bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new soluble conducting polymer and its electrochromic devices
Authors: Yildiz Umit Hakan , Sahin Elif , Akhmedov Idris M. , Tanyeli Cihangir , Toppare Levent 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA new polythiophene derivative was synthesized by both chemical and electrochemical oxidative polymerization of 1‐(1‐phenylethyl)‐2,5‐di(2‐thienyl)‐1H‐pyrrole (PETPy). Of which the chemical method produces a polymer that is completely soluble in organic solvents. The structures of both the monomer and the soluble polymer were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The average molecular weight has been determined by gel permeation chromatography to be Mn = 3.29 × 103 for the chemically synthesized polymer. Polymer of PETPy was synthesized via potentiostatic electrochemical polymerization in acetonitrile (AN)/NaClO4/LiClO4 (0.1 M) solvent–electrolyte couple. Characterizations of the resulting polymer were performed by cyclic voltammetry, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy. Four‐probe technique was used to measure the conductivities of the samples. Moreover, the spectroelectrochemical and electrochromic properties of the polymer films were investigated. In addition, dual‐type polymer electrochromic devices based on P(PETPy) with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) were constructed. Spectroelectrochemistry, electrochromic switching, and open circuit stability of the devices were studied. They were found to have good switching times, reasonable contrasts, and optical memories. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2215–2225, 2006
Pediatric Churg‐Strauss syndrome in Mexico
Authors: Hernández‐Bautista Víctor Manuel , Espinosa‐Padilla Sara Elva , Yamazaki‐Nakashimada Marco Antonio , López‐Lara Deyanira , González‐Serrano Edith , Staines‐Boone Tamara , Espinosa‐Rosales Francisco 
Published: February 2006

AbstractChurg‐Strauss syndrome (CSS) is one of the rarest forms of vasculitis, and very rarely presents in the pediatric population. We present two cases of childhood CSS, both with hepatic and cardiac involvement. To our knowledge, these are the first two cases of CSS in the pediatric population described in Mexico. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrospray ionisation mass spectral studies on hydrolysed products of sulfur mustards
Authors: Lakshmi V. V. S. , Murty M. R. V. S. , Reddy T. Jagadeshwar , Ravikumar M. , Prabhakar S. , Vairamani M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractOff‐site detection of the hydrolysed products of sulfur mustards in aqueous samples is an important task in the verification of Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)‐related chemicals. The hydrolysed products of sulfur mustards are studied under positive and negative electrospray ionisation (ESI) conditions using an additive with a view to detecting them at trace levels. In the presence of cations (Li+, Na+, K+ and NH), the positive ion ESI mass spectra of all the compounds include the corresponding cationised species; however, only the [M+NH4]+ ions form [M+H]+ ions upon decomposition. The tandem mass (MS/MS) spectra of [M+H]+ ions from all the hydrolysed products of the sulfur mustard homologues were distinct and allowed these compounds to be characterised unambiguously. Similarly, the negative ion ESI mass spectra of all the compounds show prominent adducts with added anions (F−, Cl−, Br−, and I−), but the [M–H]− ion can only be generated by decomposition of an [M+F]− ion. The MS/MS spectra of the [M–H]− ions from all the compounds result in a common product ion at m/z 77. A precursor ion scan of m/z 77 is shown to be useful in the rapid screening of these compounds in aqueous samples at trace levels, even in the presence of complex masking agents, without the use of time‐consuming sample preparation and chromatography steps. An MS/MS method developed to measure the detection limits of the hydrolysed products of sulfur mustards found these to be in the range of 10–500 ppb. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison between external and internal standard calibration in the validation of an analytical method for 1‐hydroxypyrene in human urine by high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Pigini D. , Cialdella A. M. , Faranda P. , Tranfo G. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract1‐Hydroxypyrene is a metabolite of pyrene, a member of the class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) whose toxic properties in some cases include carcinogenicity. The determination of 1‐hydroxypyrene in human urine is used as a biological indicator for exposure to PAHs, which is related to the combustion of organic materials, like smoking, living in urban environments, and eating grilled or smoked food. The determination of 1‐hydroxypyrene by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection has very good sensitivity but it is not highly specific: this can reduce accuracy in the quantitative determination of low levels of analyte in a complex matrix like urine. An HPLC method that uses triple quadrupole mass detection has been validated with the objective both to improve the signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio and to achieve the maximum specificity for the analyte in those urine samples that are richer in possible inteferents. The calibration range for 1‐hydroxypyrene is from 0.005–0.1 µg/L in the urine of non‐smoking healthy volunteers. After solid‐phase extraction, samples were analyzed by HPLC/tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. In order to obtain reliable results quantitative analysis must be performed by means of the internal standard method (we used deuterium‐labelled 1‐hydroxypyrene): the method accuracy is not less than 85%. The S/N ratio at a concentration of 0.1 µg/L is about 10, and therefore this can be considered the lowest limit of quantitation. The method performance does not change if urine samples are measured using a calibration curve prepared in methanol, thus reducing the time of analysis and costs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Almost universal graphs
Authors: Frieze Alan , Krivelevich Michael 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe study the question as to when a random graph withnvertices andmedges contains a copy of almost all graphs withnvertices andcn/2 edges,cconstant. We identify a “phase transition” atc= 1. Forc< 1,mmust grow slightly faster thann, and we prove thatm=O(nlog logn/log log logn) is sufficient. Whenc> 1,mmust grow at a ratem=n1+a, wherea=a(c) > 0 for everyc> 1, anda(c) is between$1-{2 \over (1+o(1))c}$and$1-{1 \over c}$for large enoughc. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006
Nonparametric Polytomous IRT Models for Invariant Item Ordering, with Results for Parametric Models
Authors: Sijtsma Klaas , Hemker Bas T. 
Published: February 2006

It is often considered desirable to have the same ordering of the items by difficulty across different levels of the trait or ability. Such an ordering is an invariant item ordering (IIO). An IIO facilitates the interpretation of test results. For dichotomously scored items, earlier research surveyed the theory and methods of an invariant ordering in a nonparametric IRT context. Here the focus is on polytomously scored items, and both nonparametric and parametric IRT models are considered.The absence of the IIO property in two nonparametric polytomous IRT models is discussed, and two nonparametric models are discussed that imply an IIO. A method is proposed that can be used to investigate whether empirical data imply an IIO. Furthermore, only two parametric polytomous IRT models are found to imply an IIO. These are the rating scale model (Andrich, 1978) and a restricted rating scale version of the graded response model (Muraki, 1990). Well-known models, such as the partial credit model (Masters, 1982) and the graded response model (Samejima, 1969), do no imply an IIO.
Exact Distributions of Intraclass Correlation and Cronbach's Alpha with Gaussian Data and General Covariance
Authors: Kistner Emily O. , Muller Keith E. 
Published: February 2006

Intraclass correlation and Cronbach's alpha are widely used to describe reliability of tests and measurements. Even with Gaussian data, exact distributions are known only for compound symmetric covariance (equal variances and equal correlations). Recently, large sample Gaussian approximations were derived for the distribution functions.New exact results allow calculating the exact distribution function and other properties of intraclass correlation and Cronbach's alpha, for Gaussian data with any covariance pattern, not just compound symmetry. Probabilities are computed in terms of the distribution function of a weighted sum of independent chi-square random variables.New F approximations for the distribution functions of intraclass correlation and Cronbach's alpha are much simpler and faster to compute than the exact forms. Assuming the covariance matrix is known, the approximations typically provide sufficient accuracy, even with as few as ten observations.Either the exact or approximate distributions may be used to create confidence intervals around an estimate of reliability. Monte Carlo simulations led to a number of conclusions. Correctly assuming that the covariance matrix is compound symmetric leads to accurate confidence intervals, as was expected from previously known results. However, assuming and estimating a general covariance matrix produces somewhat optimistically narrow confidence intervals with 10 observations. Increasing sample size to 100 gives essentially unbiased coverage. Incorrectly assuming compound symmetry leads to pessimistically large confidence intervals, with pessimism increasing with sample size. In contrast, incorrectly assuming general covariance introduces only a modest optimistic bias in small samples. Hence the new methods seem preferable for creating confidence intervals, except when compound symmetry definitely holds.
