bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of nutritional parameters of gallbladder cancer patients
Authors: Rai Arundhati , Tewari Mallika , Mohapatra S.C. , Shukla H.S. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveGallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly fatal disease with poor prognosis and 5‐year survival <5%. Weight loss and nutritional deterioration are associated with adverse outcomes in terms of cancer prognosis. Protein‐calorie malnutrition is the single most common secondary diagnosis in a patient with cancer, and is a direct consequence of the anorexia of malignancy and altered host metabolism induced by the tumor. The present study of nutritional assessment is of particular interest for it helps in better understanding the extent of malnutrition in patients of GBC.Patients and MethodsA case–control study was designed comprising of 153 cases of GBC and 153 controls of gallstone disease (GSD). To assess the nutritional status of the GBC patients, anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, mid arm circumference, and skinfold thickness were recorded together with the biochemical parameters and their nutrient intake.Results and ConclusionsThe present study showed that GBC influences the nutritional status of the patients. Forty‐three percent of GBC patients were malnourished with low body mass index (BMI). A significant reduction in all the anthropometric measures was observed for GBC patients compared to those with GSD. GBC patients had significantly low hemoglobin and serum albumin levels compared to the control group. The hemoglobin levels in case and control groups were 10.87 g/dl (±1.81 SD) and 11.62 g/dl (±1.89 SD), respectively (P < 0.001). Intake of almost all the nutrients was far below the recommendations of Indian Council of Medical Research. GBC patients had anorexia and weight loss. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:705–708. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fractionation of Methyl Cellulose According to Polarity – a Tool to Differentiate First and Second Order Heterogeneity of the Substituent Distribution
Authors: Adden Roland , Müller Romy , Mischnick Petra 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSummary: A set of four MCs (DS 1.80–1.95) has been analyzed with regard to their substituent pattern in the glucosyl units and along the polymer chain. The average heterogeneity of methylation observed for the entire material was analyzed in more detail after fractionation according to polarity. All fractions obtained were analyzed with respect to their DS, monomer composition and deviation from a random distribution of these monomers in the polymer chains. By this approach, heterogeneity of first and second order could be differentiated. While for three of the MCs only a minor DS‐gradient over the material was observed, a more pronounced heterogeneity of first order was obtained for MC 4.ESI mass spectrum of the undissolved residue of MC 2 after deuteromethylation and partial hydrolysis; DP 2 and 3 are shown in detail. Signals are assigned according to the number of CH3‐groups.magnified imageESI mass spectrum of the undissolved residue of MC 2 after deuteromethylation and partial hydrolysis; DP 2 and 3 are shown in detail. Signals are assigned according to the number of CH3‐groups.
Copolymerization of Fluorinated Monomers with Hydrophilic Monomers in Aqueous Solution in Presence of Cyclodextrin
Authors: Kretschmann Oliver , Ritter Helmut 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSummary: New fluorinated copolymers were synthesized by copolymerization of 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecyl methacrylate (1) with hydrophilic comonomers methacrylic acid (3), 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (6), 3‐trimethylammonium propyl methacrylamide chloride (7) and N,N‐dimethylmethacrylamidopropyl‐N‐3‐sulfopropylammoniumbetaine (8). The reaction was carried out in water using randomly methylated β‐cyclodextrin (RAMEB) for solubilization of the fluorinated monomer by forming a host‐guest complex (1a). Polymerization kinetics were investigated and copolymerization parameters were determined. Additionally, a RAMEB complex of tert‐butyl methacrylate (2a) was copolymerized with 1a in water. For comparison, copolymerization of the uncomplexed monomers 1 and 2 were carried out in organic solvents. Evaluation of copolymerization kinetics and parameters showed significant differences in the relative reactivities of the free monomers and the monomer‐RAMEB complexes.
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Temperature and Pressure Effects on Local Structure and Chain Packing in cis‐1,4‐Polybutadiene from Detailed Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Tsolou Georgia , Harmandaris Vagelis A. , Mavrantzas Vlasis G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSummary: We present results for the temperature and pressure dependence of local structure and chain packing in cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene (cis‐1,4‐PB) from detailed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with a united‐atom model. The simulations have been executed in the NPT statistical ensemble with a parallel, multiple time step MD algorithm, which allowed us to access simulation times up to 1 µs. Because of this, a 32 chain C128 cis‐1,4‐PB system was successfully simulated over a wide range of temperature (from 430 to 195 K) and pressure (from 1 atm to 3 kbar) conditions. Simulation predictions are reported for the temperature and pressure dependence of the: (a) density; (b) chain characteristic ratio, Cn; (c) intermolecular pair distribution function, g(r), static structure factor, S(q), and first peak position, Qmax, in the S(q) pattern; (d) free volume around each monomer unit along a chain for the simulated polymer system. These were thoroughly compared against available experimental data. One of the most important findings of this work is that the component of the S(q) vs. q plot representing intramolecular contributions in a fully deuterated cis‐1,4‐PB sample exhibits a monotonic decrease with q which remains completely unaffected by the pressure. In contrast, the intermolecular contribution exhibits a distinct peak (at around 1.4 Å−1) whose position shifts towards higher q values as the pressure is raised, accompanied by a decrease in its intensity.3D view of the simulation box containing 32 chains of C128 cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene at density ρ = 0.849 g · cm−3 and the conformation of a single C128 cis‐1,4‐PB chain fully unwrapped in space.magnified image3D view of the simulation box containing 32 chains of C128 cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene at density ρ = 0.849 g · cm−3 and the conformation of a single C128 cis‐1,4‐PB chain fully unwrapped in space.
