bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meshing of domains with complex internal geometries
Authors: Holm Randi , Kaufmann Roland , Heimsund Bjørn‐Ove , Øian Erlend , Espedal Magne S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis paper presents a meshing algorithm for domains with internal boundaries. It is an extension of the gridding algorithm presented by Persson and Strang. The resulting triangulation matches all boundaries, and the triangles are all nearly equilateral. Equilateral triangles are beneficial for a finite volume discretization, as fluid flow between elements of very different size is only possible at small timesteps. The mesh generator is compared with the well regarded Triangle programme, where both element quality and simulation performance are checked. It is shown that our mesh generator consistently delivers better meshes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of macroporous polymer rods based on an acrylamide derivative monomer
Authors: Arrua Ruben Dario , Serrano Daniel , Pastrana Gustavo , Strumia Miriam , Igarzabal Cecilia I. Alvarez 
Published: October 2006

AbstractNew macroporous polymer rods were prepared by free‐radical crosslinking copolymerization from N‐acryloyl‐tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinking agent with different porogenic mixtures and with azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The porous properties of these materials were controlled through changes in the proportions of the porogenic mixture, the polymerization temperature, or the concentration of the crosslinking agent. Pore size distribution profiles that shifted toward a larger pore size were obtained in the following cases: when the percentage of the coporogen was increased, when the copolymerization reactions were carried out at a low temperature (55 °C), and when the crosslinking concentration was reduced. Alternatively, a porogenic mixture formed from dimethyl sulfoxide and a 1:1 combination of tetradecanol and poly(ethylene glycol) 6000 as coporogens yielded a polymer rod with a high porosity and pore size. These hydrophilic materials are promising as base supports for different chromatographic processes and as throughput bioreactors. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6616–6623, 2006
In vivo imaging of prostate cancer involving bone in a mouse model
Authors: Kundra Vikas , Ng Chaan S. , Ma Jingfei , Bankson James A. , Price Roger E. , Cody Dianna D. , Do Kim‐Anh , Han Lin , Navone Nora M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackgroundWe compared the abilities of clinically relevant imaging modalities to quantify prostate cancer involving bone in a mouse model. Such non‐invasive methods are needed pre‐clinically to understand tumor biology and to evaluate therapy.MethodsHuman prostate cancer cells (MDA PCa 2b) or vehicle were injected into the right or left femur of SCID mice (n = 8). Radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed 5 and 8 weeks later (n = 7). Bone scintigraphy (n = 6) was also performed at week 8. Imaging findings were compared with histology and correlated with contemporaneous serum prostate‐specific antigen levels.ResultsAmong the modalities evaluated, only MR imaging delineated prostate tumors involving bone. Tumor volume assessed by MR imaging correlated with PSA levels (R2 = 0.87, P < 0.001). MR imaging of tumors corresponded with histology. Imaging of mineralized bone by CT corresponded with histology.ConclusionIn a mouse model, prostate tumors involving bone can be quantified using MR imaging. Prostate 67:50–60, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonlinear quantitative feedback theory
Authors: Baños Alfonso 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis work revises the original nonlinear quantitative feedback theory (QFT) techniques of Prof. Horowitz, trying to contribute to the systematization of the field and reviewing some of the contributions made over the last three decades. The material is presented in a tutorial style, simplifying the exposition to mathematics, and using very simple examples that are expected to reveal the internal mechanisms of nonlinear QFT, basically based on a clever application of Schauders principle. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms underlying lysophosphatidylcholine‐induced potentiation of vascular contractions in the Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat aorta
Authors: Matsumoto T , Kobayashi T , Kamata K 
Published: October 2006