Doppler Adson’s Test: Predictor of Outcome of Surgery in Non‐Specific Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Authors: Lee A.D. , Agarwal S. , Sadhu D. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIntroductionOutcome of surgery in non‐specific thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is variable. Duplex imaging of the subclavian artery during Adson’s maneuvre may help predict outcome.Patients and methodsA retrospective study of 16 cases of non‐specific TOS who had pre‐operative duplex imaging of the subclavian artery during Adson’s maneuvre was done and their outcomes following surgical decompression of the thoracic outlet studied.ResultsOf the eight cases with a positive Adson’s test, seven (87.5%) had a complete response of symptoms following surgery while in the eight cases with a negative test, only four (50%) had a favorable response to surgery.ConclusionDuplex scanning of the thoracic outlet during Adson’s maneuvre may help predict outcome of thoracic outlet decompression surgery in cases of non‐specific TOS.
New Indication for Reduction Surgery in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Major Vascular Involvement
Authors: Gotohda Naoto , Kinoshita Taira , Konishi Masaru , Nakagohri Toshio , Takahashi Shinichiro , Furuse Junji , Ishii Hiroshi , Yoshino Masahiro 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poor, particularly in patients with tumor thrombi (TT) in the major vessels.Patients and MethodsFrom July 1992 to October 2004, 161 patients diagnosed as having advanced HCC with major vascular involvement were seen consecutively at our hospital. Among these patients, 32 (20%) underwent surgical resection [16 complete resection (CR), 16 reductive resection (RR)]. Eighteen patients (11%) received radiotherapy (RT), 73 (45%) underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy (TAI), 8 (5%) with distant metastases received systemic chemotherapy, and 30 (19%) received palliative therapy.ResultsExcluding the CR group, the patients in the RR group had a higher 1‐year survival rate than the other treatment groups. However, there was no significant difference in the overall survival rates of the RR, RT, and TACE/TAI groups. When we evaluated prognostic factors to clarify the indications for RR in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with advanced HCC with TT, prothrombin activity (PA) was identified as a significant independent preoperative factor for overall survival in the RR group. The survival rate in patients with PA of ≤78% was significantly lower than that of patients with PA of >78% (P = 0.0004). The median survival time of patients with serum PA of >78% who underwent RR was 13.9 months and that of patients who underwent CR was 9.1 months, with no survival difference between the groups.ConclusionIn advanced HCC with major vascular involvement, patients who had RR with PA of greater 78% achieved a similar survival to those who had CR. The surgeon should still proceed with RR in those patients with serum PA of >78% if CR does not seem feasible on preoperative evaluation.
Tissue Oxygen Saturation during Colorectal Surgery Measured by Near‐infrared Spectroscopy: Pilot Study to Predict Anastomotic Complications
Authors: Hirano Yasumitsu , Omura Kenji , Tatsuzawa Yasuhiko , Shimizu Junzo , Kawaura Yukimitsu , Watanabe Go 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIntroductionWe investigated the relation between tissue oxygen saturation measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and anastomotic complications associated with colorectal surgery.MethodsA series of 20 patients with colorectal cancer underwent radical surgery with enteric anastomosis. Measurements of tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) were performed at both the proximal and distal portions of the anastomotic site; in cases of anterior resection, we measured StO2only in the proximal portion.ResultsTwo anastomotic complications (one leakage, one stenosis) occurred in the 20 cases. The StO2in patients with anastomotic complications was 58.0%, and that in patients without complications was 71.0%. Altogether, 18 patients had StO2values > 66%, and none of them had anastomotic complications. In contrast, 2 patients had StO2values < 60%, and both had anastomotic complications.ConclusionsThe StO2of the anastomotic site can be safely and reliably measured by NIRS during colorectal surgery. Low StO2on both sides of the anastomosis may indicate an increased risk of anastomotic complications. Further study is needed to determine the cutoff value for StO2required to prevent serious complications.
