bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of chronic kidney disease and albuminuria on associations between coronary heart disease and its traditional risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients – the Hong Kong diabetes registry
Authors: Yang Xilin , Ma Ronald C , So Wing-Yee , Ko Gary T , Kong Alice P , Lam Christopher W , Ho Chun-Shun , Cockram Clive S , Wong Vivian C , Tong Peter C , Chan Juliana C
Published: December 2007

Background

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) are risk factors for albuminuria, the latter in turn can lead to hyperlipidaemia. We used novel statistical analyses to examine how albuminuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) may influence the effects of other risk factors on coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

A prospective cohort of 7067 Chinese type 2 diabetic patients without history of CHD enrolled since 1995 were censored on July 30th, 2005. Cox proportional hazard regression with restricted cubic spline was used to auto-select predictors. Hazard ratio plots were used to examine the risk of CHD. Based on these plots, non-linear risk factors were categorised and the categorised variables were refitted into various Cox models in a stepwise manner to confirm the findings.

Results

Age, male gender, duration of diabetes, spot urinary albumin: creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and current smoking status were risk factors of CHD. Linear association between TC and CHD was observed only in patients with albuminuria. Although in general, increased HDL-C was associated with decreased risk of CHD, full-range HDL-C was associated with CHD in an A-shaped manner with a zenith at 1.1 mmol/L. Albuminuria and CKD were the main contributors for the paradoxically positive association between HDL-C and CHD for HDL-C values less than 1.1 mmol/L.

Conclusion

In type 2 diabetes, albuminuria plays a linking role between conventional risk factors and CHD. The onset of CKD changes risk associations between lipids and CHD.
Open access to novel dual flow chamber technology for in vitro cell mechanotransduction, toxicity and pharamacokinetic studies
Authors: Anderson Eric J , Knothe Tate Melissa L
Published: December 2007

Background

A major stumbling block for researchers developing experimental models of mechanotransduction is the control of experimental variables, in particular the transmission of the mechanical forces at the cellular level. A previous evaluation of state of the art commercial perfusion chambers showed that flow regimes, applied to impart a defined mechanical stimulus to cells, are poorly controlled and that data from studies in which different chambers are utilized can not be compared, even if the target stress regimes are comparable.

Methods

This study provides a novel chamber design to provide both physiologically-based flow regimes, improvements in control of experimental variables, as well as ease of use compared to commercial chambers. This novel design achieves controlled stresses through five gasket designs and both single- and dual-flow regimes.

Results

The imparted shear stress within the gasket geometry is well controlled. Fifty percent of the entire area of the 10 × 21 mm universal gasket (Gasket I, designed to impart constant magnitude shear stresses in the center of the chamber where outcome measures are taken), is exposed to target stresses. In the 8 mm diameter circular area at the center of the chamber (where outcome measures are made), over 92% of the area is exposed to the target stress (± 2.5%). In addition, other gasket geometries provide specific gradients of stress that vary with distance from the chamber inlet. Bench-top testing of the novel chamber prototype shows improvements, in the ease of use as well as in performance, compared to the other commercial chambers. The design of the chamber eliminates flow deviations due to leakage and bubbles and allows actual flow profiles to better conform with those predicted in computational models.

Conclusion

The novel flow chamber design provides predictable and well defined mechanical forces at the surface of a cell monolayer, showing improvement over previously tested commercial chambers. The predictability of the imparted stress improves both experiment repeatability as well as the accuracy of inter-study comparisons. Carefully controlling the stresses on cells is critical in effectively mimicking in vivo situations. Overall, the improved perfusion flow chamber provides the needed resolution, standardization and in vitro model analogous to in vivo conditions to make the step towards greater use in research and the opportunity to enter the diagnostic and therapeutic market.
Management of acquired bronchobiliary fistula: 3 case reports and a literature review
Authors: Eryigit Hatice , Oztas Selahattin , Urek Senol , Olgac Guven , Kurutepe Melahat , Kutlu Cemal Asim
Published: December 2007

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF), which often presents with bilioptysis, is an abnormal communication between the bronchial system and biliary tree. It is a complication associated with a high mortality rate and requires a well-planned management strategy. Although hydatid disease is still the leading cause, extensive surgical interventions and invasive procedures of the liver have altered the profile of patients in recent decades. This paper presents 3 cases of BBF and reviews the literature regarding the treatment options generally mandated by clinical presentation and the underlying disease.
Identification of a novel truncating PALB2mutation and analysis of its contribution to early-onset breast cancer in French-Canadian women
Authors: Foulkes William D , Ghadirian Parviz , Akbari Mohammed Reza , Hamel Nancy , Giroux Sylvie , Sabbaghian Nelly , Darnel Andrew , Royer Robert , Poll Aletta , Fafard Eve , Robidoux André , Martin Ginette , Bismar Tarek A , Tischkowitz Marc , Rousseau Francois , Narod Steven A
Published: December 2007

Background

PALB2 has recently been identified as a breast cancer susceptibility gene. PALB2 mutations are rare causes of hereditary breast cancer but may be important in countries such as Finland where a founder mutation is present. We sought to estimate the contribution of PALB2 mutations to the burden of breast cancer in French Canadians from Quebec.

