bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twist and its effect on ACL graft forces
Authors: Arnold M. P. , Blankevoort L. , Ham A. ten , Verdonschot N. , van Kampen A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractGraft tension is a controversial topic in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Evidence suggests a narrow range of graft tensions, which allow the graft to remodel to a stable and mature neoligament. In previous cadaver experiments, we showed that twisting the graft could modulate the graft forces. In this study we hypothesized that the same phenomena would be found in patients, and that twisting the graft intraoperatively can reduce peak forces in the graft.The effects of twist on graft forces in bone–patellar tendon–bone grafts were measured during anterior cruciate ligament surgery on 15 consecutive patients using a custom‐made tension‐measurement device. Variations in surgical procedure that could potentially affect the graft force patterns were quantified. Graft force as a function of knee‐flexion angle was measured with the graft in the neutral, untwisted position and repeated with the tibial bone block rotated externally or internally by 180°.In eight of the 15 knees, external twisting of the graft reduced the maximal graft force to 50%. However, in five knees the forces in extension increased by twisting to a maximum of 300%. Of the surgical variables, only the femoral tunnel position appeared to have a consistent effect on the graft force pattern.Due to the unpredictable effect of graft twisting, a general recommendation on whether the graft should be twisted, and if so, in which direction, cannot be given. Intraoperatively, graft twisting may however be considered in every individual knee to modulate the graft force as a function of flexion angle. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Vascular pathologic changes in the flexor tenosynovium (subsynovial connective tissue) in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Jinrok Oh , Zhao Chunfeng , Amadio Peter C. , An Kai‐Nan , Zobitz Mark E. , Wold Lester E. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe used the Verhoeff‐van Gieson stain method to identify histopathology and to localize elastin in the subsynovial connective tissue of the tendon sheath (SSCT) of the middle finger flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) within the carpal tunnel in 10 carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients and 10 control cadaver specimens. Normal SSCT stained for elastin abundantly around blood vessels and within vessel walls. The typical pathologic findings of CTS patients SSCT included vascular proliferation, vascular hypertrophy, and vascular obstruction with wall thickening. There was a decreased amount of elastin in the blood vessel walls and around the vessels in the CTS patients as well. The changes in the carpal tunnel patients were particularly remarkable in that the patients were younger than the controls, yet showed findings more characteristic of chronic degeneration. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published y Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Pressure pain tolerance at different sites on the quadriceps femoris prior to and following eccentric exercise
Authors: Baker S.J. , Kelly N.M. , Eston R.G. 
Published: April 2004

Downhill running, particularly for the untrained subject, is a mode of eccentric exercise that produces delayed‐onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the quadriceps femoris muscle which is maximal between 24 and 72 h after the exercise. It is not clear whether sensitivity to pain is uniform over the surface of the muscle, or whether some locations become more sensitive following eccentric exercise. The purpose of this investigation was to compare pressure pain tolerance (PPTO) at various sites on the quadriceps femoris muscle on 2 days prior to exercise, immediately after, and at 24, 48 and 72 h following a bout of eccentric exercise. Fifteen untrained female subjects performed a 40 min downhill run on a motorized treadmill with a gradient of −12%, where running speed was adjusted to elicit a heart rate of approximately 60% of age‐related maximum heart rate reserve, and were measured for PPTO at seven sites on the right thigh. Sites were visited sequentially three times and repeated on each of 6 days. Pressure pain tolerance as an index of tenderness was determined using a strain gauge algometer. Two sites were close to the distal myotendinous junction, three sites were located on the mid belly of the muscle and two sites were located at the proximal myotendinous junction.There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in PPTO between muscle sites prior to eccentric exercise (Days 1 and 2), and a significant difference between sites following eccentric exercise (p < 0.01). Sites close to the distal and proximal myotendinous junction were most sensitive to pain (p < 0.01). There was no difference in PPTO at any site across the belly of the muscle. These results suggest that the belly of the quadriceps femoris is the most suitable area for measurement of PPTO.
