bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of nicotine and related compounds using electrospray ionisation with ion trap mass spectrometry and with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and their detection by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry
Authors: Smyth Thomas J. , Ramachandran V. N. , McGuigan Alex , Hopps Jason , Smyth W. Franklin 
Published: January 2007

AbstractElectrospray ionisation ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI‐MSn) has been used to study the fragmentation patterns of nicotine and nine of its related compounds. From this study certain characteristic fragmentations are apparent with generally the pyrrolidine or piperidine ring being subject to chemical modifications. The structures of the product ions proposed for the ESI‐MSn study have been supported by results from electrospray ionisation quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI‐QTOF‐MS). Compounds with pyrrolidine and piperidine rings that possess an unsubstituted N atom have been shown to lose NH3 at the MS2 stage. Those compounds with N‐methyl groups lose CH3NH2 at the MS2 stage. The loss of NH3 or CH3NH2 leaves the corresponding rings opened and this is followed by ring closure at the pyridine‐2 carbon atom. Mono‐N‐oxides fragment in a similar way but the di‐N‐oxide can also fragment by cleavage of the bond between the pyridine and pyrrolidine rings. Cotinine also can undergo cleavage of this bond between the rings.This data therefore provides useful information on how substituents and the nature of the non‐pyridine ring can affect the fragmentation patterns of nicotine and its related compounds. This information can be used in the characterisation of these compounds by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS) which results in the separation of nicotine and its related compounds with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 15 to 105 ng/mL. The use of LC/ESI‐MS to study nicotine‐containing samples resulted in the simultaneous and unambiguous identification of seven of the compounds discussed in this paper: cotinine identified at retention time 12.5 min (with its [M+H]+ ion at m/z 177), nornicotine 16.0 min (m/z 149), anatabine 18.0 min (m/z 161), myosmine 18.5 min (m/z 147), anabasine 20.4 min (m/z 163), nicotine 22.2 min (m/z 163), and nicotyrine 31.4 min (m/z 159). For quality control of nicotine replacement therapy products, these nicotine impurities can be readily identified and determined at levels up to 0.3% for single impurities and up to 1.0% for total impurities. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian modelling of the dynamics of hepatotoxicity
Authors: Li Q. , Shen X. , Pearl D. K. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractHepatotoxicity (liver damage) is a common problem in drug treatment trials but is observed only indirectly through biomarkers measured in the blood. This creates the need to infer an individual's unobserved liver function dynamically using blood tests and other patient baseline characteristics. Major statistical challenges include high dimensionality, irregular time observation points over patients, presence of missing observations, and noise involved in measurement and biological processes. This article introduces a class of multivariate Bayesian dynamic stochastic models for detecting and forecasting changes in an individual's liver function in two situations: without and with drug. These models separate measurement error from variation inherent in a biological process, and describe the underlying process of liver detoxification, whereby, drug affects liver function which in turn induces changes in observed analytes. We apply the Bayesian methodology to make an inference. A clinical toxicity study is examined, together with simulated data. The results suggest that changes in observed analytes can be captured by the proposed models. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructured Polymer Brushes
Authors: Schmelmer Ursula , Paul Anne , Küller Alexander , Steenackers Marin , Ulman Abraham , Grunze Michael , Gölzhäuser Armin , Jordan Rainer 
Published: January 2007

AbstractNanopatterned polymer brushes with sub‐50‐nm resolution were prepared by a combination of electron‐beam chemical lithography (EBCL) of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) and surface‐initiated photopolymerization (SIPP). As a further development of our previous work, selective EBCL was performed with a highly focused electron beam and not via a mask, to region‐selectively convert a SAM of 4′‐nitro‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐4‐thiol to defined areas of crosslinked 4′‐amino‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐4‐thiol. These “written” structures were then used to prepare surface‐bonded, asymmetric, azo initiator sites of 4′‐azomethylmalonodinitrile‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐4‐thiol. In the presence of bulk styrene, SIPP amplified the primary structures of line widths from 500 to 10 nm to polystyrene structures of line widths 530 nm down to approximately 45 nm at a brush height of 10 or 7 nm, respectively, as measured by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The relative position of individual structures was within a tolerance of a few nanometers, as verified by AFM. At line‐to‐line spacings down to 50–70 nm, individual polymer brush structures are still observable. Below this threshold, neighboring structures merge due to chain overlap.
