bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weight estimation by three‐dimensional ultrasound imaging in the small fetus
Authors: Schild R. L. , Maringa M. , Siemer J. , Meurer B. , Hart N. , Goecke T. W. , Schmid M. , Hothorn T. , Hansmann M. E. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo improve birth weight estimation in fetuses weighing ⩽ 1600 g at birth by deriving a new formula including measurements obtained using three‐dimensional (3D) sonography.MethodsIn a prospective cohort study, biometric data of 150 singleton fetuses weighing ⩽ 1600 g at birth were obtained by sonographic examination within 1 week before delivery. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, intrauterine death as well as major structural or chromosomal anomalies. A new formula was derived using our data, and was then compared with currently available equations for estimating weight in the preterm fetus.ResultsDifferent statistical estimation strategies were pursued. Gradient boosting with component‐ wise smoothing splines achieved the best results. The resulting new formula (estimated fetal weight = 656.41 + 1.8321 × volABDO + 31.1981 × HC + 5.7787 × volFEM + 73.5214 × FL + 8.3009 × AC − 449.8863 × BPD + 32.5340 × BPD2, where volABDO is abdominal volume determined by 3D volumetry, HC is head circumference, volFEM is thigh volume determined by 3D volumetry, FL is femur length and BPD is biparietal diameter) proved to be superior to established equations in terms of mean squared prediction errors, signed percentage errors and absolute percentage errors.ConclusionsOur new formula is relatively easy to use and needs no adjustment to weight percentiles or to fetal lie. In fetuses weighing ⩽ 1600 g at birth it is superior to weight estimation by traditional formulae using two‐dimensional measurements. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the efficiency of internal lubricants for polymers under different sliding conditions
Authors: Samyn Pieter , Schoukens Gustaaf 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWhen polymers are used as bearing materials or are processed over tooling under dry sliding conditions, the formation of a transfer layer at the interface controls friction and wear properties. The film formation may be enhanced by the addition of internal lubricants. This article reviews some effects of internal lubricants, such as graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene, and internal silicone oil, on the friction and wear of bulk polymers such as polyimide, polyester, and polyamide. Known lubricating mechanisms are complemented by an interpretation of tribophysical reactions in the sliding interface. Test results are obtained during small and large‐scale laboratory testing under high‐load and high‐temperature conditions and are further related to the effect of contact conditions. The study reveals that some lubricants are not effective under the entire range of sliding temperatures and/or normal loads. For internally lubricated polymers, the efficiency of internal lubricants strongly depends on the contact geometry. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hybrid‐filler filled polypropylene/(natural rubber) composites: Effects of natural weathering on mechanical and thermal properties and morphology
Authors: Ismail Hanafi , Osman Hakimah , Jaafar Mariatti 
Published: July 2008

AbstractComparison was made between the properties of recycled newspaper (RNP)/carbon black (CB) and recycled newspaper (RNP)/silica hybrid filled polypropylene (PP)/natural rubber (NR) composites. The properties studied were mechanical, thermal, and morphological. These composites were also subjected to natural weathering, i.e., the tropical climate in Penang, Malaysia, for 6 months. The incorporation of CB and silica at all weight ratios of RNP/CB and RNP/silica hybrid gave increases in tensile strength, elongation at break (EB), Young's modulus, melting temperature (Tm), heat of fusion of composites (ΔHf(com)), crystallinity of composites (Xcom), and the crystallinity of PP (XPP). As expected, the tensile properties (except for Young's modulus), Tm, ΔHf(com), Xcom, and XPP of the composites exhibited lower values after weathering than before weathering. The extent of chemical degradation was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the results showed the formation of several functional groups, i.e., hydroxyl, hydroperoxide, vinyl, carboxylic acid, and ketone. At the same filler weight ratio, the composites filled with RNP/CB hybrid showed higher values of tensile strength and EB but lower values of Young's modulus, ΔHf(com), XPP, and XPP, as compared to those with the RNP/silica hybrid under weathering conditions. The good retention in tensile properties indicated that the replacement of RNP by CB and silica improved the weatherability performance of the PP/NR composites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Peroxide