bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensors for Catheter Applications
Authors: French P. J. , Tanase D. , Goosen J. F. L. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractMinimally invasive techniques enable diagnostics and surgery to be performed through a small incision. This greatly reduces the damage to healthy tissue leading to faster recovery times for the patient. However, the surgeon is deprived of the sensory feedback available with normal surgical techniques. Miniaturised sensors can provide this information about location, diagnostics and the treatment. This application severely limits the size of the device, with some catheters being less than 1 mm in diameter. Catheters are usually defined in multiples of 1/3 mm or 1 french. Further important issues are bio‐compatibility, safety and the ability of the sensor to withstand the working environment. Sensors able to meet these demands are improving the efficiency of operations and are opening new opportunities for minimally invasive techniques.
Microvalve for Fuel Cells and Miniature Gas Chromatographic System
Authors: Hesketh P. J. , Bintoro J. S. , Luharuka R. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractMicrovalves are important for fluid control in a variety of applications, ranging from miniaturized chemical analysis systems, to precision manufacturing and miniature fuel cells. MEMS technology provides the opportunity to miniaturize valves that work with smaller sample volume, operate rapidly with low power and can potentially be integrated with other components on a single chip. A review of actuators for microvalves is provided, including electrostatic, magnetic, piezoelectric, thermal, shape memory alloy and hydrogel. The design and simulation of a magnetic latching microvalve is provided as a case study. The fabrication by surface micromachining with low temperature, potentially CMOS compatible processing is given.
A more Efficient Starch Degradation by the Combination of Hydrolase and Transferase Activities of α‐Amylase and Cyclomaltodextrin Glucanotransferase
Authors: Moreno Alina , Saab‐Rincón Gloria , Santamaría Rosa Isela , Soberón Xavier , López‐Munguía Agustín 
Published: February 2004

Abstractα‐Amylases catalyze the hydrolysis of internal α‐(1→4) linkages of glucose polymers as their main reaction; however, some α‐amylases catalyze transfer reactions in addition to hydrolysis. It has been observed that those α‐amylases capable of transferring glycoside residues are also those that generate low molecular weight products from their action on starch (i.e. saccharifying α‐amylases). In this paper the product profiles of a liquefying α‐amylase, a cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase and both enzymes acting together on starch and maltodextrins are compared. The increase in glucose and maltose concentration, when both enzymes act together, is due to the combined action of the transfer and hydrolytic activity of CGTase and the liquefying α‐amylase, respectively.
In vitro Digestibility of Raw Starches Extracted from five Yam (Dioscorea spp.) Species Grown in Jamaica
Authors: Riley Cliff K. , Wheatley Andrew O. , Hassan Ishmael , Ahmad Mohammed H. , Morrison Errol Y. St. A. , Asemota Helen N. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractStarch granules from Round leaf yellow yam, Negro yam, Sweet yam, Bitter yam and Chinese yam grown in Jamaica were isolated and characterized. The amylose content, granular size, crystallinity, and digestibility by α‐amylase were determined. The granules obtained were of three crystalline types. Round leaf yellow yam, Negro yam and Sweet yam were found to be type‐B, while Chinese yam and Bitter yam were type‐C and type‐A, respectively. Round leaf yellow yam had the highest amylose content (26.5%) while Chinese yam had the lowest (11.1%). The granule size varied between 1–3 μm for Chinese yam and 16–42 μm for Round leaf yellow yam. Significant variations in digestibility of the granules were observed. Raw starches from Chinese yam and Bitter yam were the most susceptible to α‐amylase digestion (porcine pancreatic α‐amylase, pH 5.5, 0.02% CaCl2, 40°C, 24 h) with 21.27 ± 0.01% and 18.11 ± 0.02% degradation, respectively, while Round leaf yellow yam, Negro yam and Sweet yam starches were the least susceptible, with 13.74 ± 0.03%, 14.98 ± 0.08%, and 15.32 ± 0.04% enzymatic degradation, respectively.
Feasibility Study for Determination of the Dextrose Equivalent (DE) of Starch Hydrolysis Products with Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)
Authors: Storz Elizabeth , Steffens Klaus‐Jürgen 
Published: February 2004

AbstractStarch hydrolysis products such as maltodextrin and glucose syrup have many applications in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Several physical and functional properties, for example sweetness, compressibility and viscosity vary according to the extent of starch hydrolysis which is characterized by the dextrose equivalent (DE) value. The Pharmacopoeias use the titrimetric Lane Eynon method with alkaline Fehling's solution for determination of DE. In order to replace this empirical method, near‐infrared (NIR) calibration models for the reagent‐free determination of DE were developed. The maltodextrin model with a DE of less than 20 showed very good correlation with r = 0.97. The correlation of the extended model of maltodextrin and spray‐dried glucose syrup with a DE up to 44 was calculated to be r = 0.99. The NIR method is a very effective, rapid and non‐destructive alternative to the current pharmacopoeial procedure.
