected from a rural district in Papua New Guinea (PNG) where melioidosis had recently been described, predominately affecting children. In 274 samples, 2·6% tested culture-positive forB. pseudomallei. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis usingSpeI digests and rapid polymorphic DNA PCR with five primers demonstrated a single clone amongst clinical isolates and isolates cultured from the environment that was commonly used by children from whom the clinical isolates were derived. We concluded that individuals in this region most probably acquired the organism through close contact with the environment at these sites.Burkholderia thailandensis, a closely relatedBurkholderiasp. was isolated from 5·5% of samples tested, an observation similar to that of melioidosis-endemic areas in Thailand. This is the first report of an environmental reservoir for melioidosis in PNG and confirms the Balimo district in PNG as melioidosis endemic.
Are research priorities in Latin America in line with the nutritional problems of the population?
Authors: Llanos Adolfo , Teresa Oyarzún María , Bonvecchio Anabelle , A Rivera Juan , Uauy Ricardo 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveConcordance of nutritional research priorities with the related burden of disease is essential to develop cost-effective interventions to address the nutritional problems of populations. The present study aimed to evaluate whether nutrition research priorities are in agreement with the population’s nutritional problems in Latin America.DesignThe epidemiological profile was contrasted with the research priorities and research produced by academic institutions for each country. Qualitative analysis of research production by type of contribution to problem solving was also conducted.SettingsNine Latin American countries.ResultsObesity (high body mass index (BMI)) and micronutrient deficiencies (anaemia) emerged as key problems, followed by stunting, breast-feeding/lactation and low birth weight. Wasting in children and women (low BMI) was uncommon. Concordance of ranked research priorities with the epidemiological profile of the country was generally good for nutrition-related chronic diseases, micronutrients and low birth weight, but not for undernutrition, stunting and breast-feeding. Studies on the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions were uncommon.ConclusionsThe present research agenda insufficiently supports the goal of public health nutrition, which is to ensure the implementation of cost-effective nutrition programmes and policies. A more rational approach to define research priorities is needed.
The Cyborg Astrobiologist: porting from a wearable computer to the Astrobiology Phone-cam
Authors: Bartolo Alexandra , McGuire Patrick C. , Camilleri Kenneth P. , Spiteri Christopher , Borg Jonathan C. , Farrugia Philip J. , Ormö Jens , Gómez-Elvira Javier , Rodriguez-Manfredi José Antonio , Díaz-Martínez Enrique , Ritter Helge , Haschke Robert , Oesker Markus , Ontrup Jörg 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe have used a simple camera phone to significantly improve an ‘exploration system’ for astrobiology and geology. This camera phone will make it much easier to develop and test computer-vision algorithms for future planetary exploration. We envision that the ‘Astrobiology Phone-cam’ exploration system can be fruitfully used in other problem domains as well.
Serum markers of macrophage activation in pre‐eclampsia: no predictive value of soluble CD163 and neopterin
Authors: KRONBORG CAMILLA S. , KNUDSEN ULLA BRETH , MOESTRUP SØREN K. , ALLEN JIM , VITTINGHUS ERIK , MØLLER HOLGER J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground. Alternatively activated macrophages expressing the CD163 and CD206 surface receptors are the dominant immune‐cell type found in the placenta. The placental number and distribution of macrophages is altered in pre‐eclampsia, and the generalised inflammatory reaction associated with pre‐eclampsia might lead to shedding of soluble CD163 into the circulation. Methods. Serum samples from 18 women with pre‐eclampsia and 90 normal pregnancies were obtained from a longitudinal study of 955 pregnant women at Randers County Hospital, Denmark. sCD163 and Neopterin were measured by ELISA on samples collected in weeks 18, 28, 32, and 38 of pregnancy. Results. sCD163 levels in pregnancy (2–3 mg/l) were similar to previously measured levels in non‐pregnant women, and did not increase from week 18 to 38. There was a tendency towards higher sCD163 in week 38 in pre‐eclamptic women compared to healthy women. Neopterin increased throughout pregnancy in both healthy (from median 5.4 to 6.7 nmol/l, p<0.0001) and pre‐eclamptic women (from 5.0 to 8.0 nmol/l, p<0.0001), but there were no differences between groups at any time‐point. sCD163 correlated to neopterin in both the control (r = 0.25, p<0.0001) and in the pre‐eclampsia group (r = 0.32, p = 0.011). C‐reactive protein was higher in pre‐eclampsia than in healthy pregnancies by week 38 (159 versus 91 nmol/l, p = 0.0189). Conclusions. The macrophage serum‐markers sCD163 and neopterin are not pre‐symptomatic nor prognostic markers for pre‐eclampsia.