Background and purpose:The effect of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) on aortic contractions in Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, a type 2 diabetic model, was studied.Experimental approach:Using OLETF rats and control (Long Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO)) rats, the effects of LPC on the contractions induced by high‐K+(10‐40 mM), UK14,304 (10∼100 nM; a selective α2‐adrenoceptor agonist) and sodium orthovanadate (SOV; 10 μM∼3 mM) in endothelium‐denuded aortae were compared. Aortic ERK activity and the mRNA expression for GPR4 (a putative LPC receptor) were also measured.Key results:OLETF rats exhibited (vs. age‐matched LETO rats): (1) greater potentiation of high‐K+‐induced contraction by 10 μM LPC – a potentiation attenuated by 10 μM genistein, protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor, (2) greater potentiation of UK14,304 (10∼100 nM)‐induced contractions by LPC (1 μM∼10 μM) – a potentiation attenuated by 10 μM genistein, 50 μM tyrphostin A23 (PTK inhibitor) or 10 μM PD98059 (MEK 1/2 inhibitor), (3) greater basal and LPC (1 μM)‐induced ERK activities, (4) greater basal and 100 nM UK14,304‐stimulated ERK2 activities in both the absence and presence of 10 μM LPC, (5) greater SOV (10 μM∼3 mM)‐induced contractions, (6) greater potentiation of SOV‐induced contractions by 10 μM LPC – a potentiation suppressed by 10 μM PD98059 or 10 μM genistein, (7) upregulation of GPR4 mRNA.Conclusions and implications:These results suggest that the LPC‐induced potentiation of contractions in the OLETF rat aorta may be attributable to increased PTKs or ERK activity and/or to receptor upregulation.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 931–941. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706937
Effects of Age and Time on Energy and Macronutrient Intake in German Infants and Young Children
Authors: Hilbig Annett , Kersting Mathilde 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:To describe effects of age and time on the intake of energy and macronutrients in infants and young children.Patients and Methods:The energy and macronutrient intake of 720 DONALD study participants between 1989 and 2003 was evaluated by analysing 3027 three‐day weighed dietary records (including test weighing of breast milk consumption) at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. Mixed models and logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the effects of age and time on intake.Results:Age affected macronutrient patterns (percentage of energy intake, E%) more often in infants than in young children. The percentage of full and partial breast‐fed infants increased between 1989 and 2003. Almost no time trends were found for energy intake. Macronutrient patterns changed with time; for example, protein intake decreased throughout infancy (between −0.05 and −0.17 E%/y). An increase in fat intake (0.23 and 0.40 E%/y) was compensated by a decrease in carbohydrates (−0.18 and −0.29 E%/y) in young infants (3 and 6 months). Opposite trends in macronutrient patterns were observed in infants and young children.Conclusions:Increasing breast milk consumption over time was the most obvious factor influencing long‐term trends in macronutrient patterns. In all of the age groups examined here, macronutrient patterns have come closer to the references over time.
Intestinal Cytokine mRNA Expression in Delayed‐type Cow's Milk Allergy
Authors: Paajanen Laura , Kokkonen Jorma , Karttunen Tuomo J. , Tuure Tuula , Korpela Riitta , Vaarala Outi 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of intestinal immune activation (ie, a chemokine receptor and cytokine expression profile) in delayed‐type cow's milk allergy (CMA) appearing in the form of gastrointestinal symptoms.Patients and Methods:In all biopsy samples taken from the duodenum and/or the terminal ileum, 30 were studied for the expression of interferon‐gamma, transforming growth factor‐beta, chemokine receptor (CCR)‐4, CCR‐5, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12p35, IL‐12p40 and IL‐18 specific mRNA by real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction in 26 children ages 3 to 15 years: 10 with untreated delayed‐type CMA, 6 with celiac disease (CD) and 10 controls.Results:The children with delayed‐type CMA showed lower IL‐2 and IL‐18 mRNA expression in the duodenum (both P = 0.055) and higher CCR‐4 and IL‐6 mRNA expression in the terminal ileum (P = 0.055, P = 0.016) compared with the controls. The children with CD exhibited slightly higher expression of interferon‐gamma and CCR‐4 mRNA (P = 0.054, P = 0.053) and lower expression of IL‐18 mRNA (P = 0.004) in the duodenal samples compared with the controls. The mRNA expression levels of regulatory cytokines, transforming growth factor‐beta and IL‐10 remained similar in all 3 groups.Conclusions:The children with delayed‐type gastrointestinal CMA showed a unique pattern of local intestinal hypersensitivity with Th2 response‐related characteristics, a profile differing clearly from the children with CD.
