bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Reported Data: Reliability and Role in Determining Program Effectiveness
Authors: Zaremba Maryann M , Willhoite Beth , Ra Knut
Published: March 2007

This study was conducted to assess the reliability of self-reported hospitalization data, as well as the appropriateness of using self-reported data in evaluating the effectiveness of the Maine Ambulatory Diabetes Education and Follow-Up (ADEF) program. A Maine Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BC/BS) inpatient claims file was used as the reference source to verify self-reported hospitalization data. For a sample of 99 BC/BS subscribers who attended the ADEF program, 77% of the study participants accurately self-reported hospitalization patterns over a 12-mo time period before attending the education program, and 81% of the participants accurately self-reported hospitalization patterns during a posteducation follow-up time period. The reference BC/BS claims data documented a reduction in hospitalizations for the study participants similar to that reported using the ADEF self-reported hospitalization data. The Maine Diabetes Control Project used the self-reported hospitalization data in combination with selected reference claims data to secure third-party reimbursement for the Maine ADEF Program.
The Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Women with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Forland Marvin , Thomas Virginia L
Published: March 2007

Forty-five women with diabetes mellitus and urinary tract infections have been followed an average of 34 mo on treatment protocols based on localization of infection as determined by the presence or absence of antibody-coated bacteria (ACB). Treatment was usually, but not exclusively, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Two weeks of oral therapy was equally efficacious to 6 wk of treatment in asymptomatic women with antibody-coated bacteria (ACB)-positive infection in eradicating bacteriuria. Recurrences in all groups were predominantly reinfections with differing serotypes or species of microorganisms. The sustained remission rate (fractional extraction) after initial treatment was similar to other reported groups, but possibly less efficacious with recurrences. Suppressive therapy with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for repeated recurrences effectively prevented infection but provided no posttreatment benefit. A high prevalence of underlying structural genitourinary tract abnormalities, usually detectable on pelvic examination, and which were not direct consequences of diabetes mellitus, were possible contributing factors to recurrent infection in this patient group. Progressive elevation in serum creatinine in seven patients with initial ACB-positive infections appeared to relate more closely to diabetic nephropathy rather than chronic pyelonephritis. ACB-positivity correlated well with elevated serum antibody titers and the presence of underlying anatomic abnormalities, but ACB categorization did not lead to improved therapeutic strategy or outcome and hence was of limited clinical usefulness.
The Relationship of Maternal Age on Gestational Diabetes
Authors: McFarland Kay F , Case Christine A
Published: March 2007

This study was performed to examine the relationship between maternal age and serum glucose levels during pregnancy, and to determine if glucose screening could be eliminated in very young women without significantly compromising the detection rate of gestational diabetes mellitus. All women between the 24th and 28th wk of gestation who were followed in a university-affiliated prenatal clinic had a screening glucose level drawn 1 h after ingesting 50 g glucose. Those who had a 1-h serum glucose of > 150 mg/dl subsequently underwent a 3-h glucose tolerance test. There was a progressive increase in screening serum glucose levels and a significantly higher incidence of diabetes with increasing maternal age. Only 4% of women < 20 yr had a positive screen and 8% of these had gestational diabetes. If screening had not been done in those < 20 yr, only 5% (2/36) of women with gestational diabetes would not have been detected.
How Accurate Are Insulin Mixtures Prepared by the Patient?
Authors: Berne Christian , Eriksson Gunnar , Lundgren Per
Published: March 2007

The accuracy of mixing two types of insulin in one syringe was studied in 41 insulin-dependent diabetic patients who prepared a mixture of two fluids (saline and sterile water) with either a disposable, 1-ml plastic syringe with a fixed needle, i.e., with a small dead space, or one equipped with a separate needle. Syringes with fixed needles delivered the two components very accurately and were associated with only slight wastage of insulin of 0.011 ml per injection. The syringe with a separate needle delivered 0.033–0.065 ml more than the intended dose of the “first insulin” and correspondingly less of the intended dose of the “second insulin,” since the total dose delivered was approximately correct. The magnitude of the insulin wastage of two daily injections was calculated to be 64 ml per patient annually, which could be reduced to 8 ml per patient if fixed needles were used. It is therefore recommended that patients preparing mixtures of two insulins in the same syringe abandon syringes with separate needles.
Use of Plaster Casts in the Management of Diabetic Neuropathic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Boulton A J M , Bowker J H , Gadia M , Lemerman R , Caswell K , Skyler J S , Sosenko J M
Published: March 2007

Neuropathic foot ulceration is a major medical and economic problem among diabetic patients, and the traditional treatment involves bed rest with complete freedom from weight-bearing. We have investigated the use of walking plaster casts in the management of seven diabetic patients with longstanding, chronic plantar ulcers. Although all ulcers healed in a median time of 6 wk, this therapy was not without side effects, which are described in detail. We conclude that casting is a useful therapy for neuropathic ulcers, although several clinic visits, including cast removal and foot inspection, are necessary to avoid potential side effects caused by the casting of insensitive feet.
Evaluation of a New Radioimmunoassay for Urinary Albumin
Authors: Brodows Robert G , Nichols Diane , Shaker George , Kubasik Norman P
Published: March 2007

