bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The determination of huperzine A in european Lycopodiaceae species by HPLC‐UV‐MS
Authors: Borloz A. , Marston A. , Hostettmann K. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA rapid qualitative HPLC‐UV‐MS method was developed for the detection of huperzine A in Lycopodiaceae species. HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry experiments allowed the identification of the alkaloid and enabled targeted analysis of complex matrices such as herbal extracts. Huperzine A was detected by single ion monitoring of the pseudomolecular ion [M + H]+ at m/z 243.2. The alkaloid was also detected on TLC in a bioautographic enzyme assay with acetylcholinesterase to show the activity of the compound. Four Lycopodiaceae species collected in Switzerland were tested by these methods and Huperzia selago (L.) Bernh. ex Schrank et Martius was the only species found to contain huperzine A. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐line identiﬁcation of further flavone C‐ and O‐glycosides from sugarcane (Saccharum ofﬁcinarum L., Gramineae) by HPLC‐UV‐MS
Authors: Colombo Renata , Yariwake Janete H. , Queiroz Emerson F. , Ndjoko Karine , Hostettmann Kurt 
Published: July 2006

AbstractHPLC‐UV‐MS (APCI‐MS/MS and CID/MS) was utilised for the identiﬁcation of eight additional ﬂavone glycosides from sugarcane (Saccharum ofﬁcinarum L., Gramineae) extracts of bagasse, leaves and juice (‘garapa’). Relevant information about substitution patterns was obtained through UV detection using post‐column addition of shift reagents, while tandem MS provided structural information conﬁrming the proposed structures of the C‐glycosides vitexin, orientin, luteolin‐8‐C‐(rhamnosylglucoside), 4′,5′‐dimethyl‐luteolin‐8‐C‐glycoside and the isomeric pair schaftoside–isoschaftoside, besides the O‐glycosides tricin‐7‐O‐neohesperidoside and tricin‐7‐O‐glycoside. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The concept and measurement of meaning in life in Dutch cancer patients
Authors: Jaarsma Tessa A. , Pool Grieteke , Ranchor Adelita V. , Sanderman Robbert 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe investigated the psychometric properties of a Dutch translation of the Personal Meaning Profile in a heterogeneous group of cancer patients. Our study resulted in a relatively short scale consisting of 39 of the 57 original items, divided into 5 factors, labeled ‘relation with God’; ‘dedication to life’; ‘fairness of life’; ‘goal‐orientedness’ and ‘relations with other people’, which can be summed to a total score of the experience of meaning in life. The internal consistency of the total scale as well as of its sub dimensions was high. The experience of meaning in life was positively related to feelings of psychological well‐being and negatively to feelings of distress. Furthermore, the experience of meaning in life was also related to trait‐like characteristics as personality. Future research can investigate its appropriateness for other populations than cancer patients, and if and how the experience of meaning in life eventually changes as a result of existential threats. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous ratings of breathlessness during exercise by children and young adults with asthma and healthy controls
Authors: Mahler Donald A. , Waterman Laurie A. , Ward Joseph , Baird John C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAlthough it is recommended and common practise for adults with respiratory disease to rate symptoms (e.g., dyspnea and/or leg discomfort) during exercise testing, there are no reports on whether children can rate their perception of breathlessness during exercise. Our aims were to evaluate the ability of children and young adults with asthma to continuously rate breathlessness on the 0–10 category‐ratio (CR‐10) scale with a computerized system during cycle ergometry, and to compare their results with those of healthy subjects. At an initial visit, subjects were familiarized with equipment and exercise protocol, and practised rating breathlessness while cycling. At a follow‐up visit (2–4 days later), subjects performed incremental exercise and rated breathlessness using a computer system, mouse, and monitor. Changing the position of the mouse caused movement of a vertical bar located adjacent to the CR‐10 scale to indicate the severity of breathlessness. Baseline characteristics of the 14 subjects with asthma (age, 15 ± 3 years) and 33 healthy subjects (age, 16 ± 2 years) were similar. The two groups had comparable levels of fitness as measured by peak oxygen consumption (VO2). Correlations between exercise physiologic variables (power production, VO2, and minute ventilation) and breathlessness ratings were >0.90. Subjects reported progressively more ratings of breathlessness with increasing exercise intensities. There were no differences between groups for slopes, x‐intercepts, and absolute thresholds relating physiologic variables and breathlessness. In conclusion, children and young adults with asthma as well as healthy individuals of comparable age successfully used the computerized system to rate breathlessness continuously during cycle ergometry. Both groups reported more ratings of breathlessness with this technique as exercise progressed. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robust Design of Fault Detection and Isolation Systems
