bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Multiplex Add-On Assay for Sepsis Biomarkers Using xMAP Technology
Authors: Kofoed Kristian , Schneider Uffe Vest , Scheel Troels , Andersen Ove , Eugen-Olsen Jesper 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground: Sepsis is a common and often fatal disease. Because sepsis can be caused by many different organisms, biomarkers that can aid in diagnosing sepsis and monitoring treatment efficacy are highly warranted. New sepsis markers may provide additional information to complement the currently used markers.Methods: We used a combination of in-house and commercially available multiplex immunoassays based on Luminex® xMAP technology to assay biomarkers of potential interest in EDTA-plasma samples.Results: A 3-plex assay for soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1), and macrophage migration inhibiting factor (MIF) was developed and validated in-house. This 3-plex assay was added to a commercially available interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-α human cytokine panel. No cross-reactivity was observed when the assays were combined. Correlation between values obtained with the 8-plex, the 5-cytokine panel, the 3 in-house 1-plex assays, and a suPAR ELISA ranged from 0.86 to 0.99. Mean within- and between-run CVs were 8.0% and 11%, respectively. Recoveries of suPAR, sTREM-1, and MIF calibrators were 108%, 88%, and 51%, respectively. In plasma collected from 10 patients with bacterial sepsis confirmed by blood culture, the assay detected significantly increased concentrations of all 8 analytes compared with healthy controls.Conclusions: A commercially available xMAP panel can be expanded with markers of interest. The combined multiplex assay can measure the 8 analytes with high reproducibility. The xMAP technology is an appealing tool for assaying conventional cytokines in combination with new markers.
Results and Feasibility of an External Quality Assessment Scheme for Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose
Authors: Kristensen Gunn BB , Nerhus Kari , Thue Geir , Sandberg Sverre 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Background: The analytical quality of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is not satisfactory, and the need for standardized control routines for SMBG has been underscored. The objective of this study was to investigate whether an external quality assessment scheme (EQAS) designed for office laboratories could improve the quality of SMBG measurements.
Methods: From October 2001 through March 2004, we conducted 6 glucose surveys for diabetes patients and coordinated them with an EQAS for office laboratories. Patients received 2 control samples by post twice a year. They measured each control sample in duplicate in accordance with written instructions, returned the results, and received an assessment of their analytical performance. Participants who got a poor evaluation were followed up by phone and were offered guidance.
Results: Participating in an EQA program over a period of 3 years decreased the percentage of poor results among diabetes patients significantly, from 11.2% to 1.9% in the first and last surveys, respectively. Between-participant CVs improved from 5.5% to 3.7% and were comparable to results from office laboratories. It was difficult to sort out factors contributing to quality improvement.
Conclusions: Implementing a traditional EQAS among diabetes patients may improve the analytical quality of SMBG and could be convenient for motivated patients. Further evaluation of the clinical usefulness of implementing such a program is needed, however, and costs as well as limitations of current EQAS for glucose in general should be taken into account.
