bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal P‐Wave Duration for Bedside Diagnosis of Interatrial Block
Authors: Ariyarajah Vignendra , Apiyasawat Sirin , Spodick David H. 
Published: July 2006

Background: Interatrial block (IAB; P wave ≥ 110 ms) is highly prevalent and associated with atrial tachyarrhythmias, left atrial electromechanical dysfunction and is a potential risk for embolism. Investigators have often used different parameters for P‐wave duration to define IAB, and this causes confusion further adding to clinician ignorance of IAB. We therefore appraised the mode P‐wave duration in IAB and evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of using previously used durations. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 225 electrocardiograms (ECGs) of patients at a tertiary care general hospital for P‐wave duration. Of these, 49 were excluded because of severe motion artifact, errors in lead placement, absence of adequate patient identification, and atrial flutter or fibrillation. Mean, standard error of mean (SEM), standard deviation (SD), mode P‐wave duration, specificity, and sensitivity were calculated of the remaining 176 ECGs. Results: From the sample (N = 176; ages 15–95 years; mean ± SD = 69.15 ± 16.53 years, female 50.3%), measured P‐wave durations ranged from 50 ms to 230 ms (mean ± SD = 113.75 ± 30.56 ms, SEM 2.30 ms). 96 patients (54.55%) showed IAB (P wave ≥ 110 ms) with the mode P‐wave duration being 120 ms. Sensitivity and specificity of using P wave ≥ 110 ms is 100% and 88.9%, respectively (accuracy 94.31%), while P wave ≥130 ms yielded 64% and 100%, respectively (accuracy 82.38%). Conclusions: Mode P‐wave duration in IAB is 120 ms, and thus, for all practical reasons, it may be used to clinically diagnose IAB using ECGs recorded at the bedside at 25 mm/s with 10 mm/mV standardization.
A Segmental Polynomial Model of Ventricular Electrograms as a Simple and Efficient Morphology Discriminator for Implantable Devices
Authors: Williams Jeffrey L. , Shusterman Vladimir , Saba Samir 
Published: July 2006

Background: The goal of this study is to construct a polynomial model of the ventricular electrogram (EGM) that faithfully reproduces the EGM and can be implemented in current, low computational power implantable devices. Such a model of ventricular EGMs is still lacking. Methods: New Zealand White rabbits underwent chronic implantation of pacemakers through a left thoracotomy approach. Unipolar ventricular EGMs sampled at a frequency of 1 kHz were stored digitally in 1‐minute segments before and after intravenous injection of isoproterenol or procainamide. Each cardiac cycle was divided into a QR and an RQ segment which were modeled separately using a 6th order polynomial equation. Results: The 14 coefficients of each cardiac cycle were reproducible throughout the baseline recordings (r ≥ 0.94, P < 0.002). Isoproterenol caused no changes in the coefficients of the QR segment but significantly altered all but one of the seven coefficients of the RQ segment (p6= 0.0039, p5= 0.017, p4= 0.00007, p3= 0.112, p2= 0.00016, p1= 0.0086, pa= 0.00003). Procainamide caused statistically significant changes in both QR segment (p6= 0.018, p5= 0.287, p4= 0.019, p3= 0.176, p2= 0.016, p1= 0.362, pa= 0.000044) and RQ segment (p6= 0.0028, p5= 0.036, p4= 0.002, p3= 0.058, p2= 0.022, p1= 0.718, pa= 0.0018) coefficients. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate the feasibility of a segmental polynomial equation that reproduces the phases of depolarization and repolarization of the rabbit EGM. This model is reproducible and demonstrates the expected changes with antiarrhythmic drug administration. If reproduced in humans, these findings can have wide applications in patients with implantable devices, ranging from morphologic discrimination of arrhythmias to early detection of metabolic derangements or drug effects.
