bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of retinal abnormalities in essential hypertension: Qualitative fundoscopy versus central retinal artery resistance index as indicators of target organ damage
Authors: Natale Francesco , Tedesco Michele Adolfo , Mocerino Rosa , Tassinario Guido , Morra Salvatore , Rinaldi Genny , Gregorio Giovanni , Calabrò Raffaele 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPurpose.To compare qualitative fundoscopy with resistance index (RI) of the central retinal artery determined using color Doppler examination as indicators of target organ damage in a large population of patients with essential hypertension.Method.We compared qualitative fundoscopy and central retinal artery RI (CRARI) in 459 patients with grade I and II essential hypertension. Correlations with left ventricular mass, carotid structural changes, and diastolic function were investigated. The results were analyzed according to the degree of retinopathy (grade I versus grade II) and CRARI (<0.70 versus ≥0.70). All patients underwent carotid sonography, echocardiography, diastolic function, a sonographic examination of the eye with measurement of CRARI, and examination of the fundus oculi.Results.There was no statistical difference in the parameters studied between patients with grade I and patients with grade II retinopathy on fundoscopy. Patients with CRARI ≥0.70 were older and had higher systolic and pulse pressure, more years of hypertension, increased left ventricular mass index, carotid intima media thickness, and diastolic parameters compared with patients with CRARI <0.70 (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between CRARI and age, pulse pressure, carotid intima media thickness, systolic blood pressure, and duration of hypertension, whereas a negative correlation was found between CRARI and diastolic parameters. Age, pulse pressure, carotid intima media thickness, and left ventricular mass index were independently related to CRARI.Conclusion.Our findings indicate that CRARI is more reliable than traditional fundoscopy in the evaluation of hypertension‐induced organ damage and should be used to measure global cardiovascular risk for tailored therapy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Prenatal identification of isolated bilateral radial dysplasia
Authors: Mancuso Alfredo , Giacobbe Annamaria , De Vivo Antonio , Fanara Giusi , Cocivera Giovanni 
Published: July 2008

AbstractRadial aplasia or hypoplasia is characterized by complete or partial absence of the radius and/or radial ray structure occurring in 1:30,000 live births. It may be unilateral or bilateral of varying severity, and may be isolated or associated with other anomalies. We report an unusual case of isolated radial aplasia at 20 weeks' gestation with complete absence of the right radius and thumb associated with marked hypoplasia of the left radius. The intrauterine 2‐ and 3‐dimensional findings, postnatal radiographic evaluation, and autopsy results are reported. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
A comparative analysis of knowledge sharing climate
Authors: Gupta Kripa Shanker 
Published: July 2008

AbstractEfforts are made to measure knowledge generation and sharing in organisation through the human values approach by using the conceptual framework and measuring instrument developed by the researcher to do the similar study earlier. The study is extended to hospitality and IT Solution sectors along with the manufacturing and R&D sectors and does a comparative analysis of knowledge sharing in four different sectors. This analysis has also helped in understanding the impact of human values practice on employee and customer satisfaction.Knowledge Sharing depends on the organisational climate where trust is high and employees feel that sharing of knowledge is rewarding. Top Management of the organisations where knowledge sharing is low must shift the attention to improve the factors which support the knowledge sharing.The knowledge sharing Climate inventory has been published in The 2008 Pfeiffer Annual Consulting. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electric Conductance of Films Prepared from Polymeric Composite Nanoparticles
Authors: Hain Jessica , Pich Andrij , Adler Hans‐Jürgen , Rais David , Nešpůrek Stanislav 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSummary: Novel polymeric particles of spherical shape consisting of an electrically insulating poly(styrene‐co‐acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate) (PS/PAAEM) core and a conductive shell of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) were synthesized. Electric measurements showed a strong dependence of the conductivity on weight ratio of PEDOT to PS/PAAEM in the composite. As the PEDOT content varied from 2 to 31.4 wt.‐%, resistivity of the resulting material changed exponentially from 12 GΩ cm to 100 Ω cm, depending also on the type of the used oxidation agent. Similar studies were performed on the basis of insulating poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam‐co‐acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate) (PVCL/PAAEM) microgel particles, which acted as microreactors for the synthesis of conductive PEDOT nanorods. In microgel systems, the conductivity was lower than in core‐shell systems, when the PEDOT content was less than 5 wt.‐%. Above this value of PEDOT concentration, the conductivities in the two systems became similar.
