bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Issues with using baseline in last observation carried forward analysis
Authors: Julious Steven A. , Mullee Mark A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe topic of this paper was prompted by a study for which one of us was the statistician. It was submitted to Annals of Internal Medicine. The paper had positive reviewer comment; however, the statistical reviewer stated that for the analysis to be acceptable for publication, the missing data had to be accounted for in the analysis through the use of baseline in a last observation carried forward imputation. We discuss the issues associated with this form of imputation and recommend that it should not be undertaken as a primary analysis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast analysis of high‐energy compounds and agricultural chemicals in water with desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Mulligan Christopher C. , MacMillan Denise K. , Noll Robert J. , Cooks R. Graham 
Published: October 2007

AbstractNovel sampling and detection methods using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) are examined in the detection of explosives (RDX, TNT, HMX, and TNB) and agricultural chemicals (atrazine, alachlor and acetochlor) from aqueous matrices and authentic contaminated groundwater samples. DESI allows analysis of solid and liquid compounds directly from surfaces of interest with little or no sample preparation. Significant savings in analysis time and sample preparation are realized. The methods investigated here include (i) immediate analysis of filter paper wetted with contaminated water samples without further sample preparation, (ii) rapid liquid‐liquid extraction (LLE), and (iii) analyte extraction from contaminated groundwater samples on‐site using solid‐phase extraction (SPE) membranes, followed by direct DESI analysis of the membrane. The wetted filter paper experiment demonstrates the maximum sample throughput for DESI analysis of aqueous matrices but has inadequate sensitivity for some of these analytes. Both the LLE and the SPE methods have adequate sensitivity. The resulting SPE membranes and/or small volume solvent extracts produced in these experiments are readily transported to off‐site facilities for direct analysis by DESI. This realizes a significant reduction in the costs of sample shipping compared with those for typical liter‐sized samples of groundwater. Total analysis times for these preliminary DESI analyses are comparable with or shorter than those for GC/MS and limits of detection approach environmental action levels for these compounds while maintaining a modest relative standard deviation. Tandem mass spectrometric data is used to provide additional specificity as needed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accounting for patient heterogeneity in phase II clinical trials
Authors: Wathen J. Kyle , Thall Peter F. , Cook John D. , Estey Elihu H. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPhase II clinical trials typically are single‐arm studies conducted to decide whether an experimental treatment is sufficiently promising, relative to standard treatment, to warrant further investigation. Many methods exist for conducting phase II trials under the assumption that patients are homogeneous. In the presence of patient heterogeneity, however, these designs are likely to draw incorrect conclusions. We propose a class of model‐based Bayesian designs for single‐arm phase II trials with a binary or time‐to‐event outcome and two or more prognostic subgroups. The designs' early stopping rules are subgroup specific and allow the possibility of terminating some subgroups while continuing others, thus providing superior results when compared with designs that ignore treatment–subgroup interactions. Because our formulation requires informative priors on standard treatment parameters and subgroup main effects, and non‐informative priors on experimental treatment parameters and treatment–subgroup interactions, we provide an algorithm for computing prior hyperparameter values. A simulation study is presented and the method is illustrated by a chemotherapy trial in acute leukemia. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of MK‐801 on gene expressions in the amygdala of rats
Authors: Matsuoka Tadasu , Tsunoda Masahiko , Sumiyoshi Tomiki , Takasaki Ichiro , Tabuchi Yoshiaki , Seo Tomonori , Tanaka Kodai , Uehara Takashi , Itoh Hiroko , Suzuki Michio , Kurachi Masayoshi 
Published: October 2007