A novel RSK2 (RPS6KA3) gene mutation associated with abnormal brain MRI findings in a family with Coffin–Lowry syndrome
Authors: Wang Yueying , Martinez Jose E. , Wilson Glen L. , He Xi‐Yu , Tuck‐Muller Cathy M. , Maertens Paul , Wertelecki Wladimir , Chen Tian‐Jian 
Published: May 2006

AbstractCoffin–Lowry syndrome (CLS) is an X‐linked mental retardation syndrome caused by defects in the RSK2 gene. We have identified a CLS family with four patients in two generations. The patients in this family, a mother and her three children (a male and two females), all have severe mental retardation with the typical CLS phenotype. In addition, brain MRI studies on the three siblings revealed abnormalities in deep subcortical white matter, thinning of the corpus callosum, hypoplastic cerebellar vermis, and asymmetry of the lateral ventricles. The degree of severity of the MRI findings correlated with the severity of mental retardation in the patients. Extensive mutation screening was performed on the entire RSK2 gene in this family. Twenty‐two exons including the intron/exon junctions were amplified by PCR and subsequently sequenced on both strands. A novel mutation, a two‐nucleotide insertion (298 ins TG), was identified. The insertion creates a stop codon at codon 100, resulting in a 99 amino acid truncated RSK2 protein. All patients tested have the same mutation, and no other mutation could be found in the RSK2 gene from the proband. The mutation was confirmed by PCR/RFLP. X‐chromosome inactivation assay on the female patients revealed significant skewing toward inactivation of the normal RSK2 allele. Thus, this novel mutation is likely to be responsible for the unusual clinical presentation in this family, which includes full phenotypic expression in females and unique brain MRI abnormalities. The pathological function of the mutation and genotype/phenotype correlation between the mutation and this unusual clinical presentation await further clarification. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Swelling and thermal characteristics of pH sensitive crosslinked poly(acrylamide‐co‐calcium methacrylate) superabsorbent copolymers
Authors: Murali Mohan Y. , Keshava Murthy P. S. , Sreedhar B. , Mohana Raju K. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractCrosslinked poly(Acrylamide‐co‐calcium methacrylate) superabsorbent copolymers [Poly(AAm‐co‐CMA)] were prepared by free‐radical copolymerization in aqueous solution of acrylamide (AAm) with calcium methacrylate (CMA) in presence of a crosslinker [N,N1‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), 1,2‐ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), or diallyl phthalate (DP)] using ammonium persulphate‐N,N,N1,N1‐tetramethylethylenediamine (APS‐TMEDA) redox initiator. The influence of relative content of CMA on the swelling ratio of the crosslinked copolymer was examined. The equilibrium swelling ratio (Seq) of crosslinked poly(AAm‐co‐CMA) superabsorbent copolymers was found in between 13–111 g/g, 14–92 g/g, and 12–33 g/g for superabsorbent copolymers crosslinked by DP, EGDMA, and MBA, respectively. Percentage equilibrium water content (EWC%) of crosslinked superabsorbent copolymers was found in between 92.51 and 99.11%. The calculated theoretical equilibrium swelling ratio (TSeq) and equilibrium swelling ratio (Seq) of these superabsorbent copolymers were in good agreement. Water intake of superabsorbent copolymers crosslinked by DP followed non‐Fickian type diffusion, while EGDMA and MBA crosslinked superabsorbent copolymers followed Fickian type diffusion. Further, the influence of pH of the medium on swelling behavior of crosslinked superabsorbent copolymers was also investigated. Thermal stability and morphology of these poly(AAm‐co‐CMA) superabsorbent copolymers were also studied in detail. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 1–12, 2006
Pristionchus pacificus: a well‐rounded nematode
Authors: Hong Ray L. , Sommer Ralf J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractNematodes pervade Earth's biosphere and occupy innumerable ecological niches. The role of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for developmental processes has encouraged us to cultivate a second nematode, Pristionchus pacificus, as a comparative counterpoint to address questions in development, behavior and ecology in nematode evolution. We hope that this endeavor, now more than a decade underway, will allow us to project findings onto other comparative models for biological processes. To this end, our laboratory has made an extensive genetic map and mutant screens to understand changes in developmental programs. Recently, we have been capitalizing on the whole genome sequence of P. pacificus to describe more thoroughly the molecular basis for these changes, as well as to better integrate our molecular knowledge with the biodiversity of Pristionchus species. BioEssays 28: 651–659, 2006. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A golden clue to human skin colour variation
