bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evaluation of a novel conductometric device for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Losty Helen C , Wheatley Heather , Doull Iolo 
Published: September 2006

Background: We evaluated the diagnostic discrimination of a new micro-flow cell device (Nanoduct®) which measures sweat conductivity in situ at a regional referral centre for cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: The device was evaluated in comparison to the measurement of sweat chloride with the established quantitative pilocarpine iontophoresis test (QPIT) and extended in a number of patients to conductivity measurements in liquid sweat collected with the Macroduct® system. Sweat testing was conducted simultaneously on patients referred for diagnostic sweat testing, on patients known to have CF and on adult volunteers. The intra-individual variability, the failure rate and diagnostic accuracy were determined. Results: A total of 110 tests were performed on 100 individuals, 36 of whom had classical CF and six of whom had non-classical CF. The Nanoduct system produced a false negative result in one quarter of the patients with classical CF. Moreover, conductivity was negatively biased compared with chloride in this group. Repeat testing of the false negatives using a new batch of sensors and/or measuring conductivity in liquid sweat collected with the Macroduct device gave accurate diagnostic discrimination indicating that the original sensors were faulty. Photographic examination confirmed that a batch of sensors were defective. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that the prototype microflow cell conductometric device cannot be used for the diagnosis of CF due to the high false negative rate. As a consequence of this study, the manufacturers have implemented a pre-testing system to quality control the sensors prior to issue.
Determining urinary calcium/creatinine cut-offs for the paediatric population using published data
Authors: Metz Michael P 
Published: September 2006

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine a cut-off above which a result is considered abnormal for 'spot' calcium-to-creatinine ratio (Ca/Cr) in urine in the paediatric age group. While the cut-offs are not well established, there are many published reports of urine Ca/Cr excretion ratio in the literature. Rather than undertaking a difficult, time-consuming, expensive, and ultimately redundant study, an analysis of these published works was undertaken to determine urine Ca/Cr cut-offs for the laboratory. Methods: Fourteen studies reporting urine Ca/Cr ratio available in the literature were reviewed. Each study was abstracted for several characteristics. The data were plotted and the line of best fit describing the data was determined. Using the function describing the line, cut-offs by pertinent age were recalculated. These cut-offs were then compared to the original data and to in-house data. Results: The function describing the line of best fit was y = -0.3175 ln( x) +1.46 ( y = Ca/Cr in mmol/mmol and x = age in years), r2 = 0.85. After consultation with the paediatric nephrologists and comparison with our in-house data, cut-offs for age groups of <1, 1-<2, 2-<5, 5-<10, and 10-18 years in mmol/mmol of 1.50, 1.25, 1.00, 0.70, and 0.60, respectively, were derived. Conclusions Using data from 14 published studies, suitable spot urine Ca/Cr cut-offs from birth to 18 years of age were determined.
Calculated free testosterone in men: comparison of four equations and with free androgen index
Authors: Ho Clement KM , Stoddart Mary , Walton Melanie , Anderson Richard A , Beckett Geoffrey J 
Published: September 2006

Background: Serum testosterone remains the most important investigation in the diagnosis of androgen deficiency in men. Most of the circulating testosterone is bound to albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), whereas free testosterone accounts for approximately 2% of total testosterone. Because direct measurement of free testosterone is impractical in routine practice, several equations are used to provide clinically useful estimates of free testosterone concentration. This study aimed to (1) obtain locally derived reference limits for total testosterone and calculated free testosterone (CFT) concentrations, and (2) critically evaluate the equations commonly used to estimate free testosterone. Methods: Serum total testosterone, SHBG and albumin were assayed in morning blood samples obtained from 126 healthy men (aged 20-45 years) known to have normal semen analysis. CFT concentrations calculated using four published methods (i.e. the Sodergard, Nanjee-Wheeler, Vermeulen and Ly-Handelsman equations) were compared with one another and the free androgen index. Results: Reference intervals for total testosterone and CFT by the Vermeulen equation were 9.4-31.0 nmol/L and 0.245-0.785 nmol/L (2.5-97.5 percentile), respectively. CFT values varied considerably with the four equations examined. Mean biases ranged from 5.8 to 56.0%; the Nanjee-Wheeler and Ly-Handelsman equations yielded positive and negative biases, respectively, against the other equations. Free androgen index was shown to correlate poorly with CFT ( r2 = 0.21-0.46) and over-estimate the CFT at low SHBG concentrations. Conclusions: We have used various equations to derive reference ranges for CFT in healthy men aged 20-45 years. We suggest that CFT be incorporated into the investigation regimen for suspected hypogonadism when total testosterone results are equivocal.
