bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Commercial and potential utilization of lipoxygenase
Authors: Emken E. A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe high specificity and activity of lipoxygenase (EC 1.13.1.13) have not been widely exploited in commercial applications. An analytical application of substrate specificity is exemplified by the Canadian Food and Drug Official Method FA 59 for determining unisomerized linoleic acid in hydrogenated fats. An attractive potential application of lipoxygenase is the lipoxygenase oxidation of linoleic acid for conversion of a renewable resource into a valuable chemical intermediate. Hydroxy‐conjugated octadecadienoic acids (HCD) have been prepared by oxidation of a 10% soybean soapstock solution with an aqueous soy flour extract followed by reduction of the hydroperoxide. High yields and a 20‐min reaction time are features of this procedure. These laboratory‐scale experiments indicate that the processing cost to produce hydroxy‐conjugated octadecadienoic acids can be estimated at 21 cents per lb. This cost does not include the cost of the soapstock. The combined hydroxy, conjugated diene, and fatty acid groups in HCD give it the potential of being a versatile chemical intermediate. HCD is readily converted to hydroxystearate or conjugated triene and can compete directly with tung oil acids or hydrogenated castor oil acids. Other reactions can be visualized based on functional group modification to yield products with potential application in the formulation of coatings, lubricants, emulsifiers, and plasticizers.
Preparation of acylglycerols and phospholipids with the aid of lipolytic enzymes
Authors: Jensen R. G. , Gerrior S. A. , Hagerty M. M. , McMahon K. E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMethods are discussed for the synthesis of some acylglycerols and phospholipids using lipolytic enzymes alone or in combination with chemical procedures. The syntheses are limited to those for which the enzymes are commercially available. The compounds mentioned are tri‐, di‐, and monoacylglycerols, phosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine, an alkyl‐acyl‐phosphatidyl ethanolamine, lysoacyl‐phospholipids, phosphatidyl glycerol, sphingomyelin, and sphingosine.
Prognostic significance of tricuspid annular motion and plasma NT‐proBNP in patients with heart failure and moderate‐to‐severe functional mitral regurgitation
Authors: Dini Frank Lloyd , Fontanive Paolo , Panicucci Erica , Andreini Diana , Chella Piersilvio , De Tommasi Salvatore Mario 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe role of the right ventricle has been relatively neglected proportionate to its importance. We sought to evaluate the impact of right ventricular (RV) and NT‐proBNP on the outcome of patients with heart failure (HF) and functional mitral regurgitation (MR).Methods and patientsOutpatients with left ventricular (LV) systolic HF (ejection fraction [EF] ≤45%) and moderate‐to‐severe MR measured by a vena contracta width ≥0.5 cm were prospectively enrolled (n=142). Indexes of LV and RV function, including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change and tissue Doppler RV acceleration at isovolumic contraction and NT‐proBNP plasma levels were measured at the time of the index echocardiogram.ResultsMultivariate predictors of all‐cause mortality included TAPSE<16 mm (hazards ratio [HR]: 2.64; p=0.009) and plasma NT‐proBNP≥3283 pg/ml (HR: 2.58; p=0.011). TAPSE<16mm and plasma NT‐proBNP≥3283 pg/ml added incremental prognostic information to LV EF≤25%, NYHA classes 3–4, coronary artery disease, elderly age and male sex. The 36‐month Kaplan–Meier curve showed that survival was worst in the group with TAPSE<16 mm and NT‐proBNP≥3283 pg/ml (p<0.0001).ConclusionThis study demonstrates the significance of TAPSE and plasma NT‐proBNP in predicting all‐cause mortality in patients with systolic HF and moderate‐to‐severe functional MR.
