bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AN INVERSE METHOD APPLIED TO THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY MEASURMENT OF LIGHT INSULATING MATERIALS
Authors: CALI' MICHELE , GIARETTO VALTER , RUSCICA GIUSEPPE 
Published: November 2004

A simplified procedure for analyzing data obtained from an experimental apparatus in unsteady state conditions, constructed in order to measure thermal conductivity variations of light insulating materials obtained from thermal ageing and humidity cycles, is presented here. The calculations have been carried out with a lumped thermal model using an inverse method. Several ageing cycles and measurements have been carried out and the method has permitted the reduction of the experimental and calculation costs.
PHOTOINDUCED STRAIN AS A PROBE OF ACOUSTICAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF CONDUCTING POLYMERS
Authors: KANNER G.S. , FROLOV S. , VARDENY Z.V. 
Published: November 2004

We discuss applications of photogenerated strain in transient absorption experiments. These include measurements of sound velocity, phonon dispersion relations, and excited electronic state energy levels. In particular, we have identified a new type of spectroscopy in photoinduced absorption that can be used to detect both allowed and forbidden electronic transitions in thin semiconducting films. This technique was applied to a host of conducting polymers for which we detected energy levels of various excitonic states with odd and even symmetry.
PROJECTED SHELL MODEL AND HIGH-SPIN SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: HARA KENJI , SUN YANG 
Published: November 2004

Most of the nuclei in the nuclear chart are deformed except for those in the vicinity of the magic numbers. It is difficult to treat such nuclei within the framework of the standard (spherical) shell model. On the other hand, the necessity for a proper quantum mechanical treatment of high-spin states has been steadily growing ever since modern experimental techniques made it possible to measure the fine details of the high-spin states of heavy nuclei. The present article reviews an approach based on the angular momentum projection technique which was initiated in the late seventies for the purpose of carrying out shell model configuration mixing calculations efficiently. A large number of examples is presented with an emphasis on the physical interpretation of the numerical results. Computing time for the whole spectrum up to spin ≈ 40 of an axially symmetric rare-earth nucleus takes only a few minutes on a Mainframe, showing the efficiency of the method. Most of the present calculations were carried out on a Workstation, but computation on a modern PC also presents no problem, so that one can enjoy a genuine quantum mechanical analysis of high-spin data using a facility available everywhere. Detailed technical information which may be useful for programming purposes is given in an Appendix.
VALUE OF CONTROL THEORY IN THE STUDY OF CELLULAR METABOLISM — BIOMEDICAL IMPLICATIONS
Authors: MALGAT MONIQUE , LETELLIER THIERRY , JOUAVILLE SOPHIE L. , MAZAT JEAN-PIERRE 
Published: November 2004

We use some examples to show that Metabolic Control Theory (MTC) not only allows the determination of the controlling steps of a metabolic network with the so-called control coefficients, but also leads to better understanding of the functioning of metabolic networks. The examples are taken partly from our own work on mitochondrial myopathies, partly from the literature: — the threshold effect observed in mitochondria diseases; — the problem of the diagnosis of complex I, II or III defects by measuring the NADH-cytochrome-c-reductase or the succinate-cytochrome-c-reductase activities with illustration by some cases. The possibility of a sum of control coefficients greater than one is also considered.
USING SOME RECENT TECHNIQUES FROM CHAOS THEORY TO ANALYZE TIME-SERIES IN ECOLOGY
Authors: BOUDJEMA G. , MESTIVIER D. , CAZELLES B. , CHAU N.P. 
Published: November 2004