We have evaluated a new commercially available radioimmunoassay kit for albumin determination in urine. The assay is precise; within-run precision (CV) in the clinically significant ranges is 1.8–3.5%, between-run, 1.2–8.5%. The minimum detection limit was 0.6 μg/ml. Analytic recovery of different concentrations of albumin added to urine ranged from 98% to 103%. Samples, stored in plastic containers, were stable at room temperature for periods up to 7 days. Mean albumin excretion rates, measured in 20 normal volunteers for 3-h and 24-h periods during the same day were similar (7.1 ± 4.6 [SD] versus 6.5 ± 5.0 μg/min). In 8 normal subjects, 3-h excretion rates measured daily for 5 days showed no significant variability. In eight insulin-dependent diabetic subjects, albumin excretion measured in short periods of urine collection (3 h) were also in close agreement with 24-h collections (24-7 ± 28.9 versus 17.6 ± 18 μg/min). From these results it appears that this commercially available kit is suitable for conveniently monitoring microalbuminuria in large numbers of patients in research studies as well as for office practice. Such widespread use should make it possible to better determine the clinical usefulness of this test in the management of diabetic patients.
Subjective Symptoms, Blood Glucose Estimation, and Blood Glucose Concentrations in Adolescents With Diabetes
Authors: Freund Anne , Johnson Suzanne Bennett , Rosenbloom Arlan , Alexander Barrie , Hansen Carolyn Apperson
Published: March 2007

Twenty-five adolescent campers with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) completed a Symptom Rating Checklist and estimated their blood glucose (BG) immediately before having their BG assessed four times daily for 11 days. Consistent relationships between BG and symptoms were not identified when the data were analyzed for the group as a whole. However, when each camper's data were analyzed separately, 23 of the 25 adolescents had at least one significant glycemia-symptom (G-S) correlation. Each camper seemed to have a unique G-S pattern; only one symptom (hungry) was significantly related to BG for more than half of the youngsters studied. Almost all of the significant G-S correlations were indicative of low rather than high BG. However, when asked, few campers were able to accurately identify which symptoms were reliably associated with low or high BG. In this study, different measures of BG estimation error led to different results. The percent of estimates ±20% of the actual BG value (55% in this study) was strongly influenced by the actual BG reading because higher BG values have larger accuracy ranges than lower BG concentrations. When estimated BG was simply subtracted from actual BG, under- and overestimates canceled each other out, resulting in an unusually small estimated error (5 mg/dl in this investigation). The absolute difference score ignores the direction of estimation error, but may more accurately reflect patients' average estimation error (68 mg/dl in this study). When actual and estimated BG values were correlated for the group as a whole, the patients appeared to be highly accurate at estimating BG (r = ·93, P < ·0001). However, when the same correlational analysis was conducted for each individual camper, BG estimation accuracy appeared substantially reduced (mean r = ·51) and varied greatly from camper to camper (range r = ·06-·80). The type of estimation error was also strongly influenced by the actual BG value. Low (<70 mg/dl) anid middle (70–150 mg/dl) range readings were often overestimated, while higher BG values (>150 mg/dl) were frequently underestimated. In the sample studied, campers with lower mean BG were better able to correctly identify hypoglycemic symptoms and made more accurate BG estimates than their more poorly controlled peers. However, BG estimation accuracy was unrelated to G-S patterns and to camper awareness of G-S patterns; this suggests that campers were not using internal symptoms to estimate BG.
Twice-Daily Mixed Regular and NPH Insulin Injections With New Jet Injector Versus Conventional Syringes: Pharmacokinetics of Insulin Absorption
Authors: Hallé Jean-Pierre , Lambert Jean , Lindmayer Istvan , Menassa Karim , Coutu Francine , Moghrabi Albert , Legendre Lise , Legault Claudine , Lalumière Gaston
Published: March 2007

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a jet injector in a split and mixed regular and NPH insulin regimen and to compare serum glucose and free-insulin profiles obtained with the injector and the conventional syringe and needle. Twelve insulin-dependent diabetic patients were hospitalized for 5 days. After a stabilization day, six patients received their insulin injection with the injector for 2 days and with the syringe and needle for the following 2 days; the regimen was reversed for theother six patients. Diet, exercise, and insulin dosage remained constant. The serum glucose levels with the injector were consistently lower than those obtained with the syringe at all times of the day except at 5:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., when mean values were similar for both treatments. Free-insulin levels were higher with the injector from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These findings suggest that insulin absorption is faster and possibly greater with the injector than with the syringe. When switching from a syringe to an injector insulin program, insulin dose adjustment may be necessary.
Management of Obese Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: Comparison of Advice Education With Group Management
Authors: White N , Carnahan J , Nugent C A , Iwaoka T , Dodson M A
Published: March 2007

