bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis from the patient perspective using focus groups
Authors: Coenen Michaela , Cieza Alarcos , Stamm Tanja A , Amann Edda , Kollerits Barbara , Stucki Gerold 
Published: May 2006

AbstractFunctioning is recognized as an important study outcome in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA is an application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the World Health Organisation with the purpose of representing the typical spectrum of functioning of patients with RA. To strengthen the patient perspective, persons with RA were explicitly involved in the validation of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA using qualitative methodology. The objective of the study was twofold: to come forward with a proposal for the most appropriate methodology to validate Comprehensive ICF Core Sets from the patient perspective; and to add evidence to the validation of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA from the perspective of patients. The specific aims were to explore the aspects of functioning and health important to patients with RA using two different focus group approaches (open approach and ICF-based approach) and to examine to what extent these aspects are represented by the current version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA. The sampling of patients followed the maximum variation strategy. Sample size was determined by saturation. The focus groups were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. The meaning condensation procedure was used for the data analysis. After qualitative data analysis, the resulting concepts were linked to ICF categories according to established linking rules. Forty-nine patients participated in ten focus groups (five in each approach). Of the 76 ICF categories contained in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA, 65 were reported by the patients based on the open approach and 71 based on the ICF-based approach. Sixty-six additional categories (open approach, 41; ICF-based approach, 57) that are not covered in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA were raised. The existing version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA could be confirmed almost entirely by the two different focus group approaches applied. Focus groups are a highly useful qualitative method to validate the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA from the patient perspective. The ICF-based approach seems to be the most appropriate technique.
Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin and Trastuzumab in HER-2 Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Phase II Trial
Authors: Chia Stephen , Clemons Mark , Martin Lee-Ann , Rodgers Angela , Gelmon Karen , Pond Gregory R. , Panasci Lawrence 
Published: May 2006

Purpose Cardiotoxicity precludes the concurrent use of doxorubicin and trastuzumab. Because pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) has equal efficacy but significantly less cardiotoxicity than conventional doxorubicin, this phase II study assessed the rate of cardiotoxicity and efficacy of first-line PLD plus trastuzumab in HER-2–positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Patients and Methods Women with HER-2–positive, measurable MBC, and a baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 55% were treated with PLD 50 mg/m2 every 4 weeks for six cycles and weekly trastuzumab (4 mg/kg loading dose then 2 mg/kg thereafter). Cardiotoxicity was defined as symptomatic congestive heart failure (CHF) with ≥ 10% decline in LVEF to below lower limits of normal, ≥ 15% decline in LVEF without symptomatic CHF, or less than 10% LVEF decline to less than 45%. Results Thirty women were enrolled, 13 had received prior adjuvant anthracyclines. A median 5.5 cycles of PLD were administered. Mean baseline LVEF was 62.8%, 59.5% after cycle four, and 58.3% after cycle six. Three patients (10%) developed protocol-defined cardiotoxicity. No patients developed symptomatic CHF. Response rate was 52%, with an additional 38% stable disease rate. At a median follow-up of 13.9 months, the median progression-free survival was 12.0 months; median overall survival has not yet been reached. The most common adverse events were grade 3 hand-foot syndrome (30%) and grade 3/4 neutropenia (27%). Conclusion The combination of PLD and trastuzumab is a well tolerated and active regimen in HER-2-positive MBC. Cardiotoxicity was observed, but limited to asymptomatic declines in LVEF. Further evaluation of this combination is warranted.
Gasoline Direct-Injection Engine Combustion and Emissions Measurements and Modelling
Authors: Raine R , Kar K , Hanson L , Stone R 
Published: May 2006

Experimental measurements of exhaust emissions and combustion pressure are presented for a piston-guided direct-injection spark-ignition engine over a wide range of injection timings and ignition timings. The measurements show that the engine can be operated satisfactorily in very lean conditions (λ = 4.0) at wide-open throttle. High hydrocarbon emissions are measured at late start-of-injection conditions and with late ignition. High emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO x) occur with early start of injection and with early ignition. Modelling results show acceptable agreement with the measurements for the indicated mean effective pressure and show that high levels of NO x are produced from the inhomogeneous zones that burn close to stoichiometric conditions. It is argued that early start of injection gives rise to high NO x because of fuel mixing to conditions close to stoichiometric and burning early in the combustion process.
