bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theory Experiment Comparison of the Electron Backscattering Factor from Solids at Low Electron Energy (250–5,000 eV)
Authors: EL Gomati M. M. , Walker C. G. H. , Assa'd A. M. D. , ZadraŽil M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe electron backscattering factor was measured from 24 different elements at low primary beam energy (250–5,000 eV). The results were compared with Monte Carlo simulations from a variety of freely available programs and an in‐house developed program. The results suggest that a thin film of oxide can modify the backscattering factor at low primary energy. In addition, a number of problems have been identified with the freely available programs. SCANNING 30: 2–15, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐dimensional Image Correction of Tilted Samples Through Coordinate Transformation
Authors: Fu Joseph , Chu Wei , Dixson Ronald , Vorburger Theodore 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn scanned probe measurements of micrometer‐ or nanometer‐scale lines, it is nearly impossible to maintain the sample in a perfectly level position, and even a small amount of tilt can contribute to the accuracy of the result of the measurand such as linewidth or step height. The current practice in image processing to deal with this problem is to conduct a line‐by‐line analysis to find the best fit of the substrate profile and subtract this background from all data points, thus describing 3D plane turns as a series of lines and processing them in succession in the x‐ or y‐direction.In this paper a coordinate transformation method is proposed. The new coordinate system can be established on the basis of the inclined angle of the sample as well as the translation of three axes between the old coordinate system and the new coordinate system. The method can mathematically derive and hence correct all tilts around the x‐, y‐ and z‐axes and produce a leveled image simultaneously. Feature dimensions such as width, height, sidewall angle and pitch are calculated on the basis of simulated images using the coordinate transformation method and other methods. The result shows the advantage of the proposed method. SCANNING 30: 41–46, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Grafting and characterization of protein on polyaniline surface for biosensor applications
Authors: de Crombrugghe A. , Yunus S. , Bertrand P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPolyaniline is an electroactive polymer, which presents attractive properties for its use as a transducer in electro‐biosensors. Covalent binding of bioreceptors on the polymeric surface is necessary to perform selective and efficient bioanalyte detection. To achieve this goal, acrylic acid (AAc) is grafted on polyaniline films. Acrylic grafting on polyaniline introduces a new access to its biochemical functionalization. Carboxylic groups can be used for covalent immobilization of proteins, like ICHA antigen, by means of standard coupling agents (carbodiimide and succinimide). Surface analysis shows that there is a higher amount of antigen immobilized on the surface as compared with simple physical adsorption. The composition and structure of the modified surfaces are characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) at each step of the process. Time‐of‐flight‐secondary ion mass spectrometry (Tof‐SIMS) is also used to analyze acrylic grafted polyaniline surfaces. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing legacy system migration methods and tools for technology transfer
Authors: De Lucia Andrea , Francese Rita , Scanniello Giuseppe , Tortora Genoveffa 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis paper presents the research results of an ongoing technology transfer project carried out in cooperation between the University of Salerno and a small software company. The project is aimed at developing and transferring migration technology to the industrial partner. The partner should be enabled to migrate monolithic multi‐user COBOL legacy systems to a multi‐tier Web‐based architecture. The assessment of the legacy systems of the partner company revealed that these systems had a very low level of decomposability with spaghetti‐like code and embedded control flow and database accesses within the user interface descriptions. For this reason, it was decided to adopt an incremental migration strategy based on the reengineering of the user interface using Web technology, on the transformation of interactive legacy programs into batch programs, and the wrapping of the legacy programs. A middleware framework links the new Web‐based user interface with the Wrapped Legacy System. An Eclipse plug‐in, named MELIS (migration environment for legacy information systems), was also developed to support the migration process. Both the migration strategy and the tool have been applied to two essential subsystems of the most business critical legacy system of the partner company. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using computer animation and illustration activities to improve high school students' achievement in molecular genetics
Authors: Marbach‐Ad Gili , Rotbain Yosi , Stavy Ruth 
Published: February 2008

AbstractOur main goal in this study was to determine whether the use of computer animation and illustration activities in high school can contribute to student achievement in molecular genetics. Three comparable groups of eleventh‐ and twelfth‐grade students participated: the control group (116 students) was taught in the traditional lecture format, whereas the experimental groups received instructions that integrated a computer animation (61 students) or illustration (71 students) activities. We used three research instruments: a multiple‐choice questionnaire; an open‐ended, written questionnaire; and personal interviews. Five of the multiple‐choice questions were also given to students before they received their genetics instruction (pretest). We found that students who participate in the experimental groups improved their knowledge in molecular genetics compared with the control group. However, the open‐ended questions revealed that the computer animation activity was significantly more effective than the illustration activity. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that it is advisable to use computer animations in molecular genetics, especially when teaching about dynamic processes; however, engaging students in illustration activities can still improve their achievement in comparison to traditional instruction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 273–292, 2008
What do science teachers consider when selecting formative assessment tasks?