The Efficacy of Intraoperative Corticosteroids in Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy after Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Wang Ling‐Feng , Lee Ka‐Wo , Kuo Wen‐Rei , Wu Che‐Wei , Lu Shang‐Pin , Chiang Feng‐Yu 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackgroundRecurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) is one of the most common complications after thyroidectomy. We aim to evaluate the role of intraoperative corticosteroids in preventing or treating postoperative RLNP.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a prospective study of 295 patients who underwent either total lobectomy or total thyroidectomy with or without using intraoperative corticosteroids. All cases were operated on by the same surgeon. Measurement of the RLNP rate was based on the number of nerves at risk. Data were analyzed for differences in postoperative temporary or permanent RLNP rate and recovery days.ResultThe rate of temporary/permanent RLNP was 5.7% (11 out of 194)/0.52% (1 out of 194) and 6.9% (12 out of 173)/0.58% (1 out of 173) according to groups with and without corticosteroids. This difference did not reach statistical significance. Among those 23 patients who recovered from RLNP, the mean time to recovery was significantly shorter for patients receiving intraoperative steroids (28.6 vs. 40.5 days, P = 0.045).ConclusionA single dose of intraoperative corticosteroids did not produce any benefit in terms of reducing the postoperative temporary/permanent RLNP rate, but it did shorten the recovery time for patients suffering from temporary RLNP.
Effect of Temporary Abdominal Closure on Colonic Anastomosis and Postoperative Adhesions in Experimental Secondary Peritonitis
Authors: Aydin Cagatay , Aytekin Faruk O. , Tekin Koray , Kabay Burhan , Yenisey Cigdem , Kocbil Goksel , Ozden Akin 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe effect of relaparotomies and temporary abdominal closure on colonic anastomoses and postoperative adhesions is under debate.MethodsIn the experiments reported here, colonic anastomosis was constructed 24 hours after cecal ligation and puncture in rats that were divided into three groups of eight animals each. The abdomen was closed primarily in groups I and II, and a Bogota bag was used for abdominal closure in group III. At 24 hours following anastomosis, relaparotomy was performed only in group II and III rats, and the abdomen was closed directly in group II; after removal of the Bogota bag in group III animals, the abdomen was closed directly. On the fifth day of anastomotic construction, bursting pressures and tissue hydroxyproline content of the anastomoses, along with peritoneal adhesions, were assessed and compared.ResultsMean anastomotic bursting pressures and hydroxyproline contents did not differ among the groups. Median adhesion scores were significantly higher in group III than the other two groups.ConclusionsRelaparotomy and the type of temporary closure have no negative effect on anastomotic healing in rats with peritonitis. Temporary abdominal closure with a Bogota bag caused a significantly high rate of adhesions.
Shredder colonization and decomposition of green and senescent leaves during summer in a headwater stream in northern Japan
Authors: Kochi Kaori , Yanai Seiji 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe conducted a decomposition experiment using green and senescent maple and alder leaves in a coastal headwater stream in Hokkaido, northern Japan, during June and July 2000. We estimated whether shredder colonization on the leaves and leaf breakdown differed between green and senescent leaves during the experimental period. Late‐instar Lepidostoma complicatum (Trichoptera) and Sternomoera rhyaca (Amphipoda) were the predominant shredder taxa among the macroinvertebrates that colonized litterbags. There was no significant difference in shredder colonization between green and senescent leaves although we found a significant difference between maple and alder leaves. The colonization patterns of large individuals of L. complicatum and S. rhyaca differed from those of small individuals. All decomposition coefficients of green and senescent leaves were high. During the experiment, decomposition was significantly faster in maple than in alder leaves, although no significant difference was found between green and senescent leaves. However, the fragmented nitrogen portion was higher in green leaves than in senescent leaves during the experiment. Higher nitrogen release (2–2.5 times more) as particulate organic matter in green than in senescent leaves indicates that green leaves may be a potentially valuable food resource for other macroinvertebrate collector–gatherer species.