Effect of Chain‐Length Dependence of Interaction Parameter on Spinodals for Polydisperse Polymer Blends
Authors: Du Xiyan , Sun Zhaoyan , An Lijia 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSummary: The chain‐length dependence of the Flory‐Huggins (FH) interaction parameter is introduced into the FH lattice theory for polydisperse polymer‐blend systems. The spinodals are calculated for the model polymer blends with different chain lengths and distributions. It is found that all the related variables, rn, rw, rz, and chain‐length distribution, have effects on the spinodals for polydisperse polymer blends.The spinodals at different chain lengths.magnified imageThe spinodals at different chain lengths.
Is the Addition‐Fragmentation Step of the RAFT Polymerisation Process Chain Length Dependent?
Authors: Izgorodina Ekaterina I. , Coote Michelle L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSummary: The chain length dependence of the addition‐fragmentation equilibrium constant (K) for cumyl dithiobenzoate (CDB) mediated polymerisation of styrene has been studied via high level ab initio molecular orbital calculations. The results indicate that chain length and penultimate unit effects are extremely important during the early stages of the polymerisation process. In the case of the attacking radical (i.e., R• in: R• + SC(Z)SR′ → RSC•(Z)SR′), the equilibrium constant varies by over three orders of magnitude on extending R• from the styryl unimer to the trimer species and actually increases with chain length, further confirming that K is high in this system. When the reactions of the cumyl leaving group and cyanoisopropyl initiating species, which are also present in CDB‐mediated polymerisation of styrene in the presence of the initiator 2,2′‐azoisobutyronitrile, are also included, the variation in K extends over five orders of magnitude. Although less significant, the influence of the R′ group should also be taken into account in a complete kinetic model of the RAFT process. However, for most practical purposes, its chain length effects beyond the unimer stage may be ignored. These results indicate that current simplified models of the RAFT process, which typically ignore all chain length effects in the R and R′ positions, and all substituent effects in the R′ position, may be inadequate, particularly in modelling the initial stages of the process.
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OFF–off rebound dyskinesia in subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Brodsky Matthew A. , Hogarth Penelope , Nutt John G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA 61‐year‐old man with Parkinson's disease (PD), motor fluctuations, and dyskinesias underwent bilateral implantation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). One month after surgery, DBS was optimized to bilateral monopolar settings at the most proximal electrode just superior to the STN, which improved motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. At several postoperative evaluations off medications overnight, both stimulators were turned off and within 60 seconds he developed severe dyskinesias. When the stimulators were turned back on, the dyskinesias soon resolved. This article is a first report of a unique pattern of rebound‐type dyskinesia that occurred in the off medication state produced by stopping STN DBS. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Electrophysiological deterioration over time in patients with Huntington's disease
Authors: Lefaucheur Jean‐Pascal , Ménard‐Lefaucheur Isabelle , Maison Patrick , Baudic Sophie , Cesaro Pierre , Peschanski Marc , Bachoud‐Lévi Anne‐Catherine 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn recent studies aimed at assessing the effects of original therapeutic strategies applied to patients with Huntington's disease (HD), we observed informative changes in electrophysiological results that recovered normal values in coherence with clinical improvement. However, longitudinal studies were lacking for determining whether electrophysiological test results evolve in parallel with clinical markers of the natural course of the disease and could consequently provide objective quantifiable markers of disease progression. For this purpose, electrophysiological testing was performed annually in a cohort of 20 patients with HD over a 2‐year period (three examinations). The study included the recording of sympathetic skin responses and blink reflexes (BRs) to supraorbital nerve stimulation, long latency reflexes (LLRs) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) to median nerve stimulation, and cortical silent periods (CSPs) to transcranial magnetic stimulation. Clinical evaluation was based on the Total Functional Capacity scale (TFC) and the Motor part of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). A significant deterioration with time was found for BR latency, LLR presence, various SEP parameters (parietal N20 peak amplitude and frontal N30 presence) and CSP duration. Attenuation of the N20 peak and CSP shortening correlated with functional decline, as assessed by the TFC score, whereas delayed BR and LLR abolition correlated with UHDRS Motor score deterioration. This study shows that several electrophysiological parameters are closely associated with dysfunction of various neural circuits in HD and could be useful markers of disease progression. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Subtypes of mild cognitive impairment in parkinson's disease: Progression to dementia