Need and evolution of need for device therapy in a community heart failure population
Authors: Sulaiman Habitha M. , O'Loughlin Christina , Daly Marie , Conlon Carmel , Ledwidge Mark , McCaffrey Dermot , McDonald Kenneth 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundNew guidelines for implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) have expanded the potential use for device therapy. The implications of this on a community heart failure (HF) population are unknown.AimTo assess the need for device therapy and the change in need over time.MethodsWe reviewed device need in a community HF population using ESC guidelines. Change in need was assessed by comparing data between an annual visit called TP2 and an earlier visit called TP1. Patients'need and change in need between TP1 and TP2 was determined.Results210 patients were included; mean age 70±12 years, 67% male and 54% ischaemic. At TP1, 34% of patients were suitable for ICD and 3% for CRT. At TP2, 22% and 1% were suitable respectively. Of those suitable for ICD at TP1, 19% lost the need at TP2; in addition 9% of patients unsuitable for ICD at TP1 had acquired the need by TP2. Fifty five percent of patients were unsuitable for ICD at either time point, and 16% were suitable at both time points. CRT need was negligible but also noted to change.ConclusionICD need is substantial in a community HF population, but CRT need is limited. ICD need changes significantly. Identifying those likely to change their need may optimise ICD use.
Changes in myocardial electrical impedance in human heart graft rejection
Authors: Cinca Juan , Ramos Juan , Garcia Miguel A. , Bragos Ramon , Bayés‐Genís Antoni , Salazar Yolocuauhtli , Bordes Ramon , Mirabet Sonia , Padró Josep M. , Picart Joan Garcia , Viñolas Xavier , Rosell‐Ferrer Javier 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundMonitoring of post‐transplant heart rejection is currently based on endomyocardial biopsy analysis. This study aimed to assess the effects of heart graft rejection on myocardial electrical impedance.Methods and resultsTwenty‐nine cardiac transplant patients and 9 controls underwent measurement of myocardial electrical impedance using a specifically designed amplifying system. The module and phase angle of myocardial impedance were measured. Histopathological rejection grading was performed according to ISHLT classification.Fifty impedance tests were performed in transplanted patients. Myocardial impedance (Z) was higher in controls than in transplanted patients (p<0.001) and followed a progressive decline at increasing current frequencies (p<0.001). Likewise, the phase angle of impedance in controls ranged from positive values at low frequencies to negative values at higher frequencies (from 2.5±0.9° at 10 kHz to − 3.8±2.1° at 300 kHz, p<0.001). Rejection was associated with a significant decrease in myocardial impedance (Z) (15±6.6 Ω in grade 0, 13±6.0 Ω in grade 1A, and 3.3±0.9 Ω in grade 3A at 10 kHz, p<0.003).ConclusionsMild degrees of cardiac graft rejection are associated with significant changes in myocardial electrical impedance in transplant patients. Further clinical investigation is warranted to assess the potential of cardiac impedance to detect heart graft rejection.
Mosaic inactivation of the serum response factor gene in the myocardium induces focal lesions and heart failure
Authors: Gary‐Bobo Guillaume , Parlakian Ara , Escoubet Brigitte , Franco Claudio Areias , Clément Sophie , Bruneval Patrick , Tuil David , Daegelen Dominique , Paulin Denise , Li Zhenlin , Mericskay Mathias 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground and aims:Regional alterations in ventricular mechanical functions are a primary determinant for the risk of myocardial injuries in various cardiomyopathies. The serum response factor (SRF) is a transcription factor regulating contractile and cytoskeletal genes and may play an important role in the remodelling of myocardium at the cellular level.Methods:Using Desmin‐Cre transgenic mice, we generated a model of mosaic inactivation of a floxed‐Srf allele in the heart to analyze the consequence of regional alterations of SRF‐mediated functions in the myocardium.Results:Two types of cardiomyocytes co‐existed in the Desmin‐Cre:Sf/Sf mice. Cardiomyocytes lacking SRF became thin and elongated while cardiomyocytes containing SRF became hypertrophic. Several physiological contractile genes were down‐regulated while skeletal α‐actin was induced in SRF positive area only. Mutants developed heart failure associated with the presence of focal lesions in the myocardium, and died before month 11.Conclusions:Juxtaposition of functional SRF wild‐type and failing SRF mutant cardiomyocytes generates deleterious heterogeneity in the myocardium. Our results show that SRF contributes to the capacity of cardiomyocytes to remodel their shape and contractile functions in response to their local environment; suggesting that it may play a role in pathologies involving regional alterations of ventricular mechanics in the heart.