Extraction of the underlying dynamics of large biological systems is a crucial step to understanding their mechanisms and predicting their future behaviors. Some of the techniques developed in physics to analyze chaotical phenomena should be applied with caution when the data are short and noisy. In this paper, we compared the Eckmann-Ruelle Linearization (ERL) local prediction method, and Neural Network (NN), fitting of a global nonlinear function, in the context of population dynamics. Data were generated by a discrete model and subjected to measurement noise. Prediction errors were analyzed according to noise level and length of the observations, using the above two methods Where the noise level is high, ERL is more effective for prediction than NN. On the basis of these results, we proposed for short series of available observations, that additional data be generated by the Eckmann—Ruelle linearization method and these data be used as input for Neural Nets in order to obtain a global function for the observed dynamics. This gave more reliable results than when we apply the NN method directly . Two examples are given, in ecology and epidemiology.
THEORETICAL AND MATHEMATICAL APPROACH OF SOME REGULATION MECHANISMS IN A MARINE HOST-PARASITE SYSTEM
Authors: LANGLAIS M. , SILAN P. 
Published: November 2004

Host-parasite systems offer such a complex behaviour that few quantitative analysis of their coupled dynamics have been performed. Many intertwinned factors play a role, such as intensity-dependent (intra or interspecific competition, pathogeny, immunological reactions) and/or intensity-independent (abiotic factors, host ethology). Most biomathematical approaches to host-parasite systems are concerned with infectious processes. Corresponding epidemiological models are not well-adapted to macroparasites whose demographical behaviour is quite specific: host mortality, parasite fertility and sometimes recruitment mechanisms depend on the amount of already fixed parasites on a given host and not on the mere existence of parasites. Overdispersion processes are fundamental and determine for a large part the regulation of both populations. A central issue is therefore a reliable description of these processes and their interactions with the global dynamics of the system. Our goal is to develop a mixed deterministic and stochastic model describing the dynamics of a host-parasite system (fish-helminth parasite) having a direct cycle within a marine environment. A dynamical analysis combining a deterministic approach and a stochastic one adapted to macroparasites allows the introduction of spatial and temporal heterogeneities. A particular effort is made towards the recruitment process.
SPATIO-TEMPORAL PATTERNS OF INTRACARDIAC SIGNAL FLUCTUATIONS DURING VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA IN MAN
Authors: VINET A. , ROCQUE P. , PAGÉ P. , CARDINAL R. 
Published: November 2004

The advent of multiple electrodes surface recording during the seventies has contributed importantly to improve our understanding of ventricular tachycardias (VT) mechanisms [1–7]. It has been also used to localise the arrhythmogenic substratum during open-chest surgery [8–11]. In the typical setting used at Sacré-Coeur Hospital [2], unipolar signals are collected by a set of electrodes positioned both on the epicardial surface (63 to 127 leads fixed to a sock pulled over the heart) and on the endocardial surface of the left ventricule (64 to 127 leads fixed on a balloon which is introduced through the mitral valve and inflated). During the surgery, long sequences of VT induced by burst pacing (driving at a fixed frequency, followed by a discharge of premature stimuli) are recorded. In the standard procedure, a few beats are selected for analysis. The activation times are determined for each electrode. They should correspond to the moments where an electrical front of activation travels through the tissue beneath the electrode. From these, isochronal maps are constructed describing the spatial propagation of the activation. In this analysis, many details of possible clinical relevance may be disregarded concerning the spatiotemporal evolution and the global features of the VT's. This paper presents some approaches to analyse globally protracted VT episodes. The first section describes some methods to speed up the determination of the activation times. The second section shows how principal component analysis [12] can be used to extract global features of the activation sequences.
The Conduction of Dilation along an Arteriole Is Diminished in the Cremaster Muscle of Hypertensive Hamsters
Authors: Kurjiaka David T. 
Published: November 2004