Lanthanide Nitrates as Effective Promoters of a Ru/Al2O3 Catalyst for Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Murata Shuzo , Aika Ken-ichi , Onishi Takaharu 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Nitrates of La, Ce, and Sm were proved to be better promoters than CsNO3 for an ammonia synthesis Ru/Al2O3 catalyst. A small amount of lanthanide nitrate (M/Ru = 1) was as effective as a large amount of CsNO3 (Cs/Ru = 10) for 2wt% Ru/Al2O3 prepared from Ru3(CO)12.
Asymmetric [2+2] Cycloaddition Reaction between α,β-Unsaturated Acid Derivatives and Alkynyl or Alkenyl Sulfides Catalyzed by a Chiral Titanium Reagent
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Narasaka Koichi 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Asymmetric [2+2] cycloaddition reaction between 3-(acryloyl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one derivatives and alkynyl or alkenyl sulfides proceeds by the use of a chiral titanium reagent to give the corresponding cyclobutene or cyclobutane derivatives in high enantioselectivity.
Synthetic Studies on Novel Sulfur-Containing Alkaloids, Prianosins Isolated from the Marine Sponge Prianos melanos. Synthesis of the Spirodienone Moiety by Phenolic Oxidation
Authors: Cheng Jie-Fei , Nishiyama Shigeru , Yamamura Shosuke 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
In connection with sulfur-containing alkaloids, prianosins, a spiro derivative has been synthesized by phenolic oxidation of a phenol precursor with thallium(III) oxidation or electrochemical oxidation media.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a cis-Dioxomolybdenum(VI) Complex with Two Benzenedithiolato Ligands. (NEt4)2[MoVIO2(1,2-benzenedithiolato)2]
Authors: Yoshinaga Naoto , Ueyama Norikazu , Okamura Taka-aki , Nakamura Akira 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
(NEt4)2[MoVIO2(bdt)2] (bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolato) has been synthesized as a relevant structural model complex for the active center of sulfite oxidase and characterized by X-ray crystallography, 1H-NMR, UV-visible spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetric analysis. The complex has a distorted octahedral structure with two longer Mo-S bonds at the trans positions of the two Mo=O groups.
[2+2] Cycloaddition Reaction between Allenyl Sulfides and Electron Deficient Olefins Promoted by Lewis Acids
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Niihata Shigeo , Narasaka Koichi 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Methylenecyclobutane derivatives are prepared by the Lewis acid promoted [2+2] cycloaddition reactions of 1-substituted-1-methylthio-1,2-propadienes and electron deficient olefms. The asymmetric [2+2] cycloaddition of the allenyl sulfides also proceeds in high enantioselectivity by the use of a chiral titanium reagent.
X-Ray Fhotoelectron Spectroscopic Studies of Lanthanum Oxide Based Oxidative Coupling of Methane Catalysts
Authors: Dubois Jean-Luc , Bisiaux Michel , Mimoun Hubert , Cameron Charles J 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies of lanthanum oxide based oxidative coupling of methane catalysts, indicate a high binding energy O(1s) peak at 532.6–533.2 eV, which is strong evidence for surface superoxide (O2−) or peroxycarbonate (CO4=).
Ammonium Halide Type Thermotropic Liquid-Crystalline Polyethylenimines and Those Low-Mass Model Compounds
Authors: Ujiie Seiji , Iimura Kazuyoshi 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Thermotropic liquid-crystalline polyethylenimines with an ammonium halide moiety and those low-mass model compounds exhibited enantiotropically smectic phases. They were homeotropically aligned with the formation of an ammonium bilayer. The homeotropic structure of the liquid-crystalline polyethylenimine remained unaltered below Tg on cooling.
