bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternatives to Sodium Amobarbital in the Wada Test
Authors: Patel Akta , Wordell Cindy , Szarlej Dorata 
Published: February 2011

Objective: To review the literature and identify alternatives to sodium amobarbital for use in the Wada test. Data Sources: A search of PubMed (1960-October 2010) was performed using the following key words alone or in combination: Wada test, intracarotid amobarbital procedure, intracarotid, intraarterial, sodium amobarbital, methohexital, Brevital, pentobarbital, etomidate, propofol, and alternative anesthetics. References of the identified articles were reviewed for relevant information. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles in English identified from the data sources were evaluated. Review included comparative, prospective, and retrospective studies along with case series and case reports. Data Synthesis: Methohexital, pentobarbital, etomidate, and propofol have all been studied as alternatives to sodium amobarbital in the Wada test. Four controlled experimental trials, 1 uncontrolled experimental trial, 6 retrospective chart reviews, and 2 case reports were reviewed. Methohexital, pentobarbital, and propofol required a second injection due to their short duration of action. Etomidate was studied as a bolus injection followed by a continuous infusion until the critical speech and memory tests were administered, which differed from the standard Wada test procedure. Patients had an increased risk of seizures with methohexital, whereas 1 patient developed transient respiratory depression immediately after receiving pentobarbital. Furthermore, propofol caused increased tone with twitching and rhythmic movements, which interfered with the completion of the Wada test for 1 patient. All authors concluded that these agents were equivalent to amobarbital for the Wada test. Conclusions: Methohexital, pentobarbital, etomidate, and propofol are viable alternatives to sodium amobarbital for use in the Wada test, but each has shortcomings.
Authorship and Characteristics of Articles in Pharmacy Journals: Changes Over a 20-Year Interval
Authors: Dotson Bryan , McManus Kevin P , Zhao Jing J , Whittaker Peter 
Published: February 2011

Background: To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated authorship patterns and characteristics of articles in pharmacy journals, Objective: To investigate changes over a 20-year period in authorship and characteristics of articles in pharmacy journals. Methods: All articles published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, and Pharmacotherapy in 1989, 1999, and 2009 were reviewed. Data collected for each article included article type, number of authors, number of physician authors, whether any author was affiliated with a pharmaceutical company, and source of funding. Results: The number of articles included was 574 in 1989, 659 in 1999, and 589 in 2009. The mean number of authors per article increased from 2.5 in 1989 to 2.8 in 1999 and 3.6 in 2009 (p< 0.001). Conversely, the proportion of articles with a single author decreased from 35% in 1989 to 23% in 1999 and 11 % in 2009 (p < 0.001), while the proportion of multi-authored articles (>6 authors) increased from 2% in 1989 to 3% in 1999 and 9% in 2009 (p < 0.001). A physician author was listed on 25% of papers in 1989, which increased to 38% in 1999 and 41% in 2009 (p < 0.001). Among research articles with declared funding from industry, there was an increase over time in reported author affiliation with an industry sponsor (10% of articles in 1989, 17% in 1999, and 66% in 2009; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Significant changes in authorship patterns and characteristics of articles were observed from 1989 to 2009. We found an increase in the number of authors per article over time, with fewer single-author papers now published. The explanations for the changes are likely multifactorial, including increased pressure to publish, increased research complexity, and inappropriate authorship. To prevent inappropriate author-number inflation and to preserve authorship's meaning and value, authors should adhere to the criteria for authorship from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.
Health-Care Policy 2011: Implications for Pharmacists
Authors: Matzke Gary R 
Published: February 2011