The purpose of our study was to compare the effect on diabetes control of group management with the advice-educational technique traditionally used in managing obese outpatients with poorly controlled non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Forty-one patients were randomly assigned to these two treatment programs, and 32 patients completed the 6-mo study. Initially, patients were seen for 1-h sessions at 1- and 2-wk intervals and later at 1-mo intervals. Patients were asked to do home blood glucose monitoring, decrease caloric intake, increase exercise, and if they were taking insulin, to adjust the dose to attain approximate euglycemia and to stabilize food and exercise patterns. The combined groups reduced mean ± SD glycohemoglobin from 10.9 ± 3.1 to 9.4 ± 2.4% (P < .05). Internal Health Locus of Control Scale was negatively and significantly correlated with initial and subsequent glycohemoglobin values (the more internal, the lower the glycohemoglobin). At the end of the study the patients in the group management program had significantly lower blood glucose levels than those given advice and education, but no significant differences in glycohemoglobin values or percentage overweight were observed. One patient had a normal initial glycohemoglobin, and only 4 patients had values in the normal range of 4–6.8% at the end of the study. Better management programs need to be developed for treating obese outpatients with NIDDM.
comparative Approaches to Risk Reduction of Coronary Heart Disease in Tecumseh Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Population
Authors: Smith D A
Published: March 2007

Analysis of 182 Tecumseh residents with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and 364 controls matched for age and sex demonstrates increased levels of relative weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol in the diabetic group but similar smoking habits for the two groups. Consequently, the risk for acquiring coronary heart disease (CHD) in the next 8 yr calculated by the Framingham logistic regression equation shows a marked increase in risk for both men and women with diabetes (relative risk = 1.3 and 1.9, respectively). This calculated risk for CHD incidence predicts actual deaths from CHD, cardiovascular disease, and all causes in diabetic individuals in the succeeding 15 yr.

Baseline levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking in the NIDDM population were hypothetically reduced according to results achieved in recent coronary-risk intervention trials. Average population risk for CHD incidence was recalculated and compared with new risk estimates calculated by hypothetically eliminating diabetes in various proportions of the population. Crude estimates suggest that realistic attempts to lower one, two, or three coronary risk factors in the population would reduce calculated CHD risk equivalent to eliminating diabetes in 20, 40, and 60% of the population, respectively.
The Answer to Weight Loss Is Easy—Doing It Is Hard!
Authors: Franz Marion J.
Published: March 2007

IN BRIEF

Although the number of people dieting continues to increase, the rate of obesity also continues to increase. The latest solution is the high-protein (or, more accurately, high-fat), low-carbohydrate diet. People lose weight while following this diet, but there is no evidence that the weight lost is maintained over the long term. In addition, the diet eliminates whole categories of foods known to have health benefits—fruits, whole-grains, vegetables, and milk. Energy restriction, not manipulation of macronutrients, is associated with weight reduction in the short term. Because we do not yet know how to maintain weight loss over the long-term, diabetes care providers should advise patients to eat healthfully, be physically active, and keep food and blood glucose records.
ABCs of Diabetes Research
Authors: Bardsley Joan K. , Passaro Maureen
Published: March 2007

IN BRIEF

This article describes the major studies in the field of diabetes, which are most commonly known by their acronyms. Studies dealing with prevention, cardiovascular disease in diabetes, genetic linkages, and treatment are highlighted. Descriptions of study design, outcomes when available, and funding sources are provided. Information is also provided about participating in upcoming studies.
Diabetes Management and Exercise in Pregnant Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Harris George D. , White Russell D.
Published: March 2007

IN BRIEF

Pregnancy in patients with diabetes is associated with an increased incidence of congenital anomalies for fetuses and spontaneous abortions in women with poor glycemic control. Normalizing blood glucose concentrations before and early in pregnancy can reduce these risks to levels of the general population. To improve outcomes, pregnant women with type 2 diabetes should plan their pregnancies, maintain good metabolic control of their diabetes,exercise, and take folate daily.
Identification of environmental factors affecting the prevalence of insect bite hypersensitivity in Shetland ponies and Friesian horses in the Netherlands
Authors: VAN GREVENHOF E. M. , DUCRO B. , HEUVEN H. C. M. , BIJMA P.
Published: March 2007

Reasons for performing study: It is expected that climate and habitat factors influence the prevalence of culicoides and, therefore, the prevalence of insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), but very little is described in the literature to prove the association of these factors. Prevalence varies widely from 3% in certain areas of Great Britain to 60% in certain parts of Australia.

Objectives: To describe the influence of environmental factors on the prevalence of IBH in Shetland ponies and Friesian horses in the Netherlands.

Methods: Data on 3284 Shetland and 2824 Friesian mares (n = 6108) were collected in the Netherlands, based on 90 regions, according to postal codes. The climate components, amount of rainfall, number of warm days, number of cold days, and habitat components of soil type and type of vegetation were collected for each region.