Authors: Romano Daniele , Kinnaert Michel 
Published: July 2006

AbstractInspired by the rationale of Robust Design, a novel methodology is presented for the design of diagnostic systems for fault detection and isolation (FDI). Detection/isolation capability and robustness, i.e. sensitivity to faults and insensitivity to noise, are addressed in an integrated way within a fully stochastic framework. Although FDI is a classical problem in control engineering, this new approach improves the current state of the art both in terms of general applicability and optimality of the design solution. It demonstrates the potential of robust design in fostering innovation in a variety of technical sectors. For illustrative purposes, the methodology is applied to the design of a FDI system for a fluid mixer. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing the Hypotheses on the Fixed Effects in the Taguchi Approach with Combined Arrays
Authors: Zanella Angelo , Deldossi Laura , Cantaluppi Gabriele 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe paper examines a particular aspect of robustness related to the Taguchi approach to off‐line quality control. In particular, the ‘combined array’ approach to experimental design is considered, which requires the noise factors to be reproduced as controllable factors in a laboratory or on a pilot plant level. We propose a statistical method for assessing the existence of controllable factor effects on the mean, in signifying that they are clearly distinguishable from the error random fluctuations even if there are noise factors typically affecting a response of interest in the real production or utilization of some goods. The method has recourse to a statistical test, whose percentage point, defining the acceptance/rejection regions of the hypothesis under study, is the appropriate $(1-\alpha)$ percentile of a doubly non‐central F distribution. The study of the power function of the test suggested the simplification of the latter, which is dealt with in the paper also with regard to an example of application of the proposed method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Statistical Procedure to Support Industrial Research into New Product Development
Authors: Bonnini Stefano , Corain Livio , Salmaso Luigi 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn recent years, the competitive context in which goods‐producing industrial companies operate has been characterized by strong dynamism and growing attention to strategies capable of maximizing customer satisfaction. In order to reach this objective, the importance of paying particular attention to the initial stages of development of a new product is widely recognized and successful companies therefore invest great resources and competences in industrial research. In this paper we propose a new statistical procedure to support the development of new, successful industrial products on the basis of their experimental performances. New product performances are modelled in a stratified one‐way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) framework and a set of non‐parametric permutation tests are applied to detect significant differences in performances from which we can obtain partial rankings and a final global ranking suitable for identifying the best product. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Customer Satisfaction in the Airline Industry: the Case of British Airways
Authors: Nicolini Giovanna , Salini Silvia 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn this paper two different non‐classic methods, based on the analysis of qualitative data, are applied to evaluate customer satisfaction. The airline industry is considered with British Airways used as a case study. First, a classification algorithm based on the decision tree theory is performed. By conserving the original ordinal measuring scale for the items, it is possible to rank the dimensions in order to obtain a map of preference, select the groups of subjects more or less satisfied and delineate the peculiar characteristics of each group. Second, a probabilistic model, the Rasch model, is applied with the aim of distinguishing the two components (satisfaction and quality) that influenced the answer to each item and obtaining a numerical interval measure for both components. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing Conjoint Analysis Paired Comparisons Tasks by a Random Selection Procedure
Authors: Furlan Roberto , Corradetti Roberto 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSince the late 1970s conjoint analysis has been applied in estimating consumer preferences in marketing research. This article focuses on paired comparisons of profile design. In particular, it discusses how to reduce the number of pairs to be presented by incomplete comparisons of attributes. First, we present the reductions offered by cyclic designs and by group‐divisible designs. Then, we show that the number of pairs to be presented can effectively be reduced by applying a random selection procedure. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Representation of the Dirac equation and the variational principle
