bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of micelles on the biocidal efficiency in a diesel–water interface
Authors: Muthukumar N. , Maruthamuthu S. , Ilangovan A. , Palaniswamy N. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBiodegradation occurs in the diesel/water interface in petroleum product pipelines. The microbial contamination can result in inhibitor/fuel degradation, leading to unacceptable levels of turbidity, filter plugging, storage tank corrosion and stored product souring. Therefore, selection of the biocide/inhibitor plays an important role in the transportation of petroleum products through pipelines. Three biocides (cationic and nonionic) were employed to study the biodegradation in a diesel‐water interface. The biocidal efficiency against degradation of diesel was examined by employing Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) techniques. Bronopol (2‐bromo‐2‐nitro‐propane‐1, 3‐diol) was found to have higher bactericidal efficiency than N‐cetyl‐N,N, N‐trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetyl pyridinum bromide (CPB). But the cationic biocides (CTAB and CPB) showed good biocidal efficiency at the interface. The data are explained in terms of a model that postulates the formation of a ‘micelle’ at the diesel‐water interface. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallization of binary carboxylic acids characterized with streaming potential measurement
Authors: Wang Jian , Xu Xing‐You , Lu Lu‐De , Yang Xu‐Jie , Ma Wei‐Xing , Cui Xiang‐Ning 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe streaming potential of supersaturated solution of binary carboxylic acids, which have even carbon atoms, was determined to characterize crystallization under different temperatures. The value of the streaming potential was related to the type and solubility of the acids and the starting temperature of crystallization, and was easily influenced by the pressure difference of the liquid or the rate of temperature decline. When the temperature was declined to the point where a crystal nucleus appeared, the streaming potential reached the minimum. Thereafter, as the temperature was sequentially lowered, some minicrystals grew, and the streaming potential presented an ascendant tendency. The higher the starting temperature of the acids saturated solution, the higher is the temperature corresponding to the streaming potential minimum. The less the carbon atoms in the acids and the greater the solubility of the acids are, the higher is the temperature of the streaming potential minimum. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled Growth and Characterization of Two‐Dimensional Single‐Walled Carbon‐Nanotube Networks for Electrical Applications
Authors: Edgeworth Jonathan P. , Wilson Neil R. , Macpherson Julie V. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe demonstrate the reproducible fabrication of single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) networks, via catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (cCVD). Fe nanoparticles are employed as the catalyst, with methane as the carbon‐containing gas. cCVD growth under these conditions results in the formation of multiply interconnected, random, two‐dimensional networks of SWNTs. Investigation of the effect of parameters such as methane flow rate and temperature on the growth process enables control over the density of the network, which controls the network conductivity. Low‐density networks demonstrate p‐type semiconductor behavior, whilst high‐density networks exhibit semimetallic behavior. In both cases conductance is demonstrated over macroscopic length scales, up to millimeters, much longer than the individual SWNTs, despite the surface coverage being <1 %. The networks can be defined in regions of a surface by photolithography before or after growth. Controlled growth of SWNT networks thus enables the application of SWNTs as macroscale conductors with controllable, predictable, and reproducible characteristics.