The Chemistry of Saline Waters
Authors: Krieger R. A. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTSThe following is a listing of abstracts of papers presented at recent meetings or appearing in other publications which are of interest to those in the field of ground water.Abstracts of papers presented during the 1963 National Water Well Exposition ‐ San Francisco, California, September 29‐October 3, 1963 (as published in the Water Well Journal, Vol. 17, No. 9).Analysis of Current Meter Data by Flow‐Distribution Curves, Leve, Gilbert W., Geologist, U. S. Geological Survey, Jacksonville, Florida
Mapping Buried Bedrock Topography with Gravity
Authors: Ibrahim Abdelwahid , Hinze William J. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTIn the formerly glaciated Midwest, bedrock formations commonly are denser than overlying glacial sediments. Thus, gravity anomalies have a direct relationship to bedrock topography. Where the density contrast between the glacial sediments and the bedrock is known, the anomalies can be used to map the bedrock configuration if they can be isolated from gravity anomalies originating elsewhere in the geologic section. A method of isolating bedrock topography gravity anomalies is suggested based upon known bedrock elevations obtained from drillhole data. A regional gravity anomaly map is prepared by subtracting the excess gravitational effect of the known bedrock relief above a datum from the observed gravity anomalies at all drillhole sites. The regional gravity anomaly map is subtracted from the observed anomaly map to obtain a residual anomaly map reflecting the bedrock topography. The bedrock configuration can be calculated directly from this map. This method of isolating bedrock topography anomalies was found to be superior to the use of cross‐profiling and least‐squares polynomial approximation procedures in a study of Kalamazoo County, Michigan. The bedrock topography map of this County determined by the gravity‐geologic method shows a complex bedrock topography and drainage system.
COMMUNITY‐BASED PROVISION OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA1
Authors: Breier Matthew , Visser Martine 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIt is often contended that rural development works most effectively when beneficiary communities are active project participants, and not the passive recipients of assistance. This paper analyses participatory development through the lens of public goods theory. South Africa's Community Water Supply & Sanitation Programme is discussed as a case study. Conclusions from our game‐theoretic analysis are used to make suggestions for South African development policy.
FAIR VALUE PRICING OF AGRICULTURAL FUTURES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Faure Ap 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn the South African agricultural (specifically grain) markets an interesting phenomenon exists: where futures and options on grain products exist (i.e. white maize, yellow maize, soy beans, wheat, and sunflower seeds) price discovery in the spot (also known as “cash”) markets is poor, whereas price discovery in the futures markets is considered respectable. Consequently, whenever a spot deal is undertaken, this price is “derived” from the relevant futures market.This severely anomalous phenomenon will be evident: futures are generally labeled “derivatives” because their prices are “derived” from their spot markets, whereas here we have a situation where spot prices are derived from their futures price (specifically the price of the near – as opposed to far – future). Because of this unusual phenomenon the mathematics involved is not readily available in the literature; this article is an attempt to briefly outline the phenomenon and to present the relevant mathematics.
Epithelial displacement during breast needle core biopsy causes diagnostic difficulties in subsequent surgical excision specimens
Authors: Phelan Sine , O’Doherty Ann , Hill Arnold , Quinn Cecily M 
Published: July 2006

Background: The use of needle core biopsy (NCB) as part of triple assessment for non-operative evaluation and diagnosis of breast lesions is now routine practice. Trauma to breast tissue during NCB may result in displacement of breast epithelium and may lead to diagnostic difficulty in subsequent excision specimens.Methods: The cases of seven mammographically detected breast lesions in which epithelial displacement due to NCB was identified and caused problems in confirmation of tumour size, assessment of surgical margins, and interpretation of possible invasive carcinoma and lymphovascular invasion are reported here.Conclusion: Previous observations that epithelial displacement is more likely to occur when the interval between NCB and surgical excision is short are supported.
Utility of immunohistochemical analysis for cyclo-oxygenase 2 in the differential diagnosis of osteoblastoma and osteosarcoma
Authors: Hosono Ako , Yamaguchi Umio , Makimoto Atsushi , Endo Makoto , Watanabe Atsuko , Shimoda Tadakazu , Kaya Mitsunori , Matsumura Tadaki , Sonobe Hiroshi , Kusumi Tomomi , Yamaguchi Takehiko , Hasegawa Tadashi 
Published: July 2006

Aims:To study the immunoexpression of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) 2 in osteoblastomas (OBs) and osteosarcomas (OSs), and to assess the utility of immunohistochemical analysis for COX 2 in the differential diagnosis of the two tumour forms.Methods:The immunohistochemical features of COX 2 were studied in 11 OBs and 30 OSs, including 26 high-grade OSs (16 osteoblastic, 7 chondroblastic, and 3 fibroblastic) and 4 low-grade OSs.Results:Tumour cells from all 11 OBs unequivocally showed diffuse, intense and cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for COX 2. Strong cytoplasmic expression of COX 2 was observed in 5 of 26 (19%) high-grade OSs, all chondroblastic. In one osteoblastic-type OS, COX 2 was expressed in the chondroblastic component, but this tumour was considered to be COX 2 negative. No COX 2 expression was noted in atypical osteoblastic cells. Staining in the four low-grade OSs was negative.Conclusion:The results of immunohistochemical analysis of COX 2 suggest that in addition to the routine histopathological evaluation, COX 2 is a valuable diagnostic marker in the distinction between OB and OS.
