bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide modulates neuromuscular transmission during hypoxia in rat diaphragm
Authors: Zhu Xiaoping , Heunks Leo M. A. , Ennen Leo , Machiels Herwin A. , Van Der Heijden Henricus F. M. , Dekhuijzen P. N. Richard 
Published: October 2005

AbstractHypoxia impairs neuromuscular transmission in the rat diaphragm. In previous studies, we have shown that nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in force modulation of the diaphragm under hypoxic conditions. The role of NO, a neurotransmitter, on neurotransmission in skeletal muscle under hypoxic conditions is unknown. The effects of the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor nomega‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA, 1 mM) and the NO donor spermine NONOate (Sp‐NO, 1 mM) were evaluated on neurotransmission failure during nonfatiguing and fatiguing contractions of the rat diaphragm under hypoxic (PO2 ∼ 5.8 kPa) and hyperoxic conditions (PO2 ∼ 64.0 kPa). Hypoxia impaired force generated by both muscle stimulation at 40 HZ (P40M) and by nerve stimulation at 40 HZ (P40N). The effect of hypoxia in the latter was more pronounced. L‐NNA increased P40N whereas Sp‐NO decreased P40N during hypoxia. In contrast, neither L‐NNA nor Sp‐NO affected P40N during hyperoxia. L‐NNA only slightly reduced neurotransmission failure during fatiguing contractions under hyperoxic conditions. Consequently, neurotransmission failure assessed by comparing force loss during repetitive nerve simulation and superimposed direct muscle stimulation was more pronounced in hypoxia, which was alleviated by L‐NNA and aggravated by Sp‐NO. These data provide insight in the underlying mechanisms of hypoxia‐induced neurotransmission failure. This is important as respiratory muscle failure may result from hypoxia in vivo. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Mechanical and fire properties of styrenic polymer nanocomposites based on an oligomerically‐modified clay
Authors: Zhang Jinguo , Jiang David D. , Wang Dongyan , Wilkie Charles A. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractStyrenic polymer clay nanocomposites were made through melt blending the polymer with an oligomerically‐modified clay. Polymers used in this study are polystyrene (PS), high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS), styrene‐acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) and acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS). X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the structure of the nanocomposites. Intercalated nanocomposites were formed for PS and HIPS by this method while delaminated nanocomposites were formed for SAN and ABS. The thermal stability and fire properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry, respectively. Nanocomposite formation has a small effect on the thermal stability while the reduction in peak heat release rate is comparable with other nanocomposites. Tensile testing showed that the nanocomposites had enhanced Young's modulus, which means the plasticizing effect from the oligomer was suppressed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic investigations of titanium‐doped gamma iron oxides dispersed in polymers
Authors: Chipara Mircea , Morjan Ioan , Alexandrescu Rodica , Zaleski Jeffrey M. , Remmes Nicholas , Baxter David V. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe preparation and characterization of titanium‐doped iron oxides–styrene isoprene styrene block copolymer composites is reported. The precursor, as‐synthesized nanoparticles, contains akaganeite, maghemite, and titanium‐doped maghemite. Hysteresis loops obtained by SQUID measurements revealed an exchange biased field assigned to the presence of akaganeite nanoparticles. It was found that the coercive field and the exchange bias field decreases as the temperature of the sample is increased. The temperature dependence of the magnetization revealed a blocking temperature of about 220 K. The ESR spectra in the temperature range 150 K to about 300 K are single broad resonance lines. It was observed that the resonance line position is strongly temperature dependent due to the combined action of the external and molecular magnetic fields. The decrease of the resonance line width as the temperature is increased is governed by the reorientation of the magnetization. Thermally activated movements of magnetic nanoparticles within the soft phase (polyisoprene) of the matrix may also contribute to resonance line narrowing. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 3432–3437, 2005
Theoretical influence coefficients for correction of matrix effects in x‐ray fluorescence analysis of intermediate‐thickness samples
Authors: Sitko Rafał 
Published: October 2005