Synthesis of Novel Low‐Bandgap Organic Semiconductors: Azulene‐1,3‐diyl‐vinylene Oligomers
Authors: Strachota Adam , Cimrová Věra , Thorn‐Csányi Emma 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSummary: Novel low‐bandgap polyconjugated organic materials, oligo(azulene‐1,3‐diyl‐vinylene)s, were prepared in a multistep synthesis starting from azulene. The key synthetic step was the olefin‐metathesis‐polycondensation of 1,3‐diprop‐1‐en‐1‐ylazulene. Oligomeric products were isolated by column chromatography and characterized by mass‐, 1H‐NMR‐ and UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroscopy.
Incorporation of Dyes into Polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) Nanotemplates
Authors: Křenek Radim , Cimrová Vĕra , Stamm Manfred 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSummary: The present study provides some basic concepts of functionalization of diblock copolymer (BC) nanotemplates for optical applications. It is focused on the polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) building medium which is suitable for hydrogen bonding, undergoes phase segregation, and is well‐accessible. Two techniques are described and demonstrated on several dye complexes with PS‐b‐P4VP. Relation between optical properties and thin film structure is tentatively studied in dependence on solvent effects in thin films.
Characterization of Fluorene ‐ Thiophene Copolymer Layers by the Surface Photovoltage Method
Authors: Toušek Jiří , Pavlačková Petra , Cimrová Věra , Toušková Jana 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSummary: The surface photovoltage method was used for the study of thin polymer layers made of poly{(9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl)[‐3‐(3‐methylbutyl)thiophene‐2,5‐diyl]} prepared by spin‐coating on ITO coated glass substrates. The surface photovoltage (SPV) in a thin polymer layer is a result of dissociation of photogenerated free excitons in electric field of the space charge region (SCR) which forms spontaneously at the surface. The photovoltage signal was formed between a transparent electrode capacitively coupled to the surface of the sample and the back ITO electrode. Photovoltaic spectra were measured under illumination both the free surface (SPVfs) and the substrate (SPVITO) side and for various layer thicknesses. The shape of the SPVITO spectrum is very similar to that of the absorption spectrum, whereas the SPVfs spectrum maximum is shifted to longer wavelengths. Fitting theory to the experimental data, the thickness of the space charge region and the diffusion lengths were evaluated. The results are discussed also in relation to photoluminescence study of thin films.
Development of Carbazole and Bipyridine Copolymers as Novel Photovoltaic Materials
Authors: Bogdal Dariusz , Pajda Michal , Sanetra Jerzy , Pokladko Monika , Matras Katarzyna , Attias Andre‐Jean , Fave Jean‐Luis 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSummary: A novel acrylate polymer with a carbazole pendant group and bipyridine derivatives as side chains was synthesized, in which derivatives of bipyridine as electro‐optic chromophores and carbazole as photoconductive moiety were covalently linked to the acrylate backbone. 2–(Carbazol‐9‐yl)ethyl methacrylate (CEM) and methacrylic 2‐[5‐(2‐{5,5′‐dimethyl‐6′‐[2‐(5‐pentylthiophen‐2‐yl)vinyl]‐3,3′‐bipyridin‐6‐yl}vinyl)thiophen‐2‐yl]ethyl methacrylate (BiPy) were synthesized and then copolymerized to give 99:1, 98:2, 92:8 (mol/mol) CEM/BiPy copolymers. Films of the copolymers blended with poly(3‐octylthiophene) (P3OT) or poly(3‐decylthiophene) (PDT) and sandwiched between the transparent ITO and Al electrode were examined for photovoltaic properties.
