bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening test model using duration of labor for the detection of postpartum urinary retention
Authors: Yip Shing‐Kai , Sahota Daljit , Pang Man‐Wah , Chang Allan 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAimsTo construct a screening test model for postpartum urinary retention (PUR), using the duration of labor, which was shown to be the risk factor for PUR.MethodsA group of 691 consecutive patients were recruited at postpartum day 1. Of the 691 patients, 101 (14.6%) had PUR. The 691 patients were computer‐randomized into two groups, ‘A’ and ‘B.’ A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed for Group A to determine the optimum cutoff value for screening PUR using the duration of labor. The cutoff value was then applied to Group B to determine the screening test characteristics of the duration of labor: sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios.ResultsAn ROC curve with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.63 (95% CI 0.57–0.69, P < 0.0001) was constructed. A range of cutoff values (with specificity ranging from 0.60 to 0.99) for the duration of labor was determined and the test characteristics computed. According to the test characteristics the optimal cutoff value for the duration of labor was 700 min. This cutoff value for the duration of labor has a specificity of 0.95, negative predicative value of 0.86, and likelihood ratio for a positive test of 0.88.ConclusionA screening test model using the duration of labor can be constructed to predict PUR. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: clinical aspects
Authors: Bianchetti Angelo , Trabucchi Marco 
Published: March 2005

AbstractNon cognitive symptoms are almost always present in dementia with important consequences for patients and caregivers quality of life. Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) are heterogeneous and varied in relation to the stage of the demetia and to the aetiology. Treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia represent an important challenge, and non pharmacological and pharmacological approach needs. Antidepressant and neuroleptics are the most frequently used drugs in the treatment of BPSD, even if the number of well designed controlled studies are limited. A variety of different forms of environmental and rehabilitative interventions showed efficacy on BPSD.
Advance on the diagnostic potential of biological markers in the early detection of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Borroni Barbara , DiLuca Monica , Cattabeni Flaminio , Padovani Alessandro 
Published: March 2005

AbstractHere we summarise current knowledge about biological markers available for early Alzheimer Disease detection. In fact delineating disease process from “normal ageing” may be difficult in the very early stages; in later stages of the disease distinguishing Dementia of Alzheimer Type from a number of neurodegenerative diseases associated with dementia may also be troublesome.
The potential role played by artificial adaptive systems in enhancing our understanding of Alzheimer disease: The experience gained within Italian Interdisciplinary network on Alzheimer disease
Authors: Grossi Enzo , Buscema Massimo 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe author describes a refiguration of medical thought which originate from non linear dynamics and chaos theory. The coupling of computer science and these new theoretical bases allows the creation of “intelligent” agents (Artificial Adaptive Systems AAS) able to adapt themselves dynamically to problem of high complexity like Alzheimer Disease. ASS are able to reproduce the dynamical interactio of multiple factors simultaneously, allowing the study of complexity; they can also draw conclusions on individual basis and not as average trends. In the last years of co‐operation between ITINAD, Bracco Medical Department and Semeion Research Centre different kinds of experiments have been performed with ANNs in Alzheimer Disease context. The specific application of ANN in most cases is original, and has followed two principal aims: –prediction of outcome or diagnosis in individual patients; –data mining of complex data sets. Several examples of applications will be described.