Changes in fetal motility as a result of congenital disorders: an overview
Authors: de Vries J. I. P. , Fong B. F. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAfter 35 years of real‐time two‐dimensional sonography, can we now identify changes in fetal motility indicative of malfunction of the central nervous system in high‐risk pregnancies? A literature search on motor assessment procedures (movements specified for body part (SMP), quantity, quality and behavioral state), and motor milestones obtained per fetus (with various congenital disorders) yielded 48 articles describing motility of 104 fetuses. In 67%, SMPs (especially isolated arm or leg movements, breathing and general movements) were assessed. Quantitative aspects were examined in 76%, qualitative aspects in 62% and behavioral states in two fetuses. Abnormal motility can be divided into two main subcategories: hypo‐ and hyperkinetic, demonstrating decreased variation in qualitative performance (reduced or increased, respectively, amplitude, speed and number of participating body parts, abnormal quantity (reduced or increased, respectively) and reduced differentiation into SMPs. Posture was affected in 40/60 hypokinetic and 4/44 hyperkinetic moving fetuses. The majority of the disorders resulted in an adverse outcome. Fourteen percent survived with a handicap, depending on the underlying disorder. The 16 disorders with hypokinetic motility had mainly an autosomal recessive etiology with no possibility of invasive prenatal diagnosis or conclusive sonographic structural anomalies, in contrast to the 17 disorders with hyperkinetic motility. Within the limitations of the studies, a deeper understanding of affected milestones in motor development can be obtained. Broadening motor assessment procedures from quantitative only to include qualitative aspects, differentiation of SMPs and behavioral states and emphasizing onset and continuity of motility before and after birth will enhance the reliability and predictive value of motility as a parameter in the assessment of fetal condition. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the enteric microflora of captive whooping cranes (Grus americana) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis)
Authors: Hoar Bryanne M. , Whiteside Douglas P. , Ward Linda , Douglas Inglis G. , Morck Douglas W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe enteric flora of captive whooping cranes (Grus americana) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) has not been well described, despite its potential importance in the understanding of both the normal condition of the intestinal physiology of these animals and the altered colonization within disease states in these birds. Nineteen whooping cranes and 23 sandhill cranes housed currently at the Calgary Zoo or its affiliated Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre (DWCC) in Calgary, Alberta were sampled from October 2004–February 2005 by collecting aerobic and anaerobic cloacal swabs from each bird. There were seven major groupings of bacteria isolated from both species of crane. Gram‐positive cocci, coliforms, and gram‐negative bacilli were the most prevalent types of bacteria isolated for both crane species, with Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus Group D, not Enterococcus the bacterial species isolated most commonly. There was a significant difference in the average number of isolates per individual between the two crane species but no differences between age or gender categories within crane species. Campylobacter sp. were isolated from five whooping cranes. The potential zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from one whooping crane and C. upsaliensis was isolated from a second. Three other isolates were unspeciated members of the Campylobacter genus and likely belong to a species undescribed previously. The evaluation of the enteric cloacal flora of whooping cranes and sandhill cranes illustrates that differences exist between these two closely related crane species, and highlights the potential implications these differences may have for current practices involving captive wildlife. Zoo Biol 0:1–13, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extended Resection for Thyroid Disease has Less Operative Morbidity than Limited Resection
Authors: Seiler Christian A. , Vorburger Stephan A. , Bürgi Ulrich , Candinas Daniel , Schmid Stefan W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundTheodor Kocher, surgeon and Nobel laureate, has influenced thyroid surgery all over the world: his treatment for multinodular goiter—subtotal thyroidectomy—has been the “Gold Standard” for more than a century. However, based on a new understanding of molecular growth mechanisms in goitrogenesis, we set out to evaluate if a more extended resection yields better results.MethodsFour thousand three hundred and ninety‐four thyroid gland operations with 5,785 “nerves at risk” were prospectively analyzed between 1972 and 2002. From 1972 to 1990, the limited Kocher resections were performed, and from 1991 to 2002 a more radical resection involving at least a hemithyroidectomy was performed.ResultsThe incidence of postoperative nerve palsy was 3.6%; in the first study period and 0.9%; in the second (P < 0.001, Fisher’s exact). Postoperative hypoparathyroidism decreased from 3.2%; in the first period to 0.64%; in the second (P < 0.01). The rate of reoperation for recurrent disease was 11.1%; from 1972 to 1990 and 8.5%; from 1991 to 2002 (P < 0.01).ConclusionsExtended resection for multinodular goiter not only significantly reduced morbidity, but also decreased the incidence of operations for recurrent disease. Our findings in a large cohort corroborate the suggestions that Kocher’s approach should be replaced by a more radical resection, which actually was his original intention more than 130 years ago.
