bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the role of expedition staff in volunteer tourism
Authors: Coghlan Alexandra 
Published: February 2008

AbstractConservation volunteer tourism (VT) (or nature conservation expedition)‐related organisations can provide a meeting point for both tourists and field‐based scientists. Expedition leaders should be aware of the needs of the volunteer tourists that can be fulfilled through VT. It appears that the role of expedition leaders is central to the successful execution of the VT expedition. This study aimed to understand the expedition leaders' perceptions of VT, their perspective of the expectations of their volunteer tourists and their requirements of the volunteers, and assess how volunteers perform with regard to those requirements. The results suggest that there may be some differences in perceptions between leaders and volunteer tourists that may affect the success of the expedition. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective, split face, single‐blinded study looking at the use of an infrared device with contact cooling in the treatment of skin laxity in asians
Authors: Chan Henry H. , Yu C.S. , Shek S. , Yeung C.K. , Kono T. , Wei W.I. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundAlthough monopolar radiofrequency treatment is effective in the improvement of skin laxity, the pain and cost that are associated with this method suggest the need for alternative treatment options. Recently, an infrared device with contact cooling has been shown to be effective in the treatment of skin laxity, with ultrastructural changes observed that are similar to those that are observed following treatment with a monopolar radiofrequency device. However, no control was included in previous studies.ObjectiveTo conduct a prospective, split‐face, single‐blinded study to look at the efficacy and complications among Asians of treatment for skin tightening with an infrared device with contact cooling.MethodThirteen Chinese women were treated. An infrared device with contact cooling (Titan, Cutera, Brisbane, CA) was used to treat one side of the face and the untreated side served as the control. The treatment was performed twice with a 4‐week interval between the treatments and the patients were followed up by subjective assessment using a structured questionnaire 1 and 3 months after the second (and last) treatment. In all cases, pre‐ and post‐treatment clinical photographs were taken. Two independent observers assessed the photographs.ResultsTwenty‐three percentage of patients reported mild improvement, 15% reported moderate improvement, and 54% reported significant improvement 3 months after their second (and last) treatment. In terms of objective assessment, 41% of patients were identified to have some degree of improvement of the treated side 3 months after their second treatment. Compared with the untreated side, the treated side improved significantly (P = 0.031) at 1 and 3 months after the second treatment. Blistering occurred in one patient, which had resolved completely by the 3‐month follow‐up visit.ConclusionAn infrared device with contact cooling can be used effectively and safely for the treatment of skin laxity, especially in smaller anatomical areas. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:146–152, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined use of intense pulsed light and Q‐switched ruby laser for complex dyspigmentation among asian patients
Authors: Park Jong Min , Tsao Hensin , Tsao Sandy 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundDyspigmentation is a common cosmetic concern among Asians. Many individuals exhibit mixed pigmentary entities including melasma, flat/small seborrheic keratoses, ephelides, solar lentigines and acquired bilateral nevus‐of‐Ota‐like macules (ABNOM). We term this phenomenon complex dyspigmentation (CD) and suggest that a combination strategy may be more efficacious than any singular modality.ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of combined intense‐pulsed light (IPL) for global photorejuvenation along with Q‐switched ruby laser (QSRL) for targeted pigment dissolution.Study Design/Materials and MethodsTwenty‐five Korean women with CD (defined as >2 types of facial pigmentary disorders) were initially treated with IPL followed by repeat treatments every 3–4 weeks as needed. The QSRL treatments, set at low fluence, were added either during the same session or within 1 week of the IPL treatment. Improvement was assessed by the patient, the treating physician and a blinded evaluation of pre‐ and post‐treatment photographs.ResultsUsing a 4‐point scale (1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = excellent), 19/25 patients (76%) reporting good‐to‐excellent response (score “3” or “4”). Two independent physician assessment revealed that 15/25 patients (60%) showed 76–100% improvement while 19/25 patients (76%) showed at least 50% improvement. Side‐effects were minimal: 3 patients had transient post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (12%) and 1 patient (4%) had linear hypopigmentation.ConclusionsCombination treatment with IPL and QSRL is an effective and safe treatment for CD among Asian patients. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:128–133, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of resistant tattoos using a new generation Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser: Influence of beam profile and spot size on clearance success
Authors: Karsai Syrus , Pfirrmann Gudrun , Hammes Stefan , Raulin Christian 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMultiple treatments of resistant tattoos often result in fibrosis and visible textural changes that lessen response to subsequent treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of beam profile and spot size on clearance rates and side effects in the setting of resistant tattoos.Study Design/Material and MethodsThirty‐six professional, black tattoos (32 patients) were treated unsuccessfully with a Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser (MedLite™ C3, HoyaConBio Inc., Fremont, CA). Because of therapy resistance all tattoos were re‐treated using a new generation Nd:YAG laser (MedLite™ C6, HoyaConBio Inc.). Maximum energy fluence (E
max), mean energy fluence, mean spot size, level of clearance, side effects and beam profile (irradiance distribution) of both laser systems were assessed and evaluated in a retrospective study.ResultsAll tattoos were previously treated with the C3 laser at 1,064 nm using a mean Emax of 5.8±0.8 J/cm2 (range 3.8–7.5 J/cm2) as compared with a mean Emax of 6.4±1.6 J/cm2 (range 3.2–9.0 J/cm2) during the C6 treatment course. Corresponding spot sizes were larger during C6 treatments as compared with C3 (5.0±0.9 and 3.6±0.2 mm, respectively). The C6 laser had a “flat top” and homogenous profile regardless of the spot size. For the C3 laser the beam shape was “Gaussian,” and the homogeneity was reduced by numerous micro‐spikes and micro‐nadirs.After the C6 treatment course 33.3% of the tattoos showed clearance of grade 1 (0–25%), 16.7% of grade 2 (26–50%), 16.7% of grade 3 (51–75%), 30.5% of grade 4 (76–95%), 2.8% of grade 5 (96–100%). The total rate of side effects due to C6 treatment was 8.3% in all tattoos (hyperpigmentation 5.6%, hypopigmentation 2.7%, textural changes/scars 0%).ConclusionThis clinical study documents for the first time the impact of a 1,064‐nm Nd:YAG laser with a more homogenous beam profile and a larger spot size on the management of resistant tattoos. Only a few treatment sessions were necessary to achieve an additional clearance with a low rate of side effects. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:139–145, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combination of Er:YAG laser and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of nodular basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Šmucler Roman , Vlk Marek 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgrounds and ObjectivesPhotodynamic therapy (PDT), via topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is an effective treatment for basal cell carcinomas not exceeding a depth of 2 mm. This limits the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (non‐melanoma skin cancer) to superficial forms and nodular therapy (only in aesthetically desired locations). This paper addresses the effectiveness of reducing tumor mass via initial Er:YAG laser ablation to depths that are therapeutically responsive to PDT with ALA.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThis study compared three methods for the treatment of recurring nodular basal cell carcinomas (r nBCC). Method A utilized PDT with topical application of ALA methyl ester, method B with solitary Er:YAG laser ablation, and method C combined Er:YAG laser ablation reducing tumor size below 2 mm (method B) with subsequent ALA methyl ester PDT (method A). All three methods were used to treat to each patient, all subjects presenting with three or more basal cell carcinomas in order to eliminate differences in patient responsiveness to treatment. Patients were monitored and interviewed at 3, 6, and 12 month intervals to examine the progress of tumor elimination, aesthetic results as well as the patient's preference of treatment method. In all, 286 patients were treated, of whom 194 were checked at the prescribed intervals and then evaluated.ResultsStatistically, the