bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Logistic feasibility of health related quality of life measurement in clinical practice: results of a prospective study in a large population of chronic liver patients
Authors: Gutteling Jolie J , Busschbach Jan JV , de Man Robert A , Darlington Anne-Sophie E 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
The objective of the present study was to provide a complete and detailed report of technical and logistical feasibility problems with the implementation of routine computerized HRQoL measurement at a busy outpatient department of Hepatology that can serve as a tool for future researchers interested in the procedure.

Methods
Practical feasibility was assessed by observing problems encountered during the development of the computer program, observing patients' ability to complete the HRQoL questionnaires, monitoring the number of times that patients completed the HRQoL questionnaires and observing logistics at the outpatient department. Patients' reasons for not completing the HRQoL questionnaires were assessed retrospectively by means of a mailed questionnaire. Physicians' attitudes towards the availability of computerized HRQoL information about their patients were assessed by means semi-structured interviews and by means of checklists administered after each consultation with s study participant.

Results
All physicians (n = 11) and 587 patients agreed to participate in the study. Practical feasibility problems concerned complicated technical aspects of developing a user-friendly computer program and safe data transmission over the Internet, patients' lack of basic computer skills and patients' lack of compliance (completion of questionnaires on only 43% of the occasions). The main reason given for non-compliance was simply forgetting, which seemed to be related to reception employees' passive attitude towards sending patients to the computer. Physicians were generally positive about the instant computerized availability of HRQoL information. They requested the information in 92% of the consultations and found the information useful in 45% of the consultations, especially when it provided them with new information.

Conclusion
This study was among the first to implement the complete procedure of routine computerized HRQoL measurements in clinical practice and to subsequently describe the feasibility issues encountered. It was shown that the attitudes of physicians were generally positive. Several barriers towards successful implementation of such a procedure were encountered, and subsequently solutions were provided. Most importantly, when implementing routine computerized HRQoL measurements in clinical practice, assistance of an IT professional for the development of a tailor-made computer program, availability of questionnaires in multiple languages and the use of touch-screen computers to optimise patient participation are essential. Also, all staff of the department concerned should approve of the intervention and consider it as part of standard clinical routine if successful implementation is to be obtained.
Astrocytes play a key role in activation of microglia by persistent Borna disease virus infection
Authors: Ovanesov Mikhail V , Ayhan Yavuz , Wolbert Candie , Moldovan Krisztina , Sauder Christian , Pletnikov Mikhail V 
Published: November 2008

AbstractNeonatal Borna disease virus (BDV) infection of the rat brain is associated with microglial activation and damage to certain neuronal populations. Since persistent BDV infection of neurons is nonlyticin vitro, activated microglia have been suggested to be responsible for neuronal cell deathin vivo. However, the mechanisms of activation of microglia in neonatally BDV-infected rat brains remain unclear. Our previous studies have shown that activation of microglia by BDV in culture requires the presence of astrocytes as neither the virus nor BDV-infected neurons alone activate microglia. Here, we evaluated the mechanisms whereby astrocytes can contribute to activation of microglia in neuron-glia-microglia mixed cultures. We found that persistent infection of neuronal cells leads to activation of uninfected astrocytes as measured by elevated expression of RANTES. Activation of astrocytes then produces activation of microglia as evidenced by increased formation of round-shaped, MHCI-, MHCII- and IL-6-positive microglia cells. Our analysis of possible molecular mechanisms of activation of astrocytes and/or microglia in culture indicates that the mediators of activation may be soluble heat-resistant, low molecular weight factors. The findings indicate that astrocytes may mediate activation of microglia by BDV-infected neurons. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that microglia activation in the absence of neuronal damage may represent initial steps in the gradual neurodegeneration observed in brains of neonatally BDV-infected rats.