Upregulation of Twist in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is associated with neoplastic transformation and distant metastasis
Authors: Yuen Hiu-Fung , Chan Yuen-Piu , Lok-Yee Wong Michelle , Kwok Wei-Kei , Chan Ka-Kui , Lee Pin-Yin , Srivastava Gopesh , Law Simon Ying-Kit , Wong Yong-Chuan , Wang Xianghong , Chan Kwok-Wah 
Published: July 2006

Background:The antiapoptotic and epithelial–mesenchymal transition activities of Twist have been implicated in the neoplastic transformation and the development of metastasis, respectively. Upregulation of Twist, described in several types of human cancer, also acts as a prognostic marker of poor outcome.Aim:To investigate Twist expression in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its prognostic value in a Chinese cohort of patients with oesophageal SCC.Methods:Twist expression in primary oesophageal SCC of 87 Chinese patients was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. Twist protein level in one immortalised normal oesophageal epithelial cell line and six oesophageal SCC cell lines was measured by western blot analysis.TwistmRNA level in 30 pairs of frozen specimens of primary oesophageal SCC and non-neoplastic oesophageal epithelium from the upper resection margin of corresponding oesophagectomy specimen was also determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR.Results:It was found that Twist was upregulated in oesophageal SCC cell lines, and its mRNA and protein levels were both increased in oesophageal SCC and the non-neoplastic oesophageal epithelium (p<0.001). In addition, a high level of Twist expression in oesophageal SCC was significantly associated with a greater risk for the patient of developing distant metastasis within 1 year of oesophagectomy (OR 3.462, 95% CI 1.201 to 9.978; p = 0.022).Conclusions:Our results suggest that upregulation of Twist plays a role in the neoplastic transformation to oesophageal SCC and subsequent development of distant metastasis. Twist may serve as a useful prognostic marker for predicting the development of distant metastasis in oesophageal SCC.
Neu-Induced Retroviral Rat Mammary Carcinogenesis: A Novel Chemoprevention Model for Both Hormonally Responsive and Nonresponsive Mammary Carcinomas
Authors: Woditschka Stephan , Haag Jill D. , Waller Jordy L. , Monson Dinelli M. , Hitt Andrew A. , Brose Heidi L. , Hu Rong , Zheng Yun , Watson Philip A. , Kim Kwanghee , Lindstrom Mary J. , Mau Bob , Steele Vernon E. , Lubet Ronald A. , Gould Michael N. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Clinically relevant animal models of mammary carcinogenesis are crucial for the development and evaluation of new breast cancer chemopreventive agents. The neu-induced retroviral rat mammary carcinogenesis model is based on the direct in situ transfer of the activated neu oncogene into the mammary epithelium using a replication-defective retroviral vector. The resulting mammary carcinomas in intact Wistar-Furth rats exhibit a mixed hormonal response in the same proportion as has been observed in women. In intact rats, ∼50% of mammary carcinomas can be prevented by tamoxifen treatment. In ovariectomized animals, the mammary carcinomas are hormonally nonresponsive and cannot be prevented by tamoxifen. We evaluated the efficacy of retinoic X receptor–selective retinoids (rexinoids) in this novel model of mammary carcinogenesis. The rexinoids LG100268 and bexarotene (LG1069, Targretin) were highly efficacious in the prevention of neu-induced mammary carcinomas. Dietary LG100268 at 100 mg/kg diet decreased tumor multiplicity by 32% (P = 0.0114) in intact rats and 50% (P &lt; 0.0001) in ovariectomized rats. Bexarotene treatment at a dose of 250 mg/kg diet was associated with reductions in tumor multiplicity of 84% (P &lt; 0.0001) and 86% (P &lt; 0.0001) in intact and ovariectomized animals, respectively. In addition to tumor multiplicity, proliferation and apoptosis were modulated by bexarotene treatment independently of estrogen signaling. The neu-induced retroviral rat mammary carcinogenesis model represents a valuable addition to existing rodent chemoprevention models. The model is useful for assessing the efficacy of chemopreventive agents, specifically those compounds that target hormonally nonresponsive tumors. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(13): 6884-91)
I Pargoli di Agatodemone: Frammenti di Mitologie Alchemiche
Authors: Albrile Ezio 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAn important source for the study of Hellenistic Alchemy is the Neoplatonic Olympiodorus and his treatise on “Sacred Art”. In this text Olympiodorus gives an unitary view of alchemical praxis, based on the production and transformation of a peculiar element, the so-called “magnet” or “magnesia”. This element is the “substantial body”, sōma hypostatikon, the body which is “giving existence”, the alchemical black lead, the prima materia. The alchemist succeeds, by his creative action, in obtaining a perfect body which is able to transmit perfection to every body with which it is in contact. This is the elixir which gives health and salvation. The processes described put emphasis on color change as a guide to progress from black to white to yellow to violet: the sequence was clearly associated with the change from a chaotic and undefined primal stage to metallic perfection. And although the final phase or iōsis was eventually to be changed from violet to red, the emphasis on color was to remain a basic theme in descriptions of the magnum opus.