Methods

We screened all coding exons of PALB2 in a sample of 50 French-Canadian women diagnosed with either early-onset breast cancer or familial breast cancer at a single Montreal hospital. The genetic variants identified in this sample were then studied in 356 additional women with breast cancer diagnosed before age 50 and in 6,448 newborn controls.

Results

We identified a single protein-truncating mutation in PALB2 (c.2323 C>T, resulting in Q775X) in 1 of the 50 high-risk women. This variant was present in 2 of 356 breast cancer cases and in none of 6,440 newborn French-Canadian controls (P = 0.003). We also identified two novel new non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in exon 4 of PALB2 (c.5038 A>G [I76V] and c.5156 G>T [G115V]). G115V was found in 1 of 356 cases and in 15 of 6,442 controls (P = 0.6). The I76V variant was not identified in either the extended case series or the controls.

Conclusion

We have identified a novel truncating mutation in PALB2. The mutation was found in approximately 0.5% of unselected French-Canadian women with early-onset breast cancer and appears to have a single origin. Although mutations are infrequent, PALB2 can be added to the list of breast cancer susceptibility genes for which founder mutations have been identified in the French-Canadian population.
A new computational approach to analyze human protein complexes and predict novel protein interactions
Authors: Zanivan Sara , Cascone Ilaria , Peyron Chiara , Molineris Ivan , Marchio Serena , Caselle Michele , Bussolino Federico
Published: December 2007

We propose a new approach to identify interacting proteins based on gene expression data. By using hypergeometric distribution and extensive Monte-Carlo simulations, we demonstrate that looking at synchronous expression peaks in a single time interval is a high sensitivity approach to detect co-regulation among interacting proteins. Combining gene expression and Gene Ontology similarity analyses enabled the extraction of novel interactions from microarray datasets. Applying this approach to p21-activated kinase 1, we validated α-tubulin and early endosome antigen 1 as its novel interactors.
Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Relapsed, Refractory, and Transformed Indolent Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Rezvani Andrew R. , Storer Barry , Maris Michael , Sorror Mohamed L. , Agura Edward , Maziarz Richard T. , Wade James C. , Chauncey Thomas , Forman Stephen J. , Lange Thoralf , Shizuru Judith , Langston Amelia , Pulsipher Michael A. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Storb Rainer , Maloney David G.
Published: December 2007

Purpose

Few effective treatment options exist for chemotherapy-refractory indolent or transformed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We examined the outcome of nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in this setting.

Patients and Methods

Sixty-two patients with indolent or transformed NHL were treated with allogeneic HCT from related (n = 34) or unrelated (n = 28) donors after conditioning with 2 Gy of total-body irradiation with or without fludarabine. Nine unrelated donors were mismatched for ≥ one HLA antigen. Sixteen patients had histologic transformation before HCT. Twenty patients (32%) had progressive disease after previous high-dose therapy with autologous HCT. Median age was 54 years, and patients had received a median of six lines of treatment before HCT. Median follow-up time after HCT was 36.6 months.

Results

At 3 years, the estimated overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 52% and 43%, respectively, for patients with indolent disease, and 18% and 21%, respectively, for patients with transformed disease. Patients with indolent disease and related donors (n = 26) had 3-year estimated OS and PFS rates of 67% and 54%, respectively. The incidences of grade 2 to 4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), grade 3 and 4 acute GVHD, and extensive chronic GVHD were 63%, 18%, and 47%, respectively. Among survivors, the median Karnofsky performance status at last follow-up was 85%.

Conclusion

Nonmyeloablative allogeneic HCT can produce durable disease-free survival in patients with relapsed or refractory indolent NHL, even in this relatively elderly and heavily pretreated cohort. Outcomes were particularly good in patients with untransformed disease and related donors, whereas patients with transformed disease did poorly. Long-term survivors reported good overall functional status.
Collisional Interaction of Ionized Pyridine N-Oxides with Various Targets in a New Hybrid Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Flammang Robert , Henrotte Virginie , Gerbaux Pascal , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: December 2007

Upon collisional activation at high kinetic energy (8 keV), the molecular ions of pyridine N-oxides 1–5 undergo an unexpected loss of 16 mass units (oxygen) provided molecular oxygen or nitric oxide is used as the target gas instead of helium. Molecular ions of pyridines are produced in the former experiments. This peculiar behavior seems to be correlated with the high multiplicity of the target molecules (triplet ground state for O2 and doublet for NO). Ab initio calculations suggest that a lower-lying quartet state of pyridine N-oxide ions might be involved in the oxygen-loss process. In the low-translational-energy regime ( c. 20–30 eV), a loss of oxygen is also detected whatever the nature of the collision gas (argon, oxygen or nitric oxide) and the relative intensity of this reaction increases with the kinetic energy of the ions. At near thermal energies ( c. 5 eV), the molecular ions of the pyridine N-oxides react with nitric oxide apparently generating two different ion–molecule complexes or intermediates responsible for the production of [M + NO]+ and [M – O]•+ ions. The deoxygenation mechanism appears therefore highly dependent upon the experimental conditions including target gas and kinetic energy.
A Tandem Mass Spectrometry Study of [C,H2,X2,Si]+• Ions (X = H, D, Cl) and the Generation of Their Neutral Counterparts
Authors: Zagorevski Dmitri V. , Aubry Christiane , Holmes John L.
Published: December 2007