Authors: Tomanek Debra , Talanquer Vicente , Novodvorsky Ingrid 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to identify factors that influenced prospective and experienced secondary level science teachers' reasoning as they evaluated or selected tasks to formatively assess their students' understanding of scientific concepts. The analysis of the coded written responses revealed two categories of factors that influenced the teachers' reasoning: (1) characteristics of the task and (2) characteristics of students or the curriculum. Characteristics of the task related to qualities of the task regardless of the learning environment in which it would be used, such as the level of student thinking demanded by a task. Characteristics of the students and the curriculum related to the learning environment in which an assessment task would be implemented, such as students' abilities to complete the task. Both prospective and experienced teachers' task evaluations were influenced by the same factors related to the characteristics of the task, although their interpretations of the meaning of each factor varied. In addition, experienced teachers' task evaluations were more likely than prospective teachers to be influenced by factors related to characteristics of students and the curriculum. The findings are discussed as a conceptual framework that presents the identified factors along three different dimensions: (1) the influence of task, student, and curriculum characteristics, (2) the influence of expectations for success, and (3) the influence of teaching experience. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 1113–1130, 2008
Attitudes towards science of intellectually gifted and mainstream upper primary students in Singapore
Authors: Caleon Imelda S. , Subramaniam R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe attitudes towards science of upper‐primary students in three ability strands (average, above average, and gifted) were investigated. A total of 580 upper primary students from co‐educational government and government‐aided schools in Singapore were involved in this study. The attitude subscales investigated were enjoyment of science, preference for science careers, and appreciation of the social implications of science. Gender and ability were found to have statistically significant effects on the variations in the mean score for each attitude subscale. Boys, in general, had more positive views about science than girls. Overall, above‐average and gifted students had comparable attitudes towards science; both of them consistently showed more positive attitudes than average ability students. At least 18% of the sample, with greater percentage being boys, reported “not sure” responses in 50% or more of the total attitude items. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 940–954, 2008
The Fate of Homograft Tracheal Transplants in Sheep
Authors: Behrend Matthias , Kluge Eva 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectiveAn established method of tracheal substitution is not yet available, but homograft tracheal transplantation might provide a realistic tracheal replacement. With the objective of sequentially examining the healing of tracheal homografts, we have established a suitable large‐animal model.MethodsFive sheep received orthotopic tracheal transplantation of a 4‐cm cervical tracheal homograft. The trachea was supported for 6 weeks with a self‐expanding polyester stent. The plan was to euthanize the animals after 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks, or whenever complications occurred.ResultsThe implantation itself was performed without complications. After 2 weeks the homograft was firmly encapsulated by connective tissue, without signs of necrosis or abscess. The original mucous membrane no longer existed; the cartilage rings were exposed. In all animals that were euthanized at the later dates, the homografts were completely absorbed and replaced by inflammatory scar tissue. This, in turn, was covered with a shiny cellular surface layer.ConclusionsThe results from this animal experiment reveal—contrary to data published to date—that tracheal homografts are not incorporated but absorbed. They are replaced by scar/granulation tissue that cannot secure the stability of the trachea. Therefore, further experiments with respect to the biocompatability of homografts appear to be necessary.
Relationship between resource selection, distribution, and abundance: a test with implications to theory and conservation
Authors: Johnson Chris J. , Seip Dale R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractMuch of applied and theoretical ecology is concerned with the interactions of habitat quality, animal distribution, and population abundance. We tested a technique that uses resource selection functions (RSF) to scale animal density to the relative probability of selecting a patch of habitat. Following an accurate survey of a reference block, the habitat‐based density estimator can be used to predict population abundance for other areas with no or unreliable survey data. We parameterized and tested the technique using multiple years of radiotelemetry locations and survey data collected for woodland caribou across four landscape‐level survey blocks. The habitat‐based density estimator performed poorly. Predictions were no better than those of a simple area estimator and in some cases deviated from the observed by a factor of 10. We developed a simulation model to investigate factors that might influence prediction success. We experimentally manipulated population density, caribou distribution, ability of animals to track carrying capacity, and precision of the estimation equation. Our simulations suggested that interactions between population density, the size of the reference block, and the pattern of distribution can lead to large discrepancies between observed and predicted population numbers. Over‐ or undermatching patch carrying capacity and precision of the estimator can influence predictions, but the effect is much less extreme. Although there is some empirical and theoretical evidence to support a relationship between animal abundance and resource selection, our study suggests that a number of factors can seriously confound these relationships. Habitat‐based density estimators might be effective where a stable, isolated population at equilibrium is used to generate predictions for areas with similar population parameters and ecological conditions.