AbstractRodents treated with N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) antagonists have been thought to be an animal model of schizophrenia. In this study, we examined gene expression in the amygdala of rats chronically treated with MK‐801, as well as behavioral changes, such as social behavior, in these animals. The social interaction test, a measure of social behavior, and locomotor activity was performed in male Wistar rats injected with MK‐801 (0.13 mg/kg i.p.) or saline for 14 days. Changes in mRNA levels were analyzed using a GeneChip® microarray system. Real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) assay was subsequently conducted to confirm the results of the microarray analysis. MK‐801 decreased social interaction and increased locomotor activity in rats, consistent with previous reports. We found 23 downregulated genes and 16 upregulated genes, with the gene encoding arginine‐vasopressin (AVP) being most downregulated, and that for transthyretin (Ttr) most upregulated. mRNA levels, quantified by RT‐qPCR assay, were altered for genes related to neuropeptides (AVP, Sstr2), the arachidonic cascade (Ptgds), myelination (Mobp, Enpp2), neurotrophic factors (Igfbp2), and hormonal milieu (Ttr). Downregulation of the AVP gene in the amygdala of MK‐801‐treated rats may provide a basis for the ability of AVP‐analogues to ameliorate the behavioral disturbances caused by blockade of the NMDA receptor. The results of this study provide an insight into the neural substrates responsible for the generation of psychotic symptoms. Synapse 62:1–7, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alternative evacuation design solutions for high‐rise buildings
Authors: Lay Simon 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThere have been many proposals for novel and innovative evacuation solutions for high‐rise buildings, particularly since 11 September 2001. There has been much confusion with regard to what evacuation processes are appropriate for tall buildings and some condemnation of traditional evacuation practices. This paper investigates in detail the role to be played by elevators and stairs in novel evacuation solutions which can deliver safe, efficient evacuation using current technology and well‐tested products. The key drivers for alternative evacuation design are discussed and guidelines for the practicalities of modern high‐rise evacuation design are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of STBC transmissions at 2.4 GHz over indoor channels using a 2 × 2 MIMO testbed
Authors: Ramírez David , Santamaría Ignacio , Pérez Jesús , Vía Javier , García‐Naya José A. , Fernández‐Caramés Tiago M. , Pérez‐Iglesias Héctor J. , González‐López Miguel , Castedo Luis , Torres‐Royo José M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn this paper we employ a 2 × 2 Multiple‐Input Multiple‐Output (MIMO) hardware platform to evaluate, in realistic indoor scenarios, the performance of different space‐time block coded (STBC) transmissions at 2.4 GHz. In particular, we focus on the Alamouti orthogonal scheme considering two types of channel state information (CSI) estimation: a conventional pilot‐aided supervised technique and a recently proposed blind method based on second‐order statistics (SOS). For comparison purposes, we also evaluate the performance of a Differential (non‐coherent) space‐time block coding (DSTBC). DSTBC schemes have the advantage of not requiring CSI estimation but they incur in a 3 dB loss in performance. The hardware MIMO platform is based on high‐performance signal acquisition and generation boards, each one equipped with a 1 GB memory module that allows the transmission of extremely large data frames. Upconversion to RF is performed by two RF vector signal generators whereas downconversion is carried out with two custom circuits designed from commercial components. All the baseband signal processing is implemented off‐line in MATLAB®, making the MIMO testbed very flexible and easily reconfigurable. Using this platform we compare the performance of the described methods in line‐of‐sight (LOS) and non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) indoor scenarios. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progress and Future Challenges in Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Management
Authors: Safi Hazim J. , Estrera Anthony L. , Azizzadeh Ali , Coogan Sheila , Miller Charles C. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative paraplegia and paraparesis have been the scourge of thoracoabdominal aortic repair since the inception of the procedure.Methods and ResultsIn our experience with more than 1,250 cases in 15 years, we have developed adjunctive strategies that have pushed neurologic deficit rates down from over 30% percent in the most extensive cases to less than 2% overall in the modern era. The dramatic reductions in risk reported by ourselves and others have led to recent complacency regarding the importance of this complication, and widening use of endovascular technologies raises the potential specter of a return to suboptimal results.ConclusionsUtmost care is required in the vetting of these new technologies to prevent regression of the hard‐won excellent results obtainable by open repair. Postoperative renal failure, in stark contrast to neurologic deficit, has remained resistant to every treatment that has been described in the literature. The fact that we haven’t learned to treat it means that we don’t understand the mechanisms behind it, and this problem is worthy of a major focused discovery and management effort. We have recently begun a multi‐pronged research program to discover basic mechanisms of renal injury so that appropriate and effective treatments can be discovered.