Synthesis of 3-Hydroxycephems from Penicillin G through Cyclization of Chlorinated 4-(Phenylsulfonylthio)-2-azetidinones Promoted by a BiCl3/Sn or TiCl4/Sn Bimetal Redox System
Authors: Tanaka Hideo , Taniguchi Masatoshi , Kameyama Yutaka , Monnin Marc , Torii Sigeru , Sasaoka Michio , Shiroi Takashi , Nagao Shigemitsu , Yamada Takae , Tokumaru Yoshihisa 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
A novel access to 3-hydroxycephems was attained from penicillin G via the C=C bond cleavage of 1-(1-alkoxycarbonyl-2-chloromethyl-2-propenyl)-4-(phenylsulfonylthio)-2-azetidinones by successive treatment with RuCl3/HIO4 and HIO4/CuSO4 and reductive cyclization of 1-(1-alkoxycarbonyl-3-chloro-2-hydroxy-1-propenyl)-4-(phenylsulfonylthio)-2-azetidinones on treatment with a newly devised BiCl3/Sn or TiCl4/Sn bimetal redox couple in DMF containing pyridine.
Reactions of (2,4,6-Tri-t-butyl)thiobenzaldehyde with Diazo Compounds. Synthesis and Reactions of Sterically Congested Thiiranes
Authors: Watanabe Soichiro , Kawashima Takayuki , Tokitoh Norihiro , Okazaki Renji 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Sterically congested thiiranes having a 2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl group were synthesized by the reactions of (2,4,6-tri-t-butyl)thiobenzaldehyde with sterically hindered diazo compounds. Thermal desulfurization of the most congested thiirane, 2,2-di-t-butyl-3-(2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl)thiirane (15c), did not proceed even upon using highly reactive reagents, such as hexamethylphosphorous triamide or organolithiums. The photo-reaction of 15c did not give the corresponding styrene, but afforded several products containing 2,4,6-tri-t-butylbenzo[b]thiophene and Dewar benzenes, 2,2-di-t-butyl-3-(3,4,6-tri-t-butylbicyclo[2.2.0]hexa-2,5-dien-2-yl)thiirane and 2-t-butyl-3,3-dimethyl-1-(1,3,5-tri-t-butylbicyclo[2.2.0]hexa-2,5-diene-2-yl)-1-butene (24), the latter of which is the first example for a vinyl-substituted Dewar benzene. Compound 24 has a unique reactivity, giving a rearrangement product, 2-t-butyl-3,3-dimethyl-1-(1,3,5-tri-t-butylbicyclo[2.2.0]hexa-2,5-diene-2-yl)-1-butene on thermolysis.
Intractable Epistaxis Associated with Topiramate Administration
Authors: Page Robert L , Bainbridge Jacquelyn L 
Published: July 2006

Objective: To report a case of a patient who experienced serious, intractable epistaxis warranting emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admission after initiation of topiramate therapy. Case Summary: A 61-year-old woman with significant cardiovascular disease was started on topiramate 25 mg daily for lower extremity neuropathy. After 7 days of treatment, she began to experience severe, intractable epistaxis that lasted 8 days, warranting an ED visit. The epistaxis resolved 1 week after topiramate discontinuation. Topiramate was restarted 3 months later, and the patient again developed intractable epistaxis. After 2 days of epistaxis, she returned to the ED with significant anginal pain and was admitted to the hospital, where she received 2 units of packed red blood cells. One week after stopping topiramate, the epistaxis stopped. At the time of writing, she had exhibited no epistaxis for 6 months. According to the Naranjo probability scale, topiramate was the probable cause of epistaxis. Discussion: Topiramate is a neuromodulatory compound approved for management of migraines, as well as partial and generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Over the past decade, its use has expanded to include many other neuropathic conditions. Currently, epistaxis has been reported in only 1–4% of patients receiving topiramate in clinical trials; however, these data were derived from a young study population. Like topiramate, calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) modulate voltage-gated L type calcium ion channels. These specific channels are located on vascular smooth muscle and non-contractile tissues such as platelets. Due to their possible antiplatelet effects, CCBs have been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage, epistaxis, and prolonged bleeding time. The same may hold true for topiramate. Conclusions: Topiramate, particularly in combination with antiplatelet medications, may be associated with severe, intractable epistaxis. Intractable epistaxis should be added to the list of potentially serious adverse reactions that are monitored when topiramate is administered.