Two [Si,C,H4]+• isomers, having similar stabilities and a relatively low barrier for their interconversion, have been separately generated in mass spectrometric experiments. CH2SiD2+• and D2-CH3SiH+• ions were produced from the same ionic precursor, namely ionized 1,1-dideutero-silacyclobutane (D2-I). Dissociation of the latter in the ion source resulted in the silaethene structure, whereas metastable dissociation gave rise to the dideuterated methylsilylene. Appearance energy measurements confirmed the formation of the two [Si,C,H2,D2]+• isomers, whose heats of formation were estimated to be 1017 and 1038 kJ mol−1 for CH3SiH+• and CH2SiH2+•, respectively. Both ion-source and metastable dissociations of ionized D2-I resulted in [Si,C,H3,D]+• and [Si,C,H4]+• ions possessing the methylsilylene structure. The collision-induced dissociation (CID) and neutralization–reionization (NR) mass spectra of CH2SiD2+• and D2-CH3SiH+• ions were distinctively different. The characteristic dissociation channel for the CH2SiD2 structure was the loss of CH2. Some dissociations of the ionized silaethene involved the formation of the methylsilylene intermediate. However, CH3SiH+• ions produced by this isomerization appeared to be unstable and did not survive neutralization–reionization. As a result, the CID mass spectra of CH2SiD2+• ions prior to neutralization and surviving the NR event were almost identical. Strong recovery signals in the NR mass spectra were consistent with the intrinsic stability of neutral silaethene and methylsilylene. The interconversion of these structures generated by neutralization of their positively-charged counterparts seems to be very unlikely. The CID, NR and NR/CID mass spectra of [Si,C,H2,Cl2]+• ions produced from various precursors and in different time frames were indistinguishable. They corresponded to the CH2SiCl2 connectivity of the atoms. The heat of formation for CH2SiCl2+• ions was estimated to be ∼732 kJ mol−1, based on appearance energy measurements. The presence of a strong recovery signal in the NR mass spectra was consistent with the formation of stable neutral 1,1-dichlorosilaethene in the gas phase on the microsecond time frame.
Hb Neuilly-Sur-Marne, a New Human Hemoglobin Variant with Ser-Asp-Leu Inserted between α86(F7) Leu and α87(F8) His: Characterization by High-Energy Collision-Induced Dissociation Liquid Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Low Energy Collision-Induced Dissociation Tandem Mass Spectrometry in An Ion Trap Fitted with a Nanospray Ionization Source
Authors: Promé Danielle , Promé Jean-Claude , Wajcman Henri , Riou Jean , Galactéros Frédéric , Carte Nathalie , Leize Emanuelle , Vandorsselaer Alain
Published: December 2007

Hemoglobin (Hb) Neuilly-sur-Marne is a new α-chain variant found during a systematic screening. Electrospray mass measurements showed the presence of an abnormal α-chain displaying a shift of +315 u relative to the normal value. Tryptic cleavage of this chain and molecular weight determination of the peptides indicated that the 315 u shift was located into the αT-9 peptide, the molecular weight of which is higher than 3000 Da. High-energy collision spectra of MH+ ions generated by liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry from the normal and abnormal αT-9 afforded mainly amino-terminal containing ions. They indicated that these two peptides have an identical amino acid sequence from their 1st to 25th residues, the mass increase being thus located beyond this point. Too few ions were formed to establish reliably the sequence forward. It was hypothesized that this mass shift could result from a repeated sequence since the sum of the mass of the three residues—leucine, serine and aspartic acid—preceding position 25 is exactly 315 u. To get sequence information above position 25, decomposition of multicharged species was attempted. An ion trap fitted with a nanospray ionization source was used. It produced mainly triply- and quadruply-charged ions. Decomposition of the triply-charged ion afforded a series of singly-charged Y-ions in the expected region, giving a readily interpretable sequence. It confirmed the insertion of a Ser-Asp-Leu sequence above position 25. Surprisingly, decomposition of the quadruply-charged molecular ion gave too few ions to provide sequence information in the expected region. Spectra were dominated by some multicharged Y ions arising from cleavages close to the amino end. Tandem mass spectrometry experiments were performed on the abundant Y303+ ion and produced again a singly-charged Y ion series in the suitable domain which confirmed the above result. In Hb Neuilly-sur Marne this insertion of the Ser-Asp-Leu residues. between positions α-86 and α-87 is very likely due to a slipped strand mispairing mechanism.
Elimination of AgR (R = H, CH3, C6H5) from Collisionally-Activated Argentinated Amines
Authors: Grewal R. Natasha , Rodriquez Christopher F. , Shoeib Tamer , Chu Ivan K. , Tu Ya-Ping , Hopkinson Alan C. , Siu K.W. Michael
Published: December 2007