Transduction patterns and efficiencies in rabbit uterine tissues after intraluminal uterine adenovirus administration vary with the reproductive cycle
Authors: LAUREMA ANNIINA , LUMME SATU , HEINONEN SUVI E. , HEINONEN SEPPO , YLÄ‐HERTTUALA SEPPO 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground. The options for destroying the full thickness of endometrium are very limited, relying mainly on surgical endometrial ablation. A nonsurgical, safe method would benefit many women in clinical settings. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential of gene therapy to transfect and destroy endometriun at different stages of the reproductive cycle in rabbits. Methods. We used adenoviruses carrying the LacZ (AdvLacZ) marker gene, indicating the transfection efficiency, and adenoviruses carrying thymidine kinase (AdvTK) followed by intravenous ganciclovir therapy as a potential treatment for excess endometrial growth. Ganciclovir was given intravenously after AdvTK treatment. Adenoviruses were injected intraluminally into the uterus of nonpregnant, pseudopregnant, and pregnant New Zealand White rabbits (n = 25). Results. After AdvLacZ gene transfer into the uterus of intact rabbits, transduced cells were observed in uterine muscle and endometrial stroma. In pseudopregnant and pregnant rabbits the endometrium was proliferative and transduction was restricted to endometrial epithelium. However, no treatment effect was observed after AdvTK gene therapy although the transduction with AdvLacZ was clearly detectable. Conclusions. It is concluded that the transduction pattern of uterine tissues varies significantly with the reproductive cycle. Secondly, although the transduction efficiency was relatively high in the endometrial epithelium, the effect of the AdvTK and ganciclovir treatment was poor and not sufficient for clinical applications.
Comparative study of conservative and surgical management for symptomatic moderate and severe hydronephrosis in pregnancy: a prospective randomized study
Authors: TSAI YIEH‐LOONG , TSAI YIEH‐LOONG , SEOW KOK‐MIN , YIEH CHUNG‐HSIN , CHONG KIAN‐MEI , HWANG JIANN‐LOUNG , LIN YU‐HUNG , HUANG LEE‐WEN 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground. To analyze the role of different measures in the treatment of acute moderate or severe symptomatic hydronephrosis in pregnancy. Methods. Of the 18,130 women delivering at our institution between January 2000 and December 2004, 93 patients were admitted due to symptomatic hydronephrosis. Among these, 50 patients were diagnosed with moderate or severe hydronephrosis, and were randomly treated with conservative measures (25 patients) or double pigtail stent insertion (25 patients). Renal sonography, urinalysis, serum creatinine levels, white blood cell counts, and urine culture were done in all patients at first visit. The clinical and perinatal outcomes of the two groups were compared. Results. The incidence of symptomatic hydronephrosis in pregnancy was 0.5% in our institution (93/18,130). The majority of the moderate or severe hydronephrosis (88%) cases were diagnosed after the first trimester. There were no statistically significant differences in the fetal body weight, Apgar score, preterm labor, and hospitalization day between the two groups. Among those receiving conservative treatment, five patients (5/25, 20%) failed to respond and were subsequently treated by double pigtail stent insertion successfully, compared with the surgical group, in which all patients were successfully relieved by double pigtail stent (p = 0.018). Four patients receiving double pigtail stent insertion complained of stent discomfort and flank pain after the procedure (16%). Conclusion. Double pigtail stent insertion is effective for the treatment of moderate or severe symptomatic hydronephrosis in pregnancy, and showed a lower failure rate than the conservative treatment. However, due to the complications and discomfort with surgical treatment, conservative treatment should still be the first choice.
Association of pre‐pregnancy maternal body mass and maternal weight gain to newborn outcomes in twin pregnancies
Authors: YEH JOHN , SHELTON JAMES A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground. The rate of twin gestations is now about 3% of all pregnancies. The study objective was to investigate the association between twin pregnancy newborn outcomes and maternal weight. Methods. Birth certificate information of 1,342 sets of live‐born twin deliveries collected in a regional perinatal data system from a contiguous eight‐county area in upstate New York was studied. Results. The obese maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI category was correlated with an increased odds ratio of a “Type I” (both a ≥36‐week gestation and a ≥2,500‐g average twin weight) newborn outcome (adjusted OR 1.92; 95% CI: 1.43, 2.56). For total maternal weight gain, there was an increased odds ratio of having a Type I newborn outcome with >25 kg weight gain (adjusted OR 2.24; 95% CI: 1.51, 3.33). Conclusions. Based on this population‐based study, we conclude that both maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and total maternal weight gain are associated with twin newborn outcomes.
