bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient self‐injection of methotrexate for inflammatory arthritis: A study evaluating the introduction of a new type of syringe and exploring patients' sense of empowerment
Authors: Hiley Jennifer , Homer Dawn , Clifford Collette 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the introduction of a new type of syringe for patients on a self‐injection of methotrexate (MTX) programme and explore patients' sense of empowerment relating to the self‐injection of MTX.Methods: Data were collected using a postal questionnaire, which yielded quantitative and qualitative data. The questionnaire was sent to all eligible patients in the primary care setting who self‐injected MTX (n = 24).Results: The response rate was 88% (n = 21). Patients' responses illustrated numerous disadvantages of using the syringe, particularly difficulties with the syringe stopper, syringe handling and leakage potential of the mildly cytotoxic drug MTX. The advantages included the ease of syringe storage and longer use by date. Difficulties in using the syringe, and the amount of support and training from hospital staff were among the factors affecting patients' sense of empowerment.Conclusions: Although a small study, this work indicates that there may be benefits in a collaboration between hospital staff and the syringe manufacturer, to modify the new syringe to address the problems noted. The potential of cytotoxic MTX spillage being minimized is recognized, making the new syringe more suitable for use by patients with inflammatory arthritis. Patient training may help to alleviate difficulties in using a new syringe, which, in turn, may also increase patients' sense of empowerment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extended state‐space time integration with high‐frequency energy dissipation
Authors: Krenk Steen 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe introduction of algorithmic dissipation into conservative time integration algorithms is addressed in two steps. The problem is formulated in state‐space, and it is demonstrated that the use of two balanced dissipation terms—one in the equation of motion and the other in the relation between the state‐space variables—can produce dissipation that increases monotonically with the modal frequency. This formulation is only partially satisfactory, because it leads to dissipation also in the low‐frequency range. A substantially improved form of algorithmic dissipation is then developed by representing the two balanced dissipation terms via auxiliary state‐space variables related to the displacement and velocity increments by a first‐order filter. The filter technique retains the high‐frequency behavior of the original balanced algorithm, but reduces the low‐frequency dissipation from first order in the frequency to third order. Energy balance equations are derived, and the behavior of the two algorithms is described by detailed spectral analysis with explicit asymptotic results directly in terms of the damping parameter of the algorithms. Both algorithms satisfy full symmetry of displacement and normalized velocity variables for the free algorithmically damped vibration of any single mode and, therefore, exhibit monotonic transients without ‘overshoot’ effects. It is also demonstrated how the algorithm can be arranged in ‘single solve’ format, where only the displacement update requires a matrix equation solution, while the velocity and the auxiliary state‐space variables are updated subsequently in each time step by simple vector relations with scalar coefficients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Least‐squares mixed finite element methods for the RLW equations
Authors: Gu Haiming , Chen Ning 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA least‐squares mixed finite element (LSMFE) schemes are formulated to solve the 1D regularized long wave (RLW) equations and the convergence is discussed. The L2 error estimates of LSMFE methods for RLW equations under the standard regularity assumption on the finite element partition are given.© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Proteome map of normal rat retina and comparison with the proteome of diabetic rat retina: New insight in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Quin Godfrey (Goff) J. , Len Alice C. L. , Billson Frank A. , Gillies Mark C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe have employed proteomics to establish a proteome map of the normal rat retina. This baseline map was then used for comparison with the early diabetic rat retinal proteome. Diabetic rat retinae were obtained from Dark Agouti rats after 10 wk of streptozotocin‐induced hyperglycaemia. Extracted proteins from normal and diabetic rat retinae were separated and compared using 2‐DE. A total of 145 protein spots were identified in the normal rat retina using MALDI‐MS and database matching. LC‐coupled ESI‐MS increased the repertoire of identified proteins by 23 from 145 to 168. Comparison with early diabetic rat retinae revealed 24 proteins unique to the diabetic gels, and 37 proteins absent from diabetic gels. Uniquely expressed proteins identified included the HSPs 70.1A and 8, and platelet activating factor. There were eight spots with increased expression and 27 with decreased expression on diabetic gels. Beta catenin, phosducin and aldehyde reductase were increased in expression in diabetes whilst succinyl coA ligase and dihydropyrimidase‐related protein were decreased. Identification of such changes in protein expression has given new insights and a more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, widening the scope of potential avenues for new therapies for this common cause of blindness.