Real options and games: Competition, alliances and other applications of valuation and strategy
Authors: Smit Han T.J. , Trigeorgis Lenos 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThis paper illustrates the use of real options valuation and game theory principles to analyze prototypical investment opportunities involving important competitive/strategic decisions under uncertainty. It uses examples from innovation cases, alliances and acquisitions to discuss strategic and competitive aspects, relevant in a range of industries like consumer electronics and telecom. It particularly focuses on whether it is optimal to compete independently or coordinate/collaborate via strategic alliances.
Strand-biased defect in C/G transversions in hypermutating immunoglobulin genes in Rev1-deficient mice
Authors: Jansen Jacob G. , Langerak Petra , Tsaalbi-Shtylik Anastasia , van den Berk Paul , Jacobs Heinz , de Wind Niels 
Published: February 2006

Somatic hypermutation of Ig genes enables B cells of the germinal center to generate high-affinity immunoglobulin variants. Key intermediates in somatic hypermutation are deoxyuridine lesions, introduced by activation-induced cytidine deaminase. These lesions can be processed further to abasic sites by uracil DNA glycosylase. Mutagenic replication of deoxyuridine, or of its abasic derivative, by translesion synthesis polymerases is hypothesized to underlie somatic hypermutation.
Rev1 is a translesion synthesis polymerase that in vitro incorporates uniquely deoxycytidine opposite deoxyuridine and abasic residues. To investigate a role of Rev1 in mammalian somatic hypermutation we have generated mice deficient for Rev1. Although Rev1−/− mice display transient growth retardation, proliferation of Rev1−/− LPS-stimulated B cells is indistinguishable from wild-type cells. In mutated Ig genes from Rev1−/− mice, C to G transversions were virtually absent in the nontranscribed (coding) strand and reduced in the transcribed strand. This defect is associated with an increase of A to T, C to A, and T to C substitutions. These results indicate that Rev1 incorporates deoxycytidine residues, most likely opposite abasic nucleotides, during somatic hypermutation. In addition, loss of Rev1 causes compensatory increase in mutagenesis by other translesion synthesis polymerases.
Marital status, social support and survival after curative resection in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Saito‐Nakaya Kumi , Nakaya Naoki , Fujimori Maiko , Akizuki Nobuya , Yoshikawa Eisho , Kobayakawa Makoto , Nagai Kanji , Nishiwaki Yutaka , Tsubono Yoshitaka , Uchitomi Yosuke 
Published: February 2006

It has been suggested that marital status and social support are associated with survival in cases of lung cancer, and that such an association may be mediated by several factors. In this prospective cohort study, we investigated the effect of marital status and social support on survival after curative resection for non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in Japan. From June 1996 to April 1999, a total of 238 patients with resectable NSCLC were enrolled. Marital status and social support were assessed. The presence and absence of confidants and the satisfaction level with the confidants were used as factors reflecting social support. During the follow‐up period, 57 deaths from all causes were identified through January 2004. For the statistical analysis, Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used. With regard to marital status, the multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of unmarried patients versus married patients was 0.8 (95% confidence interval, 0.3–1.8) (P‐value = 0.53) after controlling for potential confounding factors, including age, sex, occasion of cancer diagnosis, pathological stage, smoking status, smoking status after surgery and serum albumin level. Similarly, the multivariable adjusted HR of patients without confidants versus those with confidants was 1.0 (0.5–2.2) (P‐value = 0.90), whereas the multivariable adjusted HR of the dissatisfied‐with‐confidants group versus the satisfied‐with‐confidants group was 0.7 (0.4–1.3) (P‐value = 0.28). The present data do not support the hypothesis that marital status and social support are associated with survival in NSCLC. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 206–213)