Changes in the Quantity and Level of Evidence of Palliative and Hospice Care Literature: The Last Century
Authors: Tieman Jennifer , Sladek Ruth , Currow David 
Published: November 2008

PurposeTo objectively quantify the literature and the clinical trial basis for palliative and hospice practice given a perception that its evidence base is not well developed.MethodsUsing Ovid Medline, the study looked at cumulative and absolute numbers of articles in the general medical literature and the palliative and hospice care literature. The same comparisons were made exploring clinical trials from 1902 to 2005. Data were collated in five year groups from 1970 onward using a highly specific search phrase.ResultsThe proportion of all Ovid Medline publications relating to palliative and hospice care rose from 0.08% in 1970 to 0.38% of the literature in 2005. In the same time, clinical trials increased from 0.96% to 7.22% of the palliative care literature published. By 2005, one in every 122 clinical trials published in the literature as a whole was in palliative or hospice care. The rate of growth in palliative care clinical trials as a proportion of all palliative and hospice publications was on average 1.4 times greater than in the corresponding general literature. More than one half of these studies were reported in just 43 journals, most of which were not specialist palliative and hospice care journals.DiscussionGiven the diversity of journals in which clinical studies related to hospice and palliative care appear, there is a key challenge for clinicians in finding ways that will allow currency of practice in a broad and rapidly changing field.
Wild-Type BRAF Is Required for Response to Panitumumab or Cetuximab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Di Nicolantonio Federica , Martini Miriam , Molinari Francesca , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Arena Sabrina , Saletti Piercarlo , De Dosso Sara , Mazzucchelli Luca , Frattini Milo , Siena Salvatore , Bardelli Alberto 
Published: November 2008

Purpose Cetuximab or panitumumab are effective in 10% to 20% unselected metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. KRAS mutations account for approximately 30% to 40% patients who are not responsive. The serine-threonine kinase BRAF is the principal effector of KRAS. We hypothesized that, in KRAS wild-type patients, BRAF mutations could have a predictive/prognostic value. Patients and Methods We retrospectively analyzed objective tumor responses, time to progression, overall survival (OS), and the mutational status of KRAS and BRAF in 113 tumors from cetuximab- or panitumumab-treated metastatic CRC patients. The effect of the BRAF V600E mutation on cetuximab or panitumumab response was also assessed using cellular models of CRC. Results KRAS mutations were present in 30% of the patients and were associated with resistance to cetuximab or panitumumab (P = .011). The BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 11 of 79 patients who had wild-type KRAS. None of the BRAF-mutated patients responded to treatment, whereas none of the responders carried BRAF mutations (P = .029). BRAF-mutated patients had significantly shorter progression-free survival (P = .011) and OS (P < .0001) than wild-type patients. In CRC cells, the introduction of BRAF V600E allele impaired the therapeutic effect of cetuximab or panitumumab. Treatment with the BRAF inhibitor sorafenib restored sensitivity to panitumumab or cetuximab of CRC cells carrying the V600E allele. Conclusion BRAF wild-type is required for response to panitumumab or cetuximab and could be used to select patients who are eligible for the treatment. Double-hit therapies aimed at simultaneous inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor and BRAF warrant exploration in CRC patients carrying the V600E oncogenic mutation.
Effect of Hydration and Self-Association on the Reaction Mechanism of Proton Transfer in Methimazole: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Roohi Hossein , Baghery Setodeh , Hosseini Sayed Gholamreza 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
To investigate the effect of hydration and self-association on the reaction mechanism of proton transfer in methimazole (3-methyl-1H-imidazole-2(3H)-thione) and 1H-imidazole-2(3H)-thione, quantum chemical calculations were performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level of theory. The binding energies of complexes formed in self-assisted reaction are greater than H2O-assisted reactions. The results show that the thione complexes are more stable than corresponding thiols. The energy barrier for direct proton-transfer tautomerization reaction is significantly greater than self-assisted and H2O-assisted transfer tautomerization. Direct transition is more difficult than the water-assisted and self-assisted processes both thermodynamically and dynamically. The small negative value of H(r) obtained by AIM analysis at the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level reveals some contribution of sharing interaction (partially covalent) to the S···HN bond. AIM data also reveal the partially covalent nature of S···H5 interaction and electrostatic nature of O···H6 interaction in the hydrated complexes. In the present complexes, results obtained by NBO analysis show that there is an increase in the σ* population of the N–H bond in A(C) and that of O–H bond in W upon dimerization.