The metalloproteinase‐disintegrin ADAM10 is exclusively expressed by type I muscle fibers
Authors: Dehmel Thomas , Goebel Hans Hilmar , Hartung Hans‐Peter , Lehmann Helmar , Wiendl Heinz , Kieseier Bernd C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractADAM10 (Kuzbanian) is a member of a recently discovered family of membrane‐anchored metalloproteinases with a complex and conserved domain structure. In part, these metalloproteinases have been implicated in muscle formation. Herein the expression pattern of ADAM10 in human skeletal muscle was studied. ADAM10 was found to be present in human myoblasts and to be exclusively expressed in type I fibers, suggesting that it may be critical in muscle fiber differentiation. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Age‐related reductions in the estimated numbers of motor units are minimal in the human soleus
Authors: Dalton Brian H. , McNeil Chris J. , Doherty Timothy J. , Rice Charles L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe documented impact of contractile level on decomposition‐enhanced spike‐triggered averaging motor unit number estimates (MUNEs) in young adults demonstrates the importance of selecting an objective contraction intensity that yields the most representative MUNE for a given muscle. Whether the same contraction intensity would be ideal in an altered system (e.g., by aging or disease) has yet to be examined. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of contraction intensity on MUNEs from the soleus muscle in young (≈27 years) and old (≈75 years) men. Using decomposition‐enhanced spike‐triggered averaging, surface and intramuscular electromyographic signals were collected from the soleus during a range of submaximal isometric plantar‐flexion contractions (threshold, 10%, 20%, and 30% of maximum voluntary contraction; MVC). Five MUNEs were calculated, one for each of the four contraction intensities and an ensemble MUNE was derived from all MUs collected. Although MUNE decreased similarly with increased effort in both groups, MUNEs were not significantly reduced in the old men compared to the young men. Consequently, the ensemble MUNE was extrapolated to an intensity of ≈15% MVC in both young and old. The results suggest that, in the soleus, the use of the same contraction intensity across age groups is a valid comparison. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Effect of contraction mode of slow‐speed resistance training on the maximum rate of force development in the human quadriceps
Authors: Blazevich Anthony J. , Horne Sara , Cannavan Dale , Coleman David R. , Aagaard Per 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis study examined the effects of slow‐speed resistance training involving concentric (CON, n = 10) versus eccentric (ECC, n = 11) single‐joint muscle contractions on contractile rate of force development (RFD) and neuromuscular activity (EMG), and its maintenance through detraining. Isokinetic knee extension training was performed 3 · week−1 for 10 weeks. Maximal isometric strength (+11.2%) and RFD (measured from 0–30/50/100/200 ms, respectively; +10.5%–20.5%) increased after 10 weeks (P < 0.01–0.05); however, there was no effect of training mode. Peak EMG amplitude and rate of EMG rise were not significantly altered with training or detraining. Subjects with below‐median normalized RFD (RFD/MVC) at 0 weeks significantly increased RFD after 5‐ and 10‐weeks training, which was associated with increased neuromuscular activity. Subjects who maintained their higher RFD after detraining also exhibited higher activity at detraining. Thus, only subjects with a lesser ability to rapidly attain their maximum force before training improved RFD with slow‐speed resistance exercise. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Effect of diathermy on muscle temperature, electromyography, and mechanomyography
Authors: Mitchell Sarah M. , Trowbridge Cynthia A. , Fincher A. Louise , Cramer Joel T. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis study examined the effects of pulsed shortwave diathermy on intramuscular temperature, surface electromyography (EMG), and mechanomyography (MMG) of the vastus lateralis. Thirty‐five men were assigned to diathermy (n = 13), sham‐diathermy (n = 12), or control (n = 10) groups. Each subject performed isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and incremental ramp contractions (10%–90% MVC) before and after treatment. Torque, intramuscular temperature, EMG, and MMG were recorded. Temperature for the diathermy group increased (P ≤ 0.05). MMG amplitude and instantaneous mean frequency (IMF) increased (P ≤ 0.05) during the MVCs with the greatest increases observed for the diathermy group. During ramp contractions, MMG amplitude and IMF increased at all percentages of MVC (10%–90%) for the diathermy group only (P ≤ 0.05). There were no changes in MVC torque, EMG amplitude, or IMF. Diathermy treatments may decrease musculotendinous stiffness, but not absolute strength or motor control strategies that influence force production. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Effects of intrathecal injection of a hyperpolarization‐activated channel (Ih) inhibitor ZD7288 on bladder function in urethane‐anesthetized rats