Delay Analysis for the Fixed-Cycle Traffic-Light Queue
Authors: van Leeuwaarden J. S. H. 
Published: May 2006

We consider the fixed-cycle traffic-light (FCTL) queue, where vehicles arrive at an intersection controlled by a traffic light and form a queue. The traffic-light signal alternates between green and red periods, and delayed vehicles are assumed to depart during the green period at equal time intervals.Most of the research done on the FCTL queue assumes that the vehicles arrive at the intersection according to a Poisson process and focuses on deriving formulas for the mean queue length at the end of green periods and the mean delay. For a class of discrete arrival processes, including the Poisson process, we derive the probability generating function of both the queue length and delay, from which the whole queue length and delay distribution can be obtained. This allows for the evaluation of performance characteristics other than the mean, such as the variance and percentiles of the distribution.We discuss the numerical procedures that are required to obtain the performance characteristics, and give several numerical examples.
The nation’s data? The UK census – guaranteed confidentiality but only limited information
Authors: Purdam K. 
Published: May 2006

English
In the UK, the census is one of the key resources for policy makers, determining planning and resource allocation at both the national and local level. Recent disputes between the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and a number of local authorities concerning the accuracy of the 2001 Census population counts have highlighted the importance of the census in funding allocation terms. Drawing on research into the 1991 and 2001 Census programmes and discussions with census users and commercial data providers, this article explores the complex relationship between the needs of policy makers and researchers and the issues of data access and confidentiality. The analysis is placed within the wider context of ongoing developments in both the public and commercial sectors with respect to data collection, storage and data release in and outside the UK. While consultation on the 2011 Census is ongoing, we argue that, in the context of the increasing demands for accurate data to inform evidence-based policy making and service provision, there is a pressing need for a more radical review of the current approaches to census content and census data access in the UK.
Immunochemical quantification of free immunoglobulin light chains from an analytical perspective
Authors: Nakano Takanari , Miyazaki Shuichi , Takahashi Hidenori , Matsumori Akira , Maruyama Taro , Komoda Tsugikazu , Nagata Atsuo 
Published: May 2006

AbstractImmunoglobulin light chains are components of antibodies, but some exist in a free form in serum and urine as a result of their excess production over heavy chains. Free light chain (FLC) levels are of the order of milligram per liter in normal serum and urine, but marked increases have been observed in various disease conditions. It has now been established that the measurement of FLC levels contributes to diagnosis and clinical management in monoclonal gammopathies. Recent developments in FLC assays have been adapted to several automated platforms and they have now become available in laboratories. There have, however, been some concerns regarding the analytical aspects. The current assay specificity appears to be insufficient to prevent the influence of intact light chains of several orders of magnitude greater than FLCs in serum. Moreover, the heterogeneous nature of light chains makes accurate quantification unreliable. FLC assays have never been standardized because of the lack of an international reference calibrator. In this review, we summarize the reports on FLC measurements and examine the specificity of anti-FLC antibodies and the reliability of FLC assays. We also discuss difficulties in the standardization and setting of normal reference intervals for FLC assays.
Digitale Holografie an reflektierenden Mikrosystemen (Digital Holography Applied to Reflective Microsystems)
Authors: Falldorf Claas , Kopylow Christoph von , Jüptner Werner 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
In diesem Beitrag wird ein Interferometer auf Basis der digitalen Holografie vorgestellt, welches die Erfassung der Form und der Deformation reflektierender Mikrosysteme ermöglicht. Ein Schwerpunkt liegt hierbei auf dem Modell zur Rückführung der Geometriedaten aus den gemessenen Phasenverteilungen. Die Ergebnisse lassen sich so in metrische Einheiten überführen und dienen damit als Grundlage zum Vergleich mit numerischen Modellrechnungen.