Fragmentation of collisionally-activated argentinated amines results in the formation of Ag+ and non-silver-containing ions. The latter are likely immonium ions that are formed after elimination of AgH and, when the ion structures permit, AgCH3 or AgC6H5. The H, CH3 and C6H5 groups are attached to the carbon alpha to the amino nitrogen, and are believed to be cleaved with the Ag in a 1,2-elimination. This hypothesis is supported by potential energy hypersurfaces calculated using density functional theory for the reactions involving methanamine and ethanamine.
The Use of Accurate Mass Measurement by Orthogonal Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry in Pharmaceuticals Research
Authors: Cottee Frank , Haskins Neville , Bryant Duncan , Eckers Christine , Monté Soraya
Published: December 2007

Allan Maccoll was the founding editor of Organic Mass Spectrometry, the first journal dedicated to the application of mass spectrometry to the analysis of organic structures. Many papers in OMS described the elucidation of structures from natural and synthetic sources. This is still a major application of mass spectrometry today, especially in those fine chemical industries such as Pharmaceuticals which depend on the discovery and development of organic compounds for a variety of applications. In this paper we describe the advances we have made in the last few years, especially utilising time-of-flight (ToF) mass spectrometers, to use accurate mass measurement to determine the structures of minor components contained within drug substance and degraded samples. The additional information obtained from accurate mass measurement is shown to be critical in assigning a particular structure in a number of examples.
Reactivity and Structures of Hydrogenated Carbon Cluster Ions CnHx + (n = 8,20; x = 4–12) Derived from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons toward Benzene: Ion/Molecule Reactions as a Probe for Ion Structures
Authors: Guo Xinghua , Grützmacher Hans-Friedrich , Nibbering Nico M.M.
Published: December 2007

Ion/molecule reactions of two series of isomeric graphitic carbon/hydrogen cluster ions C nH x+, n = 18,20; x = 4–12, in the gas phase with benzene and benzene- d6 have been studied by using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry. The cluster ions C nH x+ have been generated by consecutively removing H atoms from the four ionized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) C18H12 isomers triphenylene 1, chrysene 2, 1,2-benzanthracene 3 and 2,3-benzanthracene 4, and from the two C20H12 isomers perylene 5 and benzo[e]pyrene 6. For the removal of H atoms, the method of sustained off-resonance irradiation collision-induced dissociation (SORI-CID) in FT-ICR has been applied. Consistent with our previous studies of ions C18H x+, the ions C20H x+ differ in their reactions from the ions formed by laser evaporation of graphite as reported by Bowers and coworkers and retain very likely the graphitic carbon skeletons of the original PAHs. The ion/molecule reaction products, the reaction channels and their branching ratios, the bimolecular rate constants kbi and the SORI-CID fragments of the product ions provide valuable information about the reactivity and structure of the cluster ions C nH x+. The dependence of the bimolecular rate constants kbi on the structures of the isomeric parent PAHs indicates that the ions C nH x+ “remember” the skeleton of their precursor PAH. Two kinds of reactions are observed, an addition of a benzene molecule probably by a strained triple aryne bond as in the carbon cluster ion C nH x+ ( aryne reactivity) and an addition of a benzene molecule followed by H elimination which can be attributed to a carbenium-like reactivity ( C+ reactivity). Then there are unreactive components of the isomeric cluster ions C nH x+, x = 4–9, which represent the non-reactivity. For the whole series of the cluster ions C18H x+ and C20H x+ the relative importance of these reactivities and the corresponding rate constants kbi with benzene alternates with the odd- and even numbers of H atoms indicating their structural features and the preferable formation of aryne bonds especially in the cluster ions C nH x+ containing a small number of hydrogen atoms. SORI-CID studies of the product ions [C nH x•C6X6]+ (X = H or D) or [C nH x•(C6H6)2]+ support the operation of a Diels–Alder mechanism in the addition process of both reactive channels, in which a triple aryne bond behaves as a dienophile toward benzene. The ion/molecule reactions with benzene can be considered as a useful probe of the structures of the studied cluster ions C nH x+.
Design and Set-up of An External Ion Source Coupled to a Quadrupole-Ion-Trap Reflectron-Time-of-Flight Hybrid Instrument
Authors: Ehlers M. , Schmidt S. , Lee B.J. , Grotemeyer J.
Published: December 2007

Further results of a new set-up for storing ions generated in an external ion source and trapped in a quadrupole ion trap in combination with a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ReTOF) are presented. As a result of this set-up, jet-cooled molecules are introduced as neutrals into the external ion source and ionized by multiphoton absorption processes. A selected mass range of the generated ions can be accelerated into the ion trap to be stored without any buffer gas. The ions are not dispersed for a time duration of several milliseconds in the ion trap, but remain coherent in space and kinetic energy and move in narrow ion clouds describing Lissajous trajectories. The advantage of the external ion source and its influences on the parameters of both the external ion source and the ion trap will be discussed with respect to the signals obtained and compared with SIMION calculations.
Stereochemical Differentiation of Four Monosaccharides Using Transition Metal Complexes by Electrospray Ionization/Ion-Trap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Carlesso V. , Fournier F. , Tabet J.-C.
Published: December 2007