Authors: Masuda Noriyuki , Masuda Hitoshi , Matsuyoshi Hiroko , Chancellor Michael B. , de Groat William C. , Yoshimura Naoki 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAimsThe role of Ih channels at the spinal level in the control of bladder function was examined in urethane anesthetized female rats.MethodsBladder activity was recorded via a transurethral catheter under isovolumetric conditions or via an intravesical catheter during continuous infusion cystometry. ZD7288, a selective Ih channel inhibitor, was administered intrathecally at L6–S1 segmental levels of the spinal cord.ResultsUnder isovolumetric conditions, intrathecal 0.3 µg of ZD7288 was inactive, whereas 1 and 3 µg abolished bladder activity for 5.6 ± 1.8 and 20.7 ± 3.9 min, respectively. Three micrograms also tended to decrease the amplitude of the contractions when they reappeared. During continuous cystometry, an intrathecal injection of ZD7288 at 0.3–3 µg dose‐dependently increased the intercontraction intervals by 7.5%, 33.1%, and 57.5% from pre‐drug values. A higher dose of ZD7288 (3 µg) tended to increase the pressure threshold for inducing micturition by 16.6% and the maximum voiding pressure by 11.1%. On the other hand, cardiovascular parameters such as heart rate and mean blood pressure were not affected by 0.3–3 µg of intrathecal ZD7288.ConclusionsThese results indicate that Ih channels play an important role in the control of micturition. Because Ih channel inhibition in the lumbosacral spinal cord reduced the frequency of the micturition reflex without significantly affecting the amplitude of reflex bladder contraction, Ih channels might preferentially be involved in afferent processing in the spinal cord to control the micturition reflex. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:838–844, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Second trimester amniotic fluid transferrin and uric acid predict infant birth outcomes
Authors: Gao Tao , Zablith Nadine R. , Burns David H. , Skinner Cameron D. , Koski Kristine G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo establish whether second trimester amniotic fluid protein and/or uric acid concentrations were associated with and predictive of infant birth weight and/or gestational age.MethodsSecond trimester amniotic fluid samples (n = 230) in mothers undergoing age‐related amniocentesis for genetic testing were collected and quantified using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) for albumin, IgG, transferrin and uric acid. Maternal characteristics (prepregnancy weight and height, parity, ethnicity, smoking status) and infant birth weight, gestational age and gender were obtained from questionnaires and maternal obstetrical chart review.ResultsPreterm infants had higher concentrations of second trimester amniotic fluid transferrin than term infants (P = 0.0215). Transferrin was negatively associated with length of gestation, whereas uric acid was positively associated with the gestational age in spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) infants. Uric acid was also a significant predictor of the infant birth weight in grams.ConclusionSecond trimester amniotic fluid transferrin and uric acid concentrations are related to subsequent birth outcomes and might emerge as biomarkers of early fetal development. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of contact material for cross section scanning spreading resistance microscopy on zinc oxide
Authors: Johansen K. M. , Schifano R. , Monakhov E. V. , Svensson B. G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn this work we have employed cross section Scanning Spreading Resistance Microscopy (SSRM) to study the effect of different backside contacting materials: silver paste and InGa. The sample used is high resistive (∼10 k Ω cm) mono‐crystalline ZnO implanted with hydrogen. Current–voltage (IV)‐curves have been measured as a function of depth by the cross section SSRM method, giving an IV‐depth profile including both the implanted region and bulk region of the sample. Ag‐paste resulted in a rectifying backside contact with a sharp breakdown above 4V while InGa gave an Ohmic backside contact with one order ofmagnitude lower series resistance compared to the Ag‐paste. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical properties of diamond‐like carbon films irradiated by X‐ray photons
Authors: Laurikaitienė Jurgita , Adlienė Diana , Meškinis Šarūnas , Tamulevičius Sigitas , Šileikaitė Asta , Kopustinskas Vitoldas , Cibulskaitė Inga , Šlapikas Kęstutis 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAmorphous diamond like carbon (DLC) films deposited at room temperature on quartz glass wafer by means of direct ion beam deposition method from acetylene gas or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) vapour mixture with hydrogen and nitrogen gas were irradiated by high energy X‐ray photon and the optical properties of irradiated DLC films were investigated. Ionizing radiation induced modification of optical properties of the DLC films of different type were studied using UV–VIS spectrometry, laser ellipsometry, Raman and IR spectroscopy, and interpreted on the basis of the obtained results. It was found, that the irradiation of amorphous hydrogenated DLC films introduced significant changes in the investigated structures; however the properties of SiOx containing DLC films remained almost stable after their exposure with high energy X‐ray photons. The influence of film deposition conditions and co‐doping on the optical properties of irradiated DLC films and the role of hydrogen in the films are discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
