bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of stable carbon isotopes of organic acids and carbonaceous aerosols in the atmosphere
Authors: Fisseha R. , Saurer M. , Jäggi M. , Szidat S. , Siegwolf R. T. W. , Baltensperger U. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA wet oxidation method for the compound‐specific determination of stable carbon isotopes (δ13C) of organic acids in the gas and aerosol phase, as well as of water‐soluble organic carbon (WSOC), is presented. Sampling of the organic acids was done using a wet effluent diffusion denuder/aerosol collector (WEDD/AC) coupled to an ion chromatography (IC) system. The method allows for compound‐specific stable carbon isotope analysis by collecting different fractions of organic acids at the end of the IC system using a fraction collector. δ13C analyses of organic acids were conducted by oxidizing the organic acids with sodium persulfate at a temperature of 100°C and determining the δ13C value of the resulting carbon dioxide (CO2) with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. In addition, analysis of δ13C of the WSOC was performed for particulate carbon collected on aerosol filters. The WSOC was extracted from the filters using ultrapure water (MQ water), and the dissolved organic carbon was oxidized to CO2 using the oxidation method. The wet oxidation method has an accuracy of 0.5‰ with a precision of ±0.4‰ and provides a quantitative result for organic carbon with a detection limit of 150 ng of carbon. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐beam x‐ray fluorescence analysis of individual particles with correction for absorption effects
Authors: Bielewski M. , Wegrzynek D. , Lankosz M. , Markowicz A. , Chinea‐Cano E. , Akoto Bamford S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA method of correction for absorption effects in micro‐beam x‐ray fluorescence analysis is described. A fast, energy‐dispersive, silicon drift detector (SDD) was used to measure the primary x‐ray beam transmitted through the sample. The absorption factors were calculated using the data acquired with the SDD. The possibility of using the coherently, incoherently and multiple scattered primary radiation for determining the mass of individual particles was examined. The proposed methods were validated with the use of NIST K3089 glass micro‐spheres of known composition. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved Long‐term Survival after Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Modern Era: Retrospective Study from HCV‐endemic Areas
Authors: Sasaki Atsushi , Iwashita Yukio , Shibata Kohei , Matsumoto Toshifumi , Ohta Masayuki , Kitano Seigo 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIntroductionIt remains unclear whether recent progress in perioperative management and treatment for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has improved patient outcomes in hepatitis C virus‐endemic areas.MethodsThe clinicopathologic and follow‐up data of 218 consecutive HCC patients who underwent curative resection between 1982 and 2003 were analyzed. Patients were assigned to one of two groups: before 1992 (early group; n = 82) and 1992 and later (late group; n = 136). Factors influencing survival rates were investigated by multivariate analysis. The effects of the period during which the hepatic resection was done on the patients’ outcome were examined with respect to tumor size.ResultsThe 5‐year cancer‐related and disease‐free survival rates were 51.4% and 20.4%, respectively. The late group showed better 5‐year cancer‐related survival than the early group (64.1% vs. 33.8%), but disease‐free survival did not differ significantly between the groups. On multivariate analysis, the period of the hepatic resection was identified as an independent prognostic factor for cancer‐related survival (relative risk 0.70, P < 0.01) but not disease‐free survival. There were no differences in the cancer‐related and disease‐free survival rates between the two groups for patients with tumors ≤ 25 mm. In patients with HCCs > 50 mm, both cancer‐related and disease‐free survival rates were better in patients in the late group.ConclusionsDuring the past two decades, improvements in the treatment of recurrent HCC tumors have contributed to controlling large HCCs but not to controlling the multicentric development of HCCs. It may be important to control multicentric recurrence of HCC to improve patient survival in areas where the hepatitis C virus is endemic.