Several approaches may contribute to the structural elucidation of carbohydrates. The distinction of diastereoisomers by mass spectrometry is often a tedious task and, ultimately, the stereochemistry of monosaccharides must be determined. α/β anomers of glucose, mannose, galactose and talose stereochemically differ at the C2 and C4 positions and this work describes an efficient system used to differentiate four isomeric monosaccharides easily. The approach is based on mass spectrometry and it uses the gas-phase interaction between a sugar molecule and the iron(II) transition metal ion for differentiation of the species. Electrospray ionization allows the generation of cationized [M + FeCl]+ monosaccharides. Such ions have been prepared in high abundance in the external source of an electrospray ionization/ion-trap mass spectrometer instrument. Resonant excitation of these selected ions gives rise to dissociative collisions. Very likely, the strong interaction of ironII with nucleophilic sites (i.e. hydroxyl groups) seems to favor regioselective and stereoselective ironII ion attachment to each epimer. Consequently, when submitted to resonant excitation conditions, the cluster [M + FeCl]+ ions undergo fragmentations that can either be stereospecific in certain cases or, more usually, kinetically orientated (i.e. stereochemical effects on the rate constants of competitive unimolecular processes). Thus, by scrutinizing the variation in the relative abundances of diagnostic fragment ions, it is possible to distinguish stereoisomeric sugars. The origin of some product ions was proved by MS2 and MS n experiments through 13C and 2H-labeling that may enlighten the mechanisms.
Peptide Toxin Identification by Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Using an External Electrospray Ionization Source Combined with Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Afonso C. , Breton F. , Modeste P. , Fournier F. , Tabet J.-C.
Published: December 2007

Three mutated synthetic peptides, analogs of the channel toxin BGK, were studied by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry n (LC/MS n) using an external electrospray ionization (ESI) source. The reduction of disulfide bridges, combined with alkylation of the free cysteine residues, is shown to be a useful tool to determine their number as well as their location in conjunction with proteolysis of the peptides. The modified toxins were identified by LC/MS, while LC/MS/MS experiments were conducted to determine and locate modifications. Low-energy collision-induced dissociation spectra of S-alkyl cysteine derivative display ions (MH − 91)+ attributed to the loss of HS–CH2–CONH2 as confirmed by sequential MS3 experiments. Identification and localization of cysteine residues can be achieved providing definitive identification for unknown proteins containing S-carbamidomethylcysteine.
Proton Affinities of the Commonly Occuring L-Amino Acids by Using Electrospray Ionization-Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Afonso C. , Modeste F. , Breton P. , Fournier F. , Tabet J.-C.
Published: December 2007

In this study, the use of an electrospray ionization (ESI)-ion trap mass spectrometry to perform thermochemical determinations using the kinetic method is shown. In this method, competitive dissociations of selected proton-bound heterodimeric [BiHB]+ ions are investigated and particularly, the product ion abundance [BiH+] / [BH+] ratio is accurately measured and compared to the proton affinity of each neutral partner (i.e. the Bi and B). The proton affinities of the amino acids are well known and these compounds were chosen to investigate the ion trap potentiality for such purpose, particularly, when externally prepared ions were injected. It appears that, in spite of the low abundance of homo and heterodimer ions, constant and reproducible [BiH+] / [BH+] ratios are obtained when sequential tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments are performed within similar ion trapping conditions. Such conditions are reached for a constant ion excitation qz value. The resulting ln([BiH+] / [BH+]) dependence upon the PABi and PAB values (from the literature) is linear and yields a reproducible slope after several measurements are made to determine the accuracy of this approach. Under various excitation conditions, in spite of the change in effective temperature, neither the scale order nor the PA values are changed. Furthermore, entropy variation (δΔ S0) between leucine and other amino acids was evaluated by several methods.
The History of the Mass Spectrometry of Peptides and Proteins in the USSR
Authors: Rozynov Boris V.
Published: December 2007

A personal recollection of the development of mass spectrometry of peptides and proteins in the Soviet Union is presented.
Recovering an unknown coefficient in an absorption model with diffusion
Authors: Denisov A. M. , Lorenzi A.
Published: December 2007

We prove existence and uniqueness for an unknown coefficient, depending on space only, entering in an initial boundary value problem arising in absorption dynamics, where diffusion is also taken into account.
Some approaches to reconstruction of nonsmooth solutions of linear ill-posed problems
Authors: Vasin V. V.
Published: December 2007

The short review of methods of reconstruction non-smooth solutions to ill-posed problems is presented. In the Tikhonov method for some parametric classes of stabilizing functionals the convergence theorems for regularized solutions and their discrete approximations are stated. The questions concerning the numerical algorithms are considered.
Prospects for Adapting Current ASTM Wear and Erosion Tests for Bulk Materials to Thin Films, Coatings, and Surface Treatments
Authors: Blau Peter J.
Published: December 2007