AbstractTheoretical influence coefficients for x‐ray fluorescence analysis of intermediate‐thickness samples is proposed. The algorithm, derived from the Sherman equation, corrects simultaneously both absorption and enhancement effects in specimens with various thicknesses. The coefficients take into account all matrix elements, hence they have to be calculated using an iterative approach. Nevertheless, if matrix diversification is limited, the coefficients can be treated as constants for given mass per unit area of the specimen. Then the iteration can be avoided and calculations are simple and fast. The dependence of the influence coefficients on matrix composition and sample thickness is discussed. The validity of the proposed algorithm was checked with certified geological materials, four‐element polycrystals and ferroelectric ceramics using wavelength‐dispersive x‐ray spectrometry. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total reflection x‐ray fluorescence spectrometer with parallel primary beam
Authors: Korotkikh E. M. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractA new type of x‐ray optical device with two curved mirrors was tested experimentally for total reflection x‐ray fluorescence (TXRF). When focusing optics are used to increase the primary beam intensity at the sample position of TXRF spectrometers, it is always associated with an increase in the angular divergence, which is tolerable to only a limited extent. The possibility of improving the divergence by means of an additional curved mirror was reported in the past. One may hope that this additional mirror will correct some of the adverse characteristics of conventional x‐ray sources, such as the angular divergence and the intensity at the sample position. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A descriptive epidemiology of screen‐based media use in youth: A review and critique
Authors: Marshall Simon J. , Gorely Trish , Biddle Stuart J.H. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe purpose of this systematic review was to (i) estimate the prevalence and dose of television (TV) viewing, video game playing and computer use, and (ii) assess age‐related and (iii) secular trends in TV viewing among youth (≤18 yr). Ninety studies published in English language journals between 1949 and 2004 were included, presenting data from 539 independent samples (the unit of analysis). Results suggest contemporary youth watch on average 1.8–2.8 h of TV per day, depending on age and gender. Most (66%) are ‘low users’ (<2 h day−1) of TV but 28% watch more than 4 h day−1. Boys and girls with access to video games spend approximately 60 and 23 min day−1, respectively, using this technology. Computer use accounts for an additional 30 min day−1. Age‐specific data suggest TV viewing decreases during adolescence, but those considered ‘high users’ at young ages are likely to remain high users when older. For children with access to a television set, the number of hours spent viewing does not appear to have increased over the past 50 years.
Paediatric cancer pain management using the WHO analgesic ladder — results of a prospective analysis from 2265 treatment days during a quality improvement study
Authors: Zernikow Boris , Smale Helen , Michel Erik , Hasan Carola , Jorch Norbert , Andler Werner 
Published: October 2005

AbstractObjective To collect data on pain management in paediatric oncology with respect to the WHO ladder approach.Setting, design, patients and methods Eight German tertiary care paediatric oncology centres prospectively documented all their in‐patient pain treatment courses from June 1999 to December 2000. Pain was scored using a 1–6 faces scale.Results Two hundred and twenty four patients (median age, 9 years; range 0.2‐32.1) were enrolled. Three hundred and thirty three pain episodes comprising a total of 2265 treatment days were documented. Pain was mostly therapy associated. The most frequently administered non‐opioid analgesics were dipyrone and paracetamol. On WHO step 2, tramadol was almost the only opioid used. During tramadol monotherapy average daily pain scores were lower than with a combination of tramadol and non‐opioid analgesics. On WHO step 3, morphine was at least part of the analgesic regimen on most treatment days. Strong opioids were combined with a non‐opioid analgesic on 41% of the treatment days. The mean intravenous morphine equivalence dose was 0.034 mg/kg/h. During opioid and non‐opioid combination therapy, adverse effects were more frequent, and average pain scored higher than on opioid monotherapy.Conclusions WHO‐guidelines were closely followed in Germany and seem to provide effective analgesia for children with cancer pain. In our patient group there is no evidence that a combination of an opioid with a non‐opioid is more effective than opioid therapy alone in in‐patient paediatric oncology pain treatment.