Effect of acute gouty arthritis on sleep patterns: A preclinical study
Authors: Guevara‐López Uriah , Ayala‐Guerrero Fructuoso , Covarrubias‐Gómez Alfredo , López‐Muñoz Francisco J. , Torres‐González Ruben 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: It has been demonstrated that the interrelation between pain and sleep produces changes in sleep patterns and pain perception. Although some evidences suggest that sleep and pain may interact in a complex way, polysomnographic studies in animals with acute nociception are limited in number.Aims: This study was carried out in order to evaluate the effect of intra‐articular knee injection of uric acid on sleep‐wake patterns.Methods: Surgical electrode implantation was performed in seven anesthetized Wistar rats to carry out 10h polysomnographic recordings. Acute nociception was induced by the intra‐articular administration of 30% uric acid crystals into the knee joint of the right hind limb. Two recordings before and after intra‐articular drug administration were obtained. Sleep‐wake parameters were classified as (i) wakefulness (W), (ii) slow wave sleep (SWS), and (iii) rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Frequency and duration from each parameter were evaluated under the two above‐mentioned conditions.Results: Intra‐articular administration of uric acid induced: (i) an increased duration of wakefulness (p=0.014), (ii) a decrement in the duration (p=0.001) and number of events (p=0.027) in REM sleep, and (iii) a decrement in the total sleep time (p=0.001). SWS did not present statistical differences between groups.Conclusions: These data suggest that a nociceptive stimulus, induced by the intra‐articular administration of uric acid, alters the sleep‐wake equilibrium with REM sleep being particularly altered. However, further research concerning pain–sleep interaction is needed.
Golgi apparatus and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Fan Jie , Hu Zhiping , Zeng Liuwang , Lu Wei , Tang Xiangqi , Zhang Jie , Li Ting 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNeurodegenerative disorders are typically characterized by progressive and extensive neuronal loss in specific populations of neurons and brain areas which lead to the observed clinical manifestations. Despite the recent advances in molecular neuroscience, the subcellular bases such as Golgi apparatus (GA) for most neurodegenerative diseases are poorly understood. This review gives a brief overview of the contribution of the neuronal GA in the pathogeneses of neurodegeneration, summarizes what is known of the GA machinery in these diseases, and present the relationship between GA fragmentation and the aggregation and accumulation of misfolded or aberrant proteins including mutant SOD1, a‐synuclein, tau, which is considered to be a key event in the pathogenic process, and perturbating in calcium homeostasis, regulation of hormones, lipid metabolism are also linkage to the function of the GA thought to underlie neurodegeneration. Although these precise diseases mechanisms remain to be clarified, more research is needed to better understand how GA function for it and to enable physicians to use this knowledge for the benefit of the patients.
Lithology and geochemistry of Triassic deposits in the southwest of the West Siberian geosyneclise
Authors: Saraev S.V. , Baturina T.P. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Sedimentological and geochemical studies of a Triassic volcanosedimentary section of the Tura Group on the southern margin of the Koltogory-Urengoi Rift have shown a wide occurrence of fine- and very fine-clastic turbidites with admixtures of glauconite and basic and acid pyroclastic material. According to petrographic and geochemical data, the section sandstones are mainly graywackes and partly litharenites, and the mudstones are montmorillonite clayey rocks with admixtures of chlorite, hydromica, and kaolinite. The sourcelands of the peneplaned plateau abound in basic volcanics, which suggests (by analogy with the Triassic strata of the Siberian Platform) a wider occurrence of flood basalts in the past. Most of these basalts were, most likely, eroded, which resulted in a predominance of rift basalts on the pre-Jurassic weathering surface. Along with tephra and volcanoclastics, the clastic rocks are dominated by products of chemical weathering developed after basic volcanics. Marine deposits revealed in the Koltogory-Urengoi Rift section suggest the inflow of sea waters from the northern (in the modern frame of reference) ocean basin localized north of the modern Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago. The sedimentation basin of the rift was a narrow but extended bay of the Red Sea type, where the formation of marine deposits was accompanied by the eruption of basalts in the area of Nikol’skaya BH-1 lasting up to the late Middle Triassic.