Die Formerfassung und die Ermittlung der unter thermischer Belastung auftretenden Verschiebungen werden beispielhaft an einer Testkomponente aus dem Bereich der Mikrosystemtechnik demonstriert. Im Bereich der Verschiebungsmessung können die vorteilhaften Eigenschaften der digitalen Holografie genutzt werden, um zwischen den Messungen auftretende Ganzkörperverschiebungen der Belastungseinheit in Richtung der optischen Achse zu kompensieren.
Incidence and Clinical Presentation of Invasive Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Infections in Germany
Authors: Fluegge Kirsten , Siedler Anette , Heinrich Beate , Schulte-Moenting Juergen , Moennig Maria-Jantje , Bartels Dorothee B. , Dammann Olaf , von Kries Ruediger , Berner Reinhard ,   for the German Pediatric Surveillance Unit Study Group
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in newborn infants. So far, there have been no published data on the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of invasive neonatal group B Streptococcus infections in Germany.METHODS. A prospective active surveillance study involving all of the pediatric hospitals, which reported their cases to the German Pediatric Surveillance Unit, and all of the microbiological laboratories serving pediatric hospitals, which reported their cases to the Laboratory Sentinel Group at Robert Koch Institute Berlin, was conducted between 2001 and 2003. Capture-recapture analysis was used to evaluate the completeness of reported neonatal invasive group B Streptococcus infections.RESULTS. We collected and analyzed data from 347 and 360 infants with invasive group B Streptococcus infection during the first 3 months of life, as reported by pediatricians to the German Pediatric Surveillance Unit and microbiologists to the Robert Koch Institute Berlin, respectively. Using capture-recapture analysis, we calculated an incidence of 0.47 per 1000 live births. Nearly 60% of the infants suffered from early-onset disease, and 16% of these presented with meningitis. In contrast, 61.8% of infants with late-onset disease presented with meningitis. Prematurity was present in 22.4% of early-onset disease and 39.7% of late-onset disease cases, respectively. A high proportion of infants suffered from sequelae because of group B Streptococcus infection at the time of discharge from the hospital. Most common sequelae were hydrocephalus and cerebral seizure. Case fatality rate was 4.3%.CONCLUSIONS. This study, which is the first to provide information on the current national incidence and morbidity of invasive group B Streptococcus infection in Germany, demonstrates remarkable country-specific variation in comparison with other European countries, which gather data in a similar fashion. Therefore, the importance of country-specific prevention guidelines has to be stressed.
The influence of coniferous canopies on understorey vegetation and soils in mountain forests of the northern Calcareous Alps
Authors: Ewald Jörg 
Published: May 2006

Abstract. Compositional and edaphic gradients were studied in montane forests of the Bavarian Alps (Germany), in which natural mixed deciduous‐coniferous tree layers have been altered by past management in favour of Picea abies. Data on species composition and ecological factors were collected in a stratified random sample of 84 quadrats comprising a gradient from pure Picea to pure Fagus sylvatica stands. Data about the understorey composition were subjected to indirect (DCA) and direct gradient analysis (RDA) with the proportion of Picea in the canopy as a constraining variable. Three principal components of a matrix containing seven descriptors of mineral soil, relief and tree layer cover were included as covariables describing the variability of primary ecological factors. Gradients of organic topsoil morphology and chemistry were extracted correspondingly. Responses of individual species, species group and topsoil attributes were studied by simple and partial correlation analysis.Mosses were significantly more abundant and diverse under Picea stands. Few graminoid and herb species were partially associated with Picea, and total understorey richness and cover did not differ systematically by stand type. No relationship between tree layer and understorey diversity was detected at the studied scale. Juvenile Fagus sylvatica was the only woody species significantly less abundant under Picea. In the topsoil lower base saturation, lower pH and larger C/N‐ratios in the litter layer were partially attributable to the proportion of Picea, only for base saturation a relationship was detected in greater soil depth also. The frequency of broad humus form types did not differ by tree species, nor was overall depth of organic forest floor attributable to canopy composition.