Necrotic Complications after Nipple‐ and Areola‐Sparing Mastectomy
Authors: Komorowski Andrzej L. , Zanini Vittorio , Regolo Lea , Carolei Adriana , Wysocki Wojciech M. , Costa Alberto 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to analyze the frequency and factors influencing necrotic complication in female patients undergoing nipple‐ and areola‐sparing mastectomy.Summary and background dataNipple‐ and areola‐sparing mastectomy has recently been shown to yield satisfactory results in a carefully selected group of breast cancer patients. The technique includes extensive undermining of the nipple–areola complex, which may result in an increased rate of necrotic complications. We report our early experience with necrotic changes after nipple‐ and areola‐sparing mastectomy.MethodsThe medical records of 38 patients undergoing nipple‐ and areola‐sparing mastectomy were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsMean age of the patient was 44.5 years (range 26–65). Necrotic complications occurred in 15.8% of patients and included: skin flap necrosis (1 case), partial nipple–areola complex necrosis (2 cases), and complete nipple–areola complex necrosis (3 cases). Two cases of capsular contraction were also recorded. Statistical analysis showed age below 45 years to be associated with a lower risk of necrotic complications (OR 4.51, P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe nipple‐ and areola‐sparing mastectomy, although resulting in a relatively high frequency of necrotic complications, is a valuable surgical option for patients with small, peripheral tumors and for women undergoing prophylactic mastectomy. The procedure seems to be safer for women under 45 years of age.
Surgeon‐Performed Ultrasound for Preoperative Localization of Abnormal Parathyroid Glands in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Kairys John C. , Daskalakis Constantine , Weigel Ronald J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe introduction of portable ultrasound equipment enables surgeons to perform ultrasound examinations in a clinic setting. This study was undertaken to evaluate surgeon‐performed ultrasound (SP‐US) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).MethodsBetween July 2003 and March 2004, 65 patients with PHPT were evaluated with SP‐US and 48 of these patients underwent parathyroid surgery. Among this group of 48 evaluable patients, 47 had preoperative imaging with technetium‐99m sestamibi scanning (MIBI), and 12 had an additional ultrasound examination at an external radiology department (RP‐US).ResultsAll patients were cured of PHPT and the operative findings were used to determine the true status of the parathyroid glands of each patient. Twenty‐four (50%) patients had concomitant thyroid nodules which were identified by SP‐US, and 4 (8.3%) patients had simultaneous thyroid operations, 2 of which were for thyroid cancer. Considering data for all patients, SP‐US had significantly higher sensitivity than MIBI or RP‐US (60% vs. 46%, P = 0.013, and 60% vs. 11%, P = 0.004 respectively). Among the patients with a single adenoma, SP‐US, MIBI, and RP‐US had sensitivities of 83%, 63%, and 13% respectively. The specificities of all three imaging techniques were uniformly high and were not significantly different from each other.ConclusionsSurgeon‐performed ultrasound is an accurate modality for localizing abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with PHPT, with results that compare favorably with other parathyroid imaging modalities.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Mesentericoportal Vein Resection for Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreatic Head
Authors: Carrère Nicolas , Sauvanet Alain , Goere Diane , Kianmanesh Reza , Vullierme Marie‐Pierre , Couvelard Anne , Ruszniewski Philippe , Belghiti Jacques 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe value of mesentericoportal vein resection (VR) associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic‐head adenocarcinoma still remains controversial.MethodsFrom 1989 to 2003, 45 consecutive patients with pancreatic‐head adenocarcinoma underwent PD with mesentericoportal VR due to intraoperative macroscopic involvement of the superior mesenteric or portal vein (VR+ group). They were compared with 88 patients who underwent PD for adenocarcinoma without VR over the same time period (VR− group) and matched for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, pathological diagnosis, and nodal involvement. Preoperative features, intraoperative parameters, postoperative course, and survival were compared between the VR+ group and VR− group. Factors that may influence survival were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsMortality, morbidity, and mean hospital stay did not differ between the two groups (VR+ 4.4%, 56%, and 22.6 days, respectively; VR− 5.7%, 64%, 24.6 days, respectively). In the group VR+, vein invasion was histologically proven in 29 (64%) patients. Three‐year global survival and 3‐year disease‐free survival did not differ between the two groups: VR+ 22% and 14%, respectively; VR− 25% and 21%, respectively (log‐rank: P = 0.69 and P = 0.39, respectively). Neither VR nor histologically proven vein involvement significantly impacted survival duration. On multivariate analysis, tumor‐free margin was the most important prognostic factor.ConclusionsVein resection during PD can be performed safely. Patients with adenocarcinoma who require VR during PD have a survival not different from that of patients who undergo standard PD. Macroscopic isolated mesentericoportal vein involvement is not a contraindication for PD in patients with adenocarcinoma provided disease‐free margins can be obtained.