Involvement of advanced glycation end products in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications: the protective role of regular physical activity
Authors: Magalhães P. M. , Appell H. J. , Duarte J. A. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications and in the natural process of biological aging. In fact, maintained hyperglycaemia favours the formation of AGEs at the tissue level in diabetic patients, which may influence the triggering of different chronic pathologies of diabetes such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and macro- and micro-vascular diseases. Moreover, the literature has also demonstrated the involvement of AGEs in biological aging, which may explain the accelerated process of aging in diabetic patients. The practice of regular physical activity appears to positively influence glycaemic control, particularly in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This occurs through the diminution of fasting glycaemia, with a consequent reduction of glycation of plasmatic components suggested by the normalisation of HbA1c plasmatic levels. This exercise-induced positive effect is evident in the blood of diabetic patients and may also reach the endothelium and connective tissues of different organs, such as the kidneys and eyes, and systems, such as the cardiovascular and nervous systems, with a local reduction of AGEs production and further deceleration of organ dysfunction. The aim of this paper was to review the literature concerning this topic to coherently describe the harmful effects of AGEs in organ dysfunction induced by diabetes in advanced age as well as the mechanisms behind the apparent protection given by the practice of regular physical activity.
APPROXIMATING THE STIELTJES INTEGRAL FOR (φ,Φ)-LIPSCHITZIAN INTEGRATORS
Authors: DRAGOMIR S. S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractApproximations for the Stieltjes integral with (φ,Φ)-Lipschitzian integrators are given. Applications for the Riemann integral of a product and for the generalized trapezoid and Ostrowski inequalities are also provided.
A PROPERTY OF CLOSED FINITE TYPE CURVES
Authors: PETROVIĆ-TORGAŠEV MIROSLAVA 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn the paper we prove that any closed finite type curve in the Euclidean space En(n≥2) lies in a null-space of a non-trivial polynomial P=P(x1,…,xn) of variables x1,…,xn, and thus lies on a surface of finite degree.
Inhibition of bone turnover by milk intake in postmenopausal women
Authors: Bonjour Jean-Philippe , Brandolini-Bunlon Marion , Boirie Yves , Morel-Laporte Françoise , Braesco Véronique , Bertière Marie-Claude , Souberbielle Jean-Claude 
Published: February 2008

Increased postmenopausal bone turnover leads to bone loss and fragility fracture risk. In the absence of osteoporosis, risk preventive measures, particularly those modifying nutritional lifestyle, are appropriate. We tested the hypothesis that milk supplementation affects bone turnover related to biochemical markers in a direction that, in the long term, may be expected to reduce postmenopausal bone loss. Thirty healthy postmenopausal women aged 59·3 (sd3·3) years were enrolled in a prospective crossover trial of 16 weeks. After a 4-week period of adaptation with diet providing 600 mg calcium plus 300 mg ingested as 250 ml semi-skimmed milk, participants were maintained during 6 weeks under the same 600 mg calcium diet and randomized to receive either 500 ml semi-skimmed milk, thus providing a total of 1200 mg calcium, or no milk supplement. In the next 6 weeks they were switched to the alternative regimen. At the end of the each period, i.e. after 4, 10 and 16 weeks, blood and urinary samples were collected. The changes in blood variables between the periods of 6 weeks without and with milk supplementation were: for parathyroid hormone, − 3·2 pg/ml (P = 0·0054); for crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen, − 624 pg/ml (P < 0·0001); for propeptide of type I procollagen, − 5·5 ng/ml (P = 0·0092); for osteocalcin, − 2·8 ng/ml (P = 0·0014). In conclusion, a 6-week period of milk supplementation induced a decrease in several biochemical variables compatible with diminished bone turnover mediated by reduction in parathyroid hormone secretion. This nutritional approach to postmenopausal alteration in bone metabolism may be a valuable measure in the primary prevention of osteoporosis.