Simulated hyperglycemia in rat cardiomyocytes: A proteomics approach for improved analysis of cellular alterations
Authors: Warda Mohamad , Kim Hyoung Kyu , Kim Nari , Youm Jae Boum , Kang Sung Hyun , Park Won Sun , Khoa Tran Min , Kim Young Hwan , Han Jin 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDiabetic hyperglycemia can lead to stress‐related cellular apoptosis of cardiac tissue. However, the mechanism by which hyperglycemia inflicts this damage on the structure and function of the heart is unclear. In this study, we examined the relationship between proteome alterations, mitochondrial function, and major biochemical and electrophysiological changes affecting cardiac performance during simulated short‐term hyperglycemia. Two‐dimensional comparative proteomics analysis of rat hearts perfused with glucose at high (30 mM) or control (5.5 mM) levels revealed that glucose loading alters cardiomyocyte proteomes. It increased expression levels of initial enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and of enzymes of fatty acid β‐oxidation, with consequent up‐regulation of enzymes of mitochondrial electron transport. It also markedly decreased expression of enzymes of glycolysis and the final steps of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Glucose loading increased the rate of Bax‐independent apoptosis. High glucose increased the duration of the action potential and elevated level of intracellular cytoplasmic calcium. Surprisingly, glucose loading did not influence levels of nitric oxide or mitochondrial superoxide in isolated cardiomyocytes. In summary, short‐term simulated hyperglycemia attenuated expression of many anti‐apoptotic proteins. This effect was apparently mediated via alterations in multiple biochemical pathways that collectively increased apoptotic susceptibility.
Psychometric properties of the Nine‐Item Chinese Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (ChPSQ‐9) in Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wong Wing S. , Fielding Richard , Wong Chit Ming , Hedley Anthony J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPatient‐centered approaches to health‐care delivery have increased interest in patient satisfaction with care. However, there is no instrument currently available which takes into account the specific concerns of Chinese patients. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Nine‐Item Chinese Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (ChPSQ‐9) in a Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma (HPC) sample. A total of 222 Chinese patients with primary HPC completed the ChPSQ‐9, the Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale (MISS), and eating satisfaction measures. The principal component analysis yielded two factors in the ChPSQ‐9, named ‘doctor’ and ‘nurse’ subscales, which explained 79% of the total variance. The instrument also possessed good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.93) and concurrent validity with MISS. The divergent validity was indicated by inverse relationships between the ChPSQ‐9 and eating satisfaction. The current results support the use of the ChPSQ‐9 as a self‐report measure of patient satisfaction among Chinese HPC populations and suggest that a caring orientation was highly valued by these patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parental knowledge of fertility in male childhood cancer survivors
Authors: van den Berg Henk , Langeveld Nelia E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground: In childhood, cancer survivors fertility is a major point of concern. In boys, only semen analysis and impregnation confirm fertility. Since parents constitute a major source of information for children, we investigated recall and assumptions on their child's fertility.Procedure: One hundred and fifty‐nine families with a boy surviving from cancer were asked for recall and expectations on fertility.Results: Fifty‐two percent of parents recalled statements on fertility, in 36% this was not so, 12% did not remember. There were no differences for parental gender and age at diagnosis. In case of intensive treatment parents were better informed. After relapse parents were less informed. Nine percent of the parents expected infertility, 60% was uncertain, 31% expected normal fertility.Conclusions: Based on our and literature findings we conclude that only about half of the parents recalls information on fertility. Lack of information, despite written information, is probably caused by limited oral information provision and defective memorization. One‐third of the parents assumed a normal fertility in their sons. It is highly recommended to check whether parents are adequately informed on fertility at moments they have coped the problems and emotions at initial diagnosis or at relapse, and if needed repeat the information. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current options in the drug management of nociceptive pain
Authors: Campbell William 
Published: July 2007

AbstractStrong opioids are commonly used for severe pain and should not be withheld in chronic noncancer pain. Our Drug review considers the properties and efficacy of the various opioids available, followed by an analysis of prescription data, sources of further infor‐mation and the Datafile. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Study of the effect of metal ions on hydroxyl–containing molecules
Authors: Kozmutza C. , Bartha F. , Udvardi L. , Varga I. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn the framework of the independent particle model the one‐electron properties of the system can be written as the sum of contributions from the individual orbitals. Certain one‐electron energetic quantities could also be attributed to the given orbitals using a convenient partition scheme, such as the method of separated molecular orbitals (SMOs). The one‐electron properties can be derived from localized molecular orbitals (LMOs), too. The aim of this work is to shed light on possible interrelationships between certain SMO and LMO properties of an ‘attacked’ molecular systems and its activity ability. The calculations performed and presented here on the Mg2+ + H2O system in the SMO framework lead to reliable results in comparative studies. Various configurations and basis sets were considered. We investigated the interaction ability between the Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions and the water molecule in terms of first order LMO electric moments. Some calculations in localized representation on the interaction of the phenolic hydroxyl group and of the Mg2+ and the Ca2+ ion have also been carried out. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Enhanced detection of thiol peptides by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry after selective derivatization with a tailor‐made quaternary ammonium tag containing maleimidyl group