Objective: The enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 set the stage for a new era. The 2010 Congressional election results and recent court rulings challenging the constitutionality of various provisions of the Act suggest that implementation will be anything but straightforward. The proposed changes in health insurance, along with modifications in current reimbursement models, will alter the health-care environment. It is important for pharmacists to be aware of these opportunities and the resultant changes in public expectations. It is with these considerations in mind that The Annals announces the creation of a Health Care Policy expert panel to initiate commentary and discussion regarding health-care policy issues of relevance to the pharmacy community.
Biotinylated Probe Isolation of Targeted Gene Region Improves Detection of T790M Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation via Peptide Nucleic Acid–Enriched Real-Time PCR
Authors: Li Jin , Jänne Pasi A , Makrigiorgos G Mike 
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND
The presence of the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) T790M mutation in tumor tissue or body fluids from patients treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors may indicate the onset of resistance to treatment. It is important to identify this mutation as early as possible so that treatment can be modified accordingly or potential side effects of further treatment can be avoided. This requirement calls for high detection sensitivity. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are used as PCR clamps to inhibit amplification of wild-type DNA during PCR cycling, thereby enriching for rare mutations such as T790M. We describe a modification that improves the detection limit of PNA-clamp methods by at least 20-fold.

METHODS
We enriched the target by exposing genomic DNA to an EGFR exon 20–specific biotinylated oligonucleotide, followed by binding to streptavidin beads. We then prepared serial dilutions of the isolated target DNA containing the T790M mutation by mixing with wild-type DNA and then performed PNA clamp–based, real-time TaqMan PCR. For comparison, we performed PNA clamp–based PCR directly on genomic DNA.

RESULTS
Whereas the detection limit for PNA clamp–based PCR performed directly on genomic DNA is 1 mutant allele in 1000 wild-type alleles, conducting the assay with biotinylated oligonucleotide–enriched target DNA improved the detection limit to 1 mutant allele in 40 000 wild-type alleles. A possible explanation for the improvement in detection is that biotin-based target isolation efficiently eliminates wild-type DNA; therefore, fewer erroneous amplifications of wild-type DNA can occur early during the PCR.

CONCLUSIONS
Combining target molecule isolation via a biotinylated probe with PNA-enriched TaqMan real-time PCR provides a major improvement for detecting the EGFR T790M resistance mutation.
Cystatins: a versatile family
Authors: Esposito Veronica , Temussi Piero A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractCystatins are small proteins, typically composed of 100–120 amino acids, which together with similar proteins devoid of inhibitory properties, belong to a cystatin ‘superfamily’. Cystatins can do more than just inhibit proteases: two important aspects described here are aggregation properties linked to misfolding diseases and the unique ability of monellin, a plant cystatin, to elicit sweet taste. The explanation of the puzzling phenomenon of ‘sweet proteins’ required an in-depth structural study of monellin, also regarding the causes of the high thermal stability of its single chain structure. The detailed mechanisms by which cystatins aggregate could be relevant in the study of misfolding diseases involving cystatins. They are reviewed here with emphasis on 3D domain swapping, typical of aggregating cystatins. While studying monellin, we noticed that it aggregates in a conventional way, probably through the cross-β spine mechanism. However, several cystatins derived from oryzacystatin_I to emulate the taste behavior of monellin aggregate via different mechanisms.
MAPKs in development: insights from Dictyostelium signaling pathways
Authors: Hadwiger Jeffrey A. , Nguyen Hoai-Nghia 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play important roles in the development of eukaryotic organisms through the regulation of signal transduction pathways stimulated by external signals. MAPK signaling pathways have been associated with the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and chemotaxis, indicating that MAPKs contribute to a diverse set of developmental processes. In most eukaryotes, the diversity of external signals is likely to far exceed the diversity of MAPKs, suggesting that multiple signaling pathways might share MAPKs. Do different signaling pathways converge before MAPK function or can MAPKs maintain signaling specificity through interactions with specific proteins? The genetic and biochemical analysis of MAPK pathways in simple eukaryotes such asDictyosteliumoffers opportunities to investigate functional specificity of MAPKs in G-protein-mediated signal transduction pathways. This review considers the regulation and specificity of MAPK function in pathways that controlDictyosteliumgrowth and development.
Breakthrough in 22-in.-Hole Drilling in Kuwait Deep Wells
Authors: Al-Saeedi M.J.. J. , Mahesh V.S.. S. , Al-Ajmi H.S.. S. , Al-Enezi D.. , McKinnell D.C.. C. 
Published: February 2011