The measurement of whole blood pre-treatment cyclosporine A: metabolite ratios predicts the onset of renal dysfunction in recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Stephens E , Bolderson I , Clark B , Kinsey S , Gooi HC , Cook G 
Published: September 2006

Background: In the context of post-transplant immunosuppression, cyclosporine A (CSA) is dose adjusted in accordance with whole blood drug monitoring. While currently available immunoassay systems primarily target the parent drug, cross-reactivity results in the detection of the major circulating CSA metabolites, though their contribution to both immunosuppression and toxicity remain unclear. This study examines the relationship of CSA metabolites to hepatic and renal dysfunction and the incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) through parallel assaying of parent drug and drug/metabolites expressed as a metabolite ratio (Cp:mR). Method: Sequential pre-treatment (trough) whole blood samples ( n = 527) were collected from 31 allo-stem cell transplantation (SCT) recipients. Both parent drug and drug/metabolite levels were determined using the Abbott fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Results: The average mean Cp:mR was significantly higher in patients with hepatic ( P = 0.004) and renal dysfunction ( P = 0.004) than in those without. Significantly higher Cp:mR were also found in patients with grades II-IV GvHD ( P = 0.001) than were observed in patients who did not experience significant GvHD. When measured prospectively, an increasing Cp:mR predated the rise in serum creatinine concentration by a median of two weeks. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a clinically useful CSA metabolite ratio that shows association with hepatic and renal dysfunction and with GvHD. The measure can be used to predict those patients on CSA therapy who are likely to develop renal dysfunction.
Suppuration of the petrous pyramid
Authors: Bricker Sacks 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis case must be considered one of suppuration of the petrous pyramid because of the following facts: 1. Following an acute mastoiditis, the development of intense deepseated pain behind the eye, severe pain over the right eye‐brow and the parietal region; 2. The sudden profuse discharge of pus from the mastoid wound and to some degree from the external auditory canal; 3. The period of low grade sepsis following the mastoidectomy, until the flare‐up of the temperature from the seventh to the tenth day after the first operation, when the inflammation in the petrous pyramid was at its height; 4. The extensively pneumatized development of the mastoid; 5. The roentgenologic findings showing positive evidence of bone destruction at the medial end of the right petron, and further evidence seven months later that there was some regeneration of the bone in this region; and 6. The abatement of the pain in the eye and the sudden improvement of the patient following the operation on his petrous pyramid.
Treatment of laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Kramer Rudolph 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis study of carcinoma of the larynx is an attempt to analyze for myself the results of treatment and to determine, if possible, any indications for the selection of the type of treatment most likely to be successful in any particular case. It is true that the number of cases in this series is relatively small and in some instances the time elapsed after treatment has been too short for clear‐cut conclusions. Nevertheless, some of the patients have been observed sufficiently long to evaluate the results of treatment. I am of the opinion that the general viewpoint of time elapsed after treatment of laryngeal cancer in relationship to cure is of little help in studying the results. The usual periods selected are three or five years after therapy. As a matter of fact, most recurrences, local or glandular, take place in much less than one year. In this series of cancer cases there has been no local or glandular recurrence after the first year, with one exception, which occurred 12 years postoperative. I do not for a moment deny that recurrences or metastases take place two, three or five years after operation, but they are comparatively infrequent. I am of the opinion that if patients are observed routinely by follow‐up every two or four weeks, as I do with all my patients, recurrences will be noted early; long before they fall into the two‐ or three‐year recurrence group. On the other hand, the three‐ or five‐year period is much too short because patients do occasionally get late local or distant metastases seven, 10 or 20 years after treatment. Therefore, reliable definitive statistics on the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma can only be obtained after many years of observation, a longer period of time than any one man is likely to cover in his active medical years. There are exceptions, such as Chevalier Jackson and St. Clair Thomson, who are able to report lengthy follow‐ups on their thyrotomy cases. It will require relays of laryngologists following the courses of therapeutic procedures for many years to estimate the value of each procedure if in the meantime the specific etiology and treatment of cancer are not discovered. For we must remember that we have not been treating carcinoma itself, but a local manifestation of a general disease or tendency. In the interim tentative reports such as this are in order so that a mass of material may be available for the study of various procedures and their indications in the treatment of laryngeal cancer.