Predictors of veterans' participation in cognitive–behavioral group treatment for PTSD
Authors: Kutter Catherine J. , Wolf Erika J. , McKeever Victoria M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIncreasingly effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have led to dramatic improvements in the lives of many trauma survivors; however, a significant subgroup of individuals with PTSD avoids mental health treatment. Little is known about the features distinguishing those who participate in treatment from those who do not. We analyzed archival clinical data from 197 male veterans who were evaluated in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center PTSD clinic. We found greater PTSD severity associated with initial enrollment and continued participation in a PTSD group treatment program, and we noted few differences on other background and symptom measures. These preliminary findings suggest possible directions for future research in this area, which may have implications for enhancing service delivery to individuals with PTSD.
Phaedo of Elis and Plato on the Soul
Authors: Boys-Stones George 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPhaedo of Elis was well-known as a writer of Socratic dialogues, and it seems inconceivable that Plato could have been innocent of intertextuality when, excusing himself on the grounds of illness, he made him the narrator of one of his own: the Phaedo. In fact the psychological model outlined by Socrates in this dialogue converges with the evidence we have (especially from fragments of the Zopyrus) for Phaedo's own beliefs about the soul. Specifically, Phaedo seems to have thought that non-rational desires were ineliminable epiphenomena of the body, that reason was something distinct, and that the purpose of philosophy was its 'cure' and 'purification'. If Plato's intention with the Phaedo is to assert the separability and immortality of reason (whatever one might think about desire and pleasure), then Phaedo provides a useful standpoint for him. In particular, Phaedo has arguments that are useful against the 'harmony-theorists' (and are the more useful rhetorically speaking since it is only over the independence of reason that Phaedo disagrees with them). At the same time as allying himself with Phaedo, however, Plato is able to improve on him by adding to the demonstration that reason is independent a proof that it is actually immortal.
Neurocognitive impairment influences quality of life in HIV-infected patients receiving HAART
Authors: Tozzi V , Balestra P , Murri R , Galgani S , Bellagamba R , Narciso P , Antinori A , Giulianelli M , Tosi G , Fantoni M , Sampaolesi A , Noto P , Ippolito G , Wu A W 
Published: April 2004

The objective of the study was to determine the association of neurocognitive impairment with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Seventy subjects were cross-sectionally analysed with a standardized neuropsychological test battery and a questionnaire including an Italian translation of the MOS-HIV Health Survey. The presence of neurocognitive impairment was significantly associated with lower HRQoL scores: pain ( P = 0.03), physical functioning ( P = 0.01), role functioning ( P = 0.01), social functioning ( P = 0.029), mental health ( P = 0.001), energy ( P = 0.036), health distress ( P = 0.002), cognitive functioning ( P = 0.05), current health perception ( P <0.001), physical health summary score (PHS) ( P = 0.005), mental health summary score (MHS) ( P = 0.002). Years of education (odds ratio [OR] 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-0.96), PHS (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.54-0.95) and MHS (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.51-0.88) were also associated with cognitive impairment. Neurocognitive impairment in patients receiving HAART was associated with reduced HRQoL. Identifying cognitive impairment may provide motivation for additional treatment to help patients to compensate for deficits in functioning.
Characteristics of sexual partners and STD infection among American adolescents
Authors: Ford Kathleen , Lepkowski James M 
Published: April 2004

Adolescents are a high risk group for HIV infection and the characteristics of their partners may affect their susceptibility to infection. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of partner characteristics on sexually transmitted disease (STD) infection in a national sample of adolescents. Data from 8,024 sexually active adolescents who participated in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) in the United States were included in this study. Logistic models were used to examine the association of partner characteristics including age, neighbourhood, ethnicity, and school attendance on the self-report history of STD infection. The partner characteristics of age and school attendance were associated with the reporting of STD infection. The odds ratio for STD infection was 1.46 (95% confidence interval (CI) (1.22-1.75), P < 0.01) if the adolescent's partner was two or more years older and 1.37 (95% CI (1.16-1.62), P < 0.01) if the partner did not attend the adolescent's school. The odds ratios for having an older partner were also significant and positive for eight different STDs. Partner characteristics were associated with STD infection among American adolescents. Counselling is needed in clinics that serve adolescents to raise awareness of the risk of infection in these relationships and to improve skills in condom negotiation and use.
