bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of 194Tlg decay
Authors: Sudarshan K. , Sodaye S. , Tripathi R. , Goswami A. , Tomar B.S. , Reddy A. V. R. 
Published: November 2003

Summary
Absolute γ ray intensities in the decay of 194Tlg have been measured following the radiochemical separation of 194Pb produced in the reaction of 19F+181Ta. The (EC+β
+) branching ratios in the decay of 194Tlg to various levels of 194Hg were deduced. Three new levels are introduced in the decay scheme. A precise value of half life of 194Pb (10.0±0.4 min) is reported.
Use of combined solvent extraction-electrodeposition techniques to uranium and thorium isotopes analysis in industrial phosphoric acid, phosphate and phosphogypsum by alpha-particle spectrometry
Authors: Zarki R. , Elyahyaoui A. , Chiadli A. 
Published: November 2003

Summary
A method combining liquid-liquid extraction and electrodeposition procedures is carried out to determine isotopic composition of uranium and thorium in technical wet phosphoric acid, phosphate rock and phosphogypsum leachates, by α-particle spectrometry. Extraction experiments are performed with diethylether from 5.57 M calcium nitrate solution with nitric acid concentration of 2 M. Uranium is extracted in the pH range 0.6-0.8 and thorium is extracted after acidification with 2 M HNO3. Alpha-sources are obtained by a selective electrodeposition of U(VI) or Th(IV) directly from the extracting solution without applying back-extraction or purification steps. The dependence of the electrodeposition and the overall recovery of U and/or Th are examined as a function of the amount of phosphate ions (C
PO₄³⁻) in the electrolyte and of the aqueous phase, respectively. In all cases a decrease of the deposition yield with C
PO₄³⁻ is observed. An improvement in the uranium overall recovery is achieved from 7.57 to 9.57 M nitrate solution and PO4
3- concentration lower than 0.8 M. The method proposed is applied to technical wet phosphoric acid, phosphate rock and phosphogypsum leachates. Recoveries of 74%-93% are obtained for uranium and 54%-69% for thorium. Good resolutions (37-52 keV) are also achieved under optimum conditions. These resolutions allow to make accurate determination of U and Th isotopes in the above mentioned samples.
Effects of basicity and FeO concentration on the retention of 137Cs and 60Co in slag made from non-metallic radioactive wastes
Authors: Nakashima M. , Nakashio N. , Kameo Y. , Fukui T. , Isobe M. , Ohtake A. , Wakui T. , Hirabayashi T. 
Published: November 2003

Summary
Simulated non-metallic wastes containing 60Co, 137Cs and 152Eu were melted to examine the effects of basicity and FeO concentration on the retention of the radioactive nuclides in a resulting solidified product (Al2O3-CaO-FeO-SiO2 quaternary slag). The retention of 60Co was almost independent of chemical composition of slag. On the other hand, the retention of 137Cs decreased with an increase of the basicity of slag, defined as a ratio of CaO to SiO2 in wt. independent of FeO concentration. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic analysis and Mössbauer spectroscopic measurement were also conducted for the solidified product. Mössbauer spectra indicated that Fe2+ ions as well as Ca2+ ions existed as network modifying cations in a silicate network structure of slag. Referring to a structure model of silicate glasses, it is inferred that the retention of 137Cs reflects differences in chemical properties between Ca2+ and Fe2+ in the internetwork region formed by modifying cations and anionic non-bridging oxygen.
Reactions of Am(III) and Eu(III) with potassium ferricyanide in nitric acid solutions
Authors: Kulyako Y. , Moisy Ph. , Lecomte M. , Madic Charles , Trofimov T. , Perevalov S. , Samsonov M. , Myasoedov B. 
Published: November 2003