Second‐trimester maternal serum screening for Down syndrome in in vitro fertilization pregnancies
Authors: Rice Jennifer D. , McIntosh Sarah F. , Halstead Anne C. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectivesTo examine whether second‐trimester maternal serum triple marker screening results differ between in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies and naturally conceived pregnancies.MethodsSecond‐trimester maternal serum triple marker screening results from 88 IVF pregnancies were compared with 596 naturally conceived pregnancies (controls). Controls were matched to each IVF pregnancy by maternal age, gestational age and date of blood collection. All pregnancies in the study were known to have normal outcome. Multiple of the median (MoM) levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), unconjugated estriol (uE3) and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), and the false‐positive rate for Down syndrome were compared between the two groups.ResultsNo statistically significant differences in analyte levels or in Down syndrome false‐positive rate were observed between the IVF and naturally conceived pregnancies.ConclusionIVF patients can be counselled about maternal serum triple marker screening in the same manner as patients with naturally conceived pregnancies. There is no evidence to support the general use of analyte correction factors in the interpretation of second‐trimester maternal serum screen results in IVF pregnancies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ionic Reactions of Chlorinated Volatile Organic Compounds in Air Plasma at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Marotta Ester , Scorrano Gianfranco , Paradisi Cristina 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: Results of the ionic reactivity in air plasma at atmospheric pressure of several important chlorinated VOCs are reported and discussed. These VOCs include saturated (CH2Cl2, CHCl3, CCl4, CH2ClCH2Cl, CHCl2CH3), unsaturated (trichloroethene, Cl2CCHCl) and aromatic (chlorobenzene, C6H5Cl) chloro‐substituted hydrocarbons. The experiments were conducted with a commercial mass spectrometer consisting of a quadrupolar mass analyzer interfaced to an APCI (Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization) ionization source, which uses a corona discharge at atmospheric pressure for the production of a non‐thermal plasma. Some experiments were also conducted with a triple quadrupole mass analyzer in order to study the reactions of specific ions singled out from the plasma on the basis of their characteristic mass/charge ratio. The organic chlorides examined display a few common reactions, such as, most importantly, reductive dissociation to Cl−, but also some ionic reaction channels which are peculiar to the structural features of the specific VOC. Particularly interesting, among the various processes observed and studied, are ionic reactions which might play an important role in the plasma induced oxidative decomposition of VOCs in treatment applications and which involve water, either as the neutral or as the ionic reagent (H3O+), and O.Positive APCI mass spectra of CCl4 in synthetic air recorded at (a) 30 °C and ΔV = 1 V, (b) 30 °C and ΔV = 150 V and (c) 300 °C and ΔV = 150 V.magnified imagePositive APCI mass spectra of CCl4 in synthetic air recorded at (a) 30 °C and ΔV = 1 V, (b) 30 °C and ΔV = 150 V and (c) 300 °C and ΔV = 150 V.
Negative Coronas: Meaning of Conditioning
Authors: Laan Matti , Repän Villu 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: The paper clarifies the reasons for long‐term memory effects observed in the case of the low current mode of negative corona. It was found that the temporal changes of the corona characteristics depend on electrode coating, temperature, airflow rate and intensity of UV radiation triggering the discharge. These experimental findings are explained on the basis of the recently developed emission model. Finally, a procedure of the conditioning that guarantees a satisfactory reproducibility of experimental results, is described.Temporal changes of the photo‐induced current; arrows indicate the moments when UV radiation was switched on/off; airflow rate −4.4 m · s−1.magnified imageTemporal changes of the photo‐induced current; arrows indicate the moments when UV radiation was switched on/off; airflow rate −4.4 m · s−1.
Non‐Thermal Plasma‐Based Technology for Soil Treatment
Authors: Stryczewska Henryka D. , Ebihara Kenji , Takayama Masahiro , Gyoutoku Yutaka , Tachibana Masahiro 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactors of differing configuration, having a high‐voltage electrode in the form of a screw or pyramid, have been investigated as a potential source of soil treatment agents (ozone and nitric oxide). A special geometry of the high‐voltage electrode allows a relatively large ozone concentration to be obtained both from air and oxygen, which can be controlled by the gas flow rate, cooling conditions, and value and frequency of the supply voltage with reasonable generation efficiency. These results are compared with those generated by a commercially available surface discharge reactor. The resultant properties of treated soils are characterized, such as acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), and content of moisture (pF), nitrogen (NH4N, NO3N), minerals (P2O5, K2O, CaO, MgO, Fe, Mn), and total bacteria and fungi.The variation of ozone concentration with supply voltage for each of the electrodes studied here.magnified imageThe variation of ozone concentration with supply voltage for each of the electrodes studied here.
Oxidant Formation and the Decomposition of Organic Compounds in Foaming Systems
Authors: Pawłat Joanna , Ihara Satoshi , Yamabe Chobei , Pollo Iwo 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: A foaming apparatus for gas treatment is proposed. Despite a small amount of required liquid, the foaming column can be used not only for polluted gas treatment, but also for a specific type of water and for wastewater purification. In general, the electrical discharge may be applied directly to the foam, partly consisting of pollutant, or before or after the foaming zone or both. In the experiments proposed here, electrical discharge was only used within the foam. Sufficient amounts of various oxidants, high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (about 50 mg/l), gaseous ozone, dissolved ozone and hydroxyl radicals, were generated using pulse power supply. The reactor was then used for the acetaldehyde treatment and to remove color of wastewaters caused by various pollutants, such as indigo blue, indigo carmine, methylene blue and humic acids.Cylindrical foaming column (A) and photograph of the reactor (B).magnified imageCylindrical foaming column (A) and photograph of the reactor (B).