Results: Prevalence of IBH varied widely from 0–71.4% per region. The results showed that the environment with low IBH‐prevalence had high rainfall, many cold days and few warm days per year. Habitats with a low IBH‐prevalence were based along the coast line. Habitats with increasing prevalence of IBH had soils of clay with heather and woody vegetation. Friesian mares had a higher IBH prevalence than Shetland mares, which could indicate an effect of genetic background or an effect of year.

Conclusions: There is an environmental effect on IBH prevalence within the Netherlands, which is caused by climate and habitat factors.

Potential relevance: The results provide a more accurate description of environmental factors and their impact on development of IBH; and should help better to understand habitat and climate effects, and to distinguish these from other effects, such as animal factors (genetics, age or sex).
Parenteral nutrition in foals: a retrospective study of 45 cases (2000–2004)
Authors: KRAUSE J. B. , III H. C. MCKENZIE
Published: March 2007

Reasons for performing study: Adequate nutritional support of sick foals in critical care is an important aspect of treatment. When enteral feeding is contraindicated, parenteral nutrition (PN) provides a source of energy and protein. However, no study has critically assessed the use of PN in a large group of foals.

Objective: The administration of PN to clinically ill foals was examined retrospectively to determine the effects of PN formulation and variables on the incidence of PN‐associated complications and outcome.

Hypotheses: There was no effect of PN formula on 1) the occurrence or type of complications; 2) of PN formula on outcome; 3) of disease severity on the occurrence or type of complications; and 4) of disease severity on outcome.

Methods: Medical records of 45 foals, presented to the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, which received PN, were reviewed for the years 2000–2004.

Results: The indications for PN were recumbency, depression or gastrointestinal conditions. Formulation of PN was not associated with the development of complications, and there was no association of PN formula with patient survival. Disease severity was positively associated with the development of PN complications and the occurrence of PN complications was associated with an increased risk of nonsurvival.

Conclusion and potential relevance: The use of lipid‐containing PN solutions facilitates the delivery of energy to the critically‐ill foal without increasing the risk of deleterious side effects. Severely ill foals are more prone to develop complications associated with PN and to have a poor outcome.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Review of implicated genetic factors
Authors: Weese‐Mayer Debra E. , Ackerman Michael J. , Marazita Mary L. , Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth M.
Published: March 2007

Genetic studies in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) have been motivated by clinical, epidemiological, and/or neuropathological observations in SIDS victims, with subsequent pursuit of candidate genes in five categories: (1) genes for ion channel proteins based on electrocardiographic evidence of prolonged QT intervals in SIDS victims, (2) gene for serotonin transporter based on decreased serotonergic receptor binding in brainstems of SIDS victims, (3) genes pertinent to the early embryology of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) (and with a link to the 5‐HT system) based on reports of ANS dysregulation in SIDS victims, (4) genes for nicotine metabolizing enzymes based on evidence of cigarette smoking as a modifiable risk factor for SIDS, and (5) genes regulating inflammation, energy production, hypoglycemia, and thermal regulation based on reports of postnatal infection, low birth weight, and/or overheating in SIDS victims. Evidence for each of these classes of candidate genes is reviewed in detail. As this review indicates, a number of genetically controlled pathways appear to be involved in at least some cases of SIDS. Given the diversity of results to date, genetic studies support the clinical impression that SIDS is heterogeneous with more than one entity and with more than one possible genetic etiology. Future studies should consider expanded phenotypic features that might help clarify the heterogeneity and improve the predictive value of the identified genetic factors. Such features should be evaluated to the extent possible in both SIDS victims and their family members. With 2,162 infants dying from SIDS in 2003 in the U.S. alone, and improved but still imperfect parent and caretaker compliance with known modifiable risk factors for SIDS, it behooves clinicians, researchers, and parents to combine efforts to reach a common goal. The message of the “Back to Sleep” campaign needs to be re‐introduced/re‐engineered to reach families and caretakers of all ethnic groups. Clinicians and researchers need to gently inform new SIDS parents about the opportunity to contribute tissue to the NICHD‐funded University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank. By expanding the network of clinicians, scientists, and families working together, and by combined efforts in a collaborative multi‐center study of candidate genes and/or genomics, the discovery of the genetic profile of the infant at risk for SIDS can ultimately be determined. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Properties of anionic polymerized ε‐caprolactam in the presence of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kelar Krystyna , Jurkowski Boleslaw
Published: March 2007