QSAR Modeling of Nucleosides Against Amastigotes of Leishmania donovani Using Logistic Regression and Classification Tree
Authors: Oliveira Kesley M. G. , Takahata Yuji 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe employed two classification methods; first, a logistic regression, second, classification tree, to classify nucleoside activities against Leishmania donovani using a training set of 21 compounds. The compounds are classified either active or inactive. The model was validated using a test set of 14 compounds. Two descriptors, Mor26v and Gap(HOMO, HOMO‐1), were selected. The logistic regression resulted classification accuracy of 90.5% for the training set, 67% for the test set after Applicability Domain analysis was performed. The method of classification tree resulted classification accuracy of 95% for the training set, 86% for the test set. It was shown that the lowest energy conformation can be used to build a QSAR model through examination of the whole conformations that lie above the lowest energy conformation in the energy window of 13 kcal/mol. The selected descriptor Mor26v distinguishes differences in molecular chirality, while Gap(HOMO, HOMO‐1) distinguishes differences in electronic structures.
Exploring Predictive QSAR Models Using Quantum Topological Molecular Similarity (QTMS) Descriptors for Toxicity of Nitroaromatics to Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Roy Kunal , Popelier Paul L. A 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn view of the widespread industrial use of nitroaromatics and their consequent ecotoxicological hazard potential, we constructed predictive Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) models for the toxicity of nitroaromatics to the ecologically important species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We used Quantum Topological Molecular Similarity (QTMS) descriptors along with electrophilicity index (ELUMO) and lipid water partition coefficient (log Kow) as predictor variables. The QTMS descriptors were calculated at B3LYP/6‐311+G(2d,p) level of theory. QTMS descriptors were employed to complement the deficiency of ELUMO in setting up predictive QSAR models from the view point of external validation. The dataset was divided into a training set (18 compounds) and test set (six compounds) in a ratio of three to one. Partial Least Square (PLS) models were developed based on the training set compounds. The predictive capacity of the models was assessed by the test compounds. The models were also validated by a randomisation test and leave‐one‐seventh‐out crossvalidation test. The results suggest that Bond Critical Point (BCP) descriptors can develop predictive QSAR models for nitroaromatic toxicity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae when used along with ELUMO and log Kow. The diagnostic potential of QTMS descriptors could also reveal the importance of the nitro group for nitroaromatic toxicity.
Construction sequence analysis of the flat plate system in a high‐rise building and its impact on the construction cycle
Authors: Kim Jae‐Yo , Abdelrazaq Ahmad K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA construction sequence tends to influence the short‐term and long‐term behaviours of flat plate and flat slab systems, especially as it relates to serviceability conditions and, in some occasion, to strength‐related issues. Present material technologies, especially as it relates to high‐performance concrete (HPC), may have positive influence on the construction sequence and planning of these systems. Proper precautions in construction practice nowadays is required as it may influence the behaviour positively and improve the serviceability behaviour, especially as it relates to cracking and stiffness control because of the use of HPC.The purpose of this paper was to study the behaviour of flat plate/slab system behaviour when utilizing HPC during construction and their impact on the long‐term performance of these systems. Through this study, several construction sequence analyses were performed by considering the effect of slab strength and stiffness development during construction cycle, shoring member stiffness and the cracking effects on the long‐ and short‐term behaviours. Also, it was performed to study different shoring methods of a high‐rise building system with a flat plate floor system as it may influence a typical floor construction cycle and overall construction schedule in a high‐rise building. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.