combination therapy demonstrated the most effective treatment at all time intervals, with a final efficacy of 98.97% versus 94.85% (PDT only) and 91.75% (Er:YAG laser only). The combined method also provided the best aesthetic results (scale: 1—best; 4—worst) of 1.23±1.23, compared to 1.67±0.76 (PDT only) and 1.83±0.95 (Er:YAG laser only).ConclusionsAlthough 67% patients preferred solitary Er:YAG laser treatment over the PDT method (20%) and the combined treatment (13%), because of the simplicity of the treatment, the combination therapy has proven to be both clinically and aesthetically superior. Solitary Er:YAG laser ablation will remain however a fast, effective, and economical treatment alternative for simple manifestations of superficial basal cell carcinoma and has replaced PDT for uncomplicated cases at our facility. The combination of Er:YAG laser ablation and ALA–PDT aspires to be therapy of choice for BCC. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:153–158, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
LED photoprevention: Reduced MED response following multiple LED exposures
Authors: Barolet Daniel , Boucher Annie 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAs photoprotection with traditional sunscreen presents some limitations, the use of non‐traditional treatments to increase skin resistance to ultraviolet (UV) induced damage would prove particularly appealing. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the potential of non‐thermal pulsed light‐emitting diode (LED) treatments (660 nm) prior to UV exposure in the induction of a state of cellular resistance against UV‐induced erythema.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThirteen healthy subjects and two patients with polymorphous light eruption (PLE) were exposed to 5, 6, or 10 LED treatments (660 nm) on an EXPERIMENTAL anterior thigh region. Individual baseline minimal erythema doses (MED) were then determined. UV radiation was thereafter performed on the LED EXPERIMENTAL and CONTROL anterior thigh areas. Finally, 24 hours post‐UV irradiation, LED pre‐treated MED responses were compared to the non‐treated sites.ResultsReduction of erythema was considered significant when erythema was reduced by >50% on the LED‐treated side as opposed to CONTROL side. A significant LED treatment reduction in UV‐B induced erythema reaction was observed in at least one occasion in 85% of subjects, including patients suffering from PLE. Moreover, there was evidence of a dose‐related pattern in results. Finally, a sun protection factor SPF‐15‐like effect and a reduction in post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation were observed on the LED pre‐treated side.ConclusionsResults suggest that LED based therapy prior to UV exposure provided significant protection against UV‐B induced erythema. The induction of cellular resistance to UV insults may possibly be explained by the induction of a state a natural resistance to the skin via specific cell signaling pathways and without the drawbacks and limitations of traditional sunscreens. These results represent an encouraging step towards expanding the potential applications of LED therapy and could be useful in the treatment of patients with anomalous reactions to sunlight. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:106–112, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental and Computational Approaches on the Isospecific Role of Monoester‐Type Internal Electron Donor for TiCl4/MgCl2 Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts
Authors: Liu Boping , Cheng Ruihua , Liu Zhen , Qiu Pengyuan , Zhang Shiliang , Taniike Toshiaki , Terano Minoru , Tashino Kunihiko , Fujita Takashi 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn this work, a combination of experimental and computational approaches on the isospecific role of monoester‐type internal electron donors (ED) such as phenylpropionate (PhP), ethylheptanoate (EH), methylbenzoate (MB), ethylbenzoate (EB) for TiCl4/ED/MgCl2 Ziegler‐Natta catalysts had been performed. The propylene polymerization results revealed that the isospecificity of catalysts increases in the following order: PhP < EH < MB < EB. The subsequent molecular modeling on the electronic properties of the donors and two kinds of cluster model catalysts: TiCl4/ED/MgCl2 and TiCl4/ED/(MgCl2)4 based on density functional theory (DFT) method was carried out. Two kinds of ED coordination on MgCl2 clusters through either O or O within the monoester‐type ED had been disclosed. A perfect correlation between the dipole moment of ED, the coordination bond length of O … Mg, the competitive coordination from O with Mg ion and the isospecificity of the catalysts had been established.