Synthesis of Starch Copolymers by Silicon Tetrachloride Plasma‐Induced Graft Polymerization
Authors: Ma Yonghui C. , Manolache Sorin , Sarmadi Majid , Denes Ferencz S. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractCorn starch was surface‐functionalized by 13.56 MHz RF SiCl4‐plasma, in situ reacted with ethylenediamine for stabilization, and subsequently graft‐polymerized using dichlorodimethylsilane as monomer. SiCl4‐plasma treatment was studied and discharge parameters were optimized. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/ESCA), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM), gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS), and differential thermal analysis/thermal gravimetry (DTA/TG) proved the presence of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) graft‐copolymer layer on the modified starch‐granule surfaces. These analyses show that the surface morphology of starch granules, the thermal properties, the swelling characteristic, and the hydrophilicity of starch were all changed due to the existence of a protective hydrophobic PDMS layer. It is suggested that the starch graft‐copolymer might find its applications as reinforcing component in silicone‐rubber materials for starch‐based composites.
Effective test case selection for component customization and its application to Enterprise JavaBeans
Authors: Yoon Hoijin , Choi Byoungju 
Published: February 2004

AbstractComponent users need to customize components they obtain from providers, because providers usually develop components for general use. Although the customization is accomplished by modifying the interface of a component, faults from customization appear when the implementation part of a component and the interfaces interact. The implementation part is a black‐box, whose source code is not available to a component user, while the interface is a white‐box, whose source code is available for customization. Therefore, customization faults should be tested using both the black‐box part and the white‐box part of a component.This paper proposes a new technique to test customization faults using software fault injection and mutation testing, and the technique is tailored to Enterprise JavaBeans. Test cases are selected by injecting faults not into the entire interface but into specific parts of the component's interface. The specific parts that are chosen control the effectiveness of the test cases. An empirical study to evaluate the technique is reported. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An AGENDA for testing relational database applications
Authors: Chays David , Deng Yuetang , Frankl Phyllis G. , Dan Saikat , Vokolos Filippos I. , Weyuker Elaine J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractDatabase systems play an important role in nearly every modern organization, yet relatively little research effort has focused on how to test them. This paper discusses issues arising in testing database systems, presents an approach to testing database applications, and describes AGENDA, a set of tools to facilitate the use of this approach. In testing such applications, the state of the database before and after the user's operation plays an important role, along with the user's input and the system output. A framework for testing database applications is introduced. A complete tool set, based on this framework, has been prototyped. The components of this system are a parsing tool that gathers relevant information from the database schema and application, a tool that populates the database with meaningful data that satisfy database constraints, a tool that generates test cases for the application, a tool that checks the resulting database state after operations are performed by a database application, and a tool that assists the tester in checking the database application's output. The design and implementation of each component of the system are discussed. The prototype described here is limited to applications consisting of a single SQL query. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring risk‐based testing and its implications
Authors: Redmill Felix 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIf software cannot be tested exhaustively, it must be tested selectively. But, on what should selection be based in order to maximize test effectiveness? It seems sensible to concentrate on the parts of the software where the risks are greatest, but what risks should be sought and how can they be identified and analysed? ‘Risk‐based testing’ is a term in current use, for example in an accredited test‐practitioner's course syllabus, but there is no broadly accepted definition of the phrase and no literature or body of knowledge to underpin the subject implied by it. Moreover, there has so far been no suggestion that it requires an understanding of the subject of risk. This paper examines what is implied by risk‐based testing, shows that its practice requires an understanding of risk, and points to the need for research into the topic and the development of a body of knowledge to underpin it. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vitamin D content in Alaskan Arctic zooplankton, fishes, and marine mammals