Editorial: race, religion and the census
Authors: Howard David , Hopkins Peter E. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe inclusion of a question on religion in the 2001 Census in the UK has renewed interest in the relationship between empirical measurement and the assessment of religious and racialised affiliation. The authors discuss the context of this current debate and introduce a collection of four papers which address these issues. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative stability of radicals derived from artemisinin: A semiempirical and DFT study
Authors: Arantes C. , De Araujo M. T. , Taranto A. G. , De M. Carneiro J. W. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe semiempirical AM1 and PM3 methods, as well as the density functional (DFT/B3LYP) approach using the 6‐31g(d) basis set, were employed to calculate the relative stability of intermediate radicals derived from artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone having an endoperoxide bridge that is essential for its antimalarial activity. The compounds studied have their nonperoxidic oxygen atom of the trioxane ring and/or the carbonyl group replaced by a CH2 unit. Relative stabilities were calculated by means of isodesmic equations using artemisinin as reference. It was found that replacement of oxygen atoms decreases the relative stability of the anionic radical intermediates. In contrast, for compounds with inverted stereochemistry the intermediate radicals were found to be more stable than those with the artemisinin‐like stereochemistry. These relative stabilities may modulate the antimalarial potency. Radicals centered on carbon are always more stable than the corresponding radicals centered on oxygen. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Stereoscopic video images for telerobotic applications
Authors: Ferre Manuel , Aracil Rafael , Navas Manuel 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis article addresses the use of stereoscopic images in teleoperated tasks. Depth perception is a key point in the ability to skillfully manipulate in remote environments. Displaying three‐dimensional images is a complex process but it is possible to design a teleoperation interface that displays stereoscopic images to assist in manipulation tasks. The appropriate interface for image viewing must be chosen and the stereoscopic video cameras must be calibrated so that the image disparity is natural for the observer. Attention is given to the calculation of stereoscopic image disparity, and suggestions are made as to the limits within which adequate stereoscopic image perception takes place. The authors have designed equipment for image visualization in teleoperated systems. These devices are described and their performance evaluated. Finally, an architecture for the transmission of stereoscopic video images via network is proposed, which in the future will substitute for current image processing devices. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Projective virtual reality as a basis for on‐line control of complex systems‐not only‐over the internet
Authors: Freund Eckhard , Rossmann Jürgen 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAlready in 1994 the termProjective Virtual Realitywas coined and a first implementation was used to control a complex multirobot system in Germany over the Internet from California. Building on this foundation, the general aim of the development of virtual reality technology for automation applications at the Institute of Robotics Research (IRF) today is to provide the framework forProjective Virtual Realityfor a broad range of applications. The general idea ofProjective Virtual Realityis to allow users to “project” actions carried out in the virtual world into the real world by means of robots or other means of automation. The framework is based on a task‐oriented approach which builds on the “task deduction” capabilities of a newly developed virtual reality system and a task planning component. The advantage of this approach is that robots which work at great distances from the control station can be controlled as easily and intuitively as robots that work right next to the control station. Robot control technology now provides the user in the virtual world with a “prolonged arm” into the physical environment, thus paving the way for intuitive control of complex systems over the Internet—and in general for a new quality of user‐friendly man‐machine interfaces for automation applications. Lately, this work has been enhanced by a new structure that allows one to distribute the virtual reality application over multiple computers on a network. With this new feature, it is now possible for multiple users to share the same virtual room, although they may physically be thousands of miles apart. They only need an Internet connection to share this new experience. Lately, the network distribution techniques have been further developed to not just allow users to cooperate over networked PCs but also to be able to set up a panorama projection or a cave running of a networked cluster of PCs. This approach cuts down the costs for such a high‐end visualization environment drastically and allows for a new range of applications. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developmental growth in students' concept of energy: Analysis of selected items from the TIMSS database
Authors: Liu Xiufeng , McKeough Anne 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop a model of students' energy concept development. Applying Case's (1985, 1992) structural theory of cognitive development, we hypothesized that students' concept of energy undergoes a series of transitions, corresponding to systematic increases in working memory capacity. The US national sample from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) database was used to test our hypothesis. Items relevant to the energy concept in the TIMSS test booklets for three populations were identified. Item difficulty from Rasch modeling was used to test the hypothesized developmental sequence, and percentage of students' correct responses was used to test the correspondence between students' age/grade level and level of the energy concepts. The analysis supported our hypothesized sequence of energy concept development and suggested mixed effects of maturation and schooling on energy concept development. Further, the results suggest that curriculum and instruction design take into consideration the developmental progression of students' concept of energy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Globalisation and science education: Rethinking science education reforms