Laparoscopy‐assisted Pylorus‐preserving Gastrectomy: Preservation of Vagus Nerve and Infrapyloric Blood Flow Induces Less Stasis
Authors: Nunobe Souya , Hiki Naoki , Fukunaga Tetsu , Tokunaga Masanori , Ohyama Shigekazu , Seto Yasuyuki , Yamaguchi Toshiharu 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackgroundPylorus‐preserving gastrectomy (PPG) prevents postprandial symptoms; however, delayed gastric retention due to aberrant pylorus function can occur during the early postoperative period. This study aimed to establish a stasis‐less PPG procedure with preservation of the vagal nerve and blood flow to the pyloric cuff, and to apply the technique for laparoscopy‐assisted PPG.MethodsNinety patients with T1 gastric cancer located in the middle third of the stomach were enrolled in this study for surgery from January 2003 to March 2006, undergoing either laparoscopy‐assisted PPG (LAPPG; 39 patients) or conventional PPG (CPPG; 51 patients). Operative and early postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsRelatively low rates of gastric stasis were observed in both the LAPPG (8%) and CPPG (6%) groups. Estimated blood loss in LAPPG (65.4 ± 12.3 ml) patients was significantly lower than in the CPPG group (160.7 ± 19.6 ml) (p < 0.001), and the total number of dissected lymph nodes was significantly greater in the LAPPG group (36.2 ± 1.8) than in the CPPG group (29.0 ± 1.3) (p = 0.001).ConclusionsA PPG procedure with less postoperative stasis and adequate lymph node retrieval was established and applied successfully in laparoscopy‐assisted surgery.
Hyperlipoproteinaemia(a) is a common cause of autosomal dominant hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Meriño‐Ibarra E. , Puzo J. , Jarauta E. , Cenarro A. , Recalde D. , García‐Otín Á. L. , Ros E. , Martorell E. , Pintó X. , Franco M. , Zambón D. , Brea Á. , Pocoví M. , Civeira F. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryAutosomal dominant hypercholesterolaemias (ADH) are a heterogeneous group of monogenic lipid disorders. The plasma level of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a heritable trait associated with increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.ObjectiveTo evaluate the frequency of elevated Lp(a) as a cause of ADH and the characteristics of subjects with high Lp(a) (hyperLp(a)).Material and methods200 healthy subjects and 933 unrelated Spanish subjects with a clinical diagnosis of ADH who were screened for low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein B (APOB) gene mutations. Standard cardiovascular risk factors and blood lipid levels, including Lp(a), were evaluated. HyperLp(a) was defined as Lp(a) levels ≥95th centile of control values.ResultsLp(a) was higher in 263 subjects without LDLR or APOB mutations (nonLDLR/nonAPOB group) than in 670 subjects with mutations (FH group): 40.0 mg/dl (interquartile range (IR) 15.0–89.0) versus 31.0 mg/dl (IR 11.0–73.7) respectively, p=0.002. HyperLp(a) was present in 23% of ADH subjects (odds ratio (OR) 5.6 (95% CI, 2.9 to 10.7) versus controls) and 29% of nonLDLR/nonAPOB subjects (OR 7.7; 3.9 to 15.4). After adjusting for Lp(a), LDL cholesterol levels were <95th centile in 28 (10.6%) nonLDLR/nonAPOB subjects and in 9 (1.3%) FH subjects. Lp(a) levels were nonsignificantly higher in ADH subjects with early‐onset CHD than in those without (43.5 mg/dl, (IR, 12.0–82.0) versus 31.7 mg/dl (11.8–76.5), respectively).ConclusionsHyperLp(a) is responsible for ADH in approximately 6% of nonLDLR/nonAPOB subjects. HyperLp(a) would not appear to be a risk factor for early‐onset CHD in ADH, independently of whether genetic defects have or have not been demonstrated.