Selectivity of diamond- and square-mesh codends in the deepwater crustacean trawl fishery off the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean)
Authors: Guijarro Beatriz , Massutí Enric 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
An analysis of 38 bottom trawl hauls at depths of 251–737 m off the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean) during autumn 2002 and spring 2003 was used to compare the species and size selectivity of 40-mm diamond- and square-mesh codends under commercial conditions. There was no difference in the catch composition or the yield that could be attributable to mesh shape, although the percentage of total and commercial species discarded with a diamond mesh was higher than with a square mesh. At least in the short term, the escapement ratio and the economic loss with the diamond mesh were lower than with square mesh, but economic efficiency was no different between them. For all the main species compared, except one flatfish, size selectivity parameters were lower for the diamond-than for the square-mesh codend. Selectivity values for the one flatfish species were similar. From the results it is concluded that, within the context of precautionary management, introduction of a 40-mm square mesh in the codend could be an appropriate and plausible measure to improve the state of the resources exploited by the deepwater crustacean trawl fishery of the upper slope off the Balearic Islands, and to reduce the impact of the fishery on the ecosystem.
Calcium plus linoleic acid therapy for pregnancy‐induced hypertension
Authors: Herrera J.A. , Shahabuddin A.K.M. , Ersheng G. , Wei Yuan , Garcia R.G. , López‐Jaramillo P. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractObjective: To determine the effect of dietary supplementation of calcium plus conjugated linoleic acid (calcium–CLA) in reducing the incidence of vascular endothelial dysfunction in pregnant women at high risk of developing pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH). Patients and methods: This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial conducted at 4 outpatient clinics in 2 developing countries recruited 48 healthy primigravidas younger than 19 years or older than 35 years who had a family history of pre‐eclampsia and diastolic notch. Twenty‐four participants received daily elemental calcium (600 mg) plus CLA (450 mg) and 24 received placebo from week 18 to 22 of pregnancy until delivery. Results: Calcium–CLA supplementation reduced significantly the incidence of PIH (2 cases [8%] in the study group vs. 10 cases [42%] in the placebo group; relative risk, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.05–0.82; P = .01). Endothelial dysfunction was also significantly reduced after calcium–CLA supplementation (in 18 women [75%] vs. 4 women [17%]; P < .001), compared with the placebo group (in 15 [63%] vs. 9 women [38%]; P = .08). Conclusion: In pregnant women at high risk for PIH, calcium–CLA supplementation decreases the incidence of PIH and improves endothelial function.
Delivery‐related complications and early postpartum morbidity in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Fronczak N. , Antelman G. , Moran A.C. , Caulfield L.E. , Baqui A.H. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo describe delivery‐related complications and postpartum morbidity of women living in slum areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh.MethodFrom November 1993 to May 1995, 1506 women were interviewed regarding delivery‐related complications and postpartum morbidities. Operational definitions were applied to maternal reports to categorize serious delivery‐related complications and postpartum morbidity. Corroborating information was identified from medical records for facility‐based deliveries and physical examinations by female physicians 14 to 22 days postpartum.ResultThirty‐six percent of women described serious delivery‐related complications and 75% of women reported postpartum morbidity. There were two maternal deaths among 1471 live births. When maternal reports were related to corroborating information, the proportion of women's reports of serious complications and morbidity appears reasonably accurate for some conditions.ConclusionA large proportion of urban slum women in Dhaka experience serious delivery‐related complications and/or postpartum morbidity. Information on delivery practices that contribute to morbidity and factors that influence appropriate care seeking is needed.