Most of ASTM Committee G2’s erosion, wear, and friction test standards were developed for use with bulk materials, yet there is a growing need to evaluate the tribological behavior of films, coatings, and surface treatments (FCSTs), some that affect layers only tens of nanometres to a few micrometres thick. Tribotesting standards for bulk materials can sometimes be modified for use on FCSTs, but the conditions and methods developed for bulk materials may sometimes be too severe or inapplicable. An Internet search and literature review indicated that a number of G2 Committee standards are currently being used for FCSTs. Of these, ASTM G 99 and G 65 seem to be the most popular. When attempting to apply an existing wear standard for bulk materials to FCSTs, two key issues must be addressed: (1) whether changes are needed in the magnitudes of the applied conditions, and (2) whether more precise methods are needed to measure the magnitude of surface damage. Straightforward calculations underscore the limitations for wear measurement of thin layers when evaluated using block-on-ring and pin-on-disk tests. Finally, suggestions are given for modifying selected ASTM G2 standards to enable their use on films, coatings, and surface treatments.
Constructing a Test Method to Evaluate Stable DVR System
Authors: Chang Che-Wei
Published: December 2007

Security systems using a digital video recorder (DVR) are an increasingly popular security product in the surveillance systems market. These DVR-based security systems include software and hardware and generally have six modules, including one each for the input signal channel, the recording function, the playback and display functions, communication and remote transmission, system control, and system security modules. Software and hardware are continuously changing and evolving. Accordingly, purchasers have difficulty in discriminating between new technologies and in determining which DVR-based security system is best suited to their surveillance and security needs, or both. In this study, gray situation decision-making (GSDM) is used to evaluate DVR-based security systems based on several quality performance characteristics. Finally, a case study is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed GSDM method.
Personality and Ethical Decision-Making in Research: The Role of Perceptions of Self and others
Authors: Antes Alison L. , Brown Ryan P. , Murphy Stephen T. , Waples Ethan P. , Mumford Michael D. , Connelly Shane , Devenport Lynn D.
Published: December 2007

This study examined basic personality characteristics, narcissism, and cynicism as predictors of ethical decision-making among graduate students training for careers in the sciences. Participants completed individual difference measures along with a scenario-based ethical decision-making measure that captures the complex, multifaceted nature of ethical decision-making in scientific research. The results revealed that narcissism and cynicism (individual differences influencing self-perceptions and perceptions of others) showed consistently negative relationships with aspects of ethical decision-making, whereas more basic personality characteristics (e.g., conscientiousness, agreeableness) were less consistent and weaker. Further analyses examined the relationship of personality to metacognitive reasoning strategies and social-behavioral response patterns thought to underlie ethical decision-making. The findings indicated that personality was associated with many of these social-cognitive mechanisms which might, in part, explain the association between personality and ethical decisions.
Normative Dissonance in Science: Results from a National Survey of U.S. Scientists
Authors: Anderson Melissa S. , Martinson Brian C. , De Vries Raymond
Published: December 2007

Norms of behavior in scientific research represent ideals to which most scientists subscribe. Our analysis of the extent of dissonance between these widely espoused ideals and scientists' perceptions of their own and others' behavior is based on survey responses from 3,247 mid- and early-career scientists who had research funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. We found substantial normative dissonance, particularly between espoused ideals and respondents' perceptions of other scientists' typical behavior. Also, respondents on average saw other scientists' behavior as more counternormative than normative. Scientists' views of their fields as cooperative or competitive were associated with their normative perspectives, with competitive fields showing more counternormative behavior. The high levels of normative dissonance documented here represent a persistent source of stress in science.
The Reporting of Monetary Compensation in Research Articles
Authors: Klitzman Robert , Albala Ilene , Siragusa Joseph , Nelson Kristen N. , Appelbaum Paul S.
Published: December 2007

Study participant compensation is of increasing concern, yet few investigations have explored it; none have examined whether published journal articles report it. Medline searches for articles in six areas—HIV, substance abuse (heroin and cocaine), depression, essential hypertension, and cardiac surgery—reveal very low mention of payment (0–32.1%). Of 207 articles, only 13.5% mentioned financial compensation in any way, and only 11.1% listed amounts. Of the 207 studies, 92 involved more than minimal risk interventions, but were not more likely to mention compensation. Studies that included substance users were significantly more likely than others to mention payment ( p < .001). These overall low rates are concerning as they can hamper evaluation of ethical issues, and impact study replicability Publication requirements should consider discussion of compensation.
Education Level, Primary Language, and Comprehension of the Informed Consent Process
Authors: Breese Peter E. , Burman William J. , Goldberg Stefan , Weis Stephen E.
Published: December 2007

To obtain information on how persons from diverse backgrounds experience the informed consent process, we surveyed adults with a wide variety of educational levels and different primary languages (English, Spanish, or Vietnamese) who had recently enrolled in a study requiring written informed consent. Of the 100 participants, 62 were non-White, 43 had less than a high school education, and 60 had a primary language other than English. The median score for comprehension was 62% (IQR 50–76%); the median satisfaction score was 86% (IQR 71–100%). In multivariate analysis, only educational level was significantly associated with comprehension and satisfaction with the informed consent process ( p < 0.001). Comprehension and satisfaction with the informed consent process were markedly lower among persons with lower educational levels.
The Impact of Minor Adverse Event Tracking on Subject Safety: A Web-Based System
Authors: Shenvi Neeta V. , Gebhart Suzanne S. P.
Published: December 2007