crosslinking of rigid poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Gunewardena Anoma , Gilbert Marianne 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPeroxide crosslinking of unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) with trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate was investigated. Formulations used in this work contained a nontoxic lead‐free stabilizer and showed good color and heat stability. The samples were examined by differential scanning calorimetry, and their tensile properties were measured at room temperature and at 130°C. Gel content or tetrahydrofuran‐insoluble material was measured as an indication of crosslinking. It was shown that premature crosslinking could be avoided during processing and that 190°C was the optimum processing temperature for maximum gel content. The residual unsaturation was monitored by using FTIR spectroscopy. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structure–function analysis of Knr4/Smi1, a newly member of intrinsically disordered proteins family, indispensable in the absence of a functional PKC1–SLT2 pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Durand Fabien , Dagkessamanskaia Adilia , Martin‐Yken Helene , Graille Marc , Van Tilbeurgh Herman , Uversky Vladimir N. , François Jean M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe coordination between cell wall synthesis and cell growth in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae implicates the PKC1‐dependent MAP kinase pathway. KNR4, encoding a 505 amino acid long protein, participates in this coordination, since it displays synthetic lethality with all the members of the PKC1 pathway and shows physical interaction with Slt2/Mpk1. The recent finding that KNR4 interacts genetically or physically with more than 100 partners implicated in different cellular processes raised the question of how these interactions may occur and their physiological significance. This called for an in‐depth structure–function analysis of the Knr4 protein, which is reported in the present paper. Computational analysis supported by biochemical and biophysical data characterize Knr4 as a newly identified member of the growing family of intrinsically disordered proteins. Despite disordered regions that are located at the N‐ and C‐termini and are probably responsible for fine regulatory function; this protein contains a structured central core (amino acid residues 80–340) that is able to restore wild‐type phenotypes of knr4Δ mutant in stress conditions. However, this fragment was unable to complement synthetic lethality between knr4 mutations and deletions of genes encoding protein kinases of the PKC1‐dependent pathway. For these crucial events to occur, the presence of the N‐terminal part of Knr4 protein is indispensable. Moreover, we demonstrate that this protein is essential for cell viability in the absence of a functional Pkc1–Slt2 pathway, since the lethality caused by KNR4 deletion in such a genetic background could not be compensated by overexpression of any gene from yeast genomic libraries. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbohydrate utilization and the lager yeast transcriptome during brewery fermentation
Authors: Gibson Brian R. , Boulton Chris A. , Box Wendy G. , Graham Neil S. , Lawrence Stephen J. , Linforth Robert S. T. , Smart Katherine A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe fermentable carbohydrate composition of wort and the manner in which it is utilized by yeast during brewery fermentation have a direct influence on fermentation efficiency and quality of the final product. In this study the response of a brewing yeast strain to changes in wort fermentable carbohydrate concentration and composition during full‐scale (3275 hl) brewery fermentation was investigated by measuring transcriptome changes with the aid of oligonucleotide‐based DNA arrays. Up to 74% of the detectable genes showed a significant (p⩽0.01) differential expression pattern during fermentation and the majority of these genes showed transient or prolonged peaks in expression following the exhaustion of the monosaccharides from the wort. Transcriptional activity of many genes was consistent with their known responses to glucose de/repression under laboratory conditions, despite the presence of di‐ and trisaccharide sugars in the wort. In a number of cases the transcriptional response of genes was not consistent with their known responses to glucose, suggesting a degree of complexity during brewery fermentation which cannot be replicated in small‐scale wort fermentations or in laboratory experiments involving defined media. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ZATPAC: a model consortium evaluates teen programs
Authors: Owen Kathryn , Murphy Dana , Parsons Chris 
Published: July 2008