Authors: Kenny David E. , O'Hara Todd M. , Chen Tai C. , Lu Zhiren , Tian Xiao , Holick Michael F. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractWe postulated that dietary ingestion of vitamin D may be used by some Alaskan Arctic marine mammal species in addition to, or instead of, cutaneous production to meet nutritional requirements. Zooplankton (n=5) sampled near Kaktovik, Alaska, contained no measurable vitamin D2 or D3, but did contain provitamin D (7‐dehydrocholesterol), the cutaneous precursor for previtamin D3 in mammals. Fillets and livers from five fish species were sampled near Barrow, Alaska, and evaluated for vitamin D3 content (no vitamin D2 was detected). Differences in vitamin D3 content appeared significant (P≤0.10) among fish livers (Kruskal‐Wallis [H test]=8.25, df=4, P=0.08) and among fish fillets (H=7.80, df=4, P=0.01). We also found significant differences in several pairwise comparisons (Mann‐Whitney U‐test) of vitamin D3 levels in fillets and livers. Blubber from six species of marine mammals had no detectable vitamin D2. The H test results for blubber vitamin D3 concentration were highly significant: 28.12, df=5, P<0.001. There were also significant differences in vitamin D3 content from blubber in pairwise comparisons of primarily invertebrate feeders (bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) [mean=4.20 SD±1.10 ng/g], and Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) [5.43±2.82 ng/g]) vs. primarily piscivorous feeders (ringed seal (Phoca hispida) [746.57±493.00 ng/g] and beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) [426.00±174.92 ng/g]) and a semiaquatic terrestrial carnivore (polar bear (Ursus maritimus) [406.17±311.70 ng/g]). The bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) had intermediate blubber vitamin D3 concentration (156.83±139.25 ng/g), which may reflect an intermediate‐type feeding strategy or an artifact of the small sample size. Zoo Biol 23:33–43, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful artificial insemination of an Asian elephant at the National Zoological Park
Authors: Brown Janine L. , Göritz Frank , Pratt‐Hawkes Nancy , Hermes Robert , Galloway Marie , Graham Laura H. , Gray Charlie , Walker Susan L. , Gomez Andres , Moreland Rachel , Murray Suzan , Schmitt Dennis L. , Howard JoGayle , Lehnhardt John , Beck Benjamin , Bellem Astrid , Montali Richard , Hildebrandt Thomas B. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractFor decades, attempts to breed elephants using artificial insemination (AI) have failed despite considerable efforts and the use of various approaches. However, recent advances in equipment technology and endocrine‐monitoring techniques have resulted in 12 elephants conceiving by AI within a 4‐year period (1998–2002). The successful AI technique employs a unique endoscope‐guided catheter and transrectal ultrasound to deliver semen into the anterior vagina or cervix, and uses the “double LH surge” (i.e., identifying the anovulatory LH (anLH) surge that predictably occurs 3 weeks before the ovulatory LH (ovLH) surge to time insemination. This study describes the 6‐year collaboration between the National Zoological Park (NZP) and the Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany, that led to the refinement of this AI technique and subsequent production of an Asian elephant calf. The NZP female was the first elephant to be inseminated using the new AI approach, and was the fifth to conceive. A total of six AI trials were conducted beginning in 1995, and conception occurred in 2000. Semen was collected by manual rectal stimulation from several bulls in North America. Sperm quality among the bulls was variable and was thus a limiting factor for AI. For the successful AI, semen quality was good to excellent (75–90% motile sperm), and sperm was deposited into the anterior vagina on the day before and the day of the ovLH surge. Based on transrectal ultrasound, ovulation occurred the day after the ovLH surge. Pregnancy was monitored by serum and urinary progestagen, and serum prolactin analyses in samples collected weekly. Fetal development was assessed at 12, 20, and 28 weeks of gestation using transrectal ultrasound. Elevated testosterone measured in the maternal circulation after 36 weeks of gestation reliably predicted the calf was a male. Parturition was induced by administration of 40 IU oxytocin 3 days after serum progestagens dropped to undetectable baseline levels. We conclude that AI has potential as a supplement to natural breeding, and will be invaluable for improving the genetic management of elephants, provided that problems associated with inadequate numbers of trained personnel and semen donors are resolved. Zoo Biol 23:45–63, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of behavioral factors influencing reproductive success and failure in captive giant pandas
Authors: Zhang Guiquan , Swaisgood Ronald R. , Zhang Hemin 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) breeding center in Wolong, China, has experienced a recent dramatic increase in reproduction, with the population nearly tripling in the past 7 years. Much of this success comes from the development of behavioral management strategies, guided by the application of scientific knowledge. Here we present statistics that illuminate where reproductive problems have occurred, and discuss remedial actions taken with individual animals. During each year of this study (1996–2000), 93% of the females experienced estrus, 72% copulated, and 51% gave birth. Two‐thirds of the males mated each year. Most instances of mating failure were attributed to male behavior. In nearly half of mating failures, the male mounted but did not copulate. In about one‐third of mating failures, the male lacked sexual motivation, and showed excessive aggression 20% of the time. The males varied, and some were more likely to show interest in estrous females in neighboring enclosures and/or mate successfully during introductions. Copulation time was unrelated to reproductive success, but more insemination events (matings and artificial inseminations (AIs) combined) may be related to twinning. We suspect that temperament, stress, and husbandry practices play a role in isolated cases of reproductive failure in females, both pre‐ and postcopulation. Pregnancy or conception failure occurred in 35% of females inseminated naturally or through artificial insemination (AI). Behavioral management at Wolong is holistic and emphasizes biological relevance, including enrichment and well‐being, intensive monitoring of signs of estrus, and male–female familiarization and olfactory communication during the mating season. Zoo Biol 23:15–31, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trends in the captive breeding of threatened and endangered birds in British zoos, 1988–1997