Quantitative Surface Analysis of Urban Airborne Particles by X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Atzei Davide , Rossi Antonella 
Published: April 2004

AbstractX‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used to determine the species present in urban particulate matter collected in the city of Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy) and in an industrial area near to Cagliari. Samples were collected on both cellulose and glass fiber filters. Elemental identification, chemical state and quantitative analyses of the examined samples indicated the presence of Na3AlF6, SiO2 and Al2O3 in the ratio 2:2:5, carbon and oxygen being the major components. The results obtained on NIST SRM 1648 urban particulate matter, before and after grinding, are also presented.
Evaluation of a Fibre Optic Device in Solution Equilibria Studies. Application to 3‐Hydroxybenzoic Acid Ionization
Authors: Crisponi Guido , Caredda Alessandra , Cristiani Franco , Diaz Angelo , Nurchi Valeria Marina , Pinna Rosalba , Pivetta Tiziana , Silvagni Roberta 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe use of a fibre optic device for spectrophotometric measurements in solution equilibria studies is presented. In particular the precision obtainable with such equipment is evaluated as a function of different experimental conditions, such as path length, averaging time and stirring of the solution. Analysis of 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid ionization is presented to assess the results obtained in the study of an equilibrium system.
A Study of the Dielectric Behaviour and the Liquid Structure of a Ternary Solvent System
Authors: Cocchi Marina , Franchini GianCarlo , Marchetti Andrea , Pigani Laura , Seeber Renato , Tassi Lorenzo , Ulrici Alessandro , Zanardi Chiara , Zannini Paolo 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe static dielectric constant of the {DMF(1) + ME(2) + DME(3)} ternary mixtures was measured as a function of temperature (25 ≤ t/°C ≤ 80) and composition, over the whole mole fraction range 0 ≤ x1, x2, x3 ≤ 1. The experimental values were processed by an empirical equation accounting for the dependence ϵ = ϵ(T, ϕi;), where ϕı is the volume fraction of the components. A comparison between calculated and experimental data shows that this fitting relationship can be effectively employed to predict ϵ values in correspondence to experimental data gaps. Starting from the experimental measurements, some derived quantities such as molar polarisation (P), and excess counterpart (PE) were obtained. Both the excess properties, ϵE and PE, take values partly positive and partly negative under all experimental conditions. The values of the excess quantities are indicative of the presence of specific interactions among different components in the mixtures.
Identification and Semi‐Quantitative Determination of Gum Arabic in Wines by GC‐MS and Size Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: Gallina Albino , Fiorese Elisa , Pastore Paolo , Magno Franco 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA method for the identification and the semi‐quantitative determination of the food additive gum Arabic in wines is described. Tests carried out on solutions spiked with known amounts of wine and gum Arabic polysaccharides allowed to define the suitable conditions for their quantitative precipitation and size exclusion analysis. CG‐MS analyses of the different recovered fractions allowed to discriminate between gum Arabic and wine polysaccharides through the identification of glucose and mannose present only in wine polysaccharides. The proposed method was based on the wine polysaccharides free peak area obtained by size exclusion chromatography. The same cut‐off time was always used both in the preparation of the calibration plot and in the analysis of the real samples. Gum Arabic was determined in a ratio of 1/10 w/w with wine polysaccharides with a detection limit of 0.074 mg ml‐1 which is lower than the lowest gum Arabic amount usually added into wines. Owing to the moderately low natural variability of the gum Arabic standards the described procedure is suitable for a semi‐quantitative analysis even if its accuracy allowed a quite reliable determination of the gum Arabic amount usually added to wine.