The art of good tone‐production, with some helpful suggestions
Authors: Schatz Harry A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPhysicians in general, and especially otolaryngologists, should all be very much interested in voice‐production. The writer refers to correct voice‐production; i.e., good tone‐production. A good natural voice may be regarded as a “gift of God”; but the poor voice can be improved in the presence of a larynx that is normal in its anatomy and innervation, and therefore need not remain a lifelong affliction.
Tetanus associated with acute otitis media; probable atrium tetanus. Report of two cases
Authors: Stout Philip S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractReporting two cases of tetanus occurring about the same time; coming to St. Luke's and Children's Hospital, Philadelphia, from northeastern Philadelphia. Both cases were boys under 12 years of age; one recovered, the other died about six hours after entering the hospital. Both were given the same amount of antitoxin. Both had acute otitis media a short time before the onset of the symptoms of tetanus. Neither of them had any scar, inflammation or history of any injury that might have caused this infection, except the acute otitis media. In one case, D. L., we were able to get a history of the enlarging of a cesspool in the yard of his home and that he played around the working men. He developed acute otitis media at this time.
Recent progress in the synthesis of polymers based on carbon dioxide
Authors: Sugimoto Hiroshi , Inoue Shohei 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxide to give polycarbonate has attracted the attention of many chemists, because it is one of the most promising methodologies for the utilization of carbon dioxide as a safe, clean, and abundant raw material in the synthetic chemistry. Recent developments of the catalysts for the alternating copolymerization are based on the rational design of metal complexes, especially complexes of transition metal with well-defined structures.
Design of high-performance holographic gratings using siloxane-containing mesogenic compounds
Authors: Kawakami Yusuke , He Man , Cho Yeong Hee 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Fine holographic gratings were fabricated using siloxane- and mesogen-containing compounds. A grating with 40 % diffraction efficiency was formed with 10 wt % non-liquid-crystalline 4-methoxyphenyl 4-[4-(pentamethyldisiloxanyl)butoxy]benzoate and trimethylolpropane triacrylate. 4-Methoxyphenyl 4-[4-(1,1,3,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxan-1-yl)butoxy]-benzoate gave 50 % diffraction efficiency and angular selectivity of 5°.
Siloxane-containing liquid-crystalline compounds were also effective in fabricating fine gratings. These compounds induced distinct phase separation over a concentration range from 6 to 20 wt % in the formation of holographic gratings. The use of ring-opening polymerizable bifunctional epoxides as one of the reactive cross-linking matrix components, together with penta- or tetra-acrylate initiated by 3,3'-carbonylbis(7-diethylaminocoumarin)diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate, greatly improved the diffraction efficiency.
Fine gratings with 70 and 78 % diffraction efficiency and angular selectivity of 5° were formed with 10 wt % 4-cyano-4'-[(5-heptamethyltrisiloxan-1-yl)pentyloxy]-biphenyl and 4-cyanophenyl 4-[(5-heptamethyltrisiloxan-1-yl)pentyloxy]benzoate using pentaerythritol pentaacrylate-neopentylglycol diglycidyl ether-tripropylene glycol diacrylate (4:5:1) as the polymer matrix component.