The results of the investigations of the relations between structure, physical and usage properties of polyamide 6 (PA6) reinforced with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are presented. A method of in situ anionic bulk polymerization of ε‐caprolactam in the presence of MWNTs was used for the preparation of reinforced PA6. The polymerization product was crushed, and the pellets of PA6 and PA6/MWNTs composites were injection molded to produce the standard test specimens for various measurements. The surface morphology (SEM), thermal (DSC, TGA, DMTA), and mechanical properties (tensile strength, Charpy's notched impact strength) of these materials were examined. Some differences between our specimens and those obtained by hydrolytic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam (CL) were found. It was found that a small amount of carbon nanotube decreases the crystallinity degree of PA6 matrix in the composites. The thermal stability was higher than that for neat PA6. DMTA results showed that the magnitudes of the storage modulus are higher for the PA6/MWNTs composites than for the unmodified PA6 in the temperature range between −90 and 200°C. The tensile strength and tensile modulus are higher compared with the neat PA6. The elongation at break showed no noticeable change in the range of MWNTs loading considered, while the Charpy's notched impact strength slightly decreased. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Concentration of benzylpenicillin sodium by polyimide nanofiltration membrane
Authors: Shi Baoli , Zhang Qianru , Zhang Hongfeng , Liu Zhiguo , Zhang Xiucheng
Published: March 2007

In this work, a nanofiltration membrane prepared from soluble polyimide (HQDPA‐DMMDA) was used to concentrate benzylpenicillin sodium solutions at 10 and 14°C. Three benzylpenicillin sodium solutions with the concentration of 7.2, 13.0, and 19.7 g/L were used. The pressure varied from 0.5 to 2.0 MPa. The rejection reached 85% for the solution of 19.7 g/L under 2.0 MPa. To the solution of 7.2 g/L, the largest permeation flux was 9.5 kg/m2 h. Temperature had a slight influence on flux, but the influence on rejection was complicated. A sharp increasing phenomenon of rejection appeared under 0.5 MPa when the concentration was 19.7 g/L. This was elucidated by Martínez‐Landeira's works on benzylpenicillin's colloids. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Crystallinity variations in the double yield region of polyethylene
Authors: Manzur Angel , Rivas Juan I.
Published: March 2007

Numerous specimens of a linear low density polyethylene sample were uniaxially deformed up to different elongations to study the double yield phenomenon. Extruded samples were analyzed to calculate the crystallinity and to estimate the mean crystal size, under stressed state and released state (after removal of the stress), using the wide angle X‐ray scattering technique. The crystallinity degree and the mean crystal dimension associated to the (110) orthorhombic reflection of the specimen without deformation were of 55% and 16 nm. These parameters in the stressed state, as functions of the elongation, presented a multi‐step behavior. A decrement after the first yield point (48%, 13 nm), then another decrement, and an abrupt increment followed by a decrement at higher strain values around the second yield point (28, 40, and 30%; 12, 14.5, and 11 nm). The behavior was more notorious in the stressed state than in the released state. The latter results were interpreted in terms of a partial melting followed by a recrystallization process. These experimental findings show that the second yield is not only associated with the deformation of the crystalline region. This partial melting–recrystallization process is one of the main mechanisms of the double yield phenomenon. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Hydrogen‐bond acidic polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane filled polymer coatings for surface acoustic wave sensors
Authors: Hartmann‐Thompson Claire , Keeley Douglas L. , Dvornic Petar R. , Keinath Steven E. , McCrea Keith R.
Published: March 2007

A series of novel polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane nanofiller compounds functionalized with hydrogen‐bond acidic sensor groups was prepared, characterized by IR, 1H‐, 13C‐ and 29Si‐NMR, and MALDI‐TOF MS, and formulated into polymer coatings for 500 MHz surface acoustic wave sensor platforms. Sensor responses to the explosives simulant dinitrotoluene and to the nerve agent simulant dimethyl methylphosphonate were studied, and the performances of the polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane formulations were compared with those of conventional hydrogen‐bond acidic linear surface acoustic wave sensor polymers carrying the same sensor groups. The polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane formulations gave good initial responses to the simulants, maintained 40–65% of their original response over a period of 6 months and maintained their sensitivity down to a simulant vapor concentration of 1 ppb v. The surface compositions of the surface acoustic wave sensor coatings were characterized by sum frequency generation spectroscopy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Children as architects of Web directories: An exploratory study
Authors: Bar‐Ilan Judit , Belous Yifat
Published: March 2007

Children are increasingly using the Web. Cognitive theory tells us that directory structures are especially suited for information retrieval by children; however, empirical results show that they prefer keyword searching. One of the reasons for these findings could be that the directory structures and terminology are created by grown‐ups. Using a card‐sorting method and an enveloping system, we simulated the structure of a directory. Our goal was to try to understand what browsable, hierarchical subject categories children create when suggested terms are supplied and they are free to add or delete terms. Twelve groups of four children each (fourth and fifth graders) participated in our exploratory study. The initial terminology presented to the children was based on names of categories used in popular directories, in the sections on Arts, Television, Music, Cinema, and Celebrities. The children were allowed to introduce additional cards and change the terms appearing on the 61 cards. Findings show that the different groups reached reasonable consensus; the majority of the category names used by existing directories were acceptable by them and only a small minority of the terms caused confusion. Our recommendation is to include children in the design process of directories, not only in designing the interface but also in designing the content structure as well.
Stability of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and its fluorinated derivative in rat plasma
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Bowman Phillip D. , Kerwin Sean M. , Stavchansky Salomon
Published: March 2007

