bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a new automated method for analysis of gated‐SPECT images
Authors: Lomsky Milan , Richter Jens , Johansson Lena , Høilund‐Carlsen Poul F. , Edenbrandt Lars 
Published: April 2006

SummaryWe recently presented a new method for quantification of CArdiac FUnction – denoted CAFU – as the first step in the development of an automated method for integrated interpretation of gated myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images. The aim of this study was to validate CAFU in the assessment of global and regional function of the left ventricle. Quantitative gated‐SPECT (QGS), the most widely used software package for quantification of gated‐SPECT images, was used as reference method for the measurements of ejection fraction (EF) and ventricular volumes, and visual analysis by an experienced physician was used as reference method for the measurements of regional wall motion and thickening. Two different groups of consecutive patients referred for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy were studied. Global function was evaluated in 316 patients and regional function in 49 other patients. The studies were performed using a 2‐day stress/rest 99 m‐Tc‐sestamibi protocol. A good correlation was found between EF values from QGS and CAFU (EF CAFU = 0·84 EF QGS + 13, r = 0·94), but CAFU values were on average 4 EF points higher than QGS values. With CAFU the segments with normal thickening according to the physician showed significantly higher thickening values (in all parts of the myocardium) compared to the segments classified as having abnormal thickening. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that CAFU can be used to quantify global and regional function in gated‐SPECT images. This is an important step in our development of an automated method for integrated interpretation of gated‐SPECT myocardial perfusion scintigraphy studies.
Exploring The Generation Of Digital Elevation Models From Same‐Side Ers Sar Images: Topographic And Temporal Effects
Authors: Li Zhilin , Liu Guoxiang , Ding Xiaoli 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis paper presents an attempt to explore the generation of digital elevation models (DEMs) by radargrammetry from same‐side ERS‐1/2 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. Two ERS‐1 and two ERS‐2 C‐band (wavelength 5·6 cm) SAR images along parallel descending orbits, acquired in 1996 and 1997, are used to form four stereopairs. The test area is western Hong Kong which is dominated by mountains/hills that are largely covered by evergreen‐broadleaf trees. The stereopairs covering the same area but with different time intervals (varying from 16 days to 1·5 years) have an intersection angle of 4·5° and a relatively small overlap of 30% (30 km). In addition to the effect of topography, the effect of temporal correlation on the accuracy of the resulting DEMs is also analysed for the first time. From the experimental results obtained in this study, the following conclusions may be drawn: (a) with same‐side ERS‐1/2 SAR images, an accuracy of 30 to 35 m is achievable; (b) the accuracy of a resulting DEM degrades almost linearly with an increase in slope when the terrain slope is below 30°, and in the areas with slope over 30°, the accuracy of the DEM is significantly degraded and even becomes unacceptable; (c) the worst accuracy is obtained in the foreslope directions and the best accuracy is obtained in the backslope directions; (d) the time interval between two SAR images has no significant effect on the accuracy of the DEM in general; (e) the time interval between two SAR images has no significant effect on the reliability of image matching.
Evaluating Willingness‐to‐Pay for Bison Attributes: An Experimental Auction Approach
Authors: Hobbs Jill E. , Sanderson Kim , Haghiri Morteza 
Published: April 2006