Authors: Whitfort Harriet L. , Young Robert J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess trends in captive breeding of threatened and endangered bird species in British zoos. The measures we recorded were: 1) the total number of species held, 2) the percentage of species held that are listed in the IUCN Red List, 3) the percentage of endangered species breeding, and 4) the number of species in managed breeding programs. These data were gathered from the bird inventories of 10 representative British zoos for the years 1988 and 1997. The data for measures 1–3 were compared between the 2 years using a Wilcoxon matched‐pairs test. We found that the zoos maintained the same number of species (W=10.5; n=10; P=0.093; median=87.5 and 78 for 1988 and 1997, respectively). However, there was a significant increase in the number of birds held that fit each of the IUCN's conservation categories (Endangered: W=43.0; n=10; P<0.05, median=1.48 and 6.64 for 1988 and 1997, respectively; Vulnerable: W=53.0; n=10; P<0.05, median=3.33 and 10.05 for 1988 and 1997, respectively; and Rare: W=55.0; n=10; P<0.01, median=0.00 and 8.33 for 1988 and 1997, respectively). Overall, the percentage of threatened species kept in zoos increased from a median of 4.81 in 1988 to 25.02 in 1997. During this period there was an increase in the number of species in each category of the IUCN Red List. No difference was found in the number of threatened species breeding between 1988 and 1997. Zoo Biol 23:85–89, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iodine deficiency affects hatchability of endangered captive kaki (Black Stilt, Himantopus novaezelandiae)
Authors: Sancha Emily , Heezik Yolanda van , Maloney Richard , Alley Maurice , Seddon Philip 
Published: February 2004

AbstractA significant increase in hatching and late‐incubation deaths during two breeding seasons in a captive population of endangered black stilts (kaki, Himantopus novaezelandiae) prompted an investigation into the potential role of iodine deficiency. During the 1997 and 1998 breeding seasons, the survival rate of captive‐laid eggs during artificial incubation and hatching was lower than that of eggs laid by wild kaki, which were collected and incubated artificially in the same environment. Necropsy results revealed abnormalities in thyroid structure. These abnormalities had been occurring in captive birds since 1994, but they peaked in 1997 and 1998 at 30% and 81%, respectively, of all diagnosed necropsies. Necropsies of pied stilts, hybrids, and one kaki from the wild revealed no thyroid abnormalities. Gross morphological symptoms observed at hatching in chicks that died were consistent with those described for iodine deficiency in poultry. Serum levels of thyroxine (T4) were considerably higher in wild pied stilts and hybrid chicks than in captive adult, subadult, and kaki chicks. In five individuals from the captive population, serum levels increased after about 160 days of iodine supplementation and approached values in the wild. The constraints associated with working with such a critically endangered species (e.g., small sample size and an urgent need to effect changes) precluded the use of an experimental approach to determine the role iodine deficiency played in peri‐hatching deaths. However, we believe the evidence presented here strongly supports a case for the impact of iodine on survival within the captive population. Our experience also highlights the need for vigilance in captive programs with respect to potential dietary deficiencies when endangered species are raised in captivity for conservation purposes. Zoo Biol 23:1–13, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to quantitate serum ferritin in the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus)
Authors: Andrews Gordon A. , Chavey Patricia Sue , Mazzaro Lisa M. , Dunn J. Lawrence , Aubin David J. St. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractSerum ferritin concentration correlates with tissue iron stores in humans, horses, calves, dogs, cats, and pigs. Serum ferritin is considered the best serum analyte to predict total body iron stores in these species, and is more reliable than serum iron or total iron‐binding capacity, both of which may be affected by disorders unrelated to iron adequacy or excess (including hypoproteinemia, chronic infection, hemolytic anemia, hypothyroidism, renal disease, and drug administration). Iron overload has been documented to result in hemochromatosis in captive northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus); therefore, we developed an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure serum ferritin in this species. The assay uses two murine anti‐canine ferritin monoclonal antibodies in a sandwich arrangement that was originally used in an ELISA to measure serum ferritin in dogs. Ferritin isolated from fur seal liver was used as a standard. Ferritin standards were linear from 0 to 50 ng/ml. Recovery of purified ferritin from fur seal serum varied from 89% to 99%. The within‐assay variability was 6%, and the assay‐to‐assay variability for two different samples was 10% and 16%. Zoo Biol 23:79‐84, 2004.© 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.