AbstractHow do we advance the environmental literacy of young people, support the next generation of environmental stewards and increase the diversity of the leadership of zoos and aquariums? We believe it is through ongoing evaluation of zoo and aquarium teen programming and have founded a consortium to pursue those goals. The Zoo and Aquarium Teen Program Assessment Consortium (ZATPAC) is an initiative by six of the nation's leading zoos and aquariums to strengthen institutional evaluation capacity, model a collaborative approach toward assessing the impact of youth programs, and bring additional rigor to evaluation efforts within the field of informal science education. Since its beginning in 2004, ZATPAC has researched, developed, pilot‐tested and implemented a pre–post program survey instrument designed to assess teens' knowledge of environmental issues, skills and abilities to take conservation actions, self‐efficacy in environmental actions, and engagement in environmentally responsible behaviors. Findings from this survey indicate that teens who join zoo/aquarium programs are already actively engaged in many conservation behaviors. After participating in the programs, teens showed a statistically significant increase in their reported knowledge of conservation and environmental issues and their abilities to research, explain, and find resources to take action on conservation issues of personal concern. Teens also showed statistically significant increases pre‐program to post‐program for various conservation behaviors, including “I talk with my family and/or friends about things they can do to help the animals or the environment,” “I save water…,” “I save energy…,” “When I am shopping I look for recycled products,” and “I help with projects that restore wildlife habitat.” Zoo Biol 28:429–446, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic Factors for Primary Duodenal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lee Hyung Geun , You Dong Do , Paik Kwang Yeol , Heo Jin Seok , Choi Seong Ho , Choi Dong Wook 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to review the clinical features of primary duodenal adenocarcinoma (PDA) patients and to identify factors that influence survival. The natural history of PDA and the factors that affect patient outcome remain poorly defined.MethodsThe authors reviewed the medical records of 53 patients treated for PDA from January 1995 to May 2007.ResultsAltogether, 28 of the 53 patients (resectability 52.8%) underwent curative resection and 25 (47.2%) surgical palliation (bypass surgery or biopsy). Overall, the 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 34.4% and 28.6%, respectively. Survival was significantly higher for patients who underwent curative resection (median survival 39 months; 3‐ and 5‐year survivals 52.9% and 44.1%, respectively) than for those who underwent palliative surgery (median survival 8 months; 3‐year survival 0%) (p < 0.001). T stage (p = 0.032) and nodal metastasis (p = 0.002) had significant negative effects on the survival of patients who underwent curative resection according to univariate analysis. However, multivariate analysis revealed that only nodal metastasis (p = 0.015) was significantly associated with survival.ConclusionsThe resectability of PDA was associated with increased survival, and metastasis to lymph nodes was found to be associated with reduced survival of patients with PDA. Findings indicate that an aggressive surgical approach should be pursued.
Current Status of Surgical Management of Acute Cholecystitis in the United States
Authors: Csikesz Nicholas , Ricciardi Rocco , Tseng Jennifer F. , Shah Shimul A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackgroundWe attempted to determine population‐based outcomes of laparoscopic (LC) and open cholecystectomy (OC) for acute cholecystitis (AC).MethodsWe used the National Hospital Discharge Surveys from 2000 through 2005. Annual medical and demographic data from a national sample of discharge records from nonfederal, short‐stay hospitals were queried. We identified all patients who underwent LC or OC for AC. The main outcome measures were the rate of LC or OC and in‐hospital morbidity and mortality. One million patients underwent cholecystectomy (859,747 LCs; 152,202 OCs) for AC during 2000–2005.ResultsOf the cases started laparoscopically, 9.5% were converted to OC. Compared to OC, patients who underwent LC were more likely to be discharged home (91% vs. 70%), carry private insurance (47% vs. 30%), suffer less morbidity (16% vs. 36%), and have a lower unadjusted mortality (0.4% vs. 3.0%). OC was associated with a 1.3‐fold increase (95% confidence interval 1.1–1.4) in perioperative morbidity compared to LC after adjusting for patient and hospital factors.ConclusionsMost patients in the 21st century with AC undergo LC with a low conversion rate and low morbidity. In the general population with acute cholecystitis, LC results in lower morbidity and mortality rates than OC even in the setting of open conversion.