Charge-Transfer Complexes between Indoline–Tricyanoquinodimethane Compounds and 7,7,8,8-Tetracyanoquinodimethane
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Honda Genki , Chong Chin-Hong , Makihara Masaru , Nishimura Kazukuni , Khasanov Salavat , Otsuka Akihiro , Saito Gunzi 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Intramolecular charge-transfer compounds composed of 1-alkyl-3,3-dimethyl-2-methyleneindoline (In, donor, n = alkyl chain length; 1 or 6) and 7,8,8-tricyanoquinodimethane (=2-(4′-cyanomethylene-2′,5′-cyclohexadienylidene)malononitrile, 3CNQ, acceptor) moieties afforded charge-transfer complexes with 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ): (I1–3CNQ)2(TCNQ) and (I6–3CNQ)(TCNQ). (I1–3CNQ)2(TCNQ) included two kinds of I1–3CNQ molecules of different molecular conformations. (I1–3CNQ)2(TCNQ) and (I6–3CNQ)(TCNQ) were constructed from one-dimensional columns of 3CNQ···TCNQ···3CNQ triads and 3CNQ···TCNQ dyads, respectively. These complexes exhibited intermolecular charge-transfer bands extending to the near IR region (1000–1500 nm) in addition to intramolecular charge-transfer bands around 600–900 nm characteristic of In–3CNQ compounds. They were characterized as weak charge-transfer solids from estimations of the degree of charge transfer using molecular orbital calculations, bond lengths, and vibration spectra. Intermolecular charge transfer caused a slight increase in the degree of intramolecular charge transfer.
Effect of Methoxy Substituents on the Excited State Properties of Stilbene
Authors: Shinohara Yoshihiro , Arai Tatsuo 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Excited state properties of stilbenes having methoxy substituents at the ortho position of the phenyl ring have been studied and the remarkable methoxy substituent effect to suppress the fluorescence quantum yield depending on the number of methoxy substituent was observed. The fluorescence quantum yield of the trans isomer decreased with increasing number of methoxy substituents and 0.54 for trans-1, 0.13 for trans-2, and 0.011 for trans-3 in benzene.
Pulse Radiolysis of Hexameric Nitrite Reductase Containing Two Type 1 Cu Sites in a Monomer
Authors: Suzuki Shinnichiro , Maetani Takehiko , Nojiri Masaki , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Kobayashi Kazuo , Tagawa Seiichi 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Pulse radiolysis of hexameric nitrite reductase containing the two type 1 Cu sites in a monomer has been carried out. Reduction of the enzyme with N-methylnicotinamide radical follows biphasic kinetics, and the fast and slow phases were assigned to reductions of type 1 CuN and type 1 CuC, respectively.
Differential functions of the Apoer2 intracellular domain in selenium uptake and cell signaling
Authors: Masiulis Irene , Quill Timothy A. , Burk Raymond F. , Herz Joachim 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (Apoer2) is a multifunctional transport and signaling receptor that regulates the uptake of selenium into the mouse brain and testis through endocytosis of selenoprotein P (Sepp1). Mice deficient in Apoer2 or Sepp1 are infertile, with kinked and hypomotile spermatozoa. They also develop severe neurological defects on a low selenium diet, due to a profound impairment of selenium uptake. Little is known about the function of Apoer2 in the testis beyond its role as a Sepp1 receptor. By contrast, in the brain, Apoer2 is an essential component of the Reelin signaling pathway, which is required for proper neuronal organization and synapse function. Using knock-in mice, we have functionally dissociated the signaling motifs in the Apoer2 cytoplasmic domain from Sepp1 uptake. Selenium concentration of brain and testis was normal in the knock-in mutants, in contrast to Apoer2 knock-outs. Thus, the neurological defects in the signaling impaired knock-in mice are not caused by a selenium uptake defect, but instead are a direct consequence of a disruption of the Reelin signal. Reduced sperm motility was observed in some of the knock-in mice, indicating a novel signaling role for Apoer2 in sperm development and function that is independent of selenium uptake.