Authors: Karwowski J. , Pestka G. , Stanke M. , Harris F. E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe performance of the variational method applied to the Dirac equation depends on the selected representation of this equation in four‐dimensional spinor space. This dependence is analyzed. It is pointed out that the representations of Weyl and of Biedenharn have several attractive features. The usefulness of the so‐called kinetically balanced Dirac equation is also briefly discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Investigation of polyethylene helical conformations: Theoretical study by vibrational Raman optical activity
Authors: Liégeois Vincent , Quinet Olivier , Champagne Benoît 
Published: July 2006

AbstractUsing theoretical simulations on polyethylene segments, it is demonstrated that vibrational Raman optical activity is highly sensitive to helicity, more than the conventional Raman technique. Therefore, it can be used to probe helicity and conformations of synthetic polymers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Local minima conformations of the Sc3N @C80 endohedral complex: Ab initio quantum chemical study and suggestions for experimental verification
Authors: Yanov Ilya , Kholod Yana , Simeon Tomekia , Kaczmarek Anna , Leszczynski Jerzy 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe results of an ab initio quantum chemical study of the Sc3N@C80 endohedral complex are reported. The Hartree–Fock (HF) and B3LYP levels of theory were employed in conjunction with STO‐3G and 6‐31G(d) basis sets to determine the geometry and properties of the local minima conformations of Sc3N cluster inside the C80 cage. Weak bonding between the Sc3N and C80 molecule and a number of very close geometry and nearly identical by energy local minima structures can explain the large mobility of the endohedral cluster, but complicate determination of the global minimum structure. The effect of the endohedral cluster on the vibrational spectrum of Sc3N@C80 is revealed. Based on the theoretical infrared (IR) spectra, the experimental method to distinguish local minima structures of Sc3N@C80 is proposed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Searching for the minimum energy path in the sulfuryl transfer reaction catalyzed by human estrogen sulfotransferase: Role of enzyme dynamics
Authors: Lin Ping , Yang Weitao , Pedersen Lars C. , Negishi Masa , Pedersen Lee G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe enzymatic transfer of a sulfuryl group from the ubiquitous biological source of sulfate 3′‐phosphoadenosine 5′‐phosphosulfate (PAPS) to estrogen is investigated by the pseudo‐bond quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical method (QM/MM) method. Calculations of the reaction path are performed starting with models based on two crystal structures, which differ in information about the cofactor and substrates. In addition, a subsequent relaxation of the enzyme was performed with the found transition state frozen, followed by redetermination of the path. An activation barrier of 22 kcal/mol is estimated. The reaction mechanism features a proton transfer from the estrogen to a catalytic histidine followed by the rate determining SO3 transfer. The mechanism found is largely dissociative. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Phantom Nanoparticles as Probes of Biomolecular Interactions
Authors: Prosperi Davide , Morasso Carlo , Mantegazza Francesco , Buscaglia Marco , Hough Loren , Bellini Tommaso 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA new light‐scattering‐based method to detect molecular interactions at the surface of low‐refractive‐index nanoparticles was recently proposed. Water‐dispersed nanoparticles functionalized with receptors typical of immature bacteria cell walls were used to study the activity of the antibiotic vancomycin. This method subtly depends on the specific properties of the nanoparticles. Here we discuss, by comparative experiments and through theoretical evaluation, the effects of size, refractive index, electric charge, and dilution on the reliability and accuracy of the method. Quite surprisingly, perfect index matching and minimal size (i.e., maximum surface), which is almost attained in one of the colloids here employed, do not represent the ideal conditions. Rather, we show that a nanoparticle radius of 100 nm and a refractive index slightly below that of water yields the best signal/background amplitude. We also show that repulsive interactions can lead to artifacts in the adsorption isotherm, thus indicating that electrostatic stabilization should be kept at a minimum. The close agreement between the interaction strengths, as measured with two different nanoparticle systems, testifies to the reliability of the method.