Management of Solid‐pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas: a Comparison with Standard Pancreatic Neoplasms
Authors: de Castro S. M. M. , Singhal D. , Aronson D. C. , Busch O. R. C. , van Gulik T. M. , Obertop H. , Gouma D. J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundSolid‐pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the pancreas are increasingly diagnosed, but the exact surgical management in terms of extent of the resection is not well defined.Materials and MethodsPatients operated on in our hospital between January 1993 and March 2005 formed the study groups.ResultsFrom 659 consecutive resections for pancreatic neoplasms, 12 female patients (1.8%) with a median age of 21 years who underwent resection for (SPN) are compared with the remaining 647 pancreatic resection patients. Jaundice (SPN 0 versus PR 73%, p < 0.001) and weight loss (SPN 0 versus PR 49%, p = 0.001) occurred significantly less often. Neoplasms were distributed equally among the pancreatic head (SPN 5 out of 12 patients versus PR 88%, p < 0.001) and corpus/tail (SPN 6 out of 12 patients versus PR 8%, p < 0.001). The operative time was significantly shorter (SPN 233 min versus PR 280 min, p = 0.012), and there were significantly fewer complications (SPN 1 of 12 patients versus PR 48%, p = 0.007). The mortality was not different (SPN 0 versus PR 1.6%, p = 1.000), and the hospital stay was significantly shorter (SPN 9 days versus PR 15 days, p = 0.012). The median size of the neoplasms was significantly larger (SPN 6.9 cm versus PR 2.5 cm). The median number of lymph nodes harvested was significantly fewer (SPN 1 versus PR 6, p = 0.001), and lymph node metastases occurred significantly less often (SPN 0 versus PR 64%, p < 0.001). The 5‐year survival of SPN patients was 100% and is significantly better compared with survival of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (12%, p < 0.001) and ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma (22%, p = 0.005).ConclusionsPatients with solid‐pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas present differently and the course of the disease is more benign. These patients can be adequately managed by pylorus‐preserving pancreatoduodenectomy or spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy with excellent early and long‐term results.
Telomerase Activity in Tumor and Remnant Liver as Predictor of Recurrence and Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Resection
Authors: Shan Yan‐Shen , Hsieh Yu‐Hsiang , Lin Pin‐Wen 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground and AimResults after curative liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma are unsatisfactory with regard to high postoperative intrahepatic recurrence and liver failure. This study evaluates telomerase activity in liver with and without tumor as a predictor of recurrence and survival.Materials and MethodsLiver tissue with and without tumor from 53 hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving curative resection during the period of 1998–2000 was used for detecting telomerase activity by PCR‐ELISA. Clinicopathological data were compared to identify predictors of recurrence and survival.ResultsTelomerase activity was detected in 98% of liver tissue with tumor and 70% liver tissue without. Telomerase activity in cancerous liver correlated significantly with HCV infection (P = 0.012) and cirrhotic change in liver parenchyma (P = 0.006). Telomerase activity in non‐cancerous liver correlated with high serum AFP level (P = 0.002). The telomerase activity of liver tissue with and without tumor is significant higher in patients with recurrence than in those without recurrence, 413.7 ± 100.5 versus 110.8 ± 32.7, P = 0.006, and 34.7 ± 14.2 versus 4.2 ± 1.4, P = 0.039. Recurrence could be predicted by abnormally high tumor telomerase activity (P = 0.026) or by advanced TNM stage (P = 0.001). TNM stage or high serum ALT level could predict multinodular intrahepatic recurrence (P = 0.028 and P = 0.030). High serum AFP combined with high telomerase activity in liver without tumor had a significant ability to predict poor survival (OR: 11.19, CI: 1.95–64.12, P = 0.007).ConclusionTumor telomerase is an independent predictor of recurrence. Simultaneous high remnant liver telomerase and high serum AFP is a strong negative predictor of survival.