Knowledge, attitudes and prescribing pattern of emergency contraceptives by health care workers in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: BYAMUGISHA JOSAPHAT K. , MIREMBE FLORENCE M. , FAXELID ELISABETH , GEMZELL‐DANIELSSON KRISTINA 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground. Health care workers (HCWs) play an important role in making emergency contraceptives (ECs) available to clients. They can influence accessibility positively through counselling, prescribing or advocating the use of ECs. However, in some settings, HCWs have been blamed for unfavourable attitudes and lack of accurate information. Objective. To assess the knowledge, attitudes and prescribing pattern of EC by HCWs in Kampala district, Uganda. Methods. The total number of health units at different levels of health care delivery in Kampala (894) was obtained. Probability proportional to size (PPS) technique of sampling was applied. Some 247 HCWs completed a self‐administered questionnaire on their knowledge about EC, including methods, mechanism of action, prescription of EC, sources of information, attitudes towards EC, and if and how it should be made available. Results. Of the HCWs, 80% had knowledge of ECs. However, 1 in every 4 was not sure about the time limit within which EC is effective. A total of 50% of the participants had obtained information from a physician (26.4%) or from a training school (24%). The Yuzpe regimen was the most commonly mentioned and prescribed method of EC. The HCWs attitudes to EC were generally positive, and it was suggested that the community should be informed and sensitised about EC. There was a significant difference between having had a family planning educational update or not in the last year and knowledge of EC (p = 0.005). Conclusion. Most HCWs were aware of EC, but some lacked important knowledge on its use or available methods. Recommendation. HCWs should have regular (annual) in‐service training in reproductive health issues, such as counselling on EC. This will enable them to keep up to date with the current evidence‐based recommendations in the field of contraceptive technology.
One or two day mifepristone–misoprostol interval for second trimester abortion
Authors: NILAS LISBETH , GLAVIND‐KRISTENSEN MARIANNE , VEJBORG THOMAS , KNUDSEN ULLA BRETH 
Published: August 2007

AbstractMethods. A retrospective 2‐year cohort study of 127 women, with gestation between 13 and 24 weeks and a live fetus, seeking induced abortion. The aim was to compare the effect of a 1‐day and a 2‐day interval between oral mifepristone (200 mg) and vaginal misoprostol (400 μg) every 3 h. Results. The time to fetal expulsion was longer (9.8 versus 7.5 h; p<0.01) in the 1‐day than in the 2‐day group, but the median number of applications were identical and abortion occurred in 98% within 24 h in both groups The time to abortion was longer in women with a gestation of 17–22 weeks compared to women with lower gestation (10.2 versus 6.8 h; p<0.001), and longer in nulliparae than in parous women (10.0 versus 6.7 h; p<0.001). Conclusion. The combined regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol is effective in the second trimester, and the interval between the drugs can be reduced allowing individualised patient care.
Norwegian midwives and doctors have increased cesarean section rates
Authors: LEHMANN SJUR , BØRDAHL PER E. , RASMUSSEN SVEIN A. , IRGENS LORENTZ M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground. Increasing cesarean section (CS) rates over the last 3 decades may, in part, be explained by improved obstetric procedures, but socio‐economic factors also play a major role. Much attention has been given to professionals’ attitudes to operative delivery, and several studies have been performed to clarify the issue. The present study explored CS rates among Norwegian doctors and midwives, compared to other professionals with an education of 17–18 years (doctors) and 15–16 years (midwives). Methods. Data on mode of delivery notified to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway for 1969–1998 (n = 1,733,665) were linked with data on formal education from Statistics Norway. CS rates and crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the observation period. Results. Female doctors and midwives had higher CS rates; the crude ORs were 1.18 (95% CI: 1.12–1.28) for doctors, and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.21–1.49) for midwives. Adjusted for age and birth order, the ORs were 1.22 (95% CI: 1.12–1.33) for doctors and 1.14 (95% CI: 1.03–1.27) for midwives. Conclusion. From 1969 to 1998, Norwegian female doctors and midwives had higher CS rates than other professionals with an education of comparable duration.