Authors: Müller Jeanette , Kelsh Robert N. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractVariations in human skin pigmentation are obvious, but how have skin colour differences evolved? Although clearly a polymorphic trait, the number and identity of key variants has remained unclear. Investigation of pigmentation phenotypes in model organisms provides a route to identify these genes and showed MC1R to be one key locus. Now, cloning of a classic zebrafish mutant, golden, identifies slc24a5 as a gene involved in fish skin pigmentation.1 Strikingly this study identifies the human orthologue, SLC24A5, as likely to make a major contribution to the pale skin colouration of Western Europeans. BioEssays 28: 578–582, 2006. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulation of functional diversity within the Nedd4 family by accessory and adaptor proteins
Authors: Shearwin‐Whyatt Linda , Dalton Hazel E. , Foot Natalie , Kumar Sharad 
Published: May 2006

AbstractUbiquitination is essential in mediating diverse cellular functions including protein degradation and trafficking. Ubiquitin‐protein (E3) ligases determine the substrate specificity of the ubiquitination process. The Nedd4 family of E3 ligases is an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins required for the ubiquitination of a large number of cellular targets. As a result, this family regulates a wide variety of cellular processes including transcription, stability and trafficking of plasma membrane proteins, and the degradation of misfolded proteins. The modular architecture of the proteins, comprising a C2 domain, multiple WW domains and a catalytic domain, enables diverse intermolecular interactions and recruitment to various subcellular locations. The WW domains commonly mediate interaction with substrate proteins; however, an increasing number of Nedd4 targets do not contain obvious WW domain‐interaction motifs suggesting the involvement of accessory proteins. This review discusses recent insights into how accessory and adaptor proteins modulate the activities of Nedd4 family members, including recruitment of novel substrates, alteration of subcellular localisation and effects on ubiquitination. BioEssays 28: 617–628, 2006. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Central nervous system recurrence in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Sancho Juan‐Manuel , Ribera Josep‐Maria , Oriol Albert , Hernandez‐Rivas Jesus‐Maria , Rivas Concepcion , Bethencourt Concepcion , Parody Ricardo , Deben Guillermo , Bello Jose‐Luis , Feliu Evarist 
Published: May 2006

AbstractRecurrence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the central nervous system (CNS) confers a poor prognosis, although to the authors' knowledge, only a few studies have analyzed this issue in adults. For the current study, the authors analyzed the frequency, predictive factors, and prognosis of CNS involvement and recurrence in adult patients with ALL who did not receive cranial irradiation for CNS prophylaxis. Four hundred sixty‐seven adult patients (age ≥15 years) with ALL were treated on 4 protocols: ALL‐89 (standard‐risk and high‐risk ALL; n = 108 patients), ALL‐93 (high‐risk ALL; n = 222 patients), ALL‐96 (standard‐risk ALL; n = 84 patients), and ALL3‐97 (Burkitt leukemia; n = 53 patients). CNS prophylaxis consisted of intrathecal methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone together with high‐dose systemic methotrexate and cytarabine. The mean age (± standard deviation) was 33 years (± 16 years), and 272 patients were males. ALL subtypes included an early pre‐B phenotype (15%), a common phenotype (45%), a pre‐B phenotype (5%), a mature B phenotype (11%), and a T phenotype (24%). CNS involvement at diagnosis was observed in 18 patients (3.9%). Of 159 recurrences, 22 occurred (5.8%) in the CNS (14 isolated and 8 combined). A lactate dehydrogenase level >1000 U/L was the only factor associated with the risk of CNS recurrence. A complete remission was attained in 7 of 22 patients (32%). The median overall survival after recurrence was 0.7 years for patients with isolated CNS recurrence, 0.13 years for patients with combined recurrence, and 0.41 years for patients with bone marrow recurrence (P = .11). The only 2 survivors underwent stem cell transplantation. The frequency of CNS recurrence in adult patients with ALL who do not receive radiotherapy for CNS prophylaxis was similar to the frequency observed in protocols that included cranial irradiation. A lactate dehydrogenase value >1000 U/L was the only factor found to be associated with CNS recurrence. The prognosis for patients who develop CNS recurrence is poor, identical to that for patients who develop bone marrow recurrence. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Optimization of integrated Earth System Model components using Grid‐enabled data management and computation