Arteriolar vasomotor responses can include a component that conducts along the vessel through gap junction channels. This study examined conducted vasomotor responses in arterioles of the hypertensive hamster. The cremaster muscle of normotensive (CHF-148) and spontaneously hypertensive (CHF-H4) hamsters was exteriorized. Micropipettes containing phenylephrine (0.1 <i>M</i>) or acetylcholine (ACh; 1.0 <i>M</i>) were positioned along second-order arterioles and diameter responses were recorded locally for every 0.4 mm upstream to 1.6 mm. Substantative local constrictions to phenylephrine(PE) were poorly conducted to the 0.4-mm site in normotensive and hypertensive hamsters. Local dilation to ACh decayed by 3 ± 1 µm/mm as it conducted along arterioles of the normotensive hamster. In contrast, conducted dilation decayed by 7 ± 1 µm/mm (p < 0.05) in the hypertensive hamster. This hypertension-induced increase in decay was reversed by α-adrenergic receptor blockade (phentolamine: 1 µ<i>M</i>). However, arteriolar constriction to global α<sub>1</sub>- (PE) and α<sub>2</sub>- (clonidine) adrenergic agonists was unaffected by hypertension. Rather, sympathetic nervous activity was elevated in the hypertensive hamster as indicated by a greater reduction in arterial pressure upon sympathetic ablation (hexamethonium infusion: 30 mg/kg). This study provides the first evidence that vascular cell-cell communication is altered by the elevated sympathetic nervous activity observed in the hypertensive hamster.
Electrocardiographic Pattern as a Guide for Management and Radiofrequency Ablation of Idiopathic Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Tanner Hildegard , Wolber Thomas , Schwick Nicola , Fuhrer Juerg , Delacretaz Etienne 
Published: November 2004

<i>Background:</i> Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT) often originates from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), but foci deep to the endocardium, in the epicardium, or in the left ventricle are not uncommon. Although these extra-RVOT foci can be targeted with ablation, risks involved are higher and success rates lower. Simple electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria allowing (1) discrimination of RVOT foci from extra-RVOT foci and (2) assessment of the chance of success of a right heart ablation procedure are desirable. <i>Methods:</i> Twenty-five consecutive patients referred for radiofrequency (RF) ablation of idiopathic VT or severely symptomatic idiopathic ventricular premature contractions were included. Localization of VT origin and success rates of VT ablation in the RVOT were analyzed according to the ECG pattern. <i>Results:</i> The analysis of the R wave in V2 was the strongest single predictor of whether the VT had an RVOT or an extra-RVOT origin. An R wave amplitude ≤30% of the QRS amplitude designated the VT focus in the RVOT with positive and negative predictive values of 95 and 100%, respectively. Analysis of R wave duration in V2 had similar predictive values, whereas the R/S transition zone in precordial leads had slightly lower predictive values. Seventeen of 20 arrhythmias (85%) with an R wave amplitude ≤30% of the QRS amplitude in V2 could be successfully abolished by an exclusively right heart procedure. <i>Conclusions: </i>The analysis of ECG pattern makes it possible to guide the management of patients with idiopathic VT in predicting the arrhythmias that can be safely targeted with RF ablation from the RVOT with high success rates.
Older age does not influence CD4 cell recovery in HIV-1 infected patients receiving Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy
Authors: Tumbarello Mario , Rabagliati Ricardo , de Gaetano Donati Katleen , Bertagnolio Silvia , Montuori Eva , Tamburrini Enrica , Tacconelli Evelina , Cauda Roberto 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Diagnosis of HIV infection is recently occurring with increasing frequency in middle-aged and in older individuals. As HAART became available, a minimal beneficial effect on immunological outcome in older in respect of younger subjects has been reported. In fact, both the intensity and the rapidity of the immunological response appeared to be reduced in elderly subjects. On the contrary, only few reports have indicated a similar immunological outcome both in older and younger HIV-positive subjects. Interestingly, older age did not seem to significantly affect the long-term virological outcome of HAART treated subjects.

Methods
To characterise epidemiological and clinical features of older HIV+ subjects, a prospective case-control study was performed: 120 subjects ≥ 50 and 476 between 20 and 35 years were initially compared. Subsequently, to better define the impact of HAART on their viro-immunological response, 81 older were compared with 162 younger subjects.