Modern Pollen-Rain Characteristics of Tall Terra Firme Moist Evergreen Forest, Southern Amazonia
Authors: Gosling William D. , Mayle Francis E. , Tate Nicholas J. , Killeen Timothy J. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe paucity of modern pollen-rain data from Amazonia constitutes a significant barrier to understanding the Late Quaternary vegetation history of this globally important tropical forest region. Here, we present the first modern pollen-rain data for tall terra firme moist evergreen Amazon forest, collected between 1999 and 2001 from artificial pollen traps within a 500 × 20 m permanent study plot (14°34′50″S, 60°49′48″W) in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (NE Bolivia). Spearman's rank correlations were performed to assess the extent of spatial and inter-annual variability in the pollen rain, whilst statistically distinctive taxa were identified using Principal Components Analysis (PCA). Comparisons with the floristic and basal area data of the plot (stems ≥10 cm d.b.h.) enabled the degree to which taxa are over/under-represented in the pollen rain to be assessed (using R-rel values). Moraceae/Urticaceae dominates the pollen rain (64% median abundance) and is also an important constituent of the vegetation, accounting for 16% of stems ≥10 cm d.b.h. and ca. 11% of the total basal area. Other important pollen taxa are Arecaceae (cf. Euterpe), Melastomataceae/Combretaceae, Cecropia, Didymopanax, Celtis, and Alchornea. However, 75% of stems and 67% of the total basal area of the plot ≥10 cm d.b.h. belong to species which are unidentified in the pollen rain, the most important of which are Phenakospermum guianensis (a banana-like herb) and the key canopy-emergent trees, Erisma uncinatum and Qualea paraensis.
Ecological responses to simulated benthic‐derived nutrient subsidies mediated by omnivorous fish
Authors: GLAHOLT STEPHEN P. , VANNI MICHAEL J. 
Published: October 2005

Summary1. Fish can play an important role in coupling benthic and pelagic habitats by consuming benthic prey and providing essential nutrients to algae in dissolved form. However, little is known about the factors affecting the magnitude of this nutrient subsidy.2. Using laboratory and mesocosm experiments we evaluated how varying ingestion rates of bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) affects fish excretion rates of both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). During the 10‐week mesocosm experiment, we also evaluated how varying ingestion rates may affect plankton community dynamics, and nutrient flux between pelagic and benthic habitats. Lastly, bioenergetic/mass balance models were used to examine the nutrient stoichiometry of fish body composition and excretion products.3. Under laboratory conditions, both N and P excretion rates increased with increased ingestion of benthic prey surrogates (earthworms). This effect was more pronounced for N than P. Furthermore, under the more realistic conditions of the mesocosm experiment ingestion rate had no significant effect on P excretion rate.4. Increased fish ingestion rate in the mesocosm experiment increased total algal biomass and the flux of nutrients from the water column to sediments. Effects of variable ingestion were much stronger on periphyton biomass and algal sedimentation rates than on phytoplankton or zooplankton biomass or composition.5. Fish body nutrient composition was greatly affected by ingestion rate. N content increased and P content decreased with ingestion rate. As a result, the N : P ratio of fish bodies also increased with ingestion rate. The N : P ratio of nutrients excreted by fish also increased with ingestion rate, counter to predictions of stoichiometric theory, which predicts that excreted N : P ratio is negatively correlated to body N : P. However, this finding can be explained by relaxing the assumption of constant nutrient assimilation rates, and our mass balance data suggest that assimilation rates vary indeed with ingestion rate.6. Our study provides experimental evidence that translocation of benthic‐derived nutrients by fish can affect the flux of nutrients among habitats, while also suggesting that stoichiometry models need to better incorporate how variable ingestion rates affect nutrient assimilation and excretion rates.