An Evidence‐based Approach to Familial Nonmedullary Thyroid Cancer: Screening, Clinical Management, and Follow‐up
Authors: Sippel Rebecca S. , Caron Nadine R. , Clark Orlo H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractApproximately 5% of nonmedullary thyroid cancers are of familial origin. When two or more family members are diagnosed with nonmedullary thyroid cancer in the absence of other known associated syndromes it is termed familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC). The genetic inheritance of FNMTC remains unknown, but it is believed to be an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. FNMTC has been shown to be more aggressive and to have a worse prognosis than sporadic nonmedullary thyroid cancer. For example, studies have demonstrated that individuals with FNMTC have an increased risk of multifocal disease, local invasion, and lymph node metastases. These aggressive features appear to contribute to the higher recurrence rate and decreased disease‐free survival seen in FNMTC patients compared to those with sporadic differentiated thyroid cancer. This article is an overview of the literature available in the English language discussing FNMTC. Critical questions regarding the screening, management, and follow‐up of these patients are addressed with answers proposed based on the available literature. The quality of the evidence is ranked according to Sackett’s criteria. Overall, the literature quality is somewhat limited, based on the low prevalence of FNMTC, the difficulty in identifying familial cases, the variable study designs, and limited long‐term follow‐up. Conclusions: To date, the optimal clinical approach is yet to be established, but improved awareness and screening will permit earlier detection, more timely intervention, and hopefully improved outcomes for patients and their families.
A New Hormonal Therapy for Estrogen Receptor–Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Hardin Chelsea , Pommier Rodney , Calhoun Kristine , Muller Patrick , Jackson Terisa , Pommier SuEllen 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundWe postulate that the androgen dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) may represent an innovative hormonal treatment for estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) receptor–negative, but androgen receptor (AR)–positive breast cancers by inhibiting breast cancer cell growth through AR stimulation.MethodsThree ER,PR–negative breast cancer cell lines (HCC 1137, 1954, and 38), were treated with DHEAS. DHEAS‐induced growth was measured by a methylthiotetrazole (MTT) proliferation assay and apoptosis by TUNEL fluorescence. Androgen receptor gene expression levels were determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (q‐RT‐PCR).ResultsHCC cell lines 1954 and 1937 were positive for AR expression; HCC 38 was weakly positive. MTT analysis showed DHEAS‐induced decreases in cell proliferation of 47% in HCC 1937, 27% in HCC 1954, and 0.4% in HCC 38. Ten days of culturing HCC 1954 cells after the removal of DHEAS resulted in a 3.5‐fold increase in growth. Continuous treatment for the same duration induced a 2.8‐fold decrease in growth. Parallel experiments showed no significant changes in HCC 38 cultures. TUNEL assays showed DHEAS‐induced apoptosis fold increases of 2.8 in HCC 1937, 1.9 in HCC 1954, and no significant difference in HCC 38 cultures. Q‐RT‐PCR of HCC 1954 cells showed a 6‐fold DHEAS‐induced decrease in AR gene expression at 4 h. Co‐treatment with Casodex nullified this effect.ConclusionsDHEAS inhibited growth of ER,PR–negative, AR–positive breast cancer cells. DHEAS was cytotoxic to these breast cancer cells via the apoptosis pathway. DHEAS may be an effective treatment for a population previously excluded from hormone therapy.
Can economic liberalization and improved governance alter the defense–growth trade‐off?
Authors: Looney Robert , McNab Robert M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBecause of the presumed guns vs. butter trade‐off, defense expenditures in developing countries are coming under increased scrutiny from the international lending agencies as well as key donors. As a result, defense expenditure cuts have often taken place despite rising security concerns. Empirically we find that developing countries may have more options than previously believed in their quest for adequate security and sustained economic growth. Specifically the main finding of the study is that key combinations of reforms and governance measures are likely to exist and are capable of neutralizing many of the adverse economic effects often associated with defense expenditures. The key is to coordinate economic liberalization and governance reforms in the civilian sector with the requirements for improved security in the defense sector.
Severity of financing constraints and firms' investments
Authors: Kasahara Tetsuya 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAccording to standard investment theory, the current investments of more financially constrained firms should be smaller than those of less constrained firms with similar investment opportunities. In this paper, I develop a dynamic investment model in which the project value and the severity of financing constraints can vary over time. My results contradict standard theory. To preempt further financing risk in the future, severely constrained firms may engage in more active investment behavior even if they face relatively high additional financing costs at the time. My numerical example demonstrates that a relatively low probability of future risk is sufficient to cause such preemptive behavior.