Sonographic assessment of normal fetal palate using three‐dimensional imaging: a new technique
Authors: Faure J. M. , Captier G. , Bäumler M. , Boulot P. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe a novel three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound rendering technique to examine the normal fetal posterior palate and to assess its correspondence with the real fetal anatomy.MethodsA prospective longitudinal study was conducted from January to October 2005 and included 100 fetuses in a low‐risk population. Fetal ultrasound examinations were performed at 17, 22, 27 and 32 weeks' gestation to determine the normal 3D ultrasound view of the fetal palate at different gestational ages. The ultrasound scans were performed using the strict anterior axial plane of the starting reconstruction volume and the underside 3D view of the fetal palate. The 3D view of the fetal palate was compared with the normal anatomical view of the fetal palate obtained by surgical fetopathological examination of fetuses at the same gestational ages. The sonographic visualization rates of seven defined anatomical landmarks of the fetal palate were computed for each gestational age. The visualization rates across gestational ages were compared by use of the Cochrane Q test. The reliability of detection of each anatomical landmark across gestational ages was determined by Cronbach's Alpha.ResultsIn all cases a 3D ultrasound view of the fetal maxilla and secondary palate was obtained at each period of gestation and corresponded well to the fetal anatomical specimens. The seven defined anatomical landmarks of the fetal palate were identified in 42–100% of cases. The visualization rates across gestational ages were significantly different in five of these anatomical landmarks. These differences can be explained by different developmental processes of these anatomical structures. The overall reliability of visualization across the gestational ages for the anatomical landmarks was medium to very high (0.73–0.96), except for the landmark interpalatal suture which was low (0.48).ConclusionsThis technique of anterior axial 3D view reconstruction of the fetal palate seen by an underside view can provide unique diagnostic information on the integrity of the secondary palate. This innovative, simple and rapid technique may become the reference technique in ultrasound investigation of the fetal palate, and should be of value in diagnosing isolated secondary cleft palate or palatal involvement when cleft lip and alveolus are diagnosed. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of intestinal pseudo‐obstruction
Authors: Shen O. , Schimmel M. S. , Eitan R. , Granovsky‐Grisaru S. , Rabinowitz R. R. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe appearance of polyhydramnios and dilated bowel loops on prenatal sonographic examination usually implies mechanical obstruction. The prognosis is variable, depending on the etiology. Congenital pseudo‐obstruction, a potentially lethal disease, comprises a group of disorders characterized by intestinal obstruction in the absence of an anatomic lesion. This report focuses on the prenatal diagnosis of intestinal pseudo‐obstruction, and two cases of transient congenital intestinal pseudo‐obstruction in one family are described. In both, the prenatal sonographic presentation was of small bowel obstruction. In one case there was postnatal suspicion of neurogenic bladder, and in the other there was unilateral hydronephrosis. The sonographic appearance of intestinal pseudo‐obstruction is similar to that of mechanical obstruction. The clues to the prenatal diagnosis of pseudo‐obstruction include associated urinary tract abnormalities and a family history of pseudo‐obstruction. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐trimester treatment of fetal anemia secondary to parvovirus B19 infection