Authors: Carter Lyn 
Published: March 2005

AbstractLike Lemke (J Res Sci Teach 38:296–316, 2001), I believe that science education has not looked enough at the impact of the changing theoretical and global landscape by which it is produced and shaped. Lemke makes a sound argument for science education to look beyond its own discourses toward those like cultural studies and politics, and to which I would add globalisation theory and relevant educational studies. Hence, in this study I draw together a range of investigations to argue that globalisation is indeed implicated in the discourses of science education, even if it remains underacknowledged and undertheorized. Establishing this relationship is important because it provides different frames of reference from which to investigate many of science education's current concerns, including those new forces that now have a direct impact on science classrooms. For example, one important question to investigate is the degree to which current science education improvement discourses are the consequences of quality research into science teaching and learning, or represent national and local responses to global economic restructuring and the imperatives of the supranational institutions that are largely beyond the control of science education. Developing globalisation as a theoretical construct to help formulate new questions and methods to examine these questions can provide science education with opportunities to expand the conceptual and analytical frameworks of much of its present and future scholarship. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of fetal anemia in pregnancies with red‐cell alloimmunization: comparison of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity and amniotic fluid OD450
Authors: Bullock R. , Martin W. L. , Coomarasamy A. , Kilby M. D. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the accuracy of Doppler velocimetry (middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, MCA‐PSV) and amniocentesis (amniotic fluid delta optical density 450 (OD450)) for the detection of fetal anemia against the gold standard of fetal blood sampling (FBS).MethodsThirty‐eight pregnancies were identified to be at risk of fetal anemia from immune causes between January 2000 and May 2002. In a cross‐sectional diagnostic accuracy study, MCA‐PSV and amniotic fluid delta OD450 values were plotted on reference charts and compared to an FBS obtained within the subsequent 7 days. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used and the area under the curve (AUC) calculated to compare the overall accuracy of the two tests. Sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios for positive (LR+) and negative (LR−) test results were generated for specific thresholds of MCA‐PSV and delta OD450.ResultsFor MCA‐PSV (n = 38), the AUC was 0.71 (95% CI 0.57–0.85) and for amniotic fluid delta OD450 (n = 22) it was 0.68 (95% CI 0.49–0.87) compared with FBS within 7 days. Sensitivity, specificity and LR+, LR− for MCA‐PSV were 64%, 81%, 3.4 and 0.5, respectively, and 53%, 71%, 1.9 and 0.7 for amniotic fluid OD450, respectively.ConclusionMCA‐PSV and OD450 have similar test accuracy in detecting fetal anemia. MCA‐PSV is non‐invasive and therefore presents no risk of miscarriage or preterm labor and thus is a preferable method of screening for fetal anemia. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deletion of PDE2, the gene encoding the high‐affinity cAMP phosphodiesterase, results in changes of the cell wall and membrane in Candida albicans
Authors: Jung Won Hee , Warn Peter , Ragni Enrico , Popolo Laura , Nunn Christopher D. , Turner Michael P. , Stateva Lubomira 
Published: March 2005

AbstractA role for the cAMP‐dependent pathway in regulation of the cell wall in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has recently been demonstrated. In this study we report the results of a phenotypic analysis of a Candida albicans mutant, characterized by a constitutive activation of the cAMP pathway due to deletion of PDE2, the gene encoding the high cAMP‐affinity phosphodiesterase. Unlike wild‐type strains, this mutant has an increased sensitivity to cell wall and membrane perturbing agents such as SDS and CFW, and antifungals such as amphotericin B and flucytosine. Moreover, the mutant is characterized by an altered sensitivity and a significantly reduced tolerance to fluconazole. The mutant's membrane has around 30% higher ergosterol content and the cell wall glucan was 22% lower than in the wild‐type. These cell wall and membrane changes are manifested by a considerable reduction in the thickness of the cell wall, which in the mutant is on average 60–65 nm, compared to 80–85 nm in the wild‐type strains as revealed by electron microscopy. These results suggest that constitutive activation of the cAMP pathway affects cell wall and membrane structure, and biosynthesis, not only in the model yeast S. cerevisiae but also in the human fungal pathogen C. albicans. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality‐of‐life measurement in chronic heart failure: do we take account of the patient perspective?
Authors: Dunderdale Karen , Thompson David R. , Miles Jeremy N.V. , Beer Stephen F. , Furze Gill 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe modern management of chronic heart failure has led to improved life expectancy, functioning and health‐related quality of life (HRQL). HRQL measures the effects of an illness or a treatment from the patient's perspective. It is now recognised that the patient's perspective is as legitimate and valid as the clinician's in monitoring health care outcomes. Although there are a number of quality‐of‐life measures, which can be separated into two types—generic and disease specific—many have been developed, with little or no account being taken of the patient's perspective. Because most of the widely used measures are not patient centred, they may lack sensitivity and specificity in determining those aspects of HRQL important to individual patients.This paper reviews the use of quality‐of‐life assessment tools in the evaluation of patients with heart failure.