Authors: Price A. R. , Xue G. , Yool A. , Lunt D. J. , Valdes P. J. , Lenton T. M. , Wason J. L. , Pound G. E. , Cox S. J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn this paper, we present the Grid enabled data management system that has been deployed for the Grid ENabled Integrated Earth system model (GENIE) project. The database system is an augmented version of the Geodise Database Toolbox and provides a repository for scripts, binaries and output data in the GENIE framework. By exploiting the functionality available in the Geodise toolboxes we demonstrate how the database can be employed to tune parameters of coupled GENIE Earth System Model components to improve their match with observational data. A Matlab client provides a common environment for the project Virtual Organization and allows the scripting of bespoke tuning studies that can exploit multiple heterogeneous computational resources. We present the results of a number of tuning exercises performed on GENIE model components using multi‐dimensional optimization methods. In particular, we find that it is possible to successfully tune models with up to 30 free parameters using Kriging and Genetic Algorithm methods. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards the Total Synthesis of Vibsanin E, 15‐O‐Methylcyclovibsanin B,3‐Hydroxyvibsanin E, Furanovibsanin A, and 3‐O‐Methylfuranovibsanin A
Authors: Schwartz Brett D. , Tilly David P. , Heim Ralf , Wiedemann Stefan , Williams Craig M. , Bernhardt Paul V. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractStudies detailing synthetic approaches to a variety of biosynthetically related vibsanin‐type diterpenes (i.e. vibsanin E, 15‐O‐methylcyclovibsanin B, 3‐hydroxy‐vibsanin E, furanovibsanin A, and 3‐O‐methylfuranovibsanin A) are discussed. Biogenetically modelled approaches are coupled with an investigation of classical and modern six‐ to seven‐membered ring‐expansion protocols, which gain access to the central core of these natural products. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Too much to bear: An introduction to crisis intervention and therapy
Authors: Brown Frieda F. , Rainer Jackson P. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis brief article introduces the issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session devoted to crisis, its aftermath, and its psychological treatment. We begin by defining crisis and its probable roles in the psychotherapist's practice. The following seven articles focus on specific guidelines for crisis work with multiple populations. A summary of each article is provided. We close with suggestions for incorporating the wisdom of each article in concrete, meaningful ways. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 62: 953–957, 2006.
A note on Bar Induction in Constructive Set Theory
Authors: Rathjen Michael 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBar Induction occupies a central place in Brouwerian mathematics. This note is concerned with the strength of Bar Induction on the basis of Constructive Zermelo‐Fraenkel Set Theory, CZF. It is shown that CZF augmented by decidable Bar Induction proves the 1‐consistency of CZF. This answers a question of P. Aczel who used Bar Induction to give a proof of the Lusin Separation Theorem in the constructive set theory CZF. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A novel analytical solution for constant‐head test in a patchy aquifer
Authors: Yang Shaw‐Yang , Yeh Hund‐Der 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA mathematical model describing the hydraulic head distribution for a constant‐head test performed in a well situated at the centre of a patchy aquifer is presented. The analytical solution for the mathematical model is derived by the Laplace transforms and the Bromwich integral method. The solution for the hydraulic head has been shown to satisfy the governing equations, related boundary conditions, and continuity requirements for the hydraulic head and flow rate at the interface of the patch and outer regions. An efficient numerical approach is proposed to evaluate the solution, which has an integral covering an integration range from zero to infinity and an integrand consisting the product and square of the Bessel functions. This solution can be used to produce the curves of dimensionless hydraulic head against dimensionless time for investigating the effect of the contrast of formation properties on the dimensionless hydraulic head distribution. Define the ratio of outer‐region transmissivity to patch‐region transmissivity as α. The dimensionless hydraulic head for α=0.1 case is about 2.72 times to that for α=10 case at dimensionless large time (e.g. τ⩾106) when the dimensionless distance (ρ) equals 10. The results indicate that the hydraulic head distribution highly depends on the hydraulic properties of two‐zone formations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoluminescence and edge‐incident wavelength modulation transmittance spectroscopy characterizations of InGaN/GaN multiple‐quantum‐well structures