Natural abundance 43Ca solid‐state NMR characterisation of hydroxyapatite: identification of the two calcium sites
Authors: Laurencin Danielle , Wong Alan , Dupree Ray , Smith Mark E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractNatural abundance 43Ca solid‐state NMR of hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) was performed at three different fields (8.45, 14.1 and 18.8 T). The two crystallographically distinct calcium sites of the apatite structure were spectroscopically resolved at 18.8 T. The 43Ca NMR interaction parameters (δiso, CQ and etaQ) of each site were determined by multiple magnetic‐field simulations. The peaks with δiso = 11.2 ± 0.8 and − 1.8 ± 0.8 ppm, both with CQ = 2.6 ± 0.4 MHz, were assigned to the Ca(II) and Ca(I) sites, respectively, on the basis of their relative intensities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A solid‐state 23Na NMR study of monovalent cation binding to double‐stranded DNA at low relative humidity
Authors: Wong Alan , Yan Zhimin , Huang Yining , Wu Gang 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe report a solid‐state 23Na NMR study of monovalent cation (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+ and NH4+) binding to double‐stranded calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) at low relative humidity, ca 0–10%. Results from 23Na31P rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) NMR experiments firmly establish that, at low relative humidity, monovalent cations are directly bound to the phosphate group of CT DNA and are partially dehydrated. On the basis of solid‐state 23Na NMR titration experiments, we obtain quantitative thermodynamic parameters concerning the cation‐binding affinity for the phosphate group of CT DNA. The free energy difference (ΔG° ) between M+ and Na+ ions is as follows: Li+ (−1.0 kcal mol−1), K+ (7.2 kcal mol−1), NH4+ (1.0 kcal mol−1), Rb+ (4.5 kcal mol−1) and Cs+ (1.5 kcal mol−1). These results suggest that, at low relative humidity, the binding affinity of monovalent cations for the phosphate group of CT DNA follows the order: Li+ > Na+ > NH4+ > Cs+ > Rb+ > K+. This sequence is drastically different from that observed for CT DNA in solution. This discrepancy is attributed to the different modes of cation binding in dry and wet states of DNA. In the wet state of DNA, cations are fully hydrated. Our results suggest that the free energy balance between direct cation–phosphate contact and dehydration interactions is important. The reported experimental results on relative ion‐binding affinity for the DNA backbone may be used for testing theoretical treatment of cation‐phosphate interactions in DNA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of 1H → 31P NMR cross‐polarization in bone apatite and its mineral standards
Authors: Kaflak Agnieszka , Kolodziejski Waclaw 
Published: February 2008

AbstractKinetics of NMR cross‐polarization (CP) from protons to phosphorus‐31 nuclei was studied in the following samples: mineral of whole human bone, apatite prepared from bone, natural brushite, synthetic hydroxyapatite (hydrated and calcined), and synthetic carbonatoapatite of type B with 9 wt% of CO32−. In order to avoid an effect of magic angle spinning on CP and relaxation, the experiments were carried out on static samples. Parameters of the CP kinetics were discussed for trabecular and cortical bone tissue from adult subjects in comparison to the synthetic mineral standards. It was found that carbonatoapatite shows similar CP behavior to the bone mineral. Both materials undergo two‐component CP kinetics. The fast‐relaxing classical component is from the surface of apatite crystals and the slow‐relaxing nonclassical component comes from the crystal interior. The components have been unambiguously assigned using inverse CP from phosphorus‐31 to protons. The study provides information on a structured water layer, which covers crystal surface of carbonato‐ and bone apatite. The layer encompasses ca 40% of apatite phosphorus and its thickness is more than ca 2 nm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable resolution reconstruction for cartesian data acquired with nonconstant sampling density in phase‐encoding direction
Authors: Rasche Volker , Bornstedt Axel , Hombach Vinzenz 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe variable‐kernel extent technique is applied for providing local high‐resolution images from k‐space data sampled on a Cartesian sampling grid with gradually decreasing sampling density in the phase‐encoding direction. The approach is based on a variable spatial resolution reconstruction technique providing gradually decreasing resolution in the phase‐encoding direction with increasing distance to the image center, while preserving full spatial resolution in a narrow slab centered in spatial domain. Reconstruction is performed by a variable convolution kernel gridding technique. The convolution kernel width is chosen proportional to the k‐space sampling spacing to utilize the respective apodization in the image for reduction of the aliasing artifacts. Application of this technique to carotid artery wall imaging shows the potential of the technique for a significant reduction of image acquisition time without sacrificing image quality in the region of the carotid arteries. Magn Reson Med 59:661–666, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The six sigma initiative at Mount Sinai Medical Center