A Review on Advanced Treatment Methods for Arsenic Contaminated Soils and Water
Authors: Wang Suiling , Zhao Xiangyu 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
A number of treatment methods have been investigated in the laboratory or full scale to remove arsenic from drinking water and to remediate arsenic-contaminated sites. This paper gives a review on the advanced technologies for the treatment of arsenic-contaminated soils and water. Treatment methods such as oxidation, anion exchange, membrane separation, and adsorption/precipitation have been developed to remove arsenic from drinking water or groundwater. However, further research is needed to find new and more efficient substitute materials for the ion exchange resins, membranes, and adsorbents to improve the treatment and cost efficiencies. A stabilization/solidification method has been demonstrated successfully to contain arsenic in contaminated soils, sediments, and solid wastes. Vitrification is also applicable but may be more expensive due to the high energy requirements. Electrochemical methods based on electrokinetics are emerging. Especially, electrokinetics and electrodialysis are suited for fine-grained soils. Chemical extraction, either in-situ or ex-situ, can be efficient to remove bulk arsenic from contaminated soils and solid wastes. Selection of proper extractants is the key to the success of this method. Bioremediation, phytoremediation, and natural attenuation show great potential for future developments because of their environmental compatibility and cost effectiveness. Generally, it is critical to recognize that no single specific technology may be considered as generally applicable. Combination of existing technologies may provide an efficient and cost-effective treatment alternative. Use of biodegradable and environmentally benign products to enhance the remediation processes should be further investigated.
Calibrating Mechanistic-Empirical Design Guide Permanent Deformation Models Based on Accelerated Pavement Testing
Authors: Hong Feng , Chen Dar-Hao 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
One of the challenges to the implementation of the mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG) comes from calibrating the transfer functions. This paper focuses on calibration of one of the major distress models in flexible pavement: permanent deformation or rutting. Two key aspects are critical to a successful rutting model calibration: data and method. Regarding the data, existing in-field information only provides total rut depth, which could not meet the requirement of permanent deformation in each structural layer by the MEPDG. Concerning the method, existing work either fails to address calibration factors from a holistic perspective by only focusing on individual sections separately or ignores variability inherent in those factors. In this study, layer-wise permanent deformation from instrumented pavement under accelerated pavement testing serves to accommodate the models calibration. A systematic calibration procedure is established, which globally optimizes all available information across all test sections. Through simulation and numerical optimization, optimal calibration shift factors for three typical flexible pavement materials, asphalt mixture, unbound granular base, and finegrain soil are obtained as 0.60, 0.49, and 0.84, respectively. This implies that the uncalibrated MEPDG is biased toward overprediction of rut depth. It is further suggested that a more rational result for each calibrated factor is to introduce an appropriate distribution to characterize its uncaptured variability. In addition, a case study involving using calibrated MEPDG to predict pavement performance or life indicates that (1) model calibration has a significant impact on the prediction and (2) the “fourth power law” is supported by the MEPDG.
Probabilistische Methoden in der Umfeldwahrnehmung Kognitiver Automobile Probabilistic Methods for Environment Perception of Cognitive Automobiles
Authors: Stiller Christoph , Kammel Sören , Lulcheva Irina , Ziegler Julius 
Published: November 2008

Zusammenfassung
Durch sensorielle Wahrnehmung und Interpretation von Video- und Lidardaten erstellen sich Kognitive Automobile ein Lagebild ihrer Umgebung, welches die Grundlage für die Entscheidung und Ausführung situationsangepassten Fahrverhaltens bildet. Probabilistische Modelle erlauben dabei die konsistente Repräsentation der Sensorinformation einschließlich ihrer Unsicherheit. Symbolisches Wissen über die Verkehrsszene kann in diesem Kontext durch Markov-Logik-Netze probabilistisch formuliert und inferiert werden. Anstelle von fertigkeits- oder regelbasiertem Verhalten geben wissensbasierte Methoden Werte und Ziele vor, sodass die Verhaltensentscheidung durch Auswahl des Verhaltens erfolgt, das den größtmöglichen Zielerreichungsgrad erwarten lässt. Erste Ergebnisse umfassen neben dem Fahrzeugaufbau bereits autonome Manöver sowie die Finalteilnahme im Urban Challenge Wettbewerb.