The stability of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and its fluorinated derivative (FCAPE) in rat plasma and conditions preventing their degradation are reported. Reverse‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using taxifolin as an internal standard was applied for the quantitative determination of CAPE and FCAPE in rat plasma extracted with ethyl acetate. The assay was validated over a linear range of 0.25–10 µg/mL plasma (r2> 0.9990,n= 3). No endogenous interferences were observed in the chromatographic region of interest. The limits of quantification and detection were set at 0.25 and 0.1 µg/mL, respectively. The precision ranged from 0.7 to 13.7% for CAPE, and from 0.4 to 10.4% for FCAPE. Accuracy ranged from −2.8 to 12.4% for CAPE and from −0.6 to 6.8% for FCAPE. The stability was conducted at 4, 25 and 37°C. First‐order kinetics was observed for the degradation of CAPE and FCAPE. The energies of activation of CAPE and FCAPE were found to be 17.9 and 20.1 kcal/mol, respectively. Addition of 0.4% of sodium chloride and pH adjustment to 6 prevented their degradation in rat plasma for 24 h and at least one month at −20°C. This study provides useful information for the future pharmacokinetic study of CAPE and FCAPE in rat. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric assay for the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor emtricitabine in human plasma
Authors: Sparidans Rolf W. , Prins Jan M. , Schellens Jan H.M. , Beijnen Jos H.
Published: March 2007

A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric assay for the determination of the antiretroviral nucleoside emtricitabine in human plasma was developed and validated using a simple sample pre‐treatment procedure. After addition of 5′‐deoxy‐5‐fluorocytidine as the internal standard and protein precipitation with acetonitrile, the supernatant was directly injected in the isocratic chromatographic system using a polar embedded reversed‐phase column and formic acid in water–methanol as the eluent. The eluate was completely led into an electrospray interface with positive ionization and the analytes were quantified using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The assay was validated in the range 5–5000 ng/mL. Intra‐day precisions were ≤7% and inter‐day precisions were ≤10%. Accuracies between 92 and 99% were found. The analytes were chemically stable under all relevant conditions and the assay was applied in the analysis of plasma samples of HIV‐infected patients treated with the drug. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Substituent Effects on the Low‐Frequency Vibrational Modes of Benzoic Acid and Related Compounds
Authors: Ge Min , Zhao Hong‐Wei , Wang Wen‐Feng , Yu Xiao‐Han , Li Wen‐Xin
Published: March 2007

Well‐resolved absorption spectra of benzoic acid and its derivatives with one hydrogen atom replaced by a substituent group CH3, OH, NH2 or NO2 were reported in the frequency region between 6 and 67 cm−1 at room temperature with terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS). These substances can be distinguished easily based on the terahertz absorption spectra. The measurements suggested that even minor changes in the molecular configuration and chemical composition lead to distinct differences in THz spectrum. Density functional theory (DFT) method was used to assist the analysis and assignment of the individual THz absorption spectra of benzoic acid and its methyl derivatives. Observed THz responses of samples can be assigned to the collective vibrations associated with intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
Investigation on Concentrated V(IV)/V(V) Redox Reaction by Rotating Disc Voltammetry
Authors: Wen Yue‐Hua , Zhang Hua‐Min , Qian Peng , Ma Hai‐Peng , Yi Bao‐Lian , Yang Yu‐Sheng
Published: March 2007

The kinetic characteristics of the concentrated V(IV)/V(V) couple have been studied at a glassy carbon electrode in sulfuric acid using rotating‐disc electrode and cyclic voltammetry. The kinetics of the V(IV)/V(V) redox couple reaction was found to be electrochemically quasi‐reversible with the slower kinetics for the V(V) reduction than that for the V(IV) oxidation. And, dependence of diffusion coefficients and kinetic parameters of V(IV) species on the V(IV) and H2SO4 concentration was investigated. It is shown that the concentration of active species V(IV) should be over 1 mol·L−1 for the redox flow battery application. Further, with increasing the V(IV) and H2SO4 concentration, the diffusion coefficients of V(IV) were gradually reduced whereas its kinetics was improved considerably, especially in the case of V(IV) and H2SO4 up to 2 and 4 mol·L−1.
Synthesis of Furano[3,2‐c]‐ and Pyrano[3,2‐c]quinolines upon Imino Diels‐Alder Reactions Initiated by Nitrosonium (NO+)
Authors: Zhou Yu‐Lu , Jia Xiao‐Dong , Li Rui , Han Bing , Wu Long‐Min
Published: March 2007

Efficient nitrosonium (NO+)‐initiated aza‐Diels‐Alder reactions of N‐arylimines with 2,3‐dihydrofuran or 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran allowed access to furano[3,2‐c]‐ or pyrano[3,2‐c]quinolines. A mixture of cis and trans‐quinoline isomers was obtained in various ratios and yields.
The Ancient and Honourable Art of Shimming
Authors: Chmurny Gwendolyn N. , Hoult David I.
Published: March 2007