Results
At baseline cases presented significantly lower TCD4+ cell number and were more frequently affected by comorbid conditions. Under HAART a statistically significant increase in TCD4+ cell number was observed in cases and controls. At multivariate analysis, there was no statistically significant difference between cases and controls regarding viro-immunological response.

Conclusions
Although older subjects present a more severe HIV infection, they can achieve, under HAART, the same viro-immunological success as the younger individuals.
Psychiatric diagnoses in 3275 suicides: a meta-analysis
Authors: Arsenault-Lapierre Geneviève , Kim Caroline , Turecki Gustavo 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
It is well known that most suicide cases meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder. However, rates of specific disorders vary considerably between studies and little information is known about gender and geographic differences. This study provides overall rates of total and specific psychiatric disorders in suicide completers and presents evidence supporting gender and geographic differences in their relative proportion.

Methods
We carried out a review of studies in which psychological autopsy studies of suicide completers were performed. Studies were identified by means of MEDLINE database searches and by scanning the reference list of relevant publications. Twenty-three variables were defined, 16 of which evaluating psychiatric disorders. Mantel-Haenszel Weighted Odds Ratios were estimated for these 16 outcome variables.

Results
Twenty-seven studies comprising 3275 suicides were included, of which, 87.3% (SD 10.0%) had been diagnosed with a mental disorder prior to their death. There were major gender differences. Diagnoses of substance-related problems (OR = 3.58; 95% CI: 2.78–4.61), personality disorders (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.38–2.95) and childhood disorders (OR = 4.95; 95% CI: 2.69–9.31) were more common among male suicides, whereas affective disorders (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.53–0.83), including depressive disorders (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.42–0.68) were less common among males. Geographical differences are also likely to be present in the relative proportion of psychiatric diagnoses among suicides.

Conclusions
Although psychopathology clearly mediates suicide risk, gender and geographical differences seem to exist in the relative proportion of the specific psychiatric disorders found among suicide completers.
Effect of 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry. (clove) on sexual behaviour of normal male rats
Authors: Tajuddin  , Ahmad Shamshad , Latif Abdul , Qasmi Iqbal Ahmad 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
The flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry. (clove) has been used in Unani medicine since ancient times for the treatment of male sexual disorders. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of 50% ethanolic extract of clove on general mating behaviour, libido, potency along with its likely gastric ulceration and adverse effects on sexually normal male albino rats.

Methods
The suspension of the extract was administered orally at the dose of 100, 250, and 500 mg / kg, to different groups of male rats (n = 6) once a day for seven days. The female albino rats involved in mating were made receptive by hormonal treatment. The general mating behaviour, libido and potency were determined and compared with the standard reference drug sildenafil citrate. The probable gastric ulceration and adverse effects of the extract were also evaluated.

Results
Oral administration of the extract significantly increased the Mounting Frequency, Intromission Frequency; Intromission Latency, Erections; Quick Flips, Long Flips as well as aggregate of penile reflexes and caused significant reduction in the Mounting Latency and Post Ejaculatory Interval. The most appreciable effect of the extract was observed at the dose of 500 mg/kg. The test drug was also found to be devoid of any conspicuous gastric ulceration and adverse effects.

Conclusion
The results indicated that the 50% ethanolic extract of clove produced a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats, without any conspicuous gastric ulceration and adverse effects. Thus, the resultant aphrodisiac effectivity of the extract lends support to the claims for its traditional usage in sexual disorders.
Imaging in situ breast carcinoma (with or without an invasive component) with technetium-99m pentavalent dimercaptosuccinic acid and technetium-99m 2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile scintimammography
Authors: Papantoniou Vassilios , Tsiouris Spyridon , Mainta Ekaterini , Valotassiou Varvara , Souvatzoglou Michael , Sotiropoulou Maria , Nakopoulou Lydia , Lazaris Dimitrios , Louvrou Androniki , Melissinou Maria , Tzannetaki Artemis , Pirmettis Ioannis , Koutsikos John , Zerva Cherry 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of the study was to retrospectively define specific features of the technetium-99m pentavalent dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-(V)DMSA) and technetium-99m 2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile (99mTc-Sestamibi [99mTc-MIBI]) distribution in ductal breast carcinoma in situ and lobular breast carcinoma in situ (DCIS/LCIS), in relation to mammographic, histological and immunohistochemical parameters.

