bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface cleaning of germanium nanodot ionization substrate for surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Sato Hiroaki , Nemoto Atsushi , Yamamoto Atsushi , Tao Hiroaki 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI‐MS), a chemical background signal, arising from organic contaminants such as plasticizers, is frequently observed mainly under m/z ca. 600, which impairs the advantages of the matrix‐free approach. Silver salts, which are used for the cationization of aromatic compounds, are also difficult to remove completely after the measurements. In this study, surface cleaning techniques used in semiconductor processing were used to clean our developed silicon‐based SALDI substrate on which self‐assembled germanium nanodots (GeNDs) had been deposited (termed a GeND chip). An immersion cleaning method using acetone with sonication, and a sulfuric‐peroxide mixture (SPM) cleaning method using a mixture of H2SO4/H2O2/deionized water, were examined for their effectiveness in removing organic compounds and residual silver salts. Removal of both types of contaminants was successfully performed by SPM cleaning. The limit of detection for glutathione was improved from ca. 5 pmol without cleaning to ca. 50 fmol after the SPM cleaning. Since GeND chips can tolerate acidic cleaning and sonication due to their chemical inertness and rigid nanodot structures, they appear to be an ideal reusable SALDI substrate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The interfacial feature of thermoplastic polystyrene composite filled with nitric acid oxidized carbon fiber
Authors: Li J. , Sun F. F. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe quality of interfacial interaction is dictated by the surface chemistry of the carbon fibers and the composition of the matrix. The composition of polystyrene was modified by the addition of maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted polystyrene. The surface properties of the various matrix formulations were characterized by contact angle. Carbon fibers were modified by oxidation in nitric acid. The surface composition of the carbon fibers was characterized. The interaction between modified polystyrene and the carbon fibers was studied by single fiber pull‐out tests. The best adhesion behavior was achieved between polystyrene containing grafted MAH and nitric acid oxidation carbon fibers. The addition of MAH‐grafted polystyrene to the unmodified polystyrene caused the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) to increase. The IFSS of this fiber‐matrix combination allowed for the full utilization of the tensile strength of polystyrene. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The skin barrier function: a micro‐PIXE study
Authors: Simon M. , Barberet P. , Moretto P. , Bacqueville D. , Mavon A. , Seznec H. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractHuman body is perpetually subjected to environmental exposures as sun, natural, urban or industrial pollutions and societal exposures. Skin is the main physiological barrier facing to these different stresses; however its response mechanisms are still not well understood. Skin models are thus necessary to understand skin physiology and behavior in normal conditions or under stress. Because of the large natural interindividual variability and of some difficulties in obtaining human skin biopsies, we have been developing and characterizing different skin models such as reconstructed epidermis in vitro, native pigskin and human keratinocyte cells. These models allow us to study the mechanisms involved in ion homeostasis in correlation with structural organization and biological responses. In the present study, we have characterized the pig ear skin model using micro‐particle induced x‐ray emission (PIXE) analysis with the aim of evaluating the distribution of inorganic ions under normal or stress conditions together with the transepidermal penetration of external agents, such as aluminum oxides. The nuclear microprobe analysis allowed us to validate the culture conditions of the tissue and we have shown an alteration of the inorganic ion patterns after exposure to a chemical compound (sodium dodecyl sulfate) known for its deleterious effects on the barrier function. Finally, we have shown no transepidermal penetration of aluminum oxides after different exposures to cosmetic formulations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of satellite lines