Ecohydrological characterization of a groundwater‐fed alluvial floodplain mire
Authors: De Becker P. , Hermy M. , Butaye J. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract.In a small alluvial floodplain depression (21 ha) of the river Dijle, a selection of 56 characteristic, mainly groundwater‐depending plant species was mapped using a regular 20 by 20 m square cell mapping grid. In order to understand the spatial distribution of the plant species and their vegetation types, several environmental variables, including groundwater regime, groundwater chemistry, soil texture, soil chemical composition and management type were measured in detail.Using Detrended Correspondence Analysis and Canonical Detrended Correspondence Analysis, the relation between these environmental variables and the plant species and vegetation types, respectively, is described in detail. Management type and groundwater fluctuations are recognized as the two main sets of environmental variables causing the specific spatial distribution of plant species and vegetation types for the mire‐ecosystem of the silty alluvial floodplain.
The Structure of Hardwood Forest Ecosystems of Prince Edward County, Virginia
Authors: Gemborys Stanley R. 
Published: May 2006

A phytosociological investigation was conducted in the hardwood forests of Prince Edward County, Virginia, to determine the structural aspects of these ecosystems and to determine the relationships of these communities to edaphic and topographic characters. In all, 32 stands were studied, located entirely within the Piedmont, representing habitats ranging from those of wet bottomlands to dry upland sites.Stands were positioned on the X, Y, and Z axes of a vegetational mosaic according to the technique described by Bray and Curtis. Environmental parameters were then superimposed over this mosaic in an attempt to determine which, if any, of these factors showed distributions associated with the vegetatively determined array. Density, basal area, depth of litter, percent organic matter, pH, soluble salts, calcium, magnesium and depth of the "A" horizon were found to be correlated with one or more of these axes.
Low back pain and musculoskeletal symptoms among Kansas farmers
Authors: Rosecrance John , Rodgers Gina , Merlino Linda 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundFarming continues to rank as one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the farmers and to examine the factors associated with occupational back pain. Farmers in a predominately corn and soybean growing region of Kansas served as the study sample.MethodsQuestionnaires were mailed out to 499 active farmers of a Farmers' Cooperative in Southeast Kansas. The self‐administered questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of self‐reported symptoms of back pain and other MSDs and to determine the strength of associations between back pain and work factors.ResultsThe participation rate was 57.2%. The low back was the anatomical area with the highest prevalence of self‐reported work‐related pain (37.5%), followed by the shoulders (25.9%), knees (23.6%), and neck (22.4%). Close to 60% of the farmers reported that they experienced farm work‐related MSD symptoms in at least one of the nine body areas in the previous year. Nearly one quarter of the farmers reported seeing a physician for their low back symptoms, and one in five farmers had to modify their work habits due to low back symptoms during the previous year.ConclusionsLow back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions are a significant problem for Kansas farmers. This group of Kansas farmers experienced low back pain at a much higher rate than the general working population and higher than other groups of farmers previously studied. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:547–556, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ImmunoTrack®: The novel antibody‐based technology for tracing in animal health
Authors: Ruehland Claus , Reichel Christoph , Neugebauer Markus , Strich Sandra , Bertling Wolf M. , Reiser Christian O. A. , Hess Juergen 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis paper describes a novel antibody‐based livestock movement control tool and method of meat allocation, both in livestock husbandry as well as during the meat‐processing chain. Immuno Track® fulfills diverse prerequisites and meets regulatory demands which are substantial for a successful monitoring technology: (i) the induction of long‐lasting antibody responses detectable onsite throughout the whole mast period of pigs, (ii) a single immunization injection with protein derivatives is sufficient to evoke a strong epitope‐specific antibody response, and (iii) the complete degradation of the protein markers after the antibody response has been triggered in meatproducing animals such as cattle or pigs. There are diverse fields of application for the Immuno‐Track marker technology, such as in quality meat programs, as compliance markers for animal vaccines or as a tool for verification of origin. Combination of this monitoring technology with the husbandry and identification databases for cattle and pigs within the European Community will lead to greater transparency in meat production, thereby regaining consumers' trust in concomitant structures of the meat‐producing industry.