Summary
High-pressure/high-temperature exploration activities in Kuwait include the drilling of deep wells (approximately 16,500 ft) to search for high-quality oil from the Jurassic formations. Recent discoveries of commercial gas and light oil in six of the North Kuwait oil fields have resulted in the startup of the North Kuwait Gas Development Project. This project is a major venture with a planned production growth up to 1,000 MMscf/D of gas and 350,000 B/D of light oil, which requires a total of more than 90 new wells. For this new phase of development, the challenge was to change the approach to the drilling of deep wells to reduce overall project timing and cost. A rethinking of current drilling methods was required along with the application of new technology solutions to optimize drilling times.
The North Kuwait deep-well design is complex and requires surface/intermediate casings to be set at maximum depths to reach target depth (TD) in a workable hole size. The 22-in. hole is drilled from 6,000 to 9,500 ft and was considered to have a potential for improvement. A conceptual project was set up that would attempt to replace multiple 22-in.-insert-bit runs, rotary driven, with a single polycrystalline-diamond-compact (PDC) bit design run on a downhole motor. The objective was to establish a partnership approach with the bit manufacturer and motor provider and to develop bit designs, equipment specifications, and operational parameters over the project period.
The bit design team identified the main aspects on which the new PDC-bit design was to be based, and a prototype bit was manufactured. Results from the first run of the bit were analyzed, and the design was modified for the second run. A critical element was the development of the downhole motor, with a more-powerful 12¾-in. motor with precontoured stator being used for the second and subsequent runs. Bit designs and downhole-motor and rig-equipment specifications were developed and improved on over the project, resulting in the achievement of the project goal with the drilling of the entire 22-in. section with one bit from shoe to shoe. The performance improvements in the trial wells gave substantial increases in rate of penetration (ROP) and reduced drilling times.
Prototropic processes in benzaurins. 19F and 1H NMR spectra of fluoro- and methylsubstituted 4-hydroxyphenyl-diphenylcarbinols, related fuchsones and benzaurins
Authors: Hansen Poul , Peregudov Alexsander , Kravtsov Dimitrii , Krylova Antonina , Babakhina Galina , Golovchenko Ludmila , Pachevskaya Valentina 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Tautomerism of benzaurins and hydration are studied. 1H and 19F chemical shifts have been determined for a number of substituted 4-hydroxyphenyl-diphenyl carbinols containing fluorine in a 3-, 3*- or 4*-position, and for similar compounds containing additional methyl groups in a position of 3, 3** or 4**. The same data have been obtained for the fuchsones prepared by dehydration of the above carbinols. On this basis chemical shifts of fluorine in different positions have been evaluated as a monitor of the transformation of 4-hydroxyphenyl group to the semiquinone moiety. The 19F NMR can be used to monitor the transformation of 4**-fluorobenzaurin and the related 3,3*-disubstituted and 3,3*,5,5*-tetramethylsubstituted compounds to the corresponding carbinols due to the addition of a water molecule and to study the tautomerism of the two latter benzaurins as well as that of 3,3*,4**trifluorobenzaurin. Furthermore, fluorine and methyl group chemical shifts are sensitive to syn-anti-isomerism in substituted fuchsones.
The prototropic process of these compounds may be slow or fast on a 1H NMR time scale depending on the solvent and may be catalyzed by water or carbonic acids. On the basis of kinetic and thermodynamic data obtained by dynamic NMR studies, a mechanism for the process has been proposed.
Synthesis and characterization of layered double hydroxides with different cations (Mg, Co, Ni, Al), decomposition and reformation of mixed metal oxides to layered structures
Authors: Klemkaite Kristina , Prosycevas Igoris , Taraskevicius Ricardas , Khinsky Alexander , Kareiva Aivaras 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Three layered double hydroxides (LDH) [Mg1−xAlx(OH)2]x+(Am−)x/m]·nH2O and [MII
1−xMIII
x (OH)2]x+(Am−)x/m]·nH2O (MII — Mg, Co, Ni; MIII — Al; A — CO3
2−) were successfully synthesized by the low supersaturation method. The as-synthesized LDH samples were thermally decomposed and the derived mixed metal oxides reformed back to layered structures in water and magnesium nitrate media at different temperatures. All synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of XRD and XRF analyses showed that single-phase layered double hydroxides were formed during synthesis and reformation. It was demonstrated, that a partially substituted by cobalt and nickel LDH samples also show memory effect. The crystallite size of regenerated LDH depends on the regeneration media, temperature and chemical composition. The LDH samples after regeneration consist of large particles with sharp edges along with a large amount of smaller particles