Summary
The reactions between Am or Eu present in 0.1 M nitric acid solutions, alone or both together, with 0.25 M K3Fe(CN)6, were studied at room temperature. When Am was the only trivalent metal ion in solution, precipitation of AmFe(CN)6 occurs and the residual Am concentration is about equal to 0.95 mM. However, when Am initial concentration is less than the above specified value for AmFe(CN)6 solubility, Am residual concentration measured is lower that its concentration in the initial solutions. The solubility of EuFe(CN)6 was found to be equal to 30 mM. However, when precipitate formation occurs, the Eu residual concentration after phase separation is about in average 8 mM. When Am and Eu were simultaneously present at the same concentration in solution, the solubility of Am differs little from that measured with Am alone. For initial Am concentrations below 1 mM, the solubility of Am is higher than that observed in the absence of Eu. For initial concentrations of about 8 mM, the Am solubility is lower (about 0.7 mM) than that observed for Am alone. When the initial Eu concentration is constant at 29 mM, the Am precipitation efficiency is much higher than observed in the absence of Eu, for Am concentrations between 30 and 0.5 mM. The residual Am concentratixon in solution thus drops considerably in the presence of Eu (29 mM), and is about 0.04 mM for initial Am concentrations below 4 mM.
An EC-branch in the decay of 27-s 263Db: Evidence for the isotope 263Rf
Authors: Kratz J. V. , Nähler A. , Rieth U. , Kronenberg A. , Kuczewski B. , Strub E. , Brüchle W. , Schädel M. , Schausten B. , Türler A. , Gäggeler H. W. , Jost D. T. , Gregorich K. E. , Nitsche H. , Laue C. , Sudowe R. , Wilk P. A. 
Published: November 2003

Summary
27-s 263Db was produced in the 249Bk ( 18O, 4n) reaction at 93 MeV. The activity was transported by a He/KCl-jet to the laboratory where it was collected for 15 min and then subjected to a chemical separation specific for group-4 elements. The activity was dissolved in 0.5 M unbuffered α-HiB and eluted from a cation-exchange column. The effluent was made 9 M in HCl and group-4 tetrachlorides were extracted into TBP/Cyclohexane which was evaporated to dryness on a Ta disc. The Ta discs were assayed for α and SF activity. A SF activity with a half life on the order of 20 min was observed and assigned to the nuclide 263Rf. It is formed by electron-capture decay of 263Db with a decay branch of 3+4
-1%.
The argyroditeγ-Ag9AlSe6: a non-metallic filled Laves phase
Authors: Gaudin E. , Deiseroth H. J. , Zaiß T. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe crystal structure of the air sensitive argyrodite Ag9AlSe6is determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at room temperature. Above the phase transition at 287 Kγ-Ag9AlSe6crystallizes with cubic symmetry, space group F4̅3m, witha= 11.0947(2) Å,V= 1365.68 (9) Å3andZ= 4. The structure refinement leads to a reliability factor ofR= 0.0298 for 271 independent reflections and 45 variables. The selenium substructure of the non-metallicγ-Ag9AlSe6is topologically equivalent to the arrangement of the Mg and Cu atoms in the tetrahedrally close packed intermetallic compound MgCu2, a cubic Laves phase. The selenium atoms form a 3D network of tetrahedra partially occupied by Al atoms in an ordered way. The electron density of silver was described by means of a split model and a Gram-Charlier development of the atomic displacement factor for one silver position. This approach gives evidence for the diffusion pathways of silver atoms in the [AlSe6]9-framework through tetrahedral holes.
Application of simulated annealing approach for structure solution of molecular crystals from X-ray laboratory powder data
Authors: Zhukov S. G. , Chernyshev V. V. , Babaev E. V. , Sonneveld E. J. , Schenk H. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Simulated annealing approach was successfully applied to solve three unknown molecular structures from X-ray laboratory powder data using a priory known structural fragments. Some possible developments of the method are discussed.
Electrocatalytic Effect of Pb and Sn Adatoms on the Oxidation of 1-Propanol on Platinized Platinum Electrodes: Determination of the Apparent Activation Energy
Authors: Giannetti B. F. , Almeida C. M. V. B. , Bonilla S. H. , Mengod M. O. A. , Rabóczkay T. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The electrocatalytic oxidation of 1-propanol was investigated on platinum electrodes modified by submonolayers of Pb and Sn in acid media. An increase of oxidation rates observed for both Pb and Sn, and the influence of θ values was investigated. The values of the apparent activation energy evaluated from the Arrhenius plots concerning the electrochemical oxidation of 1-propanol on modified platinized platinum electrodes, reveal a significant decrease in the presence of upd Sn and Pb adatoms. A decrease from 56 to 26 kJ mol−1 in the presence of Sn, and from 78 to 25 kJ mol−1 for Pb adatoms are some illustrative values which reflect the promoting effect of the upd adatoms.
Body dysmorphic disorder in a sample of cosmetic surgery applicants
Authors: Aouizerate B , Pujol H , Grabot D , Faytout M , Suire K , Braud C , Auriacombe M , Martín D , Baudet J , Tignol J 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBody dysmorphic disorder (B.D.D.) consists of a preoccupation with an imagined or slight physical defect. This study is the first European report on prevalence and several clinical and functional characteristics of patients with B.D.D. in a cosmetic surgery setting. Comparisons with defect- and severity-matched subjects without B.D.D. were also performed.
Exploring the link between character, personality disorder, and neuropsychological function
Authors: Bergvall Å.H , Nilsson T , Hansen S 
Published: November 2003