Ultrastructural alterations in human decidua in miscarriages compared to normal pregnancy decidua
Authors: KARA F. , CINAR O. , ERDEMLI‐ATABENLI E. , TAVIL‐SABUNCUOGLU B. , CAN A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground. Pregnant endometrial stroma, an immunologically privileged site in the female reproductive system, is enriched by decidual and natural killer (NK) cells. Since the cellular microenvironment in early pregnancy from the decidual tissues of normal and miscarriage cases has gained importance, with special emphasis on cell‐to‐cell contacts, we aimed to document the plastic structure of the cellular milieu in normal and miscarriage decidua. Methods. Endometrial biopsies were obtained from women after legal curettage or women who had been treated by curettage after miscarriage. Samples were analysed in a light microscope (LM), a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results. Decidual cells possess several polyploidic protrusions on cell membranes. NK cells were distributed among decidual cells. Decidual cells were found to develop gap junctions in the interfaces between each other. Their cytoplasms were also found to possess well‐developed protein synthesising organelles. Decidual cells obtained from miscarriages showed a moderate degree of degeneration and, in between, a decreased number of junctional complexes. Mononuclear cell infiltration was found to be significantly low. Conclusion. We conclude that decidual cells during early pregnancy build a series of miniature cell‐cell contacts to assemble a proper endometrial milieu. In contrast, in miscarriage samples, those intercellular communications seem lacking, associated with an increased number of NK cells, a phenomenon which obviously alters proper implantation and leads to the induction of embryonic disgenesis and miscarriage.
Hemorheological Mechanisms in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Chang Chia‐Yu , Liang Hong‐Jen , Chow Sin‐Yu , Chen Szu‐Ming , Liu Der‐Zen 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTObjective: The aim of the present study was to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for hemorheological abnormalities in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).Subjects and Methods: Twenty‐one patients with AD and twenty‐three age‐matched healthy controls (CON) were studied. We used a controlled‐shear rate rheometer generating various flow fields in vitro for simulating blood flow in vivo. The applied experimental techniques provided valid and quantitative data for the analysis of hemorheological abnormalities associated with AD. Principal blood biochemical parameters and hemorheological parameters, including blood viscosity, erythrocyte deformability, erythrocyte aggregation and oxygen transport efficiency of blood were assessed.Results: The results show no statistically significant difference in most of the blood biochemical parameters between the AD patients and the CON, except that fibrinogen concentration and mean corpuscular cell volume level of erythrocytes (MCV) were significantly higher in the AD patients. Hemorheological parameters including blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and blood viscoelasticity in the AD patients were considerably higher than the respective factors in the CON. Owing to the MDA levels of the AD patients being significantly higher than that of the CON, the AD patients also showed a decrease in erythrocyte deformability and an increase in blood flow resistance despite the lack of any significant difference in erythrocyte rigidity. In addition, the erythrocyte aggregation of AD patients was higher than that of the CON and reduced oxygen transport efficiency of blood was observed in the AD patients.Conclusions: The hemorheological abnormalities found in AD patients may be explained by the parallel findings of oxidative damage on erythrocyte membranes that could result in a decrease of erythrocyte deformability. Furthermore, the oxidative stress‐induced elevation of fibrinogen concentration could lead to accelerated erythrocyte aggregation as a consequence of a rise in blood viscosity and blood viscoelasticity. Taken together, these factors may impair the oxygen transport efficiency of blood in AD patients.
An Automated Method to Control Preload by Compensation for Stress Relaxation in Spontaneously Contracting, Isometric Rat Mesenteric Lymphatics
Authors: Davis Michael J. , Lane Megan M. , Scallan Joshua P. , Gashev Anatoliy A. , Zawieja David C. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTObjective: Our objective was to devise a system to automatically correct for stress relaxation of isometric rat mesenteric lymphatics (90–120 μm, ID). Stress relaxation is a particular problem in isometric studies of highly distensible vessels and is evident as a time‐dependent, secondary decline in force after an abrupt length increase. Because the phasic contraction pattern of lymphatics is exquisitely sensitive to changes in preload, stress relaxation makes stable contraction patterns difficult to achieve and analyze.Methods: A DMT wire myograph was modified to accommodate an Inchworm piezo stack in series with a standard micrometer drive to permit automated control of vessel caliber/force. The force output of the myograph was digitized and computer algorithms were devised to servo control force by changing vessel diameter.Results: The system was tested on passive lymphatics, passive small veins, and lymphatics exhibiting spontaneous force transients. The software was designed to temporarily disable servo control during a spontaneous force transient. For both active and passive lymphatics, stable preloads were very well maintained, indicating that the system was adequately compensating for stress relaxation.Conclusions: The method works well with isometric rat mesenteric lymphatics without disturbing spontaneous activity. It should be applicable to arterial, venous, and lymphatic vessels (80–500 μm in diameter) isolated from other tissues and species.