Influence of land development on heavy metal forms in the Bobrza River ecosystem (Świętokrzyskie Province, Poland)
Authors: Rabajczyk Anna 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Metals are perceived as pollutants but they are also natural substances found in the environment. The surface water environment is under the influence of continuing industrial pollution/effluents. Therefore it is necessary to determine various metal forms present in each component of the water ecosystem. The study presents analysis for Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn and Pb content in the Bobrza River bottom deposits and water. The analysis of water and sediment samples from the Bobrza River taken from the littoral zone at three sampling points: the riverhead, i.e. the natural environment; Białogon — the acidic environment; and Sitkówka-Nowiny — the alkaline environment, were analyzed. Sample quality indicators were defined with pH value, conductivity, heavy metal content for water and suspended matter samples. The metal forms in river sediment were also analyzed. The sediment samples were subjected to Tessier’s five-stage sequential extraction procedure assisted by microwave radiation. Analyte concentration in water samples and in the extracts was determined with the use of F-AAS and GF-AAS techniques. The results obtained reveal a relationship between land development, the degree of metal bonding with suspended matter and metal forms found in river sediments.
Reservoir recultivation versus forms of heavy metals in sediments: the case of the Kielce City Lake
Authors: Rabajczyk Anna 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The Kielce Lake is a water reservoir located in the Kielce city zone. Areas around the reservoir are used for recreational, residential and industrial purposes. Additionally, the nearby state road to the city of Łódź, is a source of transportation pollution, including heavy metals. The reservoir is fed by a watercourse which receives municipal wastewater from the town of Masłów near Kielce. The amount and diversity of organic and inorganic compounds which flow into the reservoir causes heavy pollution of the Lake waters. To reduce the degree of reservoir pollution, a pulverizing aerator was installed in the middle of the Kielce Lake in May 2008. Sediment samples were collected at a depth of 0–20 cm between July 2008 and May 2010 at five sites in the littoral zone of the recultivation area. These environmental samples underwent a five-stage sequential extraction procedure, assisted by microwave radiation. The concentrations of trace metals Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Mn, Fe and Cd in various extracts were determined by means of F-AAS and GF-AAS. The results have shown a high concentration of analytes in reservoir sediments.
Velocity and velocity bounds in static spherically symmetric metrics
Authors: Arraut Ivan , Batic Davide , Nowakowski Marek 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
We find simple expressions for velocity of massless particles with dependence on the distance, r, in Schwarzschild coordinates. For massive particles these expressions give an upper bound for the velocity. Our results apply to static spherically symmetric metrics. We use these results to calculate the velocity for different cases: Schwarzschild, Schwarzschild-de Sitter and Reissner-Nordström with and without the cosmological constant. We emphasize the differences between the behavior of the velocity in the different metrics and find that in cases with naked singularity there always exists a region where the massless particle moves with a velocity greater than the velocity of light in vacuum. In the case of Reissner-Nordström-de Sitter we completely characterize the velocity and the metric in an algebraic way. We contrast the case of classical naked singularities with naked singularities emerging from metric inspired by noncommutative geometry where the radial velocity never exceeds one. Furthermore, we solve the Einstein equations for a constant and polytropic density profile and calculate the radial velocity of a photon moving in spaces with interior metric. The polytropic case of radial velocity displays an unexpected variation bounded by a local minimum and maximum.
Effectiveness Randomized Controlled Trial of Face to Face Versus Internet Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Social Phobia
Authors: Andrews Gavin , Davies Matthew , Titov Nickolai 
Published: February 2011