Patient‐reported Symptoms After Pediatric Outpatient Colonoscopy or Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Under General Anesthesia
Authors: Steiner Steven J. , Pfefferkorn Marian D. , Fitzgerald Joseph F. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:Endoscopic examination of the colon is indicated in children with diarrhea, hematochezia and suspected inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of patient‐reported symptoms after colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy under general anesthesia in children.Patients and Methods:This prospective study included patients 18 years of age and younger who underwent colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy during a 1‐year period. At least 30 days after the endoscopy, an interview was conducted regarding symptoms after colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy.Results:Eighty‐eight children were eligible, and 68 (77%) were available for follow‐up. Ten (15%) reported symptoms after their endoscopy. The most common symptoms reported were diarrhea, excessive gas and sore throat. The frequency of reported symptoms was similar between colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy. The frequency of symptoms was not affected by intubation of terminal ileum, polypectomy or the number of prior colonoscopies or flexible sigmoidoscopies.Conclusions:Outpatient colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy under general anesthesia are well tolerated by children. A minority of children reports mild symptoms that spontaneously resolve.
Functional roles of immature dendritic cells in impaired immunity of solid tumour and their targeted strategies for provoking tumour immunity
Authors: Kim R , Emi M , Tanabe K 
Published: October 2006

SummaryDendritic cells play a crucial role in initiating tumour immunity as well as in the immune response for invading foreign pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. For bacterial and viral infections, the immature dendritic cells (iDCs) residing in peripheral tissues are efficiently activated and matured by pathogen signals for performing the immune response. In contrast, for self-antigens, the naive T cells are not activated by iDCs but proceed to anergy/deletion, and the generation of regulatory T cells for immune tolerance. The induction of immune response and tolerance is regulated strictly by iDCs as the sensor for homeostasis of immune response in the host. Despite the identification of some tumour antigens, tumour immunity is not provoked successfully. Even though there are some critical obstacles to inhibit effective tumour immunity, tumour cells are able to exploit the functional roles of iDCs for tumour progression, which are induced by tumour-derived soluble factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and functionally modulated in the microenvironment. The iDCs still remain as the critical target for provoking tumour immunity. In this review, the functional roles of tumour-associated iDCs and the strategy for targeting iDCs in effective tumour immunity for the cancer patient are discussed.
Impact of postprandial lipaemia on low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) size and oxidized LDL in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Granér M. , Kahri J. , Nakano T. , Sarna S. J. , Nieminen M. S. , Syvänne M. , Taskinen M. R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  Remnant lipoprotein particles (RLPs) and oxidative stress are components of postprandial state. We investigated the concentrations of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins (TRLs), RLPs, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) size, and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) during alimentary lipaemia, and evaluated whether changes among these variables could be associated with the severity and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD).Materials and methods  Eighty men and 27 women with clinically suspected CAD underwent quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). TRLs were isolated by density gradient ultracentrifugation before and 6 h after an oral fat load. RLPs were measured by an immunoseparation method, oxLDL by ELISA, and LDL size by gradient gel electrophoresis.Results  Triglycerides, apolipoprotein (apo) B‐48, and apoB‐100 concentration in Swedberg flotation units (Sf) > 400 and in Sf 12–400 fractions were markedly increased at 6 h. Postprandial cholesterol content of RLPs (RLP‐C) correlated with respective triglycerides in Sf > 400 (r = 0·737) and Sf 12–400 (r = 0·857), apoB‐48 in Sf > 400 (r = 0·710) and Sf 12–400 (r = 0·664), apoB‐100 in Sf > 400 (r = 0·812) and Sf 12–400 (r = 0·533). RLP‐C correlated with oxLDL both in fasting and in fed state (r = 0·482 and r = 0·543, respectively) and inversely with LDL size (r = –0·459 and r = −0·442, respectively). (P < 0·001 for all). OxLDL was elevated postprandially (P < 0·001). In multivariate analysis, oxLDL was a determinant of severity and extent of CAD.Conclusion  Postprandial state is associated with oxidative stress. The magnitude of oxLDL increases during alimentary lipaemia and is associated with coronary atherosclerosis.