Unexpected and intriguing reactivity of α-imino esters and iminium salts
Authors: Shimizu Makoto 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
An intriguing umpolung of the reactivity of imines possessing electron-withdrawing groups was observed. For example, N-alkylation-coupling reaction of the imines derived from glyoxylates was conducted with dialkylaluminum chloride in acetonitrile to give N-monoalkylated 1,2-diamines in good yields. On treatment of various α-imino esters with organoaluminum reagents and allyltributyltin in the presence of benzoyl peroxide (BPO), the tandem reaction proceeded to give the N-alkylation/C-allylation products in good yields. Diethyl 2-[N-(p-methoxyphenyl)imino]-malonate underwent amination reactions with alkyl Grignard reagents to give N-alkylation products in good yields. The obtained N-alkylation products were readily converted into N-alkyl-p-anisidines by the oxidative removal of the malonate moiety. In order to enhance the reactivity of imines, an iminium salt was prepared using the oxidation of amino ketene silyl acetal with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), and the subsequent nucleophilic addition to this iminium species proceeded to afford α-amino esters in good yields.
Dinitrosyl rhenium complexes for ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)
Authors: Frech Christian Manfred , Blacque Olivier , Berke Heinz 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The treatment of benzene solutions of the cations [Re(NO)2(PR3)2][BArF
4] (R = Cy and R =
i
Pr; [BArF
4] = tetrakis{3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}borate) with phenyldiazomethane afforded the moderately stable cationic rhenium(I) benzylidene dinitrosyl bis(trialkyl) phosphine complexes as [BArF
4]- salts in good yields. The cationic rhenium dinitrosyl bisphosphine complexes catalyze the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of highly strained nonfunctionalized cyclic olefins to give polymers with relatively high polydispersity indices, high molecular weights, and Z configurations of the double bonds in the polymer chain backbones of over 80 %. The benzylidene derivatives are almost inactive in ROMP catalysis with norbornene and in olefin metathesis. NMR experiments gave first hints for the initial formation of carbene complexes when [Re(NO)2(PR3)2][BArF
4] was treated with norbornene. The carbene formation is initiated by an unique reaction sequence where the cleavage of the strained olefinic bond starts with phosphine migration forming a cyclic ylid carbene complex. The [2+2] addition of a norbornene molecule to the Re=C bond leads to the rhenacyclobutane complex, which is expected to be converted into an iminate complex by attack of the ylid function onto one of the NNO atoms followed by Wittig-type phosphine oxide elimination. The formation of phosphine oxide was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. This species is thought to drive the ROMP metathesis with alternating rhenacyclobutane formations and cycloreversions. The proposed mechanism is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Core-shell Si/C nanocomposite as anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Tao , Fu Lijun , Gao Jie , Yang Lichun , Wu Yuping , Wu Hoqing 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
We report an effective method for the synthesis of a core-shell Si/C nanocomposite, and its application as anode material for lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-coated Si nanoparticles are formed by emulsion polymerization, and this precursor is heat-treated under argon to generate a Si/C core-shell nanocomposite. The conductive carbon shell envelops the silicon nanoparticles and suppresses aggregation of the nanoparticles during cycling. Meanwhile, the carbon shell combines closely with the nanocores, and significantly enhances the kinetics of lithium intercalation and de-intercalation, as well as the apparent diffusion coefficient of Li-ions. Consequently, the core-shell Si/C nanocomposite exhibits better electrochemical performance than pure Si nanoparticles, indicating that this is a promising approach to improve cyclability and kinetics of nano-anode materials for Li-ion batteries.