Authors: Kempe A. , Rösing B. , Berg C. , Kamil D. , Heep A. , Gembruch U. , Geipel A. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractHere we report two cases of first‐trimester parvovirus B19 (PV‐B19) infection that were successfully treated by intrauterine blood transfusion into the umbilical vein. At 13 weeks' gestation both fetuses presented with increased nuchal translucency (NT) and cardiomegaly. In both cases pulsed Doppler ultrasound examination of the fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) revealed increased peak systolic velocity (PSV), which led to a suspicion of fetal anemia. Maternal PV infection was confirmed by a positive polymerase chain reaction result. Each fetus received a 3‐mL intravenous transfusion of packed red blood cells into the umbilical vein, using a 25‐G spinal needle. Follow‐up ultrasound and Doppler examination demonstrated fetal well‐being, decline of the MCA‐PSV and resolution of the NT. Case 1 was readmitted at 25 weeks' gestation with severe hydrops fetalis, and both mother and fetus still tested positive for PV‐B19 DNA. Three more intrauterine blood transfusions were performed and the fetal hydrops resolved. In Case 2 no additional transfusions were needed. Both babies had a good neonatal outcome and uneventful follow‐up. Our findings demonstrate that the MCA‐PSV is helpful in establishing the diagnosis of first‐trimester fetal anemia. Intravasal transfusion can be attempted as early as the first trimester. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Path tortuosity of Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) in a heterogeneous Mediterranean landscape
Authors: Loureiro Filipa , Rosalino Luís Miguel , Macdonald David W. , Santos‐Reis Margarida 
Published: January 2007

AbstractMovement is the process by which individual organisms are displaced over time to eat, reproduce and defend resources. Fractal analysis is a technique used to study animal movement that measures spatial complexity of path tortuosity; here, we apply it to characterize the movement patterns of the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) in a Mediterranean landscape. We calculated path tortuosity overall and seasonally, and for individuals of different sexes and social groups. The influence of variables related to badgers’ resources (food, shelter, water), human infra‐structures and weather conditions were analysed with respect to the tortuosity of each badger's path. A total of 55 search paths from six badgers were considered for this study. Although badgers generally displayed convoluted movement, there were two exceptions: (a) males overall and (b) all badgers in summer; for both, movements had a lower fractal value, i.e. were less tortuous. The convoluted movement pattern generally observed is probably adapted to the clumped distribution of food in the study area. Nevertheless, our results suggest that the use of dens and latrines were the principal determinants of tortuosity of badgers’ paths while foraging.
Intramyocardial injection of vascular endothelial growth factor gene improves cardiac performance and inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis
Authors: Ruixing Yin , Dezhai Yang , Hai Wu , Kai Huang , Xianghong Wu , Yuming Chen 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground:Previous studies suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a regulator of naturally occurring angiogenesis. However, whether VEGF plays a role in cardiomyocyte apoptosis is not known.Aim:To investigate the effects of intramyocardial injection of VEGF165 cDNA on cardiac performance and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction.Methods:Forty male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent left coronary artery ligation and were randomised to receive VEGF165 cDNA (treated group) or pcDNA3.1 (control), injected directly into the border zone of the ischaemic myocardium. Twenty rats underwent thoracotomy and injection of pcDNA3.1, without coronary ligation (sham group). Haemodynamic and apoptotic parameters were measured two weeks after injection.Results:Three sham, eight control, and five treated animals died. Haemodynamic parameters and microvessel counts in the treated group were significantly better than in the control (P<0.05 to 0.01). Apoptotic index in the treated group was less than in the control (P<0.01). Caspase‐3 activation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release in the treated group were also lower than in the control (P<0.01). VEGF165 cDNA treatment significantly inhibited p53, Fas, Bax, and increased VEGF and Bcl‐2 expression in the myocardium.Conclusion:Intramyocardial injection of VEGF165 cDNA significantly improved cardiac performance, stimulated angiogenesis and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction.