‘Recercar’ – The Collaborative Process as Invention
Authors: FITCH FABRICE , HEYDE NEIL 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis article explores the notion of artistic collaboration between performer and composer, a topic that has attracted some attention but whose methodology might be thought to preclude objective discussion by the participants themselves. Although our report can make no claims to objectivity either, it attempts a critical reflection on a specific collaboration between the two authors as composer and performer, respectively. Cast in a dialogical format, it traces the genesis of a composition by Fabrice Fitch for speaking cellist,Per Serafino Calbarsi II: Le Songe de Panurge, written in 2002–3 and premiered in London in October 2006. The collaboration first evolved as a constant exchange of ideas in which concept, technique, and realization were held in fine balance. The piece engages a variety of frames of reference. If its stance in relation to the instrument clearly draws on certain contemporary traditions, for example Lachenmann’smusiqueconcrète instrumentale, other aspects draw on earlier idioms, notably a specialized instance ofscordatura, and the use of a spoken text (from the third book of Rabelais’sPantagruel) that recalls Marin Marais’sTableau de l’opération de la taille. The interferences and resonances between these influences pose aesthetic questions that are explored within the piece and its performance, while remaining open for the analyst and audience. Finally, the ‘extended techniques’ employed posed specific notational problems. The resulting score navigates a path between tablature and ‘traditional’ notation, in which the emphasis between what is heard and what is played shifts constantly. This hybrid status, we imagine, constitutes a challenge not only for the performer, but for the analyst as well.
‘A Multicoloured Alphabet’: Rediscovering Albert Giraud’s Pierrot Lunaire
Authors: MARSH ROGER 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAlbert Giraud’s cycle of fiftyrondels bergamasques,Pierrot Lunaire(1884), famously became, in Otto Erich Hartleben’s German translation, the basis of Schoenberg’s Op. 21 (1912). But for many decades the work of the Belgian poet was either straightforwardly denigrated for its anachronism and ‘mediocrity’ (Boulez), or at least declared inferior to its ‘vivid, Angst-filled transformation’ (Youens) in Hartleben’s hands. This article questions some widely held beliefs concerning the originalPierrotand its subsequent reworking. The claim that Schoenberg’s selection and reorganization of the poems imposed logic and order on an otherwise jumbled collection is found to be belied by the striking narrative coherence of Giraud’s original sequence, which is unified by a clearly defined set of symbols. Meanwhile, Hartleben’s putative ‘infidelity’ to Giraud is challenged by evidence both internal (his careful preservation of the rondel structure) and contextual (an esteem for his Belgian contemporary manifested in further poetic homages). While there is no doubt that Hartleben’s translations distance the poems from their background in Parnassian aesthetics – omitting crucial references to Brueghel, Shakespeare, Watteau, and the painter and lithographer Adolphe Willette – it is Giraud himself who deserves the credit for the most strikingly memorable images later absorbed into the expressionistic milieu of Schoenberg’s melodrama.
A century of warfare shoots holes in anti-Caulerpa campaign
Authors: Chisholm John , Povinec Pavel , Briet Valerie , Gastaud Janine , Jaubert Jean , Lee Sang-Han , Levy-Palomo Isabelle , Marchioretti Manuel , Minghelli-Roman Audrey 
Published: October 2007

AbstractEffort to have all varieties of the marine alga Caulerpa taxifolia listed as noxious weeds hinges on the argument that the alga's proliferation in the Mediterranean Sea is a cause and not a consequence of environmental degradation. Until now, the occurrence of two populations in a pristine part of the northern Mediterranean near the island of Porquerolles has upheld this claim. Here we show that the alga's development at Porquerolles is indeed a consequence of environmental degradation caused by military weapons' impacts on seagrass beds during the last century. The available data show that substratum enrichment plays a key role in fostering development of Caulerpa, irrespective of whether this results directly from pollution or from the impacts of pollution and other anthropogenic factors on benthic vegetation cover.