Authors: Mukoyama T. , Uda M. , Kövér L. , Berényi Z. , Cserny I. , Drube W. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractEvolution of the photoionized KLL Auger satellite line for 3d transition metals was studied. The intensity ratio of the satellite line relative to the main 1D2 (KL2L3) diagram line was measured for Cu and Ni as a function of incident photon energy and the theoretical models based on the adiabatic approximation were fitted to the experimental data. The Thomas model, the Vatai model and the model of Roy et al. were considered. In addition, we modified the model of Roy et al. and developed a new model. Comparison of these four models was made and their difference was discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Young Adults and Riding Position: Factors that Affect Mortality Among Inpatient Adult Motorcycle Casualties: A Major Trauma Center Experience
Authors: Leong Quor Meng , Tsung Shyen Karen Go , Appasamy Vijayan , Chiu Ming Terk 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundIn Singapore, road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the second most common cause of deaths in trauma. Motorcycle casualties account for 54% of all fatalities. Studies have shown that the mean age of motorcycle casualties is significantly younger than that of other RTA victims.MethodsWe reviewed the mortality of all motorcycle casualties ≥16 years admitted to an acute hospital as emergencies from January 2004 to December 2006. To determine the impact of age on mortality, we divided our patients into two groups, one ≤21 years (younger group) and another >21 years (older group). A subset analysis based on riding position (driver versus passenger) was performed to determine the inpatient mortality rate in these two groups.ResultsThere were 96 (14%) patients in the younger group and 586 (86%) patients in the older group. The mortality rate for younger motorcycle casualties was significantly higher (14.6% versus 8%; p = 0.04). Also, there were significantly more passengers in the younger group (25% versus 8.4%; p = 0.0001). The mortality rate among young passengers was significantly higher than that among young drivers (29.2% versus 9.7%; p = 0.019). Likewise, the mortality rate of the young passengers was also significantly higher than that among older passengers (29.2% versus 10.2%; p = 0.04).ConclusionsYoung motorcycle casualties have a significantly higher mortality rate than older motorcycle casualties. Young passengers have the highest mortality rate and contribute significantly to the death rate among young motorcycle casualties.
Value of Laparoscopic Appendectomy in the Elderly Patient
Authors: Kirshtein Boris , Perry Zvi Howard , Mizrahi Solly , Lantsberg Leonid 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundAcute appendicitis (AA) in elderly patients (60 years of age and older) is a challenging problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality when perforation is present. We hypothesized that laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) would enable an earlier correct diagnosis and have advantages in elderly patients.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for suspected AA. Data of elderly patients were compared to data of younger patients (18 to <60 years of age).ResultsFifty‐four LA were performed in elderly patients and 423 in younger patients. Patients over the age of 60 years had more co‐morbidities and required more frequent use of anticoagulants. Preoperative imaging (ultrasound or computerized tomography) was significantly more frequent in elderly patients (36% versus 15%), and was associated with a higher rate of confirmation of acute appendicitis (78% versus 55%), which allowed a decrease in the rate of negative surgical explorations to 4.1% in elderly patients compared to 10.2% in younger patients. Complicated appendicitis and conversions were more frequent in the elderly patients. This resulted in prolonged operative time and longer hospital stay for this group. The overall complication rate was equivalent in the two groups, without differences in the occurrence either of infectious complications or of complications related to surgical site. There were no deaths following appendectomy in our series.ConclusionsLaparoscopic appendectomy is safe in the elderly population and is not associated with any increase in morbidity. The high incidence of complicated appendicitis in elderly patients affects operative time and length of hospital stay following laparoscopic appendectomy, and it can also lead to an increased rate of conversion to an open procedure. Use of preoperative abdominal computerized tomography scan is mandatory in elderly patients to provide an early diagnosis and to decrease unnecessary surgical exploration when acute appendicitis is suspected.