Women's experiences of fatigue in chronic illness
Authors: Kralik Debbie , Telford Kerry , Price Kay , Koch Tina 
Published: October 2005

Aim. The aim of this paper is to add a qualitative dimension to the body of knowledge about fatigue by revealing the meaning given by women living with chronic illness to the experience of fatigue.Background. Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by people who live with chronic illness. It pervades every aspect of life and may be experienced in physical, psychological, emotional or social dimensions. Management of fatigue relies heavily on the individual's ability to employ self‐care actions. The invisibility of fatigue is recognized as one of the most frustrating aspects, which can lead to lack of understanding and misunderstanding by others.Method. We report the findings of data from research in progress (2003–2005). Data were generated via email group conversations between us and 30 women who live with long‐term illness.Findings. A recurring conversational thread has been women's experiences of fatigue when living with long‐term illness. Although fatigue has been reported to be a major obstacle to maintaining usual daily activities and quality of life, few studies have explored this common symptom from the perspective of people themselves. Common themes found in the experience of fatigue as described by women are the meaning of fatigue, awareness as self‐care, fatigue as invisible to others, seeking medical validation and accountability for self‐care.Conclusion. It is vital for healthcare workers to give opportunities for women to talk about fatigue, validate their experiences and provide support with self‐care. Healthcare workers are encouraged to challenge their own meanings and expectations surrounding a person's report of fatigue so that opportunities for therapeutic intervention can be facilitated.
Preparing a large data set for analysis: using the Minimum Data Set to study perineal dermatitis
Authors: Savik Kay , Fan Qiao , Bliss Donna , Harms Susan 
Published: October 2005

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to present a practical example of preparing a large set of Minimum Data Set records for analysis, operationalizing Minimum Data Set items that defined risk factors for perineal dermatitis, our outcome variable.Background.  Research with nursing home elders remains a vital need as ‘baby boomers’ age. Conducting research in nursing homes is a daunting task. The Minimum Data Set is a standardized instrument used to assess many aspects of a nursing home resident's functional capability. United States Federal Regulations require a Minimum Data Set assessment of all nursing home residents. These large data would be a useful resource for research studies, but need to be extensively refined for use in most statistical analyses. Although fairly comprehensive, the Minimum Data Set does not provide direct measures of all clinical outcomes and variables of interest.Method.  Perineal dermatitis is not directly measured in the Minimum Data Set. Additional information from prescribers’ (physician and nurse) orders was used to identify cases of perineal dermatitis. The following steps were followed to produce Minimum Data Set records appropriate for analysis: (1) identification of a subset of Minimum Data Set records specific to the research, (2) identification of perineal dermatitis cases from the prescribers’ orders, (3) merging of the perineal dermatitis cases with the Minimum Data Set data set, (4) identification of Minimum Data Set items used to operationalize the variables in our model of perineal dermatitis, (5) determination of the appropriate way to aggregate individual Minimum Data Set items into composite measures of the variables, (6) refinement of these composites using item analysis and (7) assessment of the distribution of the composite variables and need for transformations to use in statistical analysis.Results.  Cases of perineal dermatitis were successfully identified and composites were created that operationalized a model of perineal dermatitis.Conclusion.  Following these steps resulted in a data set where data analysis could be pursued with confidence. Incorporating other sources of data, such as prescribers’ orders, extends the usefulness of the Minimum Data Set for research use.
Ways of talking about experiences of pain among older patients following orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Bergh Ingrid , Jakobsson Eva , Sjöström Björn , Steen Bertil 
Published: October 2005

Aim.  The aim of this study was to examine how older patients who had undergone hip surgery described their experience of pain.Background.  A verbal report of pain is considered to be the single most reliable indicator of a person's pain experience. When assessing pain, healthcare professionals must be able to interpret the content of pain reports in order to understand older patient's pain experiences.Methods.  The study was carried out in two orthopaedic and two elder care wards in a large university hospital in Sweden in 2000. Altogether, 38 patients with hip replacement (mean age = 75) and 22 patients with hip fracture (mean age = 81) took part. A face‐to‐face interview was conducted with each patient on the second day after operation. Data were transcribed and analysed using descriptive qualitative content analysis.Findings.  Participants expressed their pain in a nuanced and detailed way in everyday language. Four main themes with sub‐themes emerged: (a) objectification (localizing; quantifying; characterizing; temporalizing); (b) compensating (substitution; picturing); (c) explaining (functionalizing pain and its relief; externalizing pain and its relief); (d) existentializing (present pain orientation; future pain orientation).Conclusions.  Exploring the ways older patients talk about pain is expected to result in a better understanding of the older patient's need of empathic individualized care and in the optimization of pain management.