Authors: Li Jun , Ma Huimin , Wang Xiaochun , Xiong Shaoxiang , Dong Suying , Wang Shujuan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe goal of this study was to develop a new quaternary ammonium tag for the selective labeling of thiol peptides to improve their detection by using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The tag, 1‐[3‐(4‐maleimidylphenoxy)propyl]trimethylammonium bromide (MPPTAB), was designed by using the maleimidyl moiety as a selective labeling group for thiols, and a positively charged quaternary ammonium moiety for improving ionization efficiency; the two moieties were combined by a bifunctional linker p‐aminophenol. The properties of the tag were investigated with glutathione as a model peptide, and the derivatization conditions were also optimized with reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. The results show that the effective derivatization of thiol peptides can be achieved at the reactant ratio of 3:1 (MPPTAB to the peptide) with a reaction time of 2 h at 37°C, and the excess MPPTAB can be removed with 2‐mercaptoethanol. The comparative study by mass spectrometry indicates that, after derivatization, the signal intensity of thiol peptides with more polar residues such as GPVEDAITAAIGRVAC is increased by 3–5 times, while that with less polar residues like CLLLGGTMV and LCMFVPGYT can be enhanced by more than 100 times. This may be explained in terms of the introduction of the positive charge and the improvement of hydrophobicity: the former raises the ionization efficiency of the tagged peptides, and the latter facilitates their solubility in a hydrophobic matrix, which in turn increases the signal intensity. The present strategy may have a potential use in detecting low‐abundant thiol peptides. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distinguishing isomeric pyridylaminated high‐mannose (Man7) oligosaccharides based on energy‐resolved mass spectra
Authors: Kurimoto Ayako , Kanie Osamu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAnalysis of posttranslational modifications of proteins is an important issue for understanding the relationship between protein structure and function. Micro‐scale analytical methods capable of elucidating glycan structures are therefore gaining attention in connection with proteomics research. Recent efforts directed toward this goal have successfully distinguished and in some cases identified glycan structures based on collision‐induced dissociation (CID) analysis. Despite these advancements, the identification of isomeric glycans such as high‐mannose‐type oligosaccharides, Man7GlcNAc2, that are closely related structurally, is not yet possible. Using energy‐resolved mass spectrometry (ERMS), we found that these isomers could be distinguished by comparing the intensities of certain fragment ions. ERMS is useful because the data obtained can be treated quantitatively. Furthermore, it was found that discrimination can be easily achieved by analyzing only the energy‐resolved mass spectra of the sodiated isomeric compounds at the stage of MS2. Thus, the importance and usefulness of ERMS, which provide the factor of activation energy under CID, in analyzing isomeric molecules are clearly shown. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redox‐dependent formation of disulfide bonds in human replication protein A
Authors: Men Lijie , Roginskaya Marina , Zou Yue , Wang Yinsheng 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHuman replication protein A (RPA) is a single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA)‐binding protein with three subunits. The largest subunit, p70, contains a conserved (cysteine)4‐type zinc‐finger motif that has been implicated in the regulation of DNA replication and repair. Previous studies indicated that the ssDNA‐binding activity of RPA could be redox‐regulated via reversible oxidation of cysteines in the zinc‐finger motif. We exposed recombinant human RPA to hydrogen peroxide and characterized the oxidized protein by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) analyses. Our results demonstrated that, upon H2O2 treatment, four cysteines, which reside at the zinc‐finger motif of the p70 subunit, could result in the formation of two pairs of intramolecular disulfides, Cys481‐Cys486 and Cys500‐Cys503; no cysteine sulfinic acid or cysteine sulfonic acid could be found. Moreover, the other 11 cysteines in this protein remained intact. The results demonstrated that the formation of disulfide bonds at the zinc‐finger site was responsible for the redox regulation of the DNA‐binding activity of RPA. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative Enhanced Raman Scattering of Labeled DNA from Gold and Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Stokes Robert J. , Macaskill Alexandra , Lundahl P. Johan , Smith W. Ewen , Faulds Karen , Graham Duncan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSurface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) from silver nanoparticles using 514.5‐nm excitation has been shown to offer huge potential for applications in highly sensitive multiplexed DNA assays. If the technique is to be applied to real biological samples and integrated with other methods, then the use of gold nanoparticles and longer wavelengths of excitation are desirable. The data presented here demonstrate that dye‐labeled oligonucleotide sequences can be directly detected by SERRS using gold nanoparticles in a quantitative manner for the first time. The performance of gold and silver nanoparticles as SERRS substrates was assessed using 514.5‐, 632.8‐, and 785‐nm excitation and a range of 13 commercially available dye‐labeled oligonucleotides. The quantitative response allowed the limit of detection to be determined for each case and demonstrates that the technique is highly effective, sensitive, and versatile. The possibility of excitation at multiple wavelengths further enhances the multiplexing potential of the technique. The importance of effectively combining the optical properties of the nanoparticle and the dye label is demonstrated. For example, at 632.8‐nm excitation, the dye BODIPY TR‐X and gold nanoparticles make a strong SERRS combination with very little background fluorescence. This study allows the choice of nanoparticle and dye label for particular experimental setups, and significantly expands the applicability of enhanced Raman scattering for use in many disciplines.