AbstractPersonality deviations and deficits in cognitive executive function are common among forensic populations. The present study on incarcerated offenders explored whether there are links between the two domains. Personality was assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Neuropsychological performance, including visual working memory, attentional set-shifting and planning, were tested with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Subjects with personality disorders scored high on harm avoidance, and low on self-directedness and cooperativeness. Personality disordered offenders did not differ from the comparison groups (offenders without personality disorder, and non-criminal controls) with regard to CANTAB measures of visual working memory (delayed matching to sample, spatial working memory) and planning (Stockings of Cambridge), but they made a larger number of errors on the attentional set-shifting task. Dimensional analysis of the personality and neuropsychological variables revealed significant associations between self-directedness and cooperativeness on the one hand, and attentional set-shifting on the other. Intellectually disabled, non-criminal individuals (marginal mental retardation) who performed poorly on attentional set-shifting also scored low on self-directedness and cooperativeness. The results indicate that poor development of certain personality traits may be associated with deficits in neuropsychological functioning.
The A1 allele of the DRD2 gene (TaqI A polymorphisms) is associated with antisocial personality in a sample of alcohol-dependent patients
Authors: Ponce G , Jimenez-Arriero M.A , Rubio G , Hoenicka J , Ampuero I , Ramos J.A , Palomo T 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground. –Presence of A1 allele of the DRD2 gene has been associated with a predisposition for alcoholism although there are limited data about its phenotypic expression in alcoholism.Objectives. –To determine the importance of the A1 allele in clinical variables of alcohol dependence.Methodology. –A sample of 103 alcohol-dependent males was studied. All patients were recruited consecutively from the general hospital and community settings. The diagnostics were made with the structured clinical interview for DSM-III-R (SCID); and the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE). Diagnosis of family alcoholism was made by direct interview or with the Research Diagnostic Criteria-Family History (RDC-FH). The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Scale (SADS) were used to assess alcohol dependence severity. Genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods.Results. –Approximately 39% of the sample carried the A1 allele (A1+ group). This group had higher prevalences of antisocial personality disorder (60% vs. 15.9%); and alcoholism family history (72.5% vs. 52.4%). Also A1+ had early onset alcohol abuse and more drinking problems. The presence of A1+ was the main factor to explain the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder, but the weight of this factor was not sufficient to explain the complications assessed by the ASI.Conclusions. –Our results support the existence of an association between the A1 allele and factors resulting from dopaminergic deficiency, otherwise denominated reward deficiency syndrome.
Ecto‐nucleotidase activities in spinal cord of rats changes as function of age
Authors: Torres Iraci Lucena S. , Battastini Ana Maria O. , Buffon Andréia , Fürstenau Cristina Ribas , Siqueira Ionara , Sarkis João J.F. , Dalmaz Carla , Ferreira Maria Beatriz C. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAn increase in ADP hydrolysis was observed in spinal cord synaptosomal fractions of 2‐month‐old Wistar male rats, when compared to other ages (1, 4 and 6 months of age), while no change in ATPase activity was observed. Conversely, in female rats, whilst no change in ADPase activity was observed in the spinal cord synaptosomal fraction, ATPase activity diminished with age, in 1–6‐month‐old animals. 5′‐Nucleotidase activity was higher in the 4‐month‐old male and female rats in relation to 1 and 2‐month‐old animals. In the female rats, this activity continued to increase at least until 6 months of age.In conclusion, adenine nucleotides hydrolysis in synaptosomes from rat spinal cord is influenced by age and by gender. Since both ATP and adenosine may act as neuromodulators in the spinal cord, influencing several processes such as nociception, the regulation of ATP‐metabolizing enzymes in spinal cord is probably important for the normal function of this tissue at different ages.
Pulmonary function and scoliosis in children with spinal muscular atrophy types II and III
Authors: Chng SY , Wong YQ , Hui JH , Wong HK , Ong HT , Goh DY 
Published: November 2003