Working without Accumulation Membrane in Flow Fieldflow Fractionation. Effect of Sample Loading on Retention
Authors: Melucci Dora , Zattoni Andrea , Casolari Sonia , Reggiani Matteo , Sanz Ramses , Reschiglian Pierluigi , Torsi Giancarlo 
Published: April 2004

AbstractMembraneless hyperlayer flow field‐flow fractionation (Hyp FlFFF) has shown improved performance with respect to Hyp FlFFF with membrane. The conditions for high recovery and recovery independent of sample loading in membraneless Hyp FlFFF have been previously determined. The effect of sample loading should be also investigated in order to optimize the form of the peaks for real samples. The effect of sample loading on peak retention parameters is of prime importance in applications such as the conversion of peaks into particle size distributions. In this paper, a systematic experimental work is performed in order to study the effect of sample loading on retention parameters. A procedure to regenerate the frit operating as accumulation wall is described. High reproducibility is obtained with low system conditioning time.
Analytical Characterization of Poly(Pyrrole‐3‐Carboxylic Acid) Films Electrosynthesised on Pt, Ti and Ti/Al/V Substrates
Authors: De Giglio Elvira , Losito Ilario , Dagostino Francesco , Sabbatini Luigia , Zambonin Pier Giorgio , Torrisi Alberto , Licciardello Antonino 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWith the aim of developing a polymeric multilayer film for application in advanced biomaterials, as a first step poly(pyrrole‐3‐carboxylic acid) films (abbreviated as PPy‐3‐carbox) were electropolymerised from pyrrole‐3‐carboxylic acid solutions by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry on platinum, titanium and Ti90Al6V4 substrates and characterised both electrochemically (cyclic voltammetry) and spectroscopically (X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, XPS). Electrochemical experiments showed that the potential range adopted for electropolymerization affects the polymer electroactivity, by analogy with unsubstituted polypyrrole. The combination of conventional and chemical derivation‐ XPS provided information on PPy‐3‐carbox surface structure, showing no significant difference between films grown on different substrates and an increase of the COOH groups amount (one group over three pyrrole rings, as an average) with respect to unsubstituted polypyrrole (PPy), as expected. Finally, a preliminary Time‐of‐Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) investigation was performed in order to get further information on the polymer structure and electroactivity.
Complexes of Copper(II) with Adenosine or Guanosine Nucleosides, Nucleotides 5'‐Monophosphate, 2'‐Deoxynucleosides or 2'‐Deoxynucleotides 5'‐Monophosphate in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Daniele Pier G. , Prenesti Enrico , Berto Silvia , Zelano Vincenzo , Aruga Roberto 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn this paper copper(II) complex formation in aqueous solution with a series of nucleosides (adenosine or guanosine) or nucleotides 5'‐monophosphate is studied by means of potentiometry, visible spectrophotometry and ultraviolet circular dichroism. A chemical model has been formulated for each binary system (at T = 25 °C and I = 0.1 M), with particular attention to the interaction in the basic field. A spectrum (both visible absorption and ultraviolet circular dichroism) for each complex with a significant percentage of formation (in the adopted experimental conditions) has been calculated, allowing structural details to be hypothesised. The interaction with deprotonated alcoholic group(s) of the ribose moiety has been found to be fundamental in determining the co‐ordination chemistry of each ligand considered while cases of co‐operation between the purine and ribose donor(s) were also considered. Confirmations were also obtained by an investigation on the corresponding 2'‐deoxy compounds as ligands.