Photoinduced Electron Transfer between Triphenylpyrylium Ion (TPP+) and Certain Phenols
Authors: Kathiravan A. , Jhonsi M. Asha , Thiruvengadam J. , Renganathan R. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The photoinduced interaction between triphenylpyrylium ion (TPP+) and certain phenols were studied in acetonitrile medium by using absorption, steady state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopic methods. The quenchers used were phenol, o-aminophenol, o-cresol, o-hydroxyphenol, o-chlorophenol, salicylic acid and salicylaldehyde. Linear Stern-Volmer plots were obtained from both steady state and time resolved measurements and also the calculated values of bimolecular quenching rate constants (k
q) were matched well. The free energy change (ΔG
et) has been evaluated by using Rehm-Weller equation for the confirmation of electron transfer from phenols to TPP+ ion.
Labor Union Resistance to Economic Liberalization in India: What Can National and State Level Patterns of Protests against Privatization Tell Us?
Authors: Uba Katrin 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
This article examines mobilization of the Indian labor movement by using a unique data set on protests against privatization in India during 1991 to 2003. The results demonstrate an intensified labor struggle against economic reforms and significant inter-state variation. The latter is only partially explained by the trade unions' political party affiliation.
Immigration and the incidence of Graves' thyrotoxicosis, thyrotoxic multinodular goiter and solitary toxic adenoma
Authors: Lantz Mikael , Abraham-Nordling Mirna , Svensson Johan , Wallin Göran , Hallengren Bengt 
Published: November 2008

ObjectiveEnvironmental and genetic factors influence thyrotoxicosis, but how population migration affects the disease panorama is not known. In an urban area in southern Sweden, during the years 1990 until 2003, the population increased from 232 000 to 267 000. In parallel, the proportion of inhabitants born outside Sweden increased.The aim was to investigate whether the incidence of Graves' thyrotoxicosis (GD), toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG), and solitary toxic adenoma (STA) has changed in Malmö since 1990 and to study the influence of geographic origin.Design and methodAn open label prospective registration of thyrotoxicosis, gender, age, smoking habits, and ethnic background during 2003–2005 in an urban area in southern Sweden (Malmö) was undertaken.ResultsThe total incidence of thyrotoxicosis has changed from 43 to 41.6 cases/100 000/year from the years 1988–1990 to 2003–2005 (p-value 0.72). GD increased from 22 to 29.6 (p-value 0.0051), TMNG decreased from 16 to 9.9 (p-value 0.0011) and STA from 4.8 to 2.1 (p-value 0.0054)/100 000/year. The total incidence of GD was higher in inhabitants born outside Sweden up to the age of 69 years and age-specific incidence showed a peak in women aged 50–59 years old in both groups. The greatest difference between immigrants and Swedes up to the age of 69 years was observed in women aged 20–29 years old.ConclusionThe incidence of GD has increased and of TMNG has decreased in Malmö since 1990. Geographic origin seems to affect the incidence of GD. Whether the observed peak in age-related incidence in women 50–59 years is explained by menopausal changes has to be further investigated.
High Nucleotide Divergence in Developmental Regulatory Genes Contrasts With the Structural Elements of Olfactory Pathways in Caenorhabditis
Authors: Jovelin Richard , Dunham Joseph P , Sung Frances S , Phillips Patrick C 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAlmost all organismal function is controlled by pathways composed of interacting genetic components. The relationship between pathway structure and the evolution of individual pathway components is not completely understood. For the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, chemosensory pathways regulate critical aspects of an individual's life history and development. To help understand how olfaction evolves in Caenorhabditis and to examine patterns of gene evolution within transduction pathways in general, we analyzed nucleotide variation within and between species across two well-characterized olfactory pathways, including regulatory genes controlling the fate of the cells in which the pathways are expressed. In agreement with previous studies, we found much higher levels of polymorphism within C. remanei than within the related species C. elegans and C. briggsae. There are significant differences in the rates of nucleotide evolution for genes across the two pathways but no particular association between evolutionary rate and gene position, suggesting that the evolution of functional pathways must be considered within the context of broader gene network structure. However, developmental regulatory genes show both higher levels of divergence and polymorphism than the structural genes of the pathway. These results show that, contrary to the emerging paradigm in the evolution of development, important structural changes can accumulate in transcription factors.