Pulmonary Resection for Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Iwata Takashi , Nishiyama Noritoshi , Nagano Koshi , Izumi Nobuhiro , Mizuguchi Shinjiro , Morita Ryuhei , Tsukioka Takuma , Hanada Shoji , Inoue Kiyotoshi , Kubo Shoji , Takemura Shigekazu , Suehiro Shigefumi 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to determine the clinical characteristics and verify the results of surgical treatment for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), from the results of retrospective analysis of the cases.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed our database of 751 patients who underwent curative surgical intervention for NSCLC from January 1993 to December 2006 and found 11 patients with NSCLC with coexisting or previously treated HCC at a perioperative period of lung cancer surgery. Postoperative complications and long‐term outcome were analyzed.ResultsAll cases had coexisting liver cirrhosis. The overall morbidity was 27.2% (n = 3). All complications were considered to be the result of liver cirrhosis‐related conditions, such as liver failure (n = 2), postoperative bleeding from the thoracic tube (n = 2), and gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 1). There was no operative mortality. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates of patients with lung cancer were 88.9%, 74.1%, and 74.1%, respectively. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates for death from hepatic causes were 79.5%, 79.5%, and 39.8%, respectively. Overall survival rates were 70.7%, 58.9%, and 29.5%, respectively. Preoperative indicators of liver function, such as serum values of total bilirubin (P < 0.01), choline esterase (P < 0.05), prothrombin test (P < 0.01), and platelet count (P < 0.05), were significantly correlated with long‐term survival, whereas local extensiveness and nodal stage of lung cancer were not.DiscussionWe conclude that postoperative complications and factors that influence long‐term survival are correlated with the severity of impaired liver function, whereas early and mid term death are the result of lung cancer. Standard operation is encouraged for NSCLC when the patient is expected to live more than 3 years with impaired liver function, even if coexisting with HCC.
Outcome of Invasive and Noninvasive Intraductal Papillary‐Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas (IPMN): A 10‐year Experience
Authors: Niedergethmann Marco , Grützmann Robert , Hildenbrand Ralf , Dittert Dag , Aramin Niloufar , Franz Melanie , Dobrowolski Frank , Post Stefan , Saeger Hans‐Detlev 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackgroundIntraductal papillary‐mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) were officially introduced into the TNM classification in 1996. Based on a two‐center database, we reevaluated histopathological findings, clinicopathological pattern, predictive markers for malignancy, and outcome.MethodsBetween 1996 and 2006, a total of 1424 pancreatic resections were performed in the University Hospitals Dresden and Mannheim. Pathologists of both institutions reviewed the IPMN diagnoses and other with cystic or solid tumor diagnoses. All possible markers, such as diabetes, jaundice, etc., were analyzed for prediction of malignancy. We performed a survival analysis based on the morphologic classification to determine the prognosis of IPMN.ResultsThere were 43 patients of primarily diagnosed IPMN along with 1174 patients with diagnoses, such as ductal adenocarcinoma. In 207 patients, the diagnoses revealed other cystic or small solid tumors. A histopathological review of the latter patients revealed 54 IPMNs, resulting in a total of 97 IPMN patients (29 noninvasive, 68 invasive). All IPMN patients had a median survival of 36 months. Recurrence occurred more frequently in invasive IPMN. Predictive markers of malignancy were pain, preoperative weight loss, jaundice, and elevated CA 19.9. The strongest independent prognostic factor was invasive growth. The survival analysis revealed excellent prognosis for noninvasive IPMN.ConclusionsSince the introduction of IPMN in 1996, even specialized centers have had to deal with a learning curve. By reevaluating all cystic or small solid tumors, centers can improve and their patients’ treatment can be optimized. Because the preoperative diagnostic methods are not sensitive enough to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, surgery is advocated for all main duct IPMN, because they have a high malignant potential. For branch duct IPMN, surgery is advocated if the lesion is symptomatic, >3 cm, or has enlarged nodules.