Copeptin, a fragment of the vasopressin precursor, as a novel predictor of outcome in heart failure
Authors: Stoiser B. , Mörtl D. , Hülsmann M. , Berger R. , Struck J. , Morgenthaler N. G. , Bergmann A. , Pacher R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground Natriuretic peptides, particularly brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), are elevated in heart failure and therefore considered to be excellent predictors of outcome. Vasopressin is also known to be related to the severity of heart disease. Copeptin – an inactive fragment of the vasopressin precursor – has not been previously investigated in the context of heart failure.Materials and methods We prospectively studied 268 patients with advanced heart failure after they had been discharged from the hospital. We investigated the ability of BNP and copeptin to predict death, re‐hospitalization due to heart failure, and a combination of the two endpoints.Results Over a mean follow‐up period of 15·8 months (up to 24 months), 83 patients died, 122 patients experienced worsening of heart failure, and 145 patients achieved the combined endpoint. Univariate predictors of death were copeptin, BNP, age and impaired kidney function. In multivariate analysis, copeptin (χ2 = 16,P < 0·0001) and age (χ2 = 4,P < 0·05) were independent predictors. Univariate predictors of re‐hospitalization due to heart failure were copeptin, BNP, age and impaired kidney function. Furthermore, in multivariate analysis BNP (χ2 = 18,P < 0·0001), age (χ2 = 11·8,P < 0·001) and copeptin (χ2 = 4·2,P < 0·05) were found to be independent predictors.Conclusion Our study is the first to show that copeptin is an excellent predictor of outcome in advanced heart failure patients. Its value is superior to that of BNP in predicting death and a combined endpoint, although BNP is still suitable for predicting chronic heart failure (CHF) re‐hospitalization. Our data imply that vasopressin antagonism might be a new target to improve outcome in this population.
Randomized comparison of two rescue therapies for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Wu D. C. , Hsu P. I. , Chen A. , Lai K. H. , Tsay F. W. , Wu C. J. , Lo G. H. , Wu J. Y. , Wu I. C. , Wang W. M. , Tseng H. H. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  Bismuth salts are not available worldwide. It remains unknown whether clarithromycin can replace bismuth salts as an adjuvant agent in the rescue regimens for Helicobacter pylori infection. We therefore designed the prospective study to compare the efficacies of two rescue therapies for H. pylori infection after standard triple therapies.Patients and methods  Ninety‐three patients who failed H. pylori eradication using proton pump inhibitor plus clarithromycin and amoxicillin were randomly assigned to undergo rescue therapy with esomeprazole, clarithromycin, tetracycline and metronidazole (ECTM group, n = 46) or esomeprazole, bismuth subcitrate, tetracycline and metronidazole (EBTM group, n = 47). Follow‐up endoscopy was performed at 8 weeks after the end of treatment to assess the treatment response.Results  Intention‐to‐treat analysis demonstrated both groups had similar eradication rates (ECTM 74% vs. EBTM 77%; P = 0·76) and drug compliance (ECTM 94% vs. EBTM 96%; P = 0·68). However, the frequency of adverse events in the ECTM group was higher than that in EBTM group (ECTM 57% vs. EBTM 36%, P = 0·05). In the EBTM group, eradication rate of metronidazole‐resistant strains was lower than that of metronidazole‐susceptible strains (67%[8/12] vs. 100%[9/9], P = 0·05). However, eradication rates were similar between metronidazole‐susceptible and metronidazole‐resistant strains in ECTM group (69%[9/13] vs. 70%[7/10], P = 1·00).Conclusions  The new ECTM second‐line therapy can achieve similar eradication rate as standard EBTM therapy. It may be very useful in countries where bismuth salts are not available.