Aims:  The objectives were to evaluate the clinical course of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types II and III patients necessitating scoliosis surgery at the National University Hospital, Singapore.Methods:  A retrospective review of SMA types II and III patients, born over a 10‐year period between 1983 and 1992, was conducted.Results:  There were eight patients: four with SMA type II and four with SMA type III. The mean age at scoliosis surgery was 9 years 7 months (range 7 years 6 months−12 years 4 months). The mean preoperative Cobb angle was 65.4° (range 43−90°) and the mean postoperative Cobb angle was 22.6° (range 12−45°), with a mean correction of 64.8% (range 47.7−77.8%). The decline in percentage predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) was 7.7% (95% CI: 12.4% to 3.0%) per year preoperatively and this was reduced to 3.8% (95% CI: 5.8% to 1.9%) per year postoperatively. The mean length of preoperative and postoperative lung function follow‐up was 6.3 months (range 0.03−31 months) and 44 months (range 0−110 months), respectively.Conclusions:  This study suggests that pulmonary function in SMA types II and III continues to decline after scoliosis surgery, though the rate of decline is less marked. Overall, the combined results from this study and all other previously published studies are conflicting in regard to the effect of scoliosis surgery on pulmonary function in SMA types II and IIII, though half of the studies (3 of 6) did demonstrate a continued decline in lung function postoperatively. This decline in pulmonary function despite spinal stabilization is likely secondary to the progressive neuromuscular weakness of the disease.
Monitoring the ‘Strong Women, Strong Babies, Strong Culture Program’: The first eight years
Authors: Tursan d’Espaignet E , Measey ML , Carnegie MA , Mackerras D 
Published: November 2003

Objective:  To assess improvements in perinatal health following the introduction of the Strong Women, Strong Babies, Strong Culture (SWSBSC) Program in two groups of Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.Methods:  A comparison of pre and post birthweights in intervention and control communities in rural and remote regions in the Top End of the Northern Territory was performed.Results:  Significant improvements in birthweight were observed for Group 1 communities with no significant change in Group 2.Conclusion:  There is a need to better understand how the intervention differed in the two groups of communities.
Questionnaire survey of Japanese urologists concerning the diagnosis and treatment of chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Authors: KIYOTA HIROSHI , ONODERA SHOICHI , OHISHI YUKIHIKO , TSUKAMOTO TAIJI , MATSUMOTO TETSURO 
Published: November 2003

AbstractObjectives:  We performed a questionnaire survey to investigate various issues in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome by Japanese urologists and to clarify the circumstances surrounding prostatitis in Japan.Methods:  Japanese urologists (n = 1869) were surveyed by mail using a 17‐item questionnaire to determine current diagnostic and treatment practices for prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.Results:  Only 1.5% (11/739) of urologists diagnosed chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome using the 4‐glass test, while most did so using the 2‐glass test (voided bladder [VB]2 and VB3, or VB2 and expressed prostatic secretion [EPS]). Approximately half (55.2%; 412/746) did not perform urine cultures to differentiate chronic bacterial prostatitis from chronic abacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Approximately half (46%; 343/746) did not count the number of leukocytes in VB2 or VB3/EPS to differentiate chronic abacterial prostatitis from chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Although many urologists (63.8%; 459/720) thought that chronic abacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome was not an infectious disease, many chose antimicrobial agents as the primary treatment. More than half (52.2%; 384/735) of all urologists felt pessimistic about dealing with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome compared to treating benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostate cancer, because of the high number of complaints by patients and their own lack of confidence in diagnosing and treating the condition.Conclusion:  There is much confusion and frustration among Japanese urologists about chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Further studies are needed to elucidate its etiology and pathogenesis, and to establish guidelines for its diagnosis and treatment.
Role of ureteroscopic biopsy in the management of upper urinary tract malignancy
Authors: SHIRAISHI KOJI , EGUCHI SATOSHI , MOHRI JUN , KAMIRYO YORIAKI 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the study presented here was to examine the accuracy of ureteroscopic biopsy in the diagnosis of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and whether nephron‐sparing management (holmium YAG laser, transurethral resection or partial ureterectomy) is possible or not based on pathological diagnosis.Methods:  Forty consecutive patients underwent ureteroscopic biopsy with the use of 3‐Fr cold cup forceps. Pathological diagnosis of the biopsy sample and grade or stage of surgically resected tumors were compared. In patients with grade 1 or 2 TCC diagnosed by ureteroscopic biopsy, the disease‐free and survival rates determined whether nephron‐sparing management was performed or not.Results:  There were no major complications associated with ureteroscopic biopsy. The pathological grading of the biopsy specimen was almost the same as that of the surgically resected specimen. Eighty five percent of grade 2 or 3 TCC showed muscle invasive disease. There were no significant differences in the disease‐free and survival rates between the nephroureterectomy and the nephron‐sparing management groups, except for grade 3 or pT3 tumors.Conclusion:  Ureteroscopic biopsy is safe and accurate if sufficient tissue sample is obtained. Ureteroscopic biopsy should be performed in patients who require nephron‐sparing management. Nephroureterectomy can be avoided if the tumor is confirmed as low‐grade.
Psychological trauma of circumcision in the phallic period could be avoided by using topical steroids
Authors: YILMAZ ERDAL , BATISLAM ERTAN , BASAR MEHMET MURAD , BASAR HALIL 
Published: November 2003