A device for shallow frequency-domain electromagnetic induction sounding
Authors: Manstein A.K. , Panin G.L. , Tikunov S.Yu. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
We have designed a frequency-domain electromagnetic induction sensor for imaging the distribution of electrical conductivity of soils in civil engineering applications. The device implements the ultimate technical feasibility of measuring harmonic signals on the ground surface. Digital recording and narrow bandpass filtering of synchronous detection allows a sufficient measurement accuracy for ∼1 μV signals and suppression of power-line noise of more than 100 dB. We suggest practical methods for investigating the characteristics of the sensor and estimating its measurement accuracy.
The impact of Dansgaard–Oeschger cycles on the loessic environment and malacofauna of Nussloch (Germany) during the Upper Weichselian
Authors: Moine Olivier , Rousseau Denis-Didier , Antoine Pierre 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA loess sequence has been sampled continuously at high resolution in Nussloch (Rhine Valley, Germany) for malacological and grain-size analyses between ca. 34 and 20 ka. Molluscan abundance and richness, percentage in hygrophilous species and grain-size index show cyclical variations related to the lithological loess–gley alternation. Major molluscan abundance maxima were triggered by temperature increases through an enhancement of the reproduction cycle, whereas cyclical richness fluctuations and percentage in hygrophilous species reflect variations in local humidity and changes in the environmental mosaic. Malacological parameters allow the distinction of four environmental phases organised in cyclical successions correlated with most of the loess–gley doublets. The correlation of the grain-size index of the Nussloch loess sequence with the dust content of the GRIP ice core demonstrates the synchronicity of major molluscan abundance maxima and δ18O increases characterising temperature increases during Dansgaard–Oeschger interstades. A schematic model is proposed to link the North Atlantic Dansgaard–Oeschger climatic oscillations with local environmental changes indicated by both malacofauna and pedostratigraphy. This malacological study of the Nussloch loess sequence thus provides new information about the response of terrestrial loessic palaeoenvironments to millennial-timescale climatic fluctuations during the Upper Weichselian (∼ marine isotope stage 2 (MIS 2) and end of MIS 3).
New evidence from the western Canadian Arctic Archipelago for the resubmergence of Bering Strait
Authors: England John H. , Furze Mark F.A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWidespread molluscan samples were collected from raised marine sediments to date the last retreat of the NW Laurentide Ice Sheet from the western Canadian Arctic Archipelago. At the head of Mercy Bay, northern Banks Island, deglacial mud at the modern coast containsHiatella arcticaandPortlandia arcticabivalves, as well asCyrtodaria kurriana, previously unreported for this area. MultipleH. arcticaandC. kurrianavalves from this site yield a mean age of 11.514C ka BP (with 740 yr marine reservoir correction). The occurrence ofC. kurriana, a low Arctic taxon, raises questions concerning its origin, because evidence is currently lacking for a molluscan refugium in the Arctic Ocean during the last glacial maximum. Elsewhere, the oldest late glacial age available onC. kurrianacomes from the Laptev Sea where it is < 10.314C ka BP and attributed to a North Atlantic source. This is 2000 cal yr younger than the Mercy Bay samples reported here, making the Laptev Sea, ~ 3000 km to the west, an unlikely source. An alternate route from the North Atlantic into the Canadian Arctic Archipelago was precluded by coalescent Laurentide, Innuitian and Greenland ice east of Banks Island until ~ 1014C ka BP. We conclude that the presence ofC. kurrianaon northern Banks Island records migration from the North Pacific. This requires the resubmergence of Bering Strait by 11.514C ka BP, extending previous age determinations on the reconnection of the Pacific and Arctic oceans by up to 1000 yr. This renewed ingress of Pacific water likely played an important role in re-establishing Arctic Ocean surface currents, including the evacuation of thick multi-year sea ice into the North Atlantic prior to the Younger Dryas geochron.