Herbivory‐induced extrafloral nectar increases native and invasive ant worker survival
Authors: Lach Lori , Hobbs Richard J. , Majer Jonathan D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAscertaining the costs and benefits of mutualistic interactions is important for predicting their stability and effect on community dynamics. Despite widespread designation of the interaction between ants and extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) as a mutualism and over 100 years of studies on ant benefits to plants, the benefits to ants have never been experimentally quantified. The success of invasive ants is thought to be linked to the availability of carbohydrate‐rich resources, though reports of invasive ant visits to EFNs are mixed. In two laboratory experiments, we compared worker survival of one native (Iridomyrmex chasei) and two invasive ant species (Linepithema humile and Pheidole megacephala) exposed to herbivorized or non‐herbivorized EFN‐bearing plants (Acacia saligna) or positive and negative controls. We found that non‐herbivorized plants did not produce any measurable extrafloral nectar, and ants with access to non‐herbivorized plants had the same survival as ants with access to an artificial plant and water (unfed ants). Ants given herbivorized plants had 7–11 times greater worker survival relative to unfed ants, but there were no differences in survival between native and invasive ants exposed to herbivorized plants. Our results reveal that ants cannot induce A. saligna extrafloral nectar production, but workers of both native and invasive ant species can benefit from extrafloral nectar as much as they benefit from sucrose.
Gene flow is maintained by polyandry and male dispersal in the army antEciton burchellii
Authors: Jaffé Rodolfo , Moritz Robin F. A. , Kraus F. Bernhard 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe combination of haplodiploidy, complementary sex determination and eusociality constrains the effective population size (Ne) of social Hymenoptera far more than in any other insect group. Additional limitations onNeoccur in army ants since they have wingless queens and colony fission, both of which are factors causing restricted maternal gene flow and high population viscosity. Therefore, winged army ant males gain a particular significance to ensure dispersal, facilitate gene flow and avoid inbreeding. Based on population genetic analyses with microsatellite markers, we studied a population of the Neotropical army antEciton burchellii, finding a high level of heterozygosity, weak population differentiation and no evidence for inbreeding. Moreover, by using sibship reconstruction analyses, we quantified the actual number of male contributing colonies represented in a queen's mate sample, demonstrating that, through extreme multiple mating, the queens are able to sample the genes of males from up to ten different colonies, usually located within an approximate radius of 1 km. We finally correlated the individual mating success of each male contributing colony with the relative siring success of individual males and found a significant colony‐dependent male fitness component. Our results imply that the dispersal and mating system of these army ants seem to enhance gene flow and minimise the deleterious effects associated with small effective population size.
Abnormal bradykinin signalling in fibroblasts deficient in the PIP2 5‐phosphatase, ocrl1
Authors: Suchy S. F. , Cronin J. C. , Nussbaum R. L. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe (Lowe syndrome) is an X‐linked disorder of phosphatidylinositol metabolism characterized by congenital cataracts, renal proximal tubulopathy and neurological deficits. The disorder is due to the deficiency of the phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) 5‐phosphatase, ocrl1. PIP2 is critical for numerous cellular processes, including cell signalling, actin reorganization and protein trafficking, and is chronically elevated in patients with Lowe syndrome. The elevation of PIP2 cells of patients with Lowe syndrome provides the unique opportunity to investigate the roles of this phospholipid in fundamental cellular processes. We previously demonstrated that ocrl1 deficiency causes alterations in the actin cytoskeleton. Since actin remodelling is strongly activated by [Ca+2], which increases in response to IP3 production, we hypothesized that altered calcium signalling might contribute to the observed abnormalities in actin organization. Here we report a specific increase in bradykinin‐induced Ca+2 mobilization in Lowe fibroblasts. We show that the abnormal bradykinin signalling occurs in spite of normal total cellular receptor content. These data point to a novel role for ocrl1 in agonist‐induced calcium release.
Some controllability results for the 2D Kolmogorov equation
Authors: Beauchard K. , Zuazua E. 
Published: January 2009

In this article, we prove the null controllability of the 2D Kolmogorov equation both in the whole space and in the square. The control is a source term in the right-hand side of the equation, located on a subdomain, that acts linearly on the state. In the first case, it is the complementary of a strip with axisxand in the second one, it is a strip with axisx.The proof relies on two ingredients. The first one is an explicit decay rate for the Fourier components of the solution in the free system. The second one is an explicit bound for the cost of the null controllability of the heat equation with potential that the Fourier components solve. This bound is derived by means of a new Carleman inequality.