Global Transcriptome Analysis of Genetically Identified Neurons in the Adult Cortex
Authors: Rossner Moritz J. , Hirrlinger Johannes , Wichert Sven P. , Boehm Christine , Newrzella Dieter , Hiemisch Holger , Eisenhardt Gisela , Stuenkel Carolin , von Ahsen Oliver , Nave Klaus-Armin 
Published: September 2006

The enormous cellular complexity of the brain is a major obstacle for gene expression profiling of neurological disease models, because physiologically relevant changes of transcription in a specific neuronal subset are likely to be lost in the presence of other neurons and glia. We solved this problem in transgenic mice by labeling genetically defined cells with a nuclear variant of GFP. When combined with laser-directed microdissection, intact RNA from unfixed, freeze-dried sections can be isolated, which is a prerequisite for high-quality global transcriptome analysis. Here, we compared gene expression profiles between pyramidal motor neurons and pyramidal somatosensory neurons captured from layer V of the adult neocortex. One striking feature of motor neurons is the elevated expression of ribosomal genes and genes involved in ATP synthesis. This suggests a molecular adaptation of the upper motor neurons to longer axonal projections and higher electrical activity. These molecular signatures were not detected when cortical layers and microareas were analyzedin toto.Additionally, we used microarrays to determine the global mRNA expression profiles of microdissected Purkinje cells and cellularly complex cerebellar cortex microregions. In summary, our analysis shows that cellularly complex targets lead to averaged gene expression profiles that lack substantial amounts of cell type-specific information. Thus, cell type-restricted sampling strategies are mandatory in the CNS. The combined use of a genetic label with laser-microdissection offers an unbiased approach to map patterns of gene expression onto practically any cell type of the brain.
Oculomotor Instabilities in Zebrafish Mutantbelladonna: A Behavioral Model for Congenital Nystagmus Caused by Axonal Misrouting
Authors: Huang Ying-Yu , Rinner Oliver , Hedinger Patrik , Liu Shih-Chii , Neuhauss Stephan C. F. 
Published: September 2006

A large fraction of homozygous zebrafish mutantbelladonna(bel) larvae display a reversed optokinetic response (OKR) that correlates with failure of the retinal ganglion cells to cross the midline and form the optic chiasm. Some of these achiasmatic mutants display strong spontaneous eye oscillations (SOs) in the absence of motion in the surround. The presentation of a stationary grating was necessary and sufficient to evoke SO. Both OKR reversal and SO depend on vision and are contrast sensitive.We built a quantitative model derived frombel fwd(forward) eye behaviors. To mimic the achiasmatic condition, we reversed the sign of the retinal slip velocity in the model, thereby successfully reproducing both reversed OKR and SO. On the basis of the OKR data, and with the support of the quantitative model, we hypothesize that the reversed OKR and the SO can be completely attributed to RGC misrouting. The strong resemblance between the SO and congenital nystagmus (CN) seen in humans with defective retinotectal projections implies that CN, of so far unknown etiology, may be directly caused by a projection defect.
The Effects of Clozapine on Cognitive Function and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in the Negative Symptom Profile Schizophrenia
Authors: Zhao Jingping , He Xiaolin , Liu Zhening , Yang Desen 
Published: September 2006

Objective: Cognitive function and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were studied in negative symptom profile schizophrenic patients by using WCST and SPECT. Methods: Twenty-one schizophrenic patients who matched the criteria of Andreason's negative symptom profile received SPECT and WCST, and then were treated with clozapine for 8 consecutive weeks. There were 28 and 12 normal subjects as the control groups of WCST and SPECT, respectively. Results: Compared with controls, significantly poorer performance on total trials of category (TT), persevering errors (PE), and non-persevering errors (NPE) of WCST were found in schizophrenia ( p < 0.05). The total score of the scale for assessment negative symptoms (SANS) was significantly related with poor TT ( r = 0.45, p < 0.01) and PE performance ( r = 0.45, p < 0.01). The poor TT, PE, and NPE tasks of WCST and SANS scores in the negative schizophrenic patients were significantly improved through clozapine treatment ( p < 0.05). The schizophrenic patients had a significantly lower rCBF in bilateral frontal and temporal lobes and lower change rate of rCBF in bilateral frontal lobes during WCST compared to normal controls ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Negative symptom profile schizophrenia has cognitive deficits and lower rCBF in bilateral frontal and temporal lobes, which suggests that negative symptom profile schizophrenic patients have hypofrontality. Clozapine can improve negative symptoms and improve cognitive dysfunction, although it cannot improve reduced rCBF in the frontal lobes.