Domestic bison herds in Canada and the United States have grown rapidly over the past decade. For this growth to be sustainable, viable markets for bison meat products are necessary. Bison products are available at the retail level to only a limited extent in some localized markets. Very little is known about consumer preferences for bison in Canada. A consumer research study was conducted across five Canadian locations. An experimental auction was used to evaluate willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for bison versus beef, plus the marginal WTP for bison with additional health‐related attributes. Bison products verified to be lower in fat than beef, and bison verified to have been produced without the use of growth hormones were evaluated. Results suggest that there was no significant WTP for bison over beef, either with or without the additional quality assurances. Delivering a positive eating experience to consumers was more important than the health‐related attributes per se. Distinct market segments with significantly different WTP for bison are identified. Some regional differences are also apparent. The industry cannot rely solely on the touted health benefits of bison to deliver a competitive advantage over beef. While some consumers may be willing to pay more for these health‐related attributes, consumers in general are unlikely to compromise eating experience. Au Canada et aux États‐Unis, les troupeaux de bisons domestiques ont crû rapidement au cours de la dernière décennie. Pour que cette croissance soit durable, il faut développer des marchés viables pour le bison. Le bison est vendu au détail dans quelques marchés locaux seulement. Au Canada, les préférences des consommateurs pour le bison sont peu connues. Une étude à cet effet a été réalisée dans cinq villes canadiennes. La volonté de payer (VDP) des consommateurs pour du bison plutôt que pour du bœuf de même que la VDP marginale des consommateurs pour du bison ayant des propriétés supplémentaires pour la santé ont étéévaluées à l'aide d'enchères expérimentales. Des produits du bison ayant une teneur en gras inférieure à celle du bœuf et provenant d'élevages sans hormones de croissance ont étéévalués. Les résultats ont montré qu'il n'existait pas de VDP significative pour du bison plutôt que pour du bœuf, et ce, avec ou sans assurance de qualité supplémentaire. L'expérience alimentaire s'est révélée plus importante que les propriétés pour la santé en soi. Nous avons identifié des segments de marché distincts où la VDP pour du bison était significativement différente. Certaines différences régionales étaient aussi apparentes. L'industrie ne peut pas se fier qu'aux avantages vantés de la viande de bison pour la santé pour offrir un avantage concurrentiel par rapport au bœuf. Bien que certains consommateurs soient prêts à payer davantage pour des propriétés favorables pour la santé, il est peu probable que les consommateurs en général compromettent une nouvelle expérience alimentaire.
Use of radiographic measurements in distinguishing myasthenia gravis from other causes of canine megaoesophagus
Authors: Wray J. D. , Sparkes A. H. 
Published: April 2006

Objectives:To evaluate whether dogs with megaoesophagus due to myasthenia gravis display less oesophageal dilatation radiographically than dogs with other causes of megaoesophagus.Methods:Thoracic radiographs of 66 dogs with megaoesophagus in which concurrent acetylcholine receptor antibody titre was known were analysed retrospectively. Maximum oesophageal diameter was transformed to a “relative oesophageal diameter” using a ratio with thoracic inlet diameter. Dogs were divided into two groups according to “MG” or “non‐MG” antibody status and median relative oesophageal diameter values were compared between groups and with age, weight and sex. A receiver operating characteristic plot was used to evaluate a suitable relative oesophageal diameter cut‐off.Results:Twenty dogs were diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and 46 with other causes of megaoesophagus. Thoracic inlet size correlated significantly with bodyweight and surface area (r2=0·627 and 0·669, respectively). Median values of relative oesophageal diameter for the MG group and non‐MG group were 0·58 and 0·66, respectively, and these showed a small, but significant, difference (P=0·029), although there was complete overlap in the range of relative oesophageal diameter values between groups. There was no significant association between relative oesophageal diameter and sex, age or weight or significant difference in age, sex or weight between the two groups. An increased odds ratio for myasthenia gravis existed in golden retrievers and German shepherd dogs.ClinicalSignificance:Relative oesophageal diameter appears to be of limited diagnostic utility in distinguishing dogs with megaoesophagus due to myasthenia gravis from those with megaoesophagus due to other causes.
The Role of GOES Satellite Imagery in Tracking Low-Level Moisture
Authors: Bikos Dan , Weaver John F. , Braun Jeff 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
This note provides examples of how geostationary satellite data can be applied to augment other data sources in tracking warm, moist air masses as they move northward from the Gulf of Mexico. These so-called returning air masses are often a key ingredient in bringing about severe weather outbreaks in the central and southeastern United States. The newer NOAA–GOES imagery provides high spatial and temporal resolution. Together, surface observations, upper-air soundings, and high-resolution satellite imagery provide a comprehensive picture of the returning moist air mass.
Intraluminal instillation of urokinase and autologous plasma: a method to unblock occluded central venous ports
Authors: Seifert Georg , Riess Hanno , Seeger Karl , Henze Guenter , Borgmann Anja 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
Therapeutic use and effective function of recombinant urokinase (r-UK) for occluded ports need the presence of plasminogen.