The fundamental physics underlying the art of shimming a high‐resolution NMR superconducting magnet is described, and the rationale of the design of shim coils, together with their various appelations, is discussed. The effects of the various shims on a free induction decay and the ensuing spectrum are illustrated, and the use of a spinning sample is advocated for rapidly diagnosing and eliminating field inhomogeneity. The problems caused by impure shims and interactions among orders are highlighted, and the reasons for the interactions are given, together with strategies to help combat their time‐consuming and destructive effects.
Elevated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor correlates with increased angiogenesis and decreased progression‐free survival among patients with low‐grade neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Zhang Jun , Jia Zhiliang , Li Qiang , Wang Liwei , Rashid Asif , Zhu Zhenggang , Evans Douglas B. , Vauthey Jean‐Nicolas , Xie Keping , Yao James C.
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical proangiogenic factor in solid tumors. However, its expression and role in human neuroendocrine tumor development and progression remains unclear.

METHODS

Using immunohistochemistry, VEGF and Sp1 expression patterns were investigated in 50 cases of human gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumor having various clinicopathologic characteristics.

RESULTS

It was found that strong VEGF expression was detected in tumor cells, whereas no or very weak VEGF expression was detected in stromal cells surrounding or within the tumors. The levels of VEGF expression directly correlated with the expression levels of Sp1 and microvessel density. Strong, weak, and negative VEGF expression was observed in 32%, 54%, and 14% of cases, respectively. Compared with the group with negative VEGF expression, VEGF (weak/strong) expression was associated with metastasis (14% versus 58%; P = .03). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) durations of patients with strong and weak VEGF expression were 29 months and 81 months, respectively. With a median follow‐up duration of 50 months, the median PFS duration for the group with negative VEGF expression has not been reached. Compared with the log‐rank test, VEGF expression was associated with poor PFS (P = .02). Using in vitro and in vivo models, human carcinoid cell lines were treated with bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting VEGF. Bevacizumab did not inhibit the growth of carcinoid cells in vitro but significantly reduced tumor angiogenesis and impaired tumor growth in animals.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that overexpression of VEGF promotes the growth of human neuroendocrine tumors in part through up‐regulation of angiogenesis. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Late toxicity and biochemical recurrence after external‐beam radiotherapy combined with permanent‐source prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Lee W. Robert , Bae Kyoungwha , Lawton Colleen , Gillin Michael , Morton Gerard , Firat Selim , Baikadi Madhava , Kuettel Michael , Greven Kathryn , Sandler Howard
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND

The combination of external‐beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy is used commonly to treat men with prostate cancer. In this analysis, the authors examined the rate of biochemical recurrence (BR) and late grade ≥3 genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity after treatment with external‐beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy in a multiinstitutional, cooperative group setting.

METHODS

All eligible patients received external‐beam radiotherapy (45 Gray [Gy] in 25 fractions) followed 2 to 6 weeks later by an interstitial implant using iodine‐125 to deliver an additional 108 Gy. BR was defined in 2 ways: according to the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) Consensus Definition (ACD) and according to the Phoenix definition (PD) (prostate‐specific antigen nadir +2 ng/mL). The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group(RTOG)/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer late radiation morbidity scoring system was used to grade all toxicity.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty‐eight patients were enrolled, and 130 were eligible for the current analysis. The median follow‐up for surviving patients was 49 months (range, 20–60 months). The 48‐month estimate of late grade ≥3 GU/GI toxicity was 15% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 8–21%), and the 48‐month estimate of BR was 19% (95% CI, 12–26%) and 14% (95% CI, 8–20%) according to the ACD and PD, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The morbidity observed in this multiinstitutional, cooperative group study was slightly higher than that reported in recent RTOG studies using brachytherapy alone or high‐dose external‐beam radiotherapy. The BR rate observed in this report was similar to that observed with high‐dose external‐beam radiotherapy alone in similar patients. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Influence of body mass index on prostate‐specific antigen failure after androgen suppression and radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Efstathiou Jason A. , Chen Ming‐Hui , Renshaw Andrew A. , Loffredo Marian J. , D'Amico Anthony V.
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND

Increasing body mass index (BMI) is associated with shorter time to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) failure after radical prostatectomy. Whether BMI is associated with time to PSA failure was investigated in men treated with androgen suppression therapy (AST) and radiation therapy (RT) for clinically localized prostate cancer.

METHODS

The observational prospective cohort study consisted of 102 men with clinically localized prostate cancer who received 70 Gy RT with 6 months of AST on a single arm of a randomized trial between December 1995 and April 2001. Height and weight data were available at baseline for 99 (97%) of the men, from which BMI was calculated. Adjusting for age (continuous) and known prognostic factors including PSA level (continuous), Gleason score, and T‐category, Cox regression analyses were performed to analyze whether BMI (continuous) was associated with time to PSA failure (PSA >1.0 ng/mL and increasing >0.2 ng/mL on 2 consecutive visits).