The agile professional culture: A source of agile quality
Authors: Siakas Kerstin V. , Siakas Errikos 
Published: July 2007

AbstractEver since agile software development was introduced in the millennium shift, it has become a controversial software engineering topic with practitioners and researchers arguing about the benefits of it. The opinions have been widely divergent, on one side the supporters of the plan‐driven predictable Software Process Improvement (SPI) embracing repeatable processes and continuous improvements, and on the other the agile development putting individuals and interactions over process and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation and change response over comprehensive plans.In this article, the agile methodology is examined from the human and cultural points of view. The concept of culture is analysed for deeper understanding of human and cultural dynamics influencing the agile professional culture. Parallels are drawn to success factors identified in recognised management approaches, such as the Effective Technical and Human Implementation of Computer Systems (ETHICS) and Total Quality Management (TQM).The type of organisation, suitable to embrace the agile professional development culture, is identified by examining the success factors observed. The democratic type of organisation in the C.HI.D.DI. (Clan‐HIerarchical‐Democratic‐DIsciplined) typology is proposed to be the most suitable to create and sustain added business value and competitive advantage for agile software development. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transvaginal sonography in the diagnosis of adenomyosis: which findings are most accurate?
Authors: Kepkep K. , Tuncay Y. A. , Göynümer G. , Tutal E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the accuracy of various transvaginal sonographic findings in adenomyosis by comparing them with histopathological results and to determine the most valuable sonographic feature in the diagnosis of adenomyosis.MethodsIn this prospective study, 70 consecutive patients scheduled for hysterectomy underwent preoperative transvaginal sonography. If at least one of the following sonographic features was present, a diagnosis of adenomyosis was made: heterogeneous myometrial echotexture, globular‐appearing uterus, asymmetrical thickness of the anteroposterior wall of the myometrium, subendometrial myometrial cysts, subendometrial echogenic linear striations or poor definition of the endometrial–myometrial junction. The sonographic features were compared with the histopathological results.ResultsThe prevalence of adenomyosis was 37.1% (26/70 patients). The sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values and accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound for the diagnosis of adenomyosis were 80.8%, 61.4%, 55.3%, 84.4% and 68.6%, respectively. We found that a regularly enlarged uterus with a globular appearance, subendometrial echogenic linear striations and myometrial cysts had the highest accuracy for the diagnosis of adenomyosis. Of all findings evaluated, heterogeneous myometrium was the most common in patients with adenomyosis (21/26 patients), but it had a poor specificity. The presence of subendometrial linear striations was the most specific sonographic feature (95.5%) and it had the highest PPV (80.0%) for the diagnosis of adenomyosis.ConclusionsThe presence of subendometrial echogenic linear striations, a globular configuration and myometrial cysts on transvaginal ultrasound supports the diagnosis of adenomyosis. Among the transvaginal ultrasound diagnostic findings of adenomyosis, subendometrial linear striations have the highest diagnostic accuracy. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual resource allocation to vegetative growth and reproduction in subgenus Cyclobalanopsis (Quercus, Fagaceae) trees
Authors: Hirayama Daisuke , Nanami Satoshi , Itoh Akira , Yamakura Takuo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe resource allocation for vegetative growth and female reproduction in three tree species of subgenus Cyclobalanopsis (Quercus, Fagaceae), i.e., Q. salicina, Q. sessilifolia, and Q. acuta, were examined on a per‐individual basis in two consecutive reproductive seasons, in order to test whether these trees fit the predictions of the masting hypotheses about resource matching versus resource switching. Since the three Quercus species have a biennial fruiting habit, it takes 3 years for the observation of two reproductive events. Female flower and acorn production per tree were investigated by using a seed‐trap method and a numerical analysis of seed dispersal. The net production of each individual was estimated as the sum of the annual increase in the dry mass of vegetative organs and reproductive investment per tree. In the data analyses, the three species were pooled, since all 12 sample trees of the subgenus apparently showed masting in the same year, with no exceptions. Female flower and acorn production per individual tree changed considerably between years. The net production per tree increased with tree size, but did not differ between years. Therefore, the reproductive allocation (proportion of a plant's annual assimilated resources which are used for reproduction) differed dramatically between years. On the other hand, within a year, the reproductive allocation increased with increasing net production per tree. These results suggest that the switching of resource allocation between years within an individual are occurring in subgenus Cyclobalanopsis species, and the intensity of the switching increases with increasing tree size.