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Rapid Detection of Group B Streptococcal Colonization in Neonates
Authors: Natarajan Girija , Johnson Yvette R. , Zhang Fan , Chen Kang Mei , Worsham Maria J. 
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND. Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection remains a leading cause of neonatal sepsis. Currently, the management guidelines of neonates born to women with unknown GBS status at delivery are unclear. In this cohort, who undergo at least a 48-hour observation, a rapid method of detection of GBS colonization would allow targeted evaluation and treatment, as well as prevent delayed discharge.
OBJECTIVE. The goal of this research was to evaluate the validity of rapid fluorescent real-time polymerase chain reaction in comparison with standard culture to detect GBS colonization in infants born to women whose GBS status is unknown at delivery.
DESIGN/METHODS. Neonates at &gt;32 weeks' gestation born to women whose GBS status was unknown at delivery were included. Samples were obtained from the ear, nose, rectum, and gastric aspirate for immediate culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction after DNA extraction using the LightCycler. Melting point curves were generated, and confirmatory agar gel electrophoresis was performed.
RESULTS. The study population (n = 94) had a mean ± SD gestational age of 38 ± 2 weeks and birth weight of 3002 ± 548 g. The rates of GBS colonization by culture were 17% and 51% by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The 4 surface sites had comparable rates of GBS. The overall sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values of real-time polymerase chain reaction were: 90%, 80.3%, 28%, and 98.9%.
CONCLUSIONS. Real-time polymerase chain reaction resulted in a threefold higher rate of detection of GBS colonization and had an excellent negative predictive value in a cohort of neonates with unknown maternal GBS status at delivery. Thus, real-time polymerase chain reaction would be a useful clinical tool in the management of those infants potentially at risk for invasive GBS infection and would allow earlier discharge for those found to be not at risk.
Regional Brain Development in Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Low-Risk Preterm Infants
Authors: Mewes Andrea U.J. , Hüppi Petra S. , Als Heidelise , Rybicki Frank J. , Inder Terrie E. , McAnulty Gloria B. , Mulkern Robert V. , Robertson Richard L. , Rivkin Michael J. , Warfield Simon K. 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE. MRI studies have shown that preterm infants with brain injury have altered brain tissue volumes. Investigation of preterm infants without brain injury offers the opportunity to define the influence of early birth on brain development and provide normative data to assess effects of adverse conditions on the preterm brain. In this study, we investigated serial MRI of low-risk preterm infants with the aim to identify regions of altered brain development.METHODS. Twenty-three preterm infants appropriate for gestational age without magnetic resonance–visible brain injury underwent MRI twice at 32 and at 42 weeks’ postmenstrual age. Fifteen term infants were scanned 2 weeks after birth. Brain tissue classification and parcellation were conducted to allow comparison of regional brain tissue volumes. Longitudinal brain growth was assessed from preterm infants’ serial scans.RESULTS. At 42 weeks’ postmenstrual age, gray matter volumes were not different between preterm and term infants. Myelinated white matter was decreased, as were unmyelinated white matter volumes in the region including the central gyri. The gray matter proportion of the brain parenchyma constituted 30% and 37% at 32 and 42 weeks’ postmenstrual age, respectively.CONCLUSIONS. This MRI study of preterm infants appropriate for gestational age and without brain injury establishes the influence of early birth on brain development. No decreased cortical gray matter volumes were found, which is in contrast to findings in preterm infants with brain injury. Moderately decreased white matter volumes suggest an adverse influence of early birth on white matter development. We identified a sharp increase in cortical gray matter volume in preterm infants’ serial data, which may correspond to a critical period for cortical development.