Anaemia and renal function in heart failure due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Inglis Sally C. , Stewart Simon , Papachan Alexander , Vaghela Vinesh , Libhaber Carlos , Veriava Yosuf , Sliwa Karen 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground:Anaemia and renal dysfunction are common in patients with heart failure (HF). Most studies involve western cohorts with ischaemic aetiology receiving treatment likely to impair renal function.Aims:To investigate the frequency of anaemia and renal dysfunction and the relationship between the two within a cohort of 163 newly diagnosed Black African idiopathic cardiomyopathy patients prior to commencing HF treatments and compare those findings to those of western HF cohorts.Methods:Single‐centre retrospective analysis. Anaemia defined as haemoglobin concentration <13.0 g/dL for males (n=85) and <12 g/dL for females (n=78). Probable renal dysfunction defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, using serum creatinine concentrations.Results:The mean age was 48±11 years, 52% were male. Overall, 13.5% of patients were anaemic and 11.8% had evidence of renal dysfunction, while 1.2% had both. Renal dysfunction was significantly more common in older patients (mean age 58±13 vs. 47±10 years: p<0.001).Conclusion:The frequency of anaemia and renal dysfunction in this cohort was lower than that reported in western HF cohorts. These data infer a more limited relationship between HF, anaemia and renal dysfunction in patients without atherothrombotic disease; hence extrapolation of HF data from the western world to other populations should be interpreted cautiously.
Non‐invasive radial pulse wave assessment for the evaluation of left ventricular systolic performance in heart failure
Authors: Tartiere Jean‐Michel , Logeart Damien , Beauvais Florence , Chavelas Christophe , Kesri Lamia , Tabet Jean‐Yves , Cohen‐solal Alain 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIntroductionLeft ventricular (LV) developed pressure (dP/dt) is a classical index of myocardial contractility related to prognosis during heart failure. We sought to assess the reproducibility and feasibility of use of the maximal first derivative of the radial pulse, Rad dP/dt, as a peripheral criterion of ventricular contractility in patients with heart failure.MethodsWe assessed 50 consecutive, patients with heart failure using aplanation tonometry to record the radial pulse wave and calculate Rad dP/dt. Echocardiography, Doppler flow and tissue Doppler imaging were used to record classical parameters of LV function: LV ejection fraction (LVEF), Tei index, dP/dt on mitral regurgitation (MR dP/dt) and peak systolic velocity (S′). Total systemic vascular resistance (TSVR) was calculated by use of the Doppler calculated cardiac output. Preload was assessed by the E/Ea ratio. Feasibility was tested in an ongoing prospective mortality study (n=310).ResultsThe Bland and Altman representation of repeated measurements of the Rad dP/dt showed good agreement. Feasibility was greater than 99% for a successful assessment on the right arm during the first attempt. The Rad dP/dt correlated with the LVEF, S′ or Tei index as usual parameters of impaired contractility but not preload (E/Ea) or afterload (TSVR) parameters. MR dP/dt and Rad dP/dt were closely related (r=0.75, p<0.001). The ability of the arterial dP/dt to characterize LVEF was not modified by adjustment for arterial viscoelastic properties.ConclusionThe maximal dP/dt of the radial pulse appears to be a valuable and reproducible peripheral criterion of LV systolic performance.
Analgesic treatment and predictors of satisfaction with analgesia in patients with acute undifferentiated abdominal pain
Authors: Marinsek Matej , Kovacic Dragan , Versnik Darja , Parasuh Milena , Golez Slavica , Podbregar Matej 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe objectives of this prospective, observational cohort study were to examine current practice of analgesia in adults with acute abdominal pain presenting to emergency department (ED), to assess patient—physician agreement on pain severity, and to measure patients’ satisfaction with pain management.Methods: Emergency room nurse assessed initial patient's and physician's ranking on a 0–100mm visual analogue scale (VAS) as well as patient's VAS rankings 5min, 15min, and 60min after starting treatment for pain, and on discharge. In patients who received no therapy VAS scores were assessed 5min, 15min, and 60min after initial examination, and on discharge. Patient's satisfaction with pain management on discharge from ED was assessed using a four‐point categorical scale in which 1=completely unsatisfied, 2=mostly unsatisfied, 3=mostly satisfied, and 4=completely satisfied.Results: A total of 185 patients were enrolled. Patients’ mean initial VAS was higher than physicians’ (76±20mm, vs. 59±20mm, p<0.001). Physician's VAS ≥60mm was the sole independent predictor of receiving analgesic therapy (p<0.001). On discharge from ED, 111 patients (60%) were predominantly satisfied with analgesia (satisfaction score ≥3). Drug titration (p=0.026) and decrease in VAS score ≥20mm between initial and discharge score (p<0.001) independently predicted patients’ satisfaction.Conclusions: Patients with acute abdominal pain rated pain significantly higher than physicians who's pain estimation in turn tailored analgesia. Only 60% of patients were satisfied with analgesia. Analgesic drug titration and a decrease of ≥20mm on VAS predicted patients’ satisfaction.