AbstractObjective:  The objective of our study was to assess the efficacy of topical steroids in the treatment of phimosis and evaluate patients using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual‐III‐Revised (DSM‐III‐R) test with the aim of eliminating castration anxiety of circumcision in the phallic period.Methods:  One hundred and forty‐nine children with phimosis who required circumcision were included the study. The average age of the children was 4.47 years. All children underwent the DSM‐III‐R test and their parents were questioned. Patients were separated randomly into three groups. Group I comprised 51 children who would undergo circumcision; group II comprised 50 children who would be treated with a topical corticosteroid (0.05% bethamethasone cream) twice daily for 1 month; and group III comprised 48 children who would be treated with a topical placebo cream. On the 5th day of treatment, parents were told to retract the prepuce and were given hygiene routine instructions. Patients were seen immediately after treatment and again 2 months later.Results:  In group II, 16 of the 50 children had non‐retractable prepuce. Forty‐two cases of phimosis were corrected after treatment. Eight patients received further monthly treatment and five benefited from the second course of treatment. In group III, 17 of the 48 patients had non‐retractable prepuce and four had satisfactory results. Forty‐four patients received placebo treatment for another month and eventually, 40 children underwent circumcision in this group. DSM‐III‐R test results showed a significant shift to anxiety in the circumcision group. The were no significant differences in the other groups.Conclusion:  Topical steroids for the treatment of phimosis is a highly effective treatment alternative to surgery. It avoids or delays circumcision and can be practised during the phallic period to decrease castration anxiety. The treatment is suitable for patients from any religious or cultural background.
Multiple biopsies of normal‐looking urothelium in patients with superficial bladder cancer: Are they necessary?
Authors: FUJIMOTO NAOHIRO , HARADA SHUJI , TERADO MICHIKAZU , SATO HIDEKI , MATSUMOTO TETSURO 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground:  The objective of the study presented here was to assess the usefulness and indications of multiple biopsies of normal‐appearing urothelium in patients with superficial bladder cancer.Methods:  Between December 1996 and December 2002, multiple biopsies of normal‐appearing bladder mucosa were performed in 100 patients with superficial bladder transitional cell carcinoma. Biopsy specimens were taken from seven different sites in females and nine different sites in males.Results:  In eight of 100 patients, bladder cancers were detected in the biopsy specimens. Three cases were Ta and five were Tis. All of the five patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) in their biopsy specimens had multiple papillary broad‐base tumors and positive urinary cytology. The detection ratio of CIS in patients with these findings was 17.9% (5/28). No concomitant CIS was detected in the 72 patients who had a solitary tumor, pedunculated tumor(s), or negative urinary cytology.Conclusion:  Multiple mucosal biopsies of normal‐appearing urothelium are not necessary for all patients with superficial bladder cancer. They are, however, necessary for patients with multiple papillary broad‐base tumors and positive urinary cytology.