Based on the assumption that minor symptoms may presage serious events, we report four years' experience with a web-based adverse event (AE) tracking system (eAETS) designed to capture AEs of a minor nature that would not meet criteria for ethical review. The eAETS has supported 175 diverse clinical protocols, is user-friendly and navigationally intuitive, and restricts access based on protocol ownership. The user creates an initial risk profile for comparison to subsequent AEs to identify unanticipated patterns. Out of 2,440 AE reports, 1,053 did not match the risk profile. Corrective modification was recommended in 6 (13%) protocols. The eAETS provides a framework for weighing the impact of AEs on subject safety.
Guide to Researching Human Research Subjects Laws in West Africa
Authors: Szabó László M. , Britt Tamara J.
Published: December 2007

Because of the scarcity of publicly accessible information on West African human research subjects' protections, resources are difficult to find; many of these nations do not have local laws governing human research subjects protections and many of the local regulations are not available online. Without such information, investigators cannot effectively develop acceptable methods and procedures as they plan research in West African countries. This guide is intended for research ethics committee administrators, governmental and commercial regulators, ethicists, those in the legal community, and researchers seeking information regarding human research subjects' protections laws in West Africa. It is assembled in the hope that it will make these resources more widely available and so aid in the review and conduct of research involving human research subjects and stimulate further efforts to update such information as new regulations evolve.
Quality Medical Homes: Meeting Children's Needs for Therapeutic and Supportive Services
Authors: Benedict Ruth E.
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to determine whether the quality of a medical home is associated with access to needed therapeutic and supportive services among children with special health care needs.

METHODS. Data from the 2000–2001 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs were used in the analysis. The primary group of interest was children who were 0 to 17 years of age and needed therapeutic (n = 15793) or supportive (n = 23376) services. For each characteristic of a quality medical home, the percentage of children who needed and received therapeutic and supportive services was generated. Logistic regression was used to control for covariates while modeling the association between overall quality of a child's medical home and having unmet needs for therapeutic or supportive services.

RESULTS. Of all children identified as needing services, 16.2% had unmet therapeutic and 9.8% unmet supportive service needs. Only 23.9% of the children who needed therapeutic and 32.5% of children who needed supportive services met the criteria of having a quality medical home. High-quality care within medical homes was associated with a decreased likelihood of having unmet needs for therapeutic and supportive services. Each characteristic of a quality medical home was associated with unmet need, as were severity of the child's condition, family income of <200% of the federal poverty level, underinsurance, and maternal education beyond high school.

CONCLUSIONS. Among other factors, having a poor-quality medical home seems to be a barrier to receiving needed therapeutic or supportive services for children with special health care needs. Efforts on the part of pediatricians to establish quality medical homes for all children could have the added benefit of facilitating access to needed therapeutic and supportive services and promoting the health and well-being of children with special health care needs and their families.
The effect of carotid stenting on rheological parameters, free radical production and platelet aggregation
Authors: Fehér Gergely , Bagoly Edit , Kövér Ferenc , Koltai Katalin , Hantó Katalin , Pozsgai Éva , Komoly Sámuel , Dóczi Tamás , Tóth Kálmán , Szapáry László
Published: December 2007

A carotisstent beültetése a szignifikáns carotis stenosis kezelésének egyik lehetséges módszere. A beavatkozás során észlelhető kóros rheologiai viszonyok, fokozódó thrombocytaaggregáció és szabadgyök-képződés a stenttrombózis és a korai restenosis rizikóját növelhetik.
Célkitűzés:
Jelen tanulmányunk célja az volt, hogy megvizsgáljuk, hogyan változnak a haemorheologiai viszonyok, a thrombocytaaggregáció és az oxidatív stressz carotis stenosis endovascularis kezelése során és az azt követő napokban.
Módszer:
18 (12 férfi, 6 nő, 66 ± 9 év) szignifikáns carotis stenosis miatt endovascularis úton kezelt beteg vizsgálatát végeztük el. Értékeltük a haemorheologiai paraméterek, valamint a thrombocytaaggregáció alakulását. Az oxidatív stressz jellemzésére a katalázaktivitást mértük. A méréseket közvetlenül a beavatkozás előtt, illetve után, majd 1, 2, 5 nappal és 1 hónappal később végeztük el. A beavatkozás előtt betegeink telítő dózisú (300 mg) clopidogrelkezelésben részesültek.
Eredmények:
A hematokrit, a plazmafibrinogén-koncentráció (Pfc), a teljesvér- (Tvv) és plazmaviszkozitás (Pv) a stentelést követően azonnal szignifikánsan csökkent (
p
< 0,001). A beavatkozás 5. napjára a Tvv, a Pfc, a Pv, a vörösvértest és a thrombocytaaggregáció szignifikánsan (
p
< 0,0001) fokozódott a stentelés után mért értékekhez képest. Az 1 hónapos kontrollnál ugyanezen paraméterek, kivéve a Tvv, szignifikáns csökkenést mutattak az 5. napi értékekhez képest. A katalázaktivitás beavatkozás utáni napon mért értéke az 1 hónapos kontrollra szignifikánsan emelkedett.
Konklúzió:
A haemorheologiai paraméterek és a thrombocytaaggregáció a carotisstent-beültetés kapcsán specifikus változást mutatnak. A vér áramlási viszonyainak kóros megváltozása és a thrombocyták fokozódó aktivációja a beavatkozás első hetében a legkifejezettebbek, a stent thromboticus elzáródását indukálhatják. A beavatkozás kapcsán indukálódó oxidatív stressz mértéke 1 hónap után csökken szignifikánsan.
Basic Study of PK Fiber Tire Cord
Authors: Zuigyo Yugo , Yamamoto Masahiko
Published: December 2007