Optical Properties of ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Djurišić Aleksandra B. , Leung Yu Hang 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe present a review of current research on the optical properties of ZnO nanostructures. We provide a brief introduction to different fabrication methods for various ZnO nanostructures and some general guidelines on how fabrication parameters (temperature, vapor‐phase versus solution‐phase deposition, etc.) affect their properties. A detailed discussion of photoluminescence, both in the UV region and in the visible spectral range, is provided. In addition, different gain (excitonic versus electron hole plasma) and feedback (random lasing versus individual nanostructures functioning as Fabry–Perot resonators) mechanisms for achieving stimulated emission are described. The factors affecting the achievement of stimulated emission are discussed, and the results of time‐resolved studies of stimulated emission are summarized. Then, results of nonlinear optical studies, such as second‐harmonic generation, are presented. Optical properties of doped ZnO nanostructures are also discussed, along with a concluding outlook for research into the optical properties of ZnO.
Fibrosis in Non‐cancerous Tissue is the Unique Prognostic Factor for Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Without Hepatitis B or C Viral Infection
Authors: Tomimaru Yoshito , Sasaki Yo , Yamada Terumasa , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Ishikawa Osamu , Imaoka Shingi 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:The relationship between the state of non‐cancerous tissues in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), and hepatitis C antibody (HCVAb) (NBNC‐HCC) and the prognosis has not yet been resolved.Methods:We examined the clinicopathological features of these patients and performed statistical analysis for the prognosis of recurrence following curative hepatic resection.Results:Disease‐free survival (DFS) revealed that only the degree of fibrosis was a significant prognostic factor (P = 0.0374). On the basis of the degree of fibrosis (New Inuyama Classification), patients with NBNC‐HCC were divided into a non‐fibrotic liver group (NF group; F0,n = 10) and a fibrotic liver group (FL group; F1–4,n = 34). The DFS rate in the NF group was significantly better than that in the FL group (P = 0.0408). In the NF group, only one patient recurred, while in the FL group, 21 patients had recurrences. In the FL group, intra‐hepatic recurrence was frequently seen in both lobes within 2 years after the initial hepatic resection, while recurrences more than 2 years after the initial operation were mainly seen in the contralateral lobe.Conclusion:Histological assessment of the degree of fibrosis in the non‐cancerous regions of NBNC‐HCC may be useful not only for the selection of the appropriate treatment but also for the prediction of postoperative prognosis.
“To Afford the Wounded Speedy Assistance”: Dominique Jean Larrey and Napoleon
Authors: Skandalakis Panagiotis N. , Lainas Panagiotis , Zoras Odyseas , Skandalakis John E. , Mirilas Petros 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDominique Jean Larrey (1766–1842) has been described as the father of modern military surgery and is considered even today as the model military surgeon. He developed a plan of rapid evacuation of wounded soldiers from the battlefield during combat, using flexible medical units which he named ambulances volantes (“flying ambulances”). He won the admiration of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821), who was amazed by the results of Larrey’s sanitary system. Larrey spent almost 18 years with Napoleon, accompanying him in 25 campaigns, 60 battles, and more than 400 engagements. Napoleon’s enormous military success was due not only to his strategy and skill but also to the medical services provided by Larrey. The surgeon became a master of wound management and limb amputation. In his vivid battlefield journals, Larrey documented the course of tetanus, the pathophysiology of cold injury, the effective control of hemorrhage, the drainage of empyema and hemothorax, the aspiration of pericardial effusion or hemopericardium, and the packing of sucking chest wounds. Larrey established a categorical rule for the triage of war casualties, treating the wounded according to the observed gravity of their injuries and the urgency for medical care, regardless of their rank or nationality.