Authors: Lin D. Y. , Chen W. L. , Lin W. C. , Shiu J. J. , Han J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA novel edge‐incident wavelength modulation transmittance spectroscopy (WMTS) technique combined with conventional photoluminescence (PL) measurements is developed to investigate the optical properties of two InGaN/GaN multiple‐quantum‐well (MQW) structures in the temperature range between 15 and 300 K. The S‐shaped PL shift with temperature and the InGaN A1 (LO) phonon replicas were observed in temperature‐dependent PL measurements. It can be explained by the localization of self‐organized InN clusters within the InGaN layers. Besides, we for the first time use the edge‐incident WMTS technique to eliminate the multireflection interference effect, which in the conventional transmittance or absorption measurements usually causes spectral oscillation to make the optical features difficult to identify. The excitonic transitions and absorption edge of GaN layers have been revealed clearly. Compared to an envelope‐function calculation taking into account the quantum confined Stark effect (QCSE), the origins of these spectral features are assigned. The parameters that describe the temperature dependence of the excitonic transition energies are also evaluated. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The role of vacancies in the red luminescence from Mg‐doped GaN
Authors: Zeng S. , Aliev G. N. , Wolverson D. , Davies J. J. , Bingham S. J. , Abdulmalik D. A. , Coleman P. G. , Wang T. , Parbrook P. J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe red (1.8 eV) photoluminescence (PL) band often observed in Mg‐doped GaN has been suggested to be due to a recombination process involving vacancy‐related deep defects. To identify the defects concerned, optically‐detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) experiments have been combined. A correlation between the PL spectra, the ODMR signals and the PAS data has been observed in as‐grown layers as the magnesium doping level is increased. The experiments provide strong evidence that the origin of the red PL is recombination of electrons from both shallow and deep donors with holes at deep acceptors, the deep donors being complexes formed from nitrogen vacancies associated with substitutional magnesium ions and the deep acceptors being gallium vacancies or related centers. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Protective effect of BR‐16A, a polyherbal preparation against social isolation stress: possible GABAergic mechanism
Authors: Kumar Anil , Kulkarni S. K. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe antistress effects of BR‐16A, a polyherbal preparation and its interaction with GABAergic modulators against social isolation‐induced stress were investigated in the present study. Isolation stress was induced by keeping the mice (Laca strain) individually in each cage for 3 weeks and various drug treatments were given for a period of 5 days before the start of the experiments. The various behavioural parameters examined included pentobarbitone‐induced sleep (sleep latency and duration), analgesia (tail‐ßick test) and locomotor activity, respectively. BR‐16A (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) treatment for 5 days significantly reversed the social isolation stress‐induced prolongation of onset and decrease in pentobarbitone‐induced sleep, increased total motor activity and stress‐induced antinociception. When diazepam (0.5 mg/kg), a benzodiazepine agonist, was co‐administered with BR‐16A (100 mg/kg), it significantly potentiated the reversal of pentobarbitone‐induced shortening of sleep time effects; increased locomotor activity and stress induced antinociceptive effects. However, the sleep latency was not decreased significantly. Further, ßumazenil (2 mg/kg), a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist and FG 7142 (10 mg/kg), an inverse agonist, when co‐administered with BR‐16A (100 mg/kg), showed no significant reversal on pentobarbitone‐induced hypnosis, locomotor activity and social isolation‐induced antinociception compared with their effects per se. The present study demonstrated the antistress effects of BR‐16A preparation against social isolation‐induced stress. The present study also suggests that the GABAergic system may be involved in its antistress effect. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Lee Emanoel C. G. , Truelove Sidney C. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe majority of patients with ulcerative colitis can be managed satisfactorily throughout their lives by medical treatment, but a minority require colectomy. In severe attacks, emergency surgery is often required to save the patient's life. In chronic disease not responding well to medical treatment, elective colectomy will restore the patient to good health. Colectomy is also necessary for certain local complications, such as cancer, severe fistulas, and strictures. Prophylactic colectomy is indicated in patients with long‐standing disease in whom there are factors associated with a high risk of developing cancer of the large bowel. For all these indications, it is our opinion that single‐stage proctocolectomy is the operation of choice in the great majority of patients. Finally, we consider that the best results are obtained when the physician and the surgeon work together in the closest possible cooperation.