The topics and roles of the situational code-switching of an English-French bilingual
Authors: GRIM FRÉDÉRIQUE 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTMost studies of child bilingualism (Döpke, 1992; Fantini, 1985; Genishi, 1999; Gumperz, 1977, 1982; McClure, 1977; Myers-Scotton, 1993a; Romaine, 1994) concern children raised in a bilingual language community. The present study concerns a four-year-old child in an English-speaking community raised in an environment where his mother only spoke French to him. Two questions were raised: Can a child raised by a non-native parent produce situational code-switching triggered by topic changes? Are there additional topics or roles to add to the previous literature that trigger a young English-French bilingual child to code-switch? The data in this study showed that the child produced situational code-switching. Two novel hypotheses for code-switching were also found: leadership and expression of emotions and sensations. This case-study is important for the field of code-switching in the environment of a non-native parent raising a child in a second language.
A survey of cancer patients undergoing a radical course of radiotherapy, to establish levels of anxiety and depression
Authors: Holmes Nicola , Williamson Keren 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis research aims to establish the prevalence and aetiology of anxiety and depression in cancer patients within their first 2 weeks of a radical course of radiotherapy. Depression followed by anxiety is the two most frequent psychological disorders experienced by cancer patients. However, these two disorders are frequently undiagnosed and untreated in patients undergoing a course of radiotherapy possibly because the treatment side effects often simulate those of anxiety and depression; the consequences of this can be reduced patient prognosis and increased health care costs. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 100 eligible cancer patients and this yielded a 68% response rate. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale was integrated into the questionnaire to accurately establish levels of anxiety and depression in the respondents of the study. The study identified six respondents with clinically significant levels of anxiety (9%) and six with depression (9%); 21% (n = 14) of participants had higher than normal levels of anxiety and 21% for depression (n = 14). Correlations were then identified between levels of psychological distress and the four independent variables; age, diagnosis, adjuvant medication and pain. Four predisposing factors were established—breast cancer diagnosis, age range 40–50 years, the presence of pain and adjuvant chemotherapy regimes.
Variations in inter-observer contouring and its impact on dosimetric and radiobiological parameters for intensity-modulated radiotherapy planning in treatment of localised prostate cancer
Authors: Bhardwaj Anup Kumar , Kehwar T.S. , Chakarvarti S.K. , Sastri Goda Jayant , Oinam A.S. , Pradeep Goswami , Kumar Vinay , Indranil Mallick , Sharma S.C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractInter-observer variations in contouring and their impacts on dosimetric and radiobiological parameters in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment for localised prostate cancer patients were investigated. Four observers delineated the gross tumour volume (GTV) (prostate and seminal vesicles), bladder and rectum for nine patients. Contouring done by radiologist was considered as gold standard for comparison purposes and for IMRT plan optimisation. Maximum average variations in contoured prostate, bladder and rectum volumes were 3% (SD = 8.4), 2.5% (SD = 4.12) and 13.2% (SD = 6.77), respectively. The average conformity index for standard contouring set (observer A) was 0.85 (SD = 0.028) and statistically significant differences were observed for observers A–B (p = 0.008), A–C (p = 0.006) and A–D (p = 0.011). Average values of normal tissue complication probability for bladder and rectum for observer A were 0.361% (SD = 0.036) and 1.59% (SD = 0.14). Maximum average tumour control probability was 99.94% (SD = 0.035) and statistically significant difference was observed for observers A–B (p = 0.037) and observers A–C (p = 0.01). Inter-observer contouring variations have significant impact on dosimetric and radiobiological outcome in IMRT treatment planning. So accurate contouring of tumour and normal organs is a fundamental prerequisite to make good correlation between calculated and clinical observed results.
Framing of Majority and Minority Source Information in Persuasion
Authors: Bohner Gerd , Dykema-Engblade Amanda , Tindale R. Scott , Meisenhelder Helen 
Published: May 2008

Information about source consensus may either create expectancies of message validity that bias subsequent processing, or may determine the amount of message processing. The authors propose that which of the two effects occurs depends on the framing of consensus information. Undergraduates (N = 242) read strong, ambiguous, or weak arguments on an issue; the source was framed as either knowledgeable or similar to participants; source consensus was either low (minority) or high (majority). Dependent variables were the favorability of cognitive responses and postmessage attitudes. As predicted, knowledge framing caused consensus-based assimilation for ambiguous arguments, and contrast for both strong and weak arguments, whereas similarity framing caused extensive processing of minority arguments, but uncritical acceptance of majority arguments.