Materials and methods
One hundred and two patients with suspicious palpation or mammographic findings were submitted preoperatively to scintimammography (a total of 72 patients with 99mTc-(V)DMSA and a total of 75 patients with 99mTc-Sestamibi, 45 patients receiving both radiotracers). Images were acquired at 10 min and 60 min, and were evaluated for a pattern of diffuse radiotracer accumulation. The tumor-to-background ratios were correlated (T-pair test) with mammographic, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics.

Results
Histology confirmed malignancy in 46/102 patients: 20/46 patients had DCIS/LCIS, with or without coexistent invasive lesions, and 26/46 patients had isolated invasive carcinomas. Diffuse 99mTc-(V)DMSA accumulation was noticed in 18/19 cases and 99mTc-Sestamibi in 6/13 DCIS/LCIS cases. Epithelial hyperplasia demonstrated a similar accumulation pattern. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for each tracer were calculated. Solely for 99mTc-(V)DMSA, the tumor-to-background ratio was significantly higher at 60 min than at 10 min and the diffuse uptake was significantly associated with suspicious microcalcifications, with the cell proliferation index ≥ 40% and with c-erbB-2 ≥ 10%.

Conclusion
99mTc-(V)DMSA showed high sensitivity and 99mTc-Sestamibi showed high specificity in detecting in situ breast carcinoma (99mTc-(V)DMSA especially in cases with increased cell proliferation), and these radiotracers could provide clinicians with preoperative information not always obtainable by mammography.
Concomitant Cisplatin Significantly Improves Locoregional Control in Advanced Head and Neck Cancers Treated With Hyperfractionated Radiotherapy
Authors: Huguenin Pia , Beer Karl T. , Allal Abdelkarim , Rufibach Kaspar , Friedli Corinne , Davis Jacques Bernard , Pestalozzi Bernhard , Schmid Stephan , Thöni Armin , Ozsahin Mahmut , Bernier Jacques , Töpfer Michael , Kann Roger , Meier Urs Richard , Thum Peter , Bieri Sabine , Notter Markus , Lombriser Norbert , Glanzmann Christoph 
Published: November 2004

Purpose To determine whether the application of two courses of cisplatin simultaneously with hyperfractionated radiotherapy improves the outcome in locally advanced and/or node-positive nonmetastatic carcinomas of the head and neck, compared with hyperfractionated radiotherapy alone. Patients and Methods From July 1994 to July 2000, 224 patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (excluding nasopharynx and paranasal sinus) were randomly assigned to hyperfractionated radiotherapy (median dose, 74.4 Gy; 1.2 Gy twice daily) or the same radiotherapy combined with two cycles of concomitant cisplatin (20 mg/m2 on 5 days of weeks 1 and 5). The primary end point was time to any treatment failure; secondary end points were locoregional failure, metastatic relapse, overall survival, and late toxicity. Results There was no difference in radiotherapy between both treatment arms (74.4 Gy in 44 days). The full cisplatin dose was applied in 93% and 71% of patients during the first and second treatment cycles, respectively. Acute toxicity was similar in both arms. Median time to any treatment failure was not significantly different between treatment arms (19 months for combined treatment and 16 months for radiotherapy only, respectively) and the failure-free rate at 2.5 years was 45% and 33%, respectively. Locoregional control and distant disease–free survival were significantly improved with cisplatin (log-rank test, P = .039 and .011, respectively). The difference in overall survival did not reach significance (log-rank test, P = .147). Late toxicity was comparable in both treatment groups. Conclusion The therapeutic index of hyperfractionated radiotherapy is improved by concomitant cisplatin.