Hypercholesterolaemia alters the responses of the plasma lipid profile and inflammatory markers to supplementation of the diet with n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil
Authors: Bravo E. , Napolitano M. , Lopez‐Soldado I. , Valeri M. , Botham K. M. , Stefanutti C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  The influence of supplementing the diet with long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from fish oil on plasma lipids and lipid peroxides and the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators in normolipidaemic and hypercholesterolaemic rats were studied.Materials and methods  Rats were divided into four groups and fed one of the following diets: a control diet (containing 4% corn oil); an n‐3 PUFA diet [containing 4% eicospentaenoic (EPA) + docosahexaenoic (DHA)]; a hypercholesterolaemic diet (HCH); or a HCH + n‐3 PUFA diet over a 4‐week period. Plasma lipids, lipid peroxides, cytokines [tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin (IL)‐6, interferon (IFN)γ] and mRNA for hepatic nuclear factor‐4α (HNF4α) were determined.Results  Plasma triglyceride (TG), but not cholesterol, levels were decreased by the n‐3 PUFA as compared with the control diet (P < 0·001), but the addition of n‐3 PUFA to the HCH diet decreased both the TG (P < 0·01) and cholesterol (P < 0·05) concentrations. Plasma lipid peroxides and expression HNF4α mRNA were increased by n‐3 PUFA in the normolipidaemic (P < 0·05), but not in the hyperlipidaemic rats. Compared with the control diet group, plasma concentrations of TNFα and IL‐6 were increased in the n‐3 PUFA (P < 0·05) and HCH diet (P < 0·05, P < 0·01, respectively) groups, but not in animals given the HCH + n‐3 PUFA diet, whereas IFNγ levels were increased in hypercholesterolaemia (P < 0·05), but were unaffected by n‐3 PUFA.Conclusion  These results demonstrate that the major effect of fish oil n‐3 PUFA is to lower the TG levels in both normo‐ and hyperlipidaemia. Furthermore, in the hypercholesterolaemic state, fish oil n‐3 PUFA induces additional beneficial changes in the immune and peroxidation responses.
Assessing progression to impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Guerrero‐Romero F. , Rodríguez‐Morán M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  A prospective evaluation of the relationship between insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, derived from the fasting state, is needed in clinical practice in order to identify the worsening of glucose metabolism. In this study the authors examine whether the product of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion, assessed from the fasting state, predicts progression from normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and from impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and methods  A cohort of 300 subjects with NGT and 75 subjects with IGT were followed up over a 5‐year period. Insulin sensitivity was calculated using the Belfiore index (B) and insulin secretion by the homeostasis model analysis β‐cell (HOMA‐β cell) index: the product of B‐β is expressed as: (40 × Ins0 pmol L−1)/Glu0 mmol L−1{[(Glu0 mmol L−1× Ins0 pmol L−1) + 1] − 3·5[(Glu0 mmol L−1 × Ins0 pmol L−1) − 1]}, where Glu0 is fasting glucose and Ins0 is fasting insulin.Results  From baseline at the end of the follow‐up period, the product B‐β decreased 10·7% and 52·2% in progressors to IGT and T2DM, respectively. The product B‐β predicts the progression from NGT to IGT [relative risk (RR) 2·7, CI95% 1·2–9·1] and from IGT to T2DM (RR 5·3, CI95% 1·3–8·55). The cut‐off point for the product B‐β that better predicts progression from NGT to IGT is 0·25 (sensitivity 88%, specificity 92%) and from IGT to T2DM 0·15 (sensitivity 92%, specificity 95%).Conclusions  Adaptation of insulin secretion to compensate for decreased insulin sensitivity during transition to IGT and T2DM can be successfully assessed with simple measures derived from the fasting state. The product B‐β predicts the development to IGT and T2DM.
An empirical examination of the determinants of honey consumption in Romania
Authors: Arvanitoyannis Ioannis , Krystallis Athanasios 
Published: October 2006

SummaryWhile not much attention has been paid in the international literature to the consumption of premium food products with enhanced quality properties in Central‐Eastern European Countries (CEECs), the present survey aims to investigate consumer behaviour in Romania as regards ‘honey’ as an example of such a product. The research concludes that, despite the changes in eating habits induced by changes in the retail environment, honey remains a popular product, the purchase of which in bulk from producers and in open markets is still the dominant trend. The survey further identifies four main dimensions of honey‐purchasing motivation: medical benefits of its consumption, dietary quality, ethical character of honey and suitability with food consumption lifestyle. Using these dimensions validated by factor analysis, three clusters of honey consumers in Romania emerged through cluster analysis: the common consumers, the younger consumers indifferent towards honey and the enthusiastic consumers, who are also more willing to pay premium prices for the organic type of honey. If the first segment may be the keenest on competitive prices, quality differentiation strategies can target the enthusiastic honey consumers. The distinctive features of Romanian consumers also include a low attention paid to labels, related in a low awareness of the energy content of honey. Quality cues are defined by search attributes of the bulk product (colour, taste, aroma, thickness), rather than credence attributes (warranties, brand name, country‐of‐origin). Marketers targeting this market should be aware of this scepticism towards label information, which necessitates more communication effort to built consumer trust.