Rayon, nylon, and polyester have been used for a long time as general tire reinforcements. Recently application of p-aramid fiber, which has high tenacity and high modulus properties, is gradually increasing in order to satisfy high-performance requirements, large tires, and tire weight reduction. However, in working with high-strength and high-modulus fibers such as p-aramid it is normally difficult to obtain excellent adhesion with simple processing methods and their fatigue resistances are not good. This time we have focused on a new high-tenacity and high-modulus “polyketone” fiber obtained by gel-spun technology and performed a basic study in tire cord application. Through laboratory evaluation, we have confirmed that polyketone cord fiber has excellent adhesion, comparable with rayon and nylon, and good fatigue resistance in comparison with rayon. In addition, through its tire evaluation as a body-ply cord and cap-ply cord for PCR tires, we have confirmed its performance advantage in comparison to current tire cords.
Numerical Model for Nitrogen Tire Inflation
Authors: Ellwood Kevin R. J. , Baldwin John , Bauer David R.
Published: December 2007

The scope of this study was twofold: (1) to quantify the contribution nitrogen inflation would have on oxidative aging of tires and (2) measure the improvement nitrogen tire inflation may have on inflation pressure retention. A previously developed tool for diffusion-limited oxidation was used to simulate aging behavior at 25 and 60 °C. Oven-accelerated tire aging (60 °C) data for different inflation media was used for successful validation of the model, and it was shown that aging rates for higher oxygen concentrations tend toward a constant value. For lower temperatures, the use of nitrogen was shown to produce lower oxygen concentration in the wedge and bead regions of the tire geometry considered when compared to air inflation. By using 95% pure nitrogen (that is, the actual nitrogen concentration in the tire cavity), a 25% reduction in aging rate (for the tire wedge) and a 35% reduction in the initial flux of mass out of the tire (a measure of inflation pressure retention) were calculated.
Evaluation of buffy coat smears for circulating mast cells in healthy cats and ill cats without mast cell tumor–related disease
Authors: Garrett Laura D. , Craig Carol L. , Szladovits Balazs , Chun Ruthanne
Published: December 2007

Objective—To examine buffy coat smears for circulating mast cells in clinically normal cats and cats with illnesses unrelated to mast cell tumors and identify whether conditions other than mast cell tumors are associated with mastocytemia in cats.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—40 clinically normal cats and 40 cats with diseases unrelated to mast cell tumors (all cats were client owned).

Procedures—A blood sample for a CBC, serum biochemical analyses, and buffy coat evaluation was obtained from each cat. Ill cats underwent other testing on the basis of their disease process.

Results—No mast cells were detected in any sample. Eosinophilia was evident in 11 (27.5%) and 12 (30%) clinically normal and ill cats, respectively. Basophilia was identified in 4 (10%) and 8 (20%) clinically normal and ill cats, respectively. Eight of the 40 (20%) ill cats had neutrophilia.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Circulating mast cells were not identified in clinically normal cats or ill cats without mast cell tumor–related disease. Ill cats did have conditions that caused eosinophilia, basophilia, or neutrophilia. The absence of mast cells in buffy coats obtained from clinically normal and ill cats lends support to the current practice of buffy coat evaluation for tumor staging and follow-up examinations in cats with mast cell tumors. Further studies of buffy coat analysis in cats with different forms of mast cell tumors are indicated to specifically elucidate the test's prognostic value for those patients.
Use of a titanium mesh for cranioplasty following radical rostrotentorial craniectomy to remove an ossifying fibroma in a dog
Authors: Bordelon Jude T. , Rochat Mark C.
Published: December 2007

Case Description—A 6-year-old Australian Terrier was evaluated for surgical removal of an ossifying fibroma of the left calvarium of 7 months' duration.

Clinical Findings—Computed tomography revealed invasion of the mass through the left parietal bone and extension into the epidural space of the brain.

Treatment and Outcome—A left rostrotentorial and frontal bone craniectomy was performed, and the mass was removed, along with a 1-cm margin of grossly normal bone. Cranioplasty was performed with a combination of porcine submucosa, titanium mesh, and screws. The dog recovered from surgery without complications and was discharged 3 days later. The dog was followed up for 24 months after surgery and has remained clinically normal.

Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that rostrotentorial craniectomy is a viable option for removal of benign tumors affecting the parietal bones in dogs. Reconstruction of the resulting defect in the calvarium is possible with a combination of porcine submucosa and rigid titanium mesh.