Isolation and Characterization of the First Putative Peroxidase Gene from Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus) which is Highly Homologous to HRPC
Authors: Wu Weisheng , Lu Jie , Wei Yamin , Wang Jin , Lin Juan , Cao Shuwen , Sun Xiaofen , Tang Kexuan 
Published: July 2006

A new gene, designated as BnPrx (GenBank Accession No. DQ078754), was isolated from oilseed rape (Brassica napus) by SMART Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE). The full-length cDNA is 1307 bp long and contains a 1062 bp open reading frame (ORF), which encodes a 354 amino acid peroxidase precursor, with a 31 aa N-terminal signal peptide and a 15 aa C-terminal propeptide. The putative protein has a molecular weight of 38.86 kDa and a calculated pI of 5.85. BnPrx shares high identity with HRPC (89%). BnPrx possesses all active residues and two Ca2+ sites present in Horseradish peroxidase isoenzymes C (HRPC) as well as six N-glycosylation sites. The predicted 3-D structure of BnPrx is very similar to that of HRPC. Assisted by genomic walking technology, the genomic DNA of BnPrx was also cloned, consisting of 3 introns and 4 exons. Thirty-two TATA boxes, 18 CAAT boxes and many cis-elements, such as WUN, MeJR, were found in its promoter region. Southern blot analysis indicated that BnPrx belonged to a small gene family. Northern blot analysis revealed that BnPrx was constitutively expressed in all tested tissues, including roots, stems and leaves, with the high expression in leaves and stems. The expression of BnPrx could be induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), cold and H2O2. The cloning and characterizing of BnPrx might not only help us understand the physiological function and molecular evolution of the large peroxidase gene family more comprehensively, but also provide an alternative way of seeking a more effective and economical substitute for HRPC.
Pleistocene Glaciation in the Southern Lake District of Chile
Authors: Porter Stephen C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractRelative-age criteria permit deposits of successive Andean glacier advances in the southern Lake District of Chile to be divided into four mappable drift sheets, the oldest two of which overlie Tertiary bedrock along the eastern flank of the Cordillera de la Costa. Only the youngest drift (Llanquihue) is datable by radiocarbon. During the most extensive ice advance of the last glaciation the Lago Llanquihue glacier was about 95 km long and reached an estimated maximum thickness of between 1000 and 1300 m. Glacier equilibrium lines at that time lay about 1000 m below their present level and rose eastward with a gradient of about 5 m/km. Successive ice advances in the Lago Llanquihue basin, which resulted in construction of end moraines and associated outwash plains beyond the lake margin, culminated sometime before about 20,000 yr ago and between 20,000 and 19,000 yr ago. A later readvance, inferred from the sedimentary record of lake-level fluctuations in the basin, had begun by about 15,000 yr ago and culminated shortly after 13,000 yr ago. A comparable, but less-closely dated, record of ice advances is found northwest of Seno Reloncaví and on Isla Chiloé. Deglaciation following the latest advance is likely to have been rapid, for the major glacier lobes fronted on deep water bodies that would have promoted extensive calving.