Authors: Janvin Carmen Cristea , Larsen Jan Petter , Aarsland Dag , Hugdahl Kenneth 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to establish the rate of progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). PD patients without dementia were recruited in 1997 from an ongoing prospective epidemiological study. The assessment included neurological and psychiatric examinations, a clinical interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition (DSM‐III‐R) criteria for dementia, and a battery of neuropsychological tests. PD was diagnosed according to established criteria, dementia was diagnosed according to the DSM‐III‐R criteria, and subtypes of MCI were classified according to modified Petersen's criteria. Seventy‐two nondemented PD patients were included. A total of 34 were cognitively intact, whereas 38 were diagnosed with MCI (amnestic, n = 6; single nonmemory domain, n = 17; multiple domains slightly impaired, n = 15). Fifty‐nine patients (82%) completed follow‐up examination 4 years later, and 18 (62%) of the patients with MCI and 6 (20%) of the cognitively intact PD patients were demented (P = 0.001). Single domain nonmemory MCI and multiple domains slightly impaired MCI were associated with later development of dementia (P = 0.003; P = 0.04), whereas amnestic MCI subtype was not (P = 0.76). We conclude that patients with PD and MCI had a higher risk of developing dementia than cognitively intact PD patients, suggesting that MCI in PD is an early manifestation of dementia. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the relatively small number of subjects included in this study. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Optimizing the intrinsic signal‐to‐noise ratio of MRI strip detectors
Authors: Kumar Ananda , Bottomley Paul A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAn MRI detector is formed from a conducting strip separated by a dielectric substrate from a ground plane, and tuned to a quarter‐wavelength. By distributing discrete tuning elements along the strip, the geometric design may be adjusted to optimize the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for a given application. Here a numerical electromagnetic (EM) method of moments (MoM) is applied to determine the length, width, substrate thickness, dielectric constant, and number of tuning elements that yield the best intrinsic SNR (ISNR) of the strip detector at 1.5 Tesla. The central question of how strip performance compares with that of a conventional optimized loop coil is also addressed. The numerical method is validated against the known ISNR performance of loop coils, and its ability to predict the tuning capacitances and performance of seven experimental strip detectors of varying length, width, substrate thickness, and dielectric constant. We find that strip detectors with low‐dielectric constant, moderately thin‐substrate, and length about 1.3 (±0.2) times the depth of interest perform best. The ISNR of strips is comparable to that of loops (i.e., higher close to the detector but lower at depth). The SNR improves with two inherently‐decoupled strips, whose sensitivity profile is well‐suited to parallel MRI. The findings are summarized as design “rules of thumb.” Magn Reson Med 56:, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theoretical model of intravascular paramagnetic tracers effect on tissue relaxation
Authors: Kjølby B.F. , Østergaard L. , Kiselev V.G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe concentration of MRI tracers cannot be measured directly by MRI and is commonly evaluated indirectly using their relaxation effect. This study develops a comprehensive theoretical model to describe the transverse relaxation in perfused tissue caused by intravascular tracers. The model takes into account a number of individual compartments. The signal dephasing is simulated in a semianalytical way by embedding Monte Carlo simulations in the framework of analytical theory. This approach yields a tool for fast, realistic simulation of the change in the transverse relaxation. The results indicate that the relaxivity of intravascular contrast agents depends significantly on the host tissue. This agrees with experimental data by Johnson et al. (Magn Reson Med 2000;44:909). In particular, the present results suggest a several‐fold increase in the relaxivity of Gd‐based contrast agents in brain tissue compared with bulk blood. The enhancement of relaxation in tissue is due to the contrast in magnetic susceptibility between blood vessels and parenchyma induced by the presence of paramagnetic tracer. Beyond the perfusion measurements, the results can be applied to quantitation of functional MRI and to vessel size imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Designing long‐T2 suppression pulses for ultrashort echo time imaging
Authors: Larson Peder E. Z. , Gurney Paul T. , Nayak Krishna , Gold Garry E. , Pauly John M. , Nishimura Dwight G. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractUltrashort echo time (UTE) imaging has shown promise as a technique for imaging tissues with T2 values of a few milliseconds or less. These tissues, such as tendons, menisci, and cortical bone, are normally invisible in conventional magnetic resonance imaging techniques but have signal in UTE imaging. They are difficult to visualize because they are often obscured by tissues with longer T2 values. In this article, new long‐T2 suppression RF pulses that improve the contrast of short‐T2 species are introduced. These pulses are improvements over previous long‐T2 suppression pulses that suffered from poor off‐resonance characteristics or T1 sensitivity. Short‐T2 tissue contrast can also be improved by suppressing fat in some applications. Dual‐band long‐T2 suppression pulses that additionally suppress fat are also introduced. Simulations, along with phantom and in vivo experiments using 2D and 3D UTE imaging, demonstrate the feasibility, improved contrast, and improved sensitivity of these new long‐T2 suppression pulses. The resulting images show predominantly short‐T2 species, while most long‐T2 species are suppressed. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prepolarized magnetic resonance imaging around metal orthopedic implants