The Formal Redox Potential of the Yb(III, II) Couple at 0 °C in 3.22 Molal NaCl Medium
Authors: Amorello Diana , Romano Vincenzo , Zingales Roberto 
Published: April 2004

AbstractFollowing our previous investigations on aqueous solutions of hypooxidized and iperoxidized species, we managed, by lowering the temperature of the solutions to 0 °C, to obtain, by electrochemical methods, Yb(II) and Yb(III) mixtures, enough stable to determine by a potentiometric method the formal redox potential of the Yb(III, II) couple. Its value, in a large range of total Ytterbium concentration, is − 1233 ± 3 mV against the molal hydrogen electrode in the 3.22 m NaCl medium.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Atmosphere: Monitoring, Sources, Sinks and Fate. II: Sinks and Fate
Authors: Vione Davide , Barra Silvia , de Gennaro Gianluigi , de Rienzo Massimo , Gilardoni Stefania , Perrone Maria Grazia , Pozzoli Luca 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis paper reviews the transformation processes that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) undergo in the atmosphere. These processes can take place both in the gas phase and in the particulate/aerosol one. Among the gas‐phase processes, the most important ones are the daytime reaction with •OH and the nighttime reaction with •NO3. The relative importance of the two processes depends on the particular PAH molecule. For instance, gaseous naphthalene is mainly removed from the atmosphere upon reaction with •OH, while gaseous phenanthrene is mainly removed by reaction with •NO3. Oxy‐, hydroxy‐, and nitro‐PAHs are the main transformation intermediates. Reaction with ozone and photolysis play a secondary role in the transformation of gaseous PAHs. The particle‐associated processes are usually slower than the gas‐phase ones, thus the gas‐phase PAHs usually have shorter atmospheric lifetimes than those found on particulate. Due to the higher residence time on particulate when compared with the gas phase, direct or assisted photolysis plays a relevant role in the transformation of particle‐associated PAHs. Among the other processes taking place in the condensed phase, nitration plays a very important role due to the health impact of nitro‐PAHs, some of them being the most powerful mutagens found so far in atmospheric particulate extracts.
Evaluation of Purification Procedures of DNA from Maize‐Meal Samples by Exploiting Different Analytical Techniques for the Assessment of DNA Quality
Authors: Vanni Adriano , Anfossi Laura , Giovannoli Cristina , Oddenino Leila , Giraudi Gianfranco 
Published: April 2004

AbstractTwo different approaches generally applied to achieve purification of DNA extracted from cells were compared: precipitation by organic solvents and enzymatic treatments. We investigated various experimental protocols reported in literature by evaluating DNA purity, integrity and yield. Reliability of analytical techniques normally employed to assess DNA purity and quantity was studied and comments and conclusions were suggested by comparing results obtained by different analytical techniques. Enzymatic treatments prove to be unable of increasing DNA purity while determining a significant degradation. In contrast, optimised conditions for solvent precipitation enabled a sharp increase of DNA purity to be obtained, associated with the maintenance of the initial DNA integrity. The application of the optimised protocol to maize‐meal samples allowed us to achieve a good PCR amplification even with those samples which gave poor amplification by following the protocol recommended by the Italian legislation in force for GMO detection in food.
Characterization of n‐Alkanes and PAHS in PM10 Samples in Prato (Italy)
Authors: Cincinelli Alessandra , Stefani Andrea , Seniori Costantini Stefano , Lepri Luciano 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis study reports the characterization of n‐alkanes and PAHs in 13 PM10 samples collected in the South area of Prato (Italy) during the period April‐July 2002. n‐Alkanes concentrations ranged between 9, 45 and 182, 64 ng/mc while PAHs concentrations ranged from 3, 058 to 22, 048 ng/mc. No correlation was evidenced between benzo(a)pirene and PM10 concentrations. Total carbonaceous aerosol was also measured and it meanly accounted for 21, 5% of the PM10 mass ranging from 12, 4% to 27, 1%.
The Acidic Constants of 2‐Hydroxybenzohydroxamic Acid in NaClO4 Solutions at 25°C
Authors: Ciavatta Liberato , de Tommaso Gaetano , Iuliano Mauro 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe protolysis equilibria of 2‐hydroxybenzohydroxamic acid, H2SAX, have been studied at 25°C in different ionic media by potentiometric titration with a glass electrode. The media were 0.513, 1.05, 2.21 and 3.5 mol/kg NaClO4. The constants β‐p(H2SAX⇌ H2‐pSAX‐p+pH+), combined with salting effects of NaClO4 on H2SAX deduced from solubility determinations, were processed by the specific interaction theory, SIT, to give equilibrium constants at infinite dilution, log β‐1° = ‐ 7.655±0.013 and log β‐2° = ‐17.94±0.04, as well as specific interaction coefficients b(HSAX‐, Na+) = 0.12±0.01 and b(SAX2‐, Na+) = 0.17±0.02, molal‐1.