Methods
As a therapeutic proof of principle, we demonstrate that the use of r-UK and autologous plasma effectively reestablishes the function of occluded central venous ports (CVP) resistant to routine management of catheter occlusion. Five patients with occluded ports resistant to the routine management were treated.

Results
All patients were successfully treated with thrombolytic therapy using intraluminal instillation of r-UK and autologous plasma.

Conclusion
Instillation of r-UK and autologous plasma is a safe and effective method for management of CVP occlusion.
Sustained Benefits from Previous Physical Activity on Bone Mineral Density in Males
Authors: Nordström Anna , Olsson Tommy , Nordström Peter 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Context: The effect of physical activity on bone mineral density (BMD) is not well investigated longitudinally after puberty in men.
Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the effect of exercise and reduced exercise on BMD after puberty in men.
Design: We conducted a longitudinal study.
Participants: Sixty-three healthy young athletes and 27 male controls, both with a mean age of 17 yr at baseline, participated. Also, 136 of the participants’ parents were investigated to evaluate heritable influences.
Main Outcome Measures: Total body, total hip, femoral neck, and humerus BMD (grams per square centimeter) were measured at baseline and after mean periods of 27, 68, and 94 months in the young cohort.
Results: BMDs of control parents and athlete parents were equal, suggesting absence of selection bias. The 23 athletes that remained active throughout the study increased BMD at all sites when compared with controls (mean difference, 0.04–0.12 g/cm2; P &lt; 0.05) during the study period. After an average of 3 yr, 27 athletes ended their active careers. Although this group initially lost BMD at the hip compared with active athletes, the former athletes still had higher BMD than controls at the femoral neck (0.12 g/cm2; P = 0.007), total hip (0.11 g/cm2; P = 0.02), and humerus (0.10 g/cm2; P = 0.02) at the final follow-up.
Conclusions: High sensitivity to physical loading persists after puberty in men. Reduced physical activity is associated with BMD loss in the first 3 yr in weight-bearing bone. Sustained benefits in BMD are preserved 5 yr after intensive training ends.
Effects of Six Months of Daily Low-Dose Perchlorate Exposure on Thyroid Function in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Braverman Lewis E. , Pearce Elizabeth N. , He Xuemei , Pino Sam , Seeley Mara , Beck Barbara , Magnani Barbarajean , Blount Benjamin C. , Firek Anthony 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Context: Perchlorate has been detected in U.S. drinking water supplies at levels ranging from 4 to 200 μg/liter as well as in agricultural products. Perchlorate is known to be a competitive inhibitor of iodine uptake by the thyroid through the sodium-iodide symporter.
Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether prolonged exposure (6 months) to low levels of perchlorate would perturb thyroid function.
Design: This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial.
Participants: The study population consisted of 13 healthy volunteers.
Intervention: Interventions included placebo vs. 0.5 mg or 3.0 mg potassium perchlorate daily.
Main Outcome Measures: Serum thyroid function tests, 24-h radioactive iodine uptake, serum thyroglobulin (Tg), urinary iodine and perchlorate, and serum perchlorate were measured.
Results: Mean urinary perchlorate value during ingestion of 0.5 mg perchlorate daily was 332.7 ± 66.1 μg per 24 h or 248.5 ± 64.5 μg/g creatinine and mean values for the four subjects who received 3 mg perchlorate daily were 2079.5 ± 430.0 μg per 24 h or 1941.7 ± 138.5 μg/g creatinine. There was no significant change in the thyroid 123I uptakes during perchlorate administration. There were no significant changes in serum T3, free T4 index, TSH, or Tg concentrations during the exposure period, compared to baseline or postexposure values. Urine iodine values for the 3-mg perchlorate group were higher, but not significantly so, at baseline than during perchlorate exposure.
Conclusions: We observed that a 6-month exposure to perchlorate at doses up to 3 mg/d had no effect on thyroid function, including inhibition of thyroid iodide uptake as well as serum levels of thyroid hormones, TSH, and Tg.
A Planar Phthalocyaninylnaphthalocyanine as a Broad Near-Infrared Absorber
Authors: Kobayashi Nagao , Higashi Yasuhiro , Osa Tetsuo 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
A planar heterodinuclear phthalocyaninylnaphthalocyanine (1) in which a phthalocyanine (Pc) and naphthalocyanine (Nc) share a common benzene ring has been synthesized for the first time and its electronic absorption, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and fluorescence data are reported. 1 and its deprotonated species show broad Q bands in the near-IR region.
Investigations on the thermal release of iodine from liquid eutectic lead-bismuth alloy
Authors: Neuhausen Jörg , Eichler B. 
Published: April 2006