Authors: Venook Ross D. , Matter Nathaniel I. , Ramachandran Meena , Ungersma Sharon E. , Gold Garry E. , Giori Nicholas J. , Macovski Albert , Scott Greig C. , Conolly Steven M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA prepolarized MRI (PMRI) scanner was used to image near metal implants in agar gel phantoms and in in vivo human wrists. Comparison images were made on 1.5‐ and 0.5‐T conventional whole‐body systems. The PMRI experiments were performed in a smaller bore system tailored to extremity imaging with a prepolarization magnetic field of 0.4 T and a readout magnetic field of 27–54 mT (1.1–2.2 MHz). Scan parameters were chosen with equal readout gradient strength over a given field of view and matrix size to allow unbiased evaluation of the benefits of lower readout frequency. Results exhibit substantial reduction in metal susceptibility artifacts under PMRI versus conventional scanners. A new artifact quantification technique is also presented, and phantom results confirm that susceptibility artifacts improve as expected with decreasing readout magnetic field using PMRI. This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates that prepolarized techniques have the potential to provide diagnostic cross‐sectional images for postoperative evaluation of patients with metal implants. Magn Reson Med. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is the drive to manage long‐term conditions in the community compatible with improving standards of care for those with inflammatory arthritis?
Authors: Mann Cindy 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAt the same time as the Government is pushing ahead with its agenda to manage long‐term conditions in the community, standards of care have been published by the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) in an attempt to improve and standardize the care of people with inflammatory arthritis. This raises the question of whether the needs and preferences of people with arthritis can be adequately met in a primary care setting. This paper looks at the evidence so far and discusses the possibilities for achieving ARMA's standards if arthritis care is managed in the community. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical model for flexible pavements rut depth evolution with time
Authors: Allou Fatima , Chazallon Cyrille , Hornych Pierre 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA simplified method has been developed for the finite elements modelling of flexible pavements rut depth evolution with time. This method is based on the shakedown theory established by Zarka for metallic structures. The yield surface of Drucker‐Prager and the plastic potential of Von Mises have been used. The simplified method determines straightforwardly the purely elastic state or the elastic shakedown state or the plastic shakedown state. The calibration of the simplified method with two unbound granular materials for roads under repeated loads triaxial tests, is explained. Then, a finite elements modelling of a flexible pavement has been carried out. Calculations of 2D and 3D have been performed and rut depth evolutions with time are shown, which underline the capabilities of the model to take into account the accumulation of plastic strains along the loading cycles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The assessment of levator trauma: A comparison between palpation and 4D pelvic floor ultrasound
Authors: Dietz H.P. , Hyland G. , Hay‐Smith J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAimsMajor morphological abnormalities of the pubovisceral muscle are observed in 10–20% of women symptomatic of pelvic floor disorders. Such defects arise in childbirth and are associated with prolapse. While they are clearly evident on 3D ultrasound and MR imaging, such defects can be difficult to detect clinically. We intended to compare findings on palpation with the results of ultrasound imaging.Material and MethodsFifty‐five women were recruited in a prospective observational study and assessed by interview, vaginal examination by a trained pelvic floor physiotherapist, and 3D/4D pelvic floor ultrasound. The vaginal examination involved digital assessment of muscle strength (modified Oxford grading) and morphological abnormalities. The ultrasound examination involved acquisition of volume datasets taken at rest, on Valsalva and pelvic floor muscle contraction. Assessments were undertaken supine and after voiding. Ultrasound operator and physiotherapist were blind to each other's findings.ResultsA comparison of 3D ultrasound and palpation was possible in 54 cases. Average Oxford grading was weakly associated with reduction in hiatal dimensions on contraction (r = −0.32, P = 0.024). A marked increase in hiatal dimensions detected on palpation was associated with increased hiatal area on Valsalva (P = 0.027). Defects were observed in 7/54 (13%) on ultrasound and in 10/55 (18%) on palpation. There was poor agreement between the methods, with only two defects picked up equally by both methods.ConclusionsPalpation of the pubovisceral muscle correlates poorly with 3D/4D pelvic floor ultrasound imaging for the assessment of muscular defects. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.