Incurable Stenosing Colorectal Carcinoma: Endoscopic Stent Implantation or Palliative Surgery?
Authors: Ptok Henry , Marusch Frank , Steinert Ralf , Meyer Lutz , Lippert Hans , Gastinger Ingo 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundPalliative surgery for the treatment of incurable obstructive colorectal carcinoma is associated with a considerable perioperative morbidity and mortality but no substantial improvement of the prognosis. The aim of the present study was to study the effectiveness of colorectal stenting compared with palliative surgery in incurable obstructive colorectal carcinoma.Patients and MethodsFrom April 1999 to April 2005, data of consecutive patients with incurable stenosing colorectal carcinoma, either treated with stent implantation or palliative surgical intervention, were prospectively recorded with respect to age, sex, tumor location (including metastases), ASA‐score, peri‐interventional morbidity, mortality, rates of complications, and re‐interventions as well as survival.ResultsOf 40 patients, 38 (95%) were successfully treated with a stent. Two patients (5%) underwent surgical intervention after stent dislocation. In contrast, 38 patients primarily underwent palliative surgical intervention. Stent patients were significantly older (P = 0.020), had a higher ASA‐score (P = 0.012), and had more frequently distant metastases (P = 0.011). After successful stent implantation, no early complications were observed, but late complications occurred in 11 subjects (29%). Following palliative surgical intervention, postoperative complications occurred in 12 individuals (32%). Postoperative mortality was 5% in the surgery group, whereas no patient died following stent implantation. There was no significant differences in the survival of both groups (9.9 vs. 7.8 months, respectively; log rank: 0.506).ConclusionsPalliative treatment of incurable obstructive colorectal carcinoma using stents is an effective and suitable alternative to palliative surgery with no negative impact on the survival but less peri‐interventional morbidity and mortality as well as comparable overall morbidity.
Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy for Cancer: Prospective Evaluation of Laparoscopic Gastric Mobilization
Authors: Godiris‐Petit Gaelle , Munoz‐Bongrand Nicolas , Honigman Isabelle , Cattan Pierre , Sarfati Emile 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundEsophagectomy carries high morbidity, mainly respiratory. Minimally invasive surgery has been demonstrated to improve postoperative outcome in digestive surgery, without impairment of oncological results. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate feasibility, postoperative outcome, and mid‐term oncological results of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in cancer.MethodsFrom July 2001 to August 2005, 25 patients underwent esophagectomy with laparoscopic gastric mobilization (LGM) for epidermoid carcinoma (n = 15) or adenocarcinoma (n = 10). Tumors were located on the cardia (n = 6), on the lower third (n = 14), or on the median third (n = 5) of the esophagus. Following LGM, transthoracic esophagectomy was performed.ResultsComplete LGM was achieved in all patients but 1. Mean operative time for LGM was 191 ± 49 minutes. Fifteen patients (60%) developed complications, mainly respiratory. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 2 patients, with a favorable outcome. Pylorospasm (n = 1) was the only intra‐abdominal complication. Median hospital stay was 18 days. Two patients died (8%). Twenty‐three patients underwent R0 resection. A mean of 12 ± 4 lymph nodes (range 4–19 nodes) were analyzed. With a mean follow‐up of 14 months (1–46 months), actuarial survival at 1 and 2 years was, respectively, 73% and 56%.ConclusionEsophagectomy with LGM is feasible with few specific complications. However, no decrease in morbidity and hospital stay could be observed. Mid‐term oncological results seem comparable to those of conventional surgery. Further studies are required to evaluate the extent of lymphadenectomy and the oncologic safety of MIE.