Use of SIMSDAIRY modelling framework system to compare the scope on the sustainability of a dairy farm of animal and plant genetic-based improvements with management-based changes
Authors: PRADO A. del , SCHOLEFIELD D. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYCurrently, society awareness, legislations and competing markets demand dairy farming systems which are sustainable. In the near future, farm management and animal genetics will be key elements in developing such sustainability. Although the effect of farm management on some attributes of sustainability has already been studied, the impacts and scope for realizing goals of agricultural multifunctionality through genetic changes are still to be tested. Sustainable and Integrated Management Systems for Dairy Production (SIMSDAIRY) is a new farm level modelling framework which integrates these concepts to practical actions and brings all of this complexity into an operational and scientific modus operandi.The current paper provides a brief description of the structure of SIMSDAIRY and an example of how it can be used to compare the scope for improving the overall sustainability of a dairy farm by: (i) future system changes aimed at improving genetic characteristics of plants and animals with (ii) current system structural changes aimed at improving nutrient management efficiency. In order to do this comparison, management factors and new genetic traits from plants or/and animals, acting singly or in combination, are evaluated against a baseline dairy farm scenario. Sustainability is measured in terms of targets associated with: (i) the Nitrates Directive, (ii) phosphorus (P) threshold for eutrophication, (iii) the Kyoto Protocol, (iv) the Gothenburg Protocol, (v) an adequate net farm income for standard of living and acceptable standards of (vi) quality of milk, (vii) animal welfare, (viii) level of biodiversity, (ix) landscape aesthetics and (x) soil quality.Results suggest that genetic-based changes offer greater scope than management-based ones to improve sustainability up to an acceptable level. Costs associated with management changes are often too high within current socio-economics circumstances. Optimizing nitrogen (N) mineral fertilizer rate and timing was the only management-based measure that, while improving most of the environmental and biodiversity indices, resulted in improved economic results. Some genetic-based changes offered substantial scope for reducing environmental losses while having economic benefits. However, only those decreasing the crude protein (CP) of the plant and increasing the diet N cow partition into milk seemed to result in non-significant pollution swapping and be achievable in the nearby future.
THE HISTORY OF THE WORD FOR CACAO IN ANCIENT MESOAMERICA
Authors: Kaufman Terrence , Justeson John 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe word *kakaw(a)(‘cacao’,Theobroma cacao) was widely diffused among Mesoamerican languages, and from there to much of lower Central America. This study provides evidence establishing beyond reasonable doubt that this word originated in the Mije-Sokean family; that it spread from the Mije-Sokean languages in or around the Olmec heartland into southeastern Mesoamerican languages; that its diffusion into Mayan languages took place between about 200 B.C. and A.D. 400; and that it spread from a Mije-Sokean language in or near the Basin of Mexico into languages in the region. It shows that each of the arguments presented by Dakin and Wichmann (2000) against a Mije-Sokean origin is either unworkable, is based upon false premises, or is not relevant; and that their proposed alternative — that it originated in and spread from Nawa into other Mesoamerican languages — conflicts with the mass of evidence relevant to the issue.This study also discusses the linguistic details of vocabulary for drinks made from cacao; shows that no proposed etymology for the word chocolate is correct, but agrees with Dakin and Wichmann that its proximate source is a Nawa formchikola:tl;and discusses the history of words forTheobroma bicolor(‘Nicaragua chocolate tree;pataxte’) and their use.The linguistic data are pertinent to issues of intergroup interaction in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, but do not shed light on the nature or the cultural context of the diffusion of cacao in Mesoamerica, nor on its uses.
Incidence of ventricular fibrillation during left coronary arteriography in pigs: comparison of a solution of the nonionic dimer iodixanol with solutions of five different nonionic monomers
Authors: Chai C. M. , Karlsson J. O. G. , Almén T. 
Published: February 2008

Background: Solutions of iodine contrast media (CM) used for selective coronary arteriography (CA) should have minimal propensity to cause ventricular fibrillation (VF). Commonly used CM for CA are nonionic monomers or dimers. Purpose: To compare VF propensity of ready-to-use solutions of one nonionic dimer, iodixanol, and five nonionic monomers, iobitridol, iopamidol, iomeprol, iopromide, and ioversol. Material and Methods: Twenty milliliters of each CM was injected into the left coronary artery (LCA) through an inflated balloon catheter (0.5 ml/s) in 14 pigs; the longest period of injection was 40 s. If VF occurred before 40 s, the injection was stopped and the heart was defibrillated. After VF, there was a delay of 40 min before the next injection. Hemodynamic parameters and vector electrocardiography (VECG) were monitored. A CM with a lower frequency of VF and a longer period between start of injection and start of VF was considered to have a lower VF propensity. Results: Following 14 injections, each of the five nonionic monomers caused 14 VF, whereas iodixanol caused three VF ( P<0.01). When VF occurred after iodixanol, it occurred later than after the other CM ( P<0.001). Iodixanol caused less prolongation in QRS time ( P<0.01) and QTc time ( P<0.05) than the other CM. Prolongations in QRS and QTc times caused by CM parallel the VF propensities of the CM. Conclusion: Ready-to-use solutions of the dimer iodixanol have lower VF propensity than solutions of the five monomeric CM. This is related to the fact that the solutions of the dimer iodixanol have lower osmolality, higher viscosity, and higher concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2 than solutions of the five monomers.