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Internet cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) with face-to-face CBT in social phobia. Methods: Randomized controlled trial of 75 patients with social phobia referred to an anxiety disorders clinic. A total of 37 patients participated, and post-treatment data was obtained from 25 Subjects (Ss). An intention to treat analysis was used. The same therapist (M.D.) treated both groups. Results: Both groups made significant progress on symptoms and disability measures. There were no significant differences in outcome between the Internet and face-to-face groups. The total amount of therapist time required was 18 min per patient for the Internet group and 240 min per patient for the face-to-face group. Conclusions: Both forms of treatment were equally effective and this is consistent with previous findings in depression and panic disorder. The difference in clinician time required was substantial. If Internet CBT was offered as ‘standard of care’ the staff time saved would permit a stepped care model in which in-depth therapy for the difficult to recover patients could be provided without an increase in staff.
Estimating the Accuracy of the Chedoke–McMaster Stroke Assessment Predictive Equations for Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Dang Mia , Ramsaran Kalinda D. , Street Melissa E. , Syed S. Noreen , Barclay-Goddard Ruth , Stratford Paul W. , Miller Patricia A. 
Published: February 2011

Purpose: To estimate the predictive accuracy and clinical usefulness of the Chedoke–McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA) predictive equations. Method: A longitudinal prognostic study using historical data obtained from 104 patients admitted post cerebrovascular accident was undertaken. Data were abstracted for all patients undergoing rehabilitation post stroke who also had documented admission and discharge CMSA scores. Published predictive equations were used to determine predicted outcomes. To determine the accuracy and clinical usefulness of the predictive model, shrinkage coefficients and predictions with 95% confidence bands were calculated. Results: Complete data were available for 74 patients with a mean age of 65.3±12.4 years. The shrinkage values for the six Impairment Inventory (II) dimensions varied from −0.05 to 0.09; the shrinkage value for the Activity Inventory (AI) was 0.21. The error associated with predictive values was greater than ±1.5 stages for the II dimensions and greater than ±24 points for the AI. Conclusions: This study shows that the large error associated with the predictions (as defined by the confidence band) for the CMSA II and AI limits their clinical usefulness as a predictive measure. Further research to establish predictive models using alternative statistical procedures is warranted.
Early kinematic outcome after treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture by tibial plateau levelling osteotomy in the dog
Authors: de Medeiros M. , Bustinduy M. Sánchez , Radke H. , Langley-Hobbs S. , Jeffery N. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryObjectives: To establish the effect of tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) on two selected pelvic limb kinematic variables in dogs treated for clinical cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR).Methods: Thirteen dogs that had incurred CCLR and were treated by TPLO walked on a treadmill whilst kinematic data on pelvic limb paw motion were acquired using motion capture equipment. Data were subject to secondary processing using matrix analysis software and statistical analysis.Results: Pelvic limb stance duration significantly increased during the 12 week study period, recovering to near-normal values. Range of pelvic limb paw velocity also significantly increased but did not reach normal values by 12 weeks postoperatively.Clinical significance: The improvement in stance duration to near normality may aid in explaining the widely-held subjective impression that TPLO frequently provides an excellent outcome in the early stages after repair of the cruciate deficient canine stifle joint. Both stance length and range of paw velocity provide useful objective measures to compare outcome following surgery for CCLR.