Summary
The release of iodine from liquid eutectic lead-bismuth alloy (LBE) under a flowing Ar/7%H2 atmosphere has been studied in a temperature range from 428 to 1223 K using γ-ray spectroscopy. During short-term experiments, significant amounts of iodine evaporate from liquid LBE at temperatures higher than 800 K. Long-term experiments reveal that the release of iodine at temperatures of relevance to technical applications, such as liquid metal spallation targets or Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS), is below our detection limits for periods up to 7 days. The release rate is determined by the desorption/evaporation process rather than by diffusion within the liquid alloy.
The Nature of Protestantism
Authors: Pauck Wilhelm 
Published: April 2006

In dealing with a subject of such a general character, I am well aware of the limitations of the undertaking. It is not possible to define the nature of Protestantism in such a manner as to establish certain principles to which all its historical expressions must or do conform. I accept the statement of Wilhelm Dilthey which reads as follows:The religions which appear within a developed civilization have common features. They lift the human consciousness to a point at which, by its connection with divinity and the invisible, it renders itself independent from the world. Hence it is the aim of these religions to overcome the contradictions and repressions of life (Hemmungen) by an inner connection with God. Beatitude signifies the developing total state of mind in which all single emotions arising from participation in the world are resolved. Hence religion is neither a cult nor a dogma nor a mode of action but the total life context of a person in which this aim has been attained. From this there result significant consequences for the historian. No religion or communion can be represented by a principle from which cult, dogma, and morality can be derived. The endless theological debates about a principle of Christianity, of Reformed religiousness, of the Lutheran or Reformed church, are without object. This life context cannot even be wholly analysed. As in every form of life, there remains something unanalysable also in every form of religiousness. Just therein religion is, like art; superior to scientific knowledge. One cannot state in one sentence the essence of Christianity. Every attempt of such a sort is historical metaphysics. Knowledge of Christianity is the analysis of the Christian religiousness in individual Christians and in society.
The ‘Political Puritan’
Authors: Shipps Kenneth 
Published: April 2006

Two statements written prior to 1642 have suggested the title of this piece. The first statement comes during the spring of 1623 from Joseph Mead, a Cain- bridge University don and newsletter correspondent. In a letter Mead says he has observed three sorts of puritans:First a Puritan in politicks, or the Politicali Puritan, in matters of State, liberties of people, prerogatives of sovereigns, etc. Secondly An Ecclesiasticall Puritan, for the Church Hierarchie and ceremonies, who was at first the onely Puritan. Thirdly A Puritan in Ethicks or moral Puritan sayd to consist in singularity of living, and hypocrisie both civil! and religious which may be called the vulgar Puritan, and was the second in birth and hath made too many ashamed to be honest.
“Good News From a Far Country”: A Note on Divine Providence and the Stamp Act Crisis
Authors: Berens John F. 
Published: April 2006

November! gloomy Month! approaches fast,When Liberty was doom'd to brethe [sic] her last,All, all her Sons agree to fast that Day,To mourn, lament and sigh, and hope,—and prayThat the Almighty god of all below,Some Pity would to suffering Mortals show1.With these lines an anonymous American poet addressed the first day of November 1765, the date the Stamp Act was to take effect throughout British North America. The hopes of patriots and lovers of liberty, he argued, rested upon the interposition of God on behalf of the American colonies. If the Lord would look with mercy on his afflicted people and come to their aid, their freedoms could yet be preserved. In assigning the continuation of American liberty to the intervention and protection of divine providence, this patriotic poet employed one of the deepest and most popular strands of American thought expressed during the era of the American Revolution.
Two Schools of Desire: Nature and Marriage in Seventeenth-Century Puritanism
Authors: Lane Belden C. 
Published: April 2006