RESULTS

Median age and median BMI (interquartile range [IQR]) at baseline was 72 (69.1–74.7) years and 27.4 (24.8–30.7) kg/m,2respectively. In addition to an increasing PSA level (P= .006) and Gleason 8–10 cancer (P= .024), after a median follow‐up (IQR) of 6.9 (5.6–8.5) years, an increasing BMI was also significantly associated with a shorter time to PSA failure (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.19;P= .026) after RT and AST.

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for known prognostic factors, baseline BMI is significantly associated with time to PSA failure after RT and AST for men with clinically localized prostate cancer. Further study is warranted to assess the impact of an increasing BMI after AST administration on PSA failure, prostate cancer‐specific, and all‐cause mortality. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Anion and Cation Effects on Imidazolium Salt Melting Points: A Descriptor Modelling Study
Authors: López‐Martin Ignacio , Burello Enrico , Davey Paul N. , Seddon Kenneth R. , Rothenberg Gadi
Published: March 2007

The challenge of predicting the melting point of ionic liquids is outlined. A descriptor modelling approach for two separate sets of ionic liquids is presented. In each case, the cations and the anions are modelled separately, using quantitative structure–property relationships. Both models include constitutional, topological and geometric descriptors as well as quantum mechanical ones. This approach gives access to (n×m) ionic liquids using only (n+m) calculations. The protocol is tested and validated for predicting the melting points of two sets, comprised of 22 and 62 imidazolium‐based ionic liquids, respectively. Good correlations and predictions are obtained in both cases. Within the data set selected (only monopositive and mononegative ions are studied, and so total charge was not a factor), the degree of sphericity is the most important variable for the anion, while for the cation the main descriptors pertained to three radial distribution functions that describe three different sections in the cation. These characterise the ionic interactions, the symmetry‐breaking region, and the length of the side chains.
Atypical antipsychotics and polydipsia: a cause or a treatment?
Authors: Bersani Giuseppe , Pesaresi Lorenzo , Orlandi Valerio , Gherardelli Simona , Pancheri Paolo
Published: March 2007

Primary polydipsia (PP) is a frequent complication that affects many chronic schizophrenic inpatients. Due to possible lethal consequences, for example, hyponatremia, coma and death, it's fundamental for the physician achieving early diagnosis and treating this condition. The first step is identifying polydipsia by clinical, biochemical and pharmacological means. Nowadays, the pathophysiology of PP remains unclear, and this limits the possibility of detecting an appropriate drug treatment. Typical antipsychotics have been associated to a worsening of polydipsic behavior, while more recently atypical antipsychotics have been reported as being useful. However results are still mixed and controversial. It appears that risperidone and olanzapine are not clearly effective; clozapine may improve symptoms, although it is difficult to manage from a therapeutic point of view; quetiapine has been poorly studied so far, nonetheless it has given interesting results. Through a case study analysis, this report presents a brief, yet selective, overview of the current state of psychopharmacology in the treatment of PP with atypical antipsychotics in schizophrenia. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research on seismic modeling and inversion at the center for wave phenomena: Status, february, 1989
Authors: Bleistein Norman , Cohen Jack K.
Published: March 2007

This paper describes the approach and evolution of seismic modeling and inversion research led by the authors for the past 15 years. We trace the development of our work from inversions based on the simplest geometries and background velocity profiles to much more realistic geometries and backgrounds. We also discuss the application of the same ideas to the problem of transformation of data to zero offset (dip moveout). We do this primarily via graphical displays demonstrating various aspects of our theory. A brief description of the theory, in the context of inversion of scalar data in a constant density medium, is also presented.
Bayesian reconstruction for SPECT: Validation with monte carlo simulation, experimental phantom, and real patient data
Authors: Liang Z. , Jaszczak R. , Floyd C. , Greer K. , Coleman R.
Published: March 2007

A method for Bayesian image reconstruction from projections is applied to Monte Carlo simulation, experimental phantom, and real patient data from aSPECTacquisition system. This statistical image reconstruction method has three distinct aspects: (1) it usesa prioriinformation about image density distribution of a multinomial process; (2) it considers a spatial correlation of nearby image elements; and (3) it incorporates the Poisson nature of photon detection fluctuation. The Monte Carlo simulation data are generated by computer codes for selected mathematical phantoms containing hot and cold rods. The experimental phantom data are acquired with a TriadSPECTsystem using radioactive phantoms containing hot and cold rods. The real patient data are obtained from a patient brain scan using the TriadSPECTsystem. A parallel beam geometry is used. The data are acquired from 120 projection angles uniformly distributed from 0 to 360 degrees. At each projection angle, a 128 X 128 projection image is measured. This 128 X 128 projection samples are equally spaced along the axis of detector rotation and perpendicular to the axis, respectively. Each image slice is reconstructed using a 128 X 128 pixel array. Comparisons between this Bayesian method and maximum likelihood method and filtered backprojection method are give. An improvement in noise suppression is demonstrated using the Bayesian method while image resolution is preserved.