Feasibility of Single‐Stage Laparoscopic Resection After Placement of a Self‐Expandable Metallic Stent for Obstructive Left Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chung Tae‐Sung , Lim Seok‐Byung , Sohn Dae Kyung , Hong Chang Won , Han Kyung Su , Choi Hyo Seong , Jeong Seung‐Yong 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe present study investigated the feasibility of a single‐stage operation consisting of self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement followed by laparoscopic surgery for obstructive left colorectal cancer.MethodsFrom July 2002 to March 2007, 17 consecutive patients with primary obstructive left colorectal cancer underwent SEMS placement followed by laparoscopic surgery. Data were collected retrospectively regarding clinicopathological findings, SEMS placement, operative procedures, and perioperative outcomes. Technical success was defined as successful stent deployment across the obstructive lesion, and clinical success as the possibility of performing a single‐stage operation without creating a stoma.ResultsIn the laparoscopic group, the technical success rate was 100% (17/17) and there was no morbidity associated with SEMS placement. The median interval to laparoscopic surgery was 7 (range, 2–11) days, and the procedures included 11 anterior resections, 3 left hemicolectomies, 2 Hartmann’s procedures, and 1 subtotal colectomy. All procedures were completed laparoscopically without conversion to open surgery. The median operating time was 178 (range, 93–377) minutes, and the median estimated blood loss was 100 (range, 50–400) ml with no cases requiring intraoperative transfusions. The clinical success rate was 82.4% (14/17), and there was no surgical morbidity other than two patients in whom chyloperitoneum and ileus were controlled by using conservative management. The median postoperative hospital stay was 9 (range, 7–49) days.ConclusionsA single‐stage operation consisting of SEMS placement followed by laparoscopic surgery seems to be a feasible and safe treatment option for obstructive left colorectal cancer.
The Effect of Professional Partnership on the Development of a Mutual‐help Organization
Authors: Salem Deborah A. , Reischl Thomas M. , Randall Katie W. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe effects of partnership between Schizophrenics Anonymous (SA, a mutual‐help organization) and the Mental Health Association in Michigan (MHAM, a professionally staffed advocacy organization) on SA's growth and development were explored. Following the initiation of a formal partnership, SA groups were more available throughout the state, more likely to be associated with formal mental health settings, and less likely to have leaders who had been participants in other SA groups. Groups with consumer leaders had significantly greater longevity than groups with professional leaders. Changes in the organizational structure and process of SA were also identified. SA leaders reported that SA moved from a collective to a more bureaucratic structure. As a result, there was greater consistency, administrative capacity, and response capacity. This enhanced capacity came with costs reported by SA leaders. The leadership role of SA members became less defined. SA members expressed concerns about the more hierarchical structure of SA's organization, decreased consumer control, increased professional involvement in SA, and an excessive focus on group development as opposed to group maintenance. Mental Health Association in Michigan staff reported that MHAM was also impacted by the partnership, both with regard to internal functioning and external perception. Implications for effective partnerships between mutual‐help and professional organizations are discussed.
What we know that could influence future treatment of phenylketonuria
Authors: Sarkissian C. N. , Gámez A. , Scriver C. R. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryPhenylketonuria (PKU), a Mendelian autosomal recessive phenotype (OMIM 261600), is an inborn error of metabolism that can result in impaired postnatal cognitive development. The phenotypic outcome is multifactorial in origin, based both in nature, the mutations in the gene encoding thel‐phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme, and nurture, the nutritional experience introducingl‐phenylalanine into the diet. The PKU story contains many messages including a framework to appreciate the complexity of this disease where phenotype reflects both locus‐specific and genomic components. This knowledge is now being applied in the development of patient‐specific therapies.