Implications of CO2 fertilization for future climate change in a coupled climate–carbon model
Authors: MATTHEWS H. DAMON 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe terrestrial carbon cycle plays a critical role in determining levels of atmospheric CO2 that result from anthropogenic carbon emissions. Elevated atmospheric CO2 is thought to stimulate terrestrial carbon uptake, through the process of CO2 fertilization of vegetation productivity. This negative carbon cycle feedback results in reduced atmospheric CO2 growth, and has likely accounted for a substantial portion of the historical terrestrial carbon sink. However, the future strength of CO2 fertilization in response to continued carbon emissions and atmospheric CO2 rise is highly uncertain. In this paper, the ramifications of CO2 fertilization in simulations of future climate change are explored, using an intermediate complexity coupled climate–carbon model. It is shown that the absence of future CO2 fertilization results in substantially higher future CO2 levels in the atmosphere, as this removes the dominant contributor to future terrestrial carbon uptake in the model. As a result, climate changes are larger, though the radiative effect of higher CO2 on surface temperatures in the model is offset by about 30% due to reduced positive dynamic vegetation feedbacks; that is, the removal of CO2 fertilization results in less vegetation expansion in the model, which would otherwise constitute an important positive surface albedo‐temperature feedback. However, the effect of larger climate changes has other important implications for the carbon cycle – notably to further weaken remaining carbon sinks in the model. As a result, positive climate–carbon cycle feedbacks are larger when CO2 fertilization is absent. This creates an interesting synergism of terrestrial carbon cycle feedbacks, whereby positive (climate–carbon cycle) feedbacks are amplified when a negative (CO2 fertilization) feedback is removed.
Additional gas injection after failed macular hole surgery with internal limiting membrane peeling
Authors: Iwase Takeshi , Sugiyama Kazuhisa 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To report the efficacy of additional intravitreal gas injection in eyes where primary failure occurred following apparently successful macular hole surgery.Methods:  Patients presenting with macular hole underwent a primary surgical procedure consisting of vitrectomy with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The internal limiting membrane was stained with indocyanine green and peeled. At the end of this manoeuvre a fluid–gas exchange was performed and the macular hole tamponaded with 20% sulphur hexafluoride. The patients were instructed to assume a face‐down position for 12 h per day until the macular hole closed. In those cases where primary closure was not achieved, an additional quantity of 20% sulphur hexafluoride was injected into the vitreous cavity via a 27‐gauge needle connected to a 5‐mL syringe. The patients were instructed to assume the same position.Results:  A total of 40 eyes from 40 consecutive patients underwent primary macular hole surgery. The macular hole was not successfully closed in seven eyes and a further gas injection was made in these eyes. This additional procedure led to macular hole closure in all cases within a mean of 4.1 days. Visual acuity improved in all seven eyes, and the final visual outcomes were no worse than those eyes that had successful primary closure.Conclusions:  Additional gas injection is an effective treatment for eyes with open holes following unsuccessful primary surgery.
Leucocytoclastic vasculitis presenting as bilateral marginal keratitis
Authors: Li Yim James FT , Agarwal Pankaj K , Fern Alasdair 
Published: April 2007

AbstractLeucocytoclastic vasculitis is an immune‐mediated, neutrophil‐induced small vessel disease. Clinically, it presents with cutaneous palpable painless purpuric papules on the extremities. Ocular manifestation reported in the literature is rare and includes peripheral ulcerative keratitis, panuveitis and multifocal retinitis all preceded by cutaneous lesions. Herein a fatal case of leucocytoclastic vasculitis initially presenting with bilateral marginal keratitis without any cutaneous lesions is reported.
In vivo confocal microscopy and polarizing microscopy of the cornea in a patient with nephropathic cystinosis
Authors: Fung Adrian T , Fraser‐Bell Samantha , Ojaimi Elvis , Sutton Gerard 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe clinicopathological and in vivo confocal microscopic characteristics of the corneas from a patient with infantile cystinosis is reported. Crystals were demonstrated in the epithelium and stroma of this patient.