Exploring retailers’ sensitivity to local sustainability policies
Authors: Quak H.J. , de Koster M.B.M. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractLocal governments in Western Europe increasingly use city time‐access regulations to improve social sustainability. These regulations significantly influence the distribution process of retail chain organizations. This paper studies the impact of governmental time‐window pressure on retailers’ logistical concepts and the consequential financial and environmental distribution performance. We determine which dimensions in the retailer's logistical concept determine its cost and emission sensitivity to increasing time‐window pressure. Our research is based on a multiple case study of fourteen Dutch retail cases in different sectors and with different store formulas. The retailers provided all organizational, flow and cost data of their secondary distribution (between distribution center and stores). We use these data to calculate the impacts of different time‐window pressure scenarios, including the current situation, using vehicle routing software. It appears that cost and emissions increases are moderate, when few cities are affected. However, as more cities are affected, costs and emissions increase considerably, particularly if time‐window lengths become shorter. Time‐windows harmonized between cities lead to fewer negative effects. We find various dimensions that contribute to reducing a retailer's sensitivity to time‐window pressure. We formulate conclusions hypothesizing the links between time‐window pressure, its effects, and the dimensions that determine these effects.
The Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy Constants of Iron and Iron-silicon Alloys
Authors: Björn Westerstrand  , Per Nordblad  , Lars Nordborg  
Published: January 2007

The magnetocrystalline anisotropy constantsk1,k2andk3of iron and of alloys of 1.75, 2.46, 3.56 and 4.59 weight per cent silicon in iron have been measured in the temperature range 4.2-295 K. The measurements have been performed on spherical samples. The field dependence of the anisotropy constantsKn(n= 1,2,...) determined from torque curves is described byKn=kn- μ0MnHi,M,n= 1, 2 ....whereMnare the direction dependent parts of the magnetization, andHi,Mis the component of the field inside the sample along the direction of magnetization. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy constantsknare obtained by extrapolation to zero internal field. The anisotropy of magnetization is reported with values ofM1andM2.
A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Pilot Study of Bovine Lactoferrin Supplementation in Bottle‐fed Infants
Authors: King James C , Cummings Ginny E , Guo Nan , Trivedi Leena , Readmond Bernard X , Keane Virginia , Feigelman Susan , de Waard Rick 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTBackground:Lactoferrin has an array of biological activities that include growth, immune modulation, and antimicrobial effects. The aim of this randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study was to examine the impact of bovine lactoferrin supplementation in infants.Patients and Methods:Healthy, formula‐fed infants, ≥34 weeks' gestation and ≤4 weeks of age, enrolled in a pediatric clinic. Infants received either formula supplemented with lactoferrin (850 mg/L) or commercial cow milk–based formula (102 mg/L) for 12 months. Growth parameters and information on gastrointestinal, respiratory, and colic illnesses were collected for the infants' first year. Antibodies to immunizations and hematologic parameters were measured at 9 and 12 months.Results:The lactoferrin‐enhanced formula was well tolerated. There were significantly fewer lower respiratory tract illnesses, primarily wheezing, in the 26 lactoferrin‐fed (0.15 episodes/y) compared with the 26 regular formula‐fed (0.5 episodes/y) infants (P < 0.05). Significantly higher hematocrit levels at 9 months (37.1% vs 35.4%; P < 0.05) occurred in the lactoferrin‐supplemented group compared with the control formula group.Conclusions:Lactoferrin supplementation was associated with potentially beneficial outcomes such as significantly fewer lower respiratory tract illnesses and higher hematocrits. Larger, more focused studies in infants are warranted.