Mineralogy and Phase Chemistry of Mount St. Helens Tephra Sets W and Y as Keys to Their Identification
Authors: Smith Diane R. , Leeman William P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractVoluminous and widespread tephras were produced frequently during the last 36,000 yr of volcanic activity at Mount St. Helens. Numerous tephra sets have been defined by D. R. Mullineaux, J. H. Hyde, and M. Rubin (1975, U.S. Geological Survey Journal of Research, 3, 329–335) on the basis of field relations, Fe–Mg phenocryst assemblage, and 14C chronology and are valuable marker beds for regional stratigraphic studies. In this study modal abundances and mineral compositions were determined (via petrographic and electron microprobe techniques) for numerous samples of individual layers within tephra sets W and Y to evaluate the degree of compositional variability within and between tephra layers and criteria by which to distinguish among Mount St. Helens and other Pacific Northwest tephras. Although individual layers within a set (e.g., We, Wn) cannot be distinguished from each other on the basis of mineralogic characteristics examined, mineral compositions allow distinction among layers W and Y and other Pacific Northwest tephras (e.g., Mazama, Glacier Peak). Fe–Ti oxide compositions and T–fO2 estimates derived using coexisting magnetite—ilmenite are especially useful due to the compositional homogeneity of these minerals both within and between samples of a given unit over a wide geographic area. The silicates show more compositional variability than the oxides, but SiO2/Al2O3 contents in hornblende and Fe/Mg ratios in hypersthene aid in distinguishing among Pacific Northwest tephras.
Changes During the Holocene in the Size of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from Central Illinois
Authors: Purdue James R. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWhite-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from central Illinois varied in size during the Holocene. The record, which extends back to 8450 yr B.P., indicates small deer through the mid-Holocene until 3650 yr B.P., after which size increases. Although influences of winter climate, seasonality, anthropogenic effects, and other ecological factors should not be discounted, an intriguing possible cause of the deer size shifts is insolation-driven summer climate and its influence on food resources. In the Holocene, small deer size is correlated with high summer insolation and with low winter insolation. Climatic models indicate that in spite of changes in insolation, Holocene winters did not vary greatly through time, especially in contrast to summers, which were dynamic. Physiological constraints peculiar to O. virginianus make critical the quality of summer forage for determining final adult size. Summer temperature averaged 2°C warmer than present during the middle Holocene, which increased evaporation and probably reduced the period of availability of high-quality forage low in fiber and high in protein. Consequently, less fuel for growth was consumed by mid-Holocene deer and only small body size was achieved. Other possible causes (e.g., Bergmann's rule, seasonality) of clinal variation are considered with reference to central Illinois deer, but at present the most parsimonious explanation appears to be the summer insolation hypothesis.
Coseismic Uplift of Holocene Marine Terraces in the Pakarae River Area, Eastern North Island, New Zealand
Authors: Ota Yoko , Hull Alan G. , Berryman Kelvin R. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractHolocene marine terraces along 15 km of the northeastern coast of North Island record episodic tectonic uplift. A maximum of seven terraces are arranged in staircase fashion and lie about 20 km above the subduction interface between the Pacific and Australian plates. The highest (T1) corresponds with the maximum of the Holocene marine transgression about 6700 14C yr B.P. Younger terraces are marine abrasion platforms overlain by thin beach deposits. Radiocarbon ages of marine shells from beach deposits indicate that uplift above marine conditions occurred ca. 6700(T1), 5500(T2), 3900(T3), 2500(4), 1600(T5), 1000(T6), and slightly younger than 600(T7) yr B.P. Uplift probably occurred coseismically. The maximum late Holocene uplift rate in the study area is 8 mm/yr. Altitudinal distribution of terraces suggests deformation exists as a ca. 20-km elongate dome, broken at the southern end by the Pakarae fault, which trends across the dome. Rupture on this fault has accompanied the growth of the dome but is not responsible for it. Bathymetric profiling suggests that an active fault, parallel to and about 5 km offshore, is probably responsible for the episodic coastal uplift.
Environmental Change in the Yangtze River Delta Since 12,000 Years B.P.
Authors: Liu Kam-Biu , Sun Shuncai , Jiang Xinhe 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA 52-m core from Qidong at the tip of the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang) delta provides a history of sea-level change, deltaic development, and vegetational and climatic changes during the last 12,000 yr. About 12,000 yr ago, when sea level was about 60 m below the present level, the coring site was situated in the innermost part of the exposed continental shelf. The late-Pleistocene vegetation on the uplands of the Lower Yangtze River valley was a mixed forest of deciduous and broadleaved evergreen trees in which Betula, Ulmus, Tsuga, and Cupressaceae were slightly more abundant than at present. Abies and Picea were probably present as relict populations on mountains bordering the region. Rapidly rising sea level converted the Qidong area to a coastal or estuarine environment between 11,000 and 10,800 yr B.P., leading to widespread development of wetlands dominated by Gramineae and Cyperaceae. During the next 2500 yr coastal erosion due to marine transgression obliterated the sedimentary record. Deltaic sedimentation predominated from 8300 to 3800 yr B.P., as the Yangtze River delta prograded by successively building a series of estuarine sand bars. During the mid-Holocene, the climate was slightly warmer and more humid than at present, allowing the subtropical broadleaved evergreen trees to increase their populations. Pinus and Quercus became more abundant after 3800 yr B.P. in response to climatic cooling. The present deltaic plain in Qidong formed less than 200 yr ago.