In Milton's description of the marriage of Adam and Eve inParadise Lost, the entire Garden of Eden is seen to participate in the celebration of their union. Spousal and nature imagery are woven together, beauty and desire joined in the mystery of Adam's amazement at this gift of his “other self” newly received from God's hand. Says Adam of his wife,To the nuptial bowerI led her blushing like the morn: all heaven,And happy constellations on that hourShed their selectest influence; the earthGave sign of gratulation, and each hill;Joyous the birds; fresh gales and gentle airsWhispered it to the woods, and from their wingsFlung rose, flung odours from the spicy shrub,Disporting, till the amorous bird of nightSung spousal, and bid haste the evening starOn his hill top, to light the bridal lamp.Joyous birds, whispering breezes, welcoming stars—they all share in the couple's holy delight in each other and in God.
Mechanical and tribological properties of PA66/PPS blend. II. Filled with PTFE
Authors: Chen Zhaobin , Liu Xujun , Li Tongsheng , Lü Renguo 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe mechanical and tribological properties of 70 vol % PA66/30 vol % PPS blend filled with different content of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were studied in this paper. It was found that the addition of PTFE impairs the mechanical properties of PA66/PPS blend, but greatly increases the wear resistance and decreases the friction coefficient. When PTFE content exceeds 20 vol %, the friction coefficient of composite is minimum (0.15) and lower than that of pure PTFE under the same conditions (0.22). The lowest wear volume (0.44 mm3) is obtained with PA66/PPS/30 vol % PTFE composite, which decreased by 91% compared with unfilled PA66/PPS blend (4.99 mm3). The topography of transfer film and the elemental distribution were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), respectively. Because of the characteristic crystalline structure, PTFE preferentially transferred to the steel ring surface and formed a thin, uniform and firmly adhered transfer layer, which reduced the ability of PA66/PPS blend to transfer and prevent the adhesion between the sample and the couterface. In addition, the superior lubrication of PTFE inhibited the frictional heat melting during sliding. All these aspects are close related to the friction and wear behavior of PA66/PPS/PTFE composite. Upon the addition of PTFE, thermal control of friction regime is not applicable to the PA66/PPS blend. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 969–977, 2006
Optimization of PE/binder/PA extrusion blow‐molded films. II. Adhesion properties improvement using binder/EVA blends
Authors: Poisson C. , Hervais V. , Lacrampe M. F. , Krawczak P. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe second part of this series shows that the incorporation of EVA in the tie layer of extrusion blow‐molded three‐layer (PE/binder/PA) improves the adhesion properties, while reducing the film cost by 6% and preserving the performances previously (Part I) obtained by addition of EVA in the PE layer only, such as optimal improved seal ability, optical properties, and satisfactory mechanical properties. The improvement of adhesion between the binder and the PA layers could be related to a modification of the type and the density of the intermolecular interactions between binder, PA, and EVA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2006
Water treeing, AC breakdown, and dielectric loss characteristics of EVA‐OH as a function of conversion rate
Authors: Ko Jung Woo , Suh Kwang S. , Lee Seung Hyung 
Published: April 2006

AbstractFour kinds of ethylene–vinyl acetate–vinyl alcohol (EVA–OH) terpolymers containing different contents of hydroxyl groups were prepared using the transesterification reaction between a ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer and alcohol. Structural and thermal analyses of the EVA‐OH produced were performed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Electrical properties such as water treeing, AC breakdown, and dielectric loss characteristics were investigated. It was found that both water tree length and the probability of water tree generation decreased as a function of hydroxyl group content. AC breakdown characteristics such as average breakdown strength and characteristic breakdown strength (breakdown probability = 63.2%) of EVA improved as a function of the conversion rate of EVA‐OH from acetate to hydroxyl groups. Dielectric loss increased with hydroxyl group content in the low‐frequency range. In contrast, it was observed that dielectric loss decreased with hydroxyl group content in the high‐frequency range. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 420–424, 2006