LINEAGE BASED DIFFERENCES IN GRANDPARENTAL INVESTMENT: EVIDENCE FROM A LARGE BRITISH COHORT STUDY
Authors: POLLET THOMAS V. , NELISSEN MARK , NETTLE DANIEL 
Published: January 2009

SummaryEvolutionary theory suggests that maternal grandparents will invest more in their grandchildren than paternal grandparents, due to the difference between the certainty of maternity and the uncertainty of paternity. Most tests of this prediction have tended to use retrospective ratings by grandchildren rather than examining grandparental behaviour. Using a large-scale data set from the UK (n>7000), significant differences are shown between maternal and paternal grandparents in terms of frequencies of contact with their newborn grandchildren, while controlling for a wide range of other variables. Maternal grandparents also provided a significantly wider range of financial benefits than paternal grandparents. Maternal grandparents were also more likely to provide essentials and gifts and extras for the baby. Multiple correspondence analysis showed that contact frequencies systematically related to other measures of grandparental investment, indicating that contact frequencies are a useful proxy measure to examine overall investment. Findings are discussed with reference to the paternity uncertainty hypothesis.
Wegener's granulomatosis presenting as acute systemic vasculitis following 20 years of limited tracheobronchial disease
Authors: Peters J E , Salama A D , Ind P W 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective:We report a patient with a 20-year history of apparently idiopathic airways stenoses, who presented with an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated, acute, systemic vasculitis with necrotising glomerulonephritis, subsequently diagnosed as Wegener's granulomatosis.Methods:We present a case report and a review of the world literature on airway stenosis in Wegener's granulomatosis.Results:To our knowledge, this is the first report of Wegener's granulomatosis manifesting as local airway disease for such a prolonged period, before transforming into a systemic vasculitis.Conclusions:This case highlights the need for physicians to be alert to the possibility of Wegener's granulomatosis as a cause of apparently idiopathic airway stenosis, and to be aware that systemic disease may occur in very long-standing, limited Wegener's granulomatosis.
Freedom and Virtue in Politics: Some Aspects of Character, Circumstances and Utility from Helvétius to J. S. Mill
Authors: Smith G. W. 
Published: January 2009

Writing in the foreword to Allan Bloom's The Closing of the American Mind and speaking of his upbringing in Chicago between the wars Saul Bellow attests that…as a Midwesterner, the son of immigrant parents, I recognized at an early stage that I was called upon to decide for myself to what extent my Jewish origins, my surroundings [‘the accidental circumstances of Chicago’], my schooling, were to be allowed to determine the course of my life. I did not intend to be wholly dependent upon history and culture. Full dependency must mean that I was done for. The commonest teaching of the civilized world in our time can be stated simply: ‘Tell me where you come from and I'll tell you what you are’.
Errata
Authors: Gamow George 
Published: January 2009

Sir:
Professor R. T. Birge of the University of California has kindly informed me that the value of 2π2me4/h3c given in my article on “Any Physics Tomorrow?” as being equal to 109,677.759 cm−1 is in error, and must be replaced by 109,737.303 cm−1. It will be noticed, however, that this change in the numerical value of the Rydberg constant does not change the main line of arguments presented in the article, and also does not influence the final conclusions.
Confirmation of tubal patency in hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography by transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy
Authors: AHINKO‐HAKAMAA KATJA MAARIT , HUHTALA HEINI , TINKANEN HELENA 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective. To confirm tubal patency in hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (HyCoSy) by transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (THL). Design. A prospective study. Setting. Infertility clinic at a university hospital. Population. Fifty‐six infertile women with a history of tubal risk factor(s) who underwent HyCoSy and THL between 2003 and 2006. Methods. After performing HyCoSy, the tubal patency was verified by THL. Results. Altogether, 51 women and 101 tubes could be examined. Using HyCoSy, 61 of the tubes were considered patent and 40 occluded. THL confirmed 82 tubes patent and 19 occluded. Of 61 tubes found to be patent in HyCoSy, 60 were also patent in THL. In contrast, of 40 tubes occluded in HyCoSy only 18 tubes were confirmed to be occluded by THL. The concordance was 77%. The sensitivity of HyCoSy was 95%, the specificity 73%, the negative predictive value 98% and the positive predictive value 45%. Conclusions. HyCoSy is a reliable method when tubal patency is demonstrated. In cases of suspected tubal occlusion, THL is an inexpensive and safe outpatient procedure to exclude benign tubal spasm and confirm the presence of true occlusion.