Authors: Chassin Robert 
Published: February 2008

AbstractLean Six Sigma, in various forms, has been used widely in many Fortune 500 companies. Motorola, General Electric, Sony, American Express, and Bechtel all use Six Sigma to improve quality and performance. While the impact of this methodology has been documented extensively by the press in manufacturing and transactional settings, less evidence is available regarding its utility in health care environments. Mount Sinai Medical Center initiated a Six Sigma program in 2000 to determine its applicability and value in a large academic medical center. This article discusses Mount Sinai Medical Center's experience adapting this methodology to improve both patient care and business processes and outcomes. We present an overview of Six Sigma, and offer examples of projects undertaken using this data‐driven approach to performance improvement. Lastly, the article provides insights and lessons learned regarding this organization‐wide experience. Mt Sinai J Med 75:45–52, 2008. © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
The logistic–exponential survival distribution
Authors: Lan Yingjie , Leemis Lawrence M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractFor various parameter combinations, the logistic–exponential survival distribution belongs to four common classes of survival distributions: increasing failure rate, decreasing failure rate, bathtub‐shaped failure rate, and upside‐down bathtub‐shaped failure rate. Graphical comparison of this new distribution with other common survival distributions is seen in a plot of the skewness versus the coefficient of variation. The distribution can be used as a survival model or as a device to determine the distribution class from which a particular data set is drawn. As the three‐parameter version is less mathematically tractable, our major results concern the two‐parameter version. Boundaries for the maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters are derived in this article. Also, a fixed‐point method to find the maximum likelihood estimators for complete and censored data sets has been developed. The two‐parameter and the three‐parameter versions of the logistic–exponential distribution are applied to two real‐life data sets. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
Differential diagnosis of a calcified object from a 4th–5th century AD burial in Aqaba, Jordan
Authors: Perry M. , Newnam J. , Gilliland M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn 1997 a calcified object was recovered from the pelvic region of an adult male excavated from an ancient cemetery in Aqaba, Jordan. The cemetery (n = 48) dates to the middle 4th to early 5th century AD and is associated with the Byzantine‐period marine trading centre of Aila located on the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea. The oblong calcification consisted of linearly aligned tubules within a thin shell. Twenty‐eight conditions potentially resulting in calcification within the pelvic region were considered. Of these, five were retained as possible diagnoses due to the object's location and size and the presence of a thin shell and fully calcified tubules. In the end, the object appears to be a calcified, but unidentified, parasite. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on cross‐linking reaction between acrylic resin and epoxy derivative in over coating layer materials for TFT panel
Authors: Takahashi Shuichi , Hayashida Mika , Ogata Tomonari , Nonaka Takamasa , Kurihara Seiji 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA photoactive over coating layer (OCL) material was prepared by mixing methacrylate copolymer resin, epoxy, and photoactive compounds, separately. The OCL material was found to show long shelf life at room temperature. However, serious lowering of the transparency of the OCL material was caused by post‐baking after alkali development. Microscopic and near infrared spectroscopic studies revealed that the phase separation between the hydrophilic copolymer resin and hydrophobic epoxy compound brought about the formation of wrinkly surface during the post‐baking after the alkali development, and consequently the transparency was lowered by light scattering due to the wrinkly surface. The carboxylic acid derivatives with long alkyl groups were effective for improvement of the transparency without shortening of the shelf life. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.