Brief Report: School exclusion drug use and delinquency in adolescence
Authors: McCrystal Patrick , Higgins Kathryn , Percy Andrew 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTFifty‐one young people aged 14–15 years considered to be at a high risk to substance abuse and exhibiting antisocial behavior, primarily because they longer attended mainstream school, participated in this research by completing a questionnaire to measure drug use and delinquent behaviour. The findings suggest that many of them may have already developed a high propensity to drug abuse and antisocial behaviour compared with their peers in mainstream education. As they were all excluded from school, they were not accessing school based prevention programmes delivered to their contemporaries at school suggesting that additional and specialized resources are required to fully meet their needs.
Improving emergency obstetric care in Mozambique: The story of Sofala
Authors: Santos C. , Diante D. , Baptista A. , Matediane E. , Bique C. , Bailey P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective: The 5‐year project in the province of Sofala was designed to improve access, quality and utilization of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) by strengthening rural hospitals and health centers and ultimately the health system's capacity to respond to emergencies more quickly and effectively. Methods: Implementation consisted of attention to infrastructure, human resource development, transportation and communication systems, and management. Specific management aspects that were targeted for improvement included: supportive supervision, logistics for supplies, equipment and drugs, record keeping, monitoring and evaluation, and quality improvement techniques such as maternal death audits. Results: Access to EmOC improved with an increase in the number of fully functional EmOC facilities from 4 to 18. The number of women with obstetric complications who were admitted for treatment in participating facilities tripled, and the proportion of those women dying declined by half. Conclusions: Close collaboration and partnership with the provincial health directorate make the sustainability of many results likely while the replication of much of the Sofala model to other provinces is promising for the national strategy to reduce maternal mortality.
Why do Internet commerce firms incorporate logistics service providers in their distribution channels?
Authors: Rabinovich Elliot , Knemeyer A. Michael , Mayer Chad M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe Internet has redefined information‐sharing boundaries in distribution channels and opened new avenues for managing logistics services. In the process, firms have started to incorporate new service providers in their commercial interactions with customers over the Internet. This paper studies conceptually and empirically why Internet commerce firms (ICFs) have established relationships with these providers. Focusing on logistics services in outbound distribution channels, we rely on transaction cost theory to reveal that low levels of asset specificity and uncertainty drive Internet commerce firms to establish these relationships. Moreover, we apply strategic network theory to show that Internet commerce firms seek these providers because they offer access to relationship networks that bundle many complementary logistics services. In addition, logistics service providers make these services available across new and existing relationships between the Internet commerce firms, their customers, and their vendors.
Posterior fossa arachnoid cyst presenting with isolated sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Thinakara-Rajan T , Janjua A , Srinivasan V 
Published: July 2006

Arachnoid cysts are benign cysts occurring in the intra-arachnoid space and containing cerebrospinal fluid. They constitute approximately 1 per cent of all intracranial masses. They are uncommon in the posterior cranial fossa. Common presenting symptoms include headaches, seizures, focal neurologic signs and vague dizziness. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred method of investigation, and the treatment for symptomatic cysts is generally surgical drainage.We report the unusual presentation of a young patient with a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst that manifested in the form of isolated unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The patient underwent posterior fossa craniotomy and marsupialization of the cyst. To our knowledge, posterior fossa arachnoid cyst presenting with isolated hearing loss alone has not been reported in the English literature. A review of the literature pertaining to posterior fossa arachnoid cysts, including the clinical features, diagnosis and management, is also presented.