Fetal outcome in severe maternal morbidity: Too many stillbirths
Authors: CHAM MAMADY , SUNDBY JOHANNE , VANGEN SIRI 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective. We determined the stillbirth rates among singleton births in Gambian hospitals. Contribution of severe obstetric complications was given special attention. Design. A multi‐center retrospective review. Setting. Three obstetric referral hospitals. Sample. Fetal outcomes in 826 women with severe maternal morbidity out of 3,280 singleton deliveries. Methods. All women with severe maternal morbidity reported in the investigated hospitals between January and June 2006 were identified and their cases reviewed. For each case, information about fetal outcome and the mother's age, parity, obstetric complications and delivery mode was abstracted from maternity records. Main outcome measures. Stillbirth rates and the impact of health service factors. Results. There were excessively high stillbirth rates with an eight‐fold increased risk among women with severe obstetric complications (310/1,000 births), compared to women without complications (51/1,000 births). Hemorrhage, anemia, sepsis and hypertensive pregnancy disorders were associated with higher stillbirth rates. Dystocia cases had a relatively lower stillbirth rate. In women with severe obstetric complications, vaginal delivery was associated with a four‐fold increased risk of stillbirth compared to cesarean section. Conclusion. Severe maternal morbidity has significant impact on stillbirth rates. Better access to emergency obstetric care and improved intrapartum care will significantly reduce stillbirth rates in poor settings of the world, such as The Gambia.
Villoglandular papillary adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: KORACH JACOB , MACHTINGER RONIT , PERRI TAMAR , VICUS DANIEL , SEGAL JACOB , FRIDMAN EDDIE , BEN‐BARUCH GILAD 
Published: January 2009

AbstractVilloglandular papillary adenocarcinoma (VGA) is a rare subtype of cervical adenocarcinoma. It tends to appear in younger women and its indolent behavior permits fertility‐preserving treatments. Pathologically, VGA presents a diagnostic challenge. The aim of our study was to evaluate the reliability of histological assessment for pre‐treatment diagnosis of VGA. The data from the outpatient files of 12 patients in whom VGA had been diagnosed were reviewed. Median age at diagnosis was 38.8 years (range 27–65). Final pathology results confirmed VGA in nine patients. Of these, only two had been correctly diagnosed preoperatively, while in three, the initial biopsies were benign or pre‐malignant. In four patients, the biopsy results had been interpreted as an invasive malignant tumor necessitating hysterectomy. The final histological report on the remaining three patients was invasive cervical adenocarcinoma. We conclude that pre‐treatment diagnosis should not be based solely on a simple punch biopsy because of its low rate of diagnostic accuracy.
Invasive prenatal diagnostic practice in Denmark 1996 to 2006
Authors: VESTERGAARD CHRISTINA H. F. , LIDEGAARD ØJVIND , TABOR ANN 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe Danish National Board of Health recommended in 2004 routine ultrasound scanning in week 12 with nuchal translucency measurement, combined with the double test to all pregnant women. Those who were found to have a risk of trisomy 21 higher than 1:300 were offered amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). The total number of pregnancies in Denmark with an invasive prenatal procedure decreased from 6,929 in 1996 to 3,103 in 2006, the percentage of CVS increased from 45 to 69%, and the percentage of women below 35 years among those undergoing invasive procedures increased from 38 to 52%. The mean gestational age at which the procedures were done increased – for CVS from week 11 to 13, and for amniocentesis from week 16 to 17. We thus achieved to more than double the offer of prenatal screening and at the same time reduce the number of invasive procedures by 55%.