Role of vitronectin and fibronectin receptors in oral mucosal and dermal myofibroblast differentiation
Authors: Lygoe Kate A. , Wall Ivan , Stephens Philip , Lewis Mark P. 
Published: October 2007

Background information. The activation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is a crucial event in healing that is linked to remodelling and scar formation, therefore we determined whether regulation of myofibroblast differentiation via integrins might affect wound healing responses in populations of patient‐matched HOFs (human oral fibroblasts) compared with HDFs (human dermal fibroblasts).Results. Both the HOF and HDF cell types underwent TGF‐β1 (transforming growth factor‐β1)‐induced myofibroblastic differentiation [upregulation of the expression of α‐sma (α‐smooth muscle actin)], although analysis of unstimulated cells indicated that HOFs contained higher basal levels of α‐sma than HDFs (P<0.05). Functional blocking antibodies against the integrin subunits α5 (fibronectin) or αv (vitronectin) were used to determine whether the effects of TGF‐β1 were regulated via integrin signalling pathways. α‐sma expression in both HOFs and HDFs was down‐regulated by antibodies against both α5 and αv. Functionally, TGF‐β1 inhibited cell migration in an in vitro wound model and increased the contraction of collagen gels. Greater contraction was evident for HOFs compared with HDFs, both with and without stimulation by TGF‐β1 (P<0.05). When TGF‐β1‐stimulated cells were incubated with blocking antibodies against α5 and αv, gel contraction was decreased to that of non‐stimulated cells; however, blocking αv or α5 could not restore cellular migration in both HOFs and HDFs.Conclusions. Despite intrinsic differences in their basal state, the cellular events associated with TGF‐β1‐induced myofibroblastic differentiation are common to both HOFs and HDFs, and appear to require differential integrin usage; up‐regulation of α‐sma expression and increases in collagen gel contraction are vitronectin‐ and fibronectin‐receptor‐dependent processes, whereas wound re‐population is not.
Dynein participates in chromosome segregation in fission yeast
Authors: Courtheoux Thibault , Gay Guillaume , Reyes Céline , Goldstone Sherilyn , Gachet Yannick , Tournier Sylvie 
Published: October 2007

Background information. In eukaryotic cells, proper formation of the spindle is necessary for successful cell division. For faithful segregation of sister chromatids, each sister kinetochore must attach to microtubules that extend to opposite poles (chromosome bi‐orientation). At the metaphase—anaphase transition, cohesion between sister chromatids is removed, and each sister chromatid is pulled to opposite poles of the cell by microtubule‐dependent forces.Results. We have studied the role of the minus‐end‐directed motor protein dynein by analysing kinetochore dynamics in fission yeast cells deleted for the dynein heavy chain (Dhc1) or the light chain (Dlc1). In these mutants, we found an increased frequency of cells showing defects in chromosome segregation, which leads to the appearance of lagging chromosomes and an increased rate of chromosome loss. By following simultaneously kinetochore dynamics and localization of the checkpoint protein Mad2, we provide evidence that dynein function is not necessary for spindle‐assembly checkpoint inactivation. Instead, we have demonstrated that loss of dynein function alters chromosome segregation and activates the Mad2‐dependent spindle‐assembly checkpoint.Conclusions. These results show an unexpected role for dynein in the control of chromosome segregation in fission yeast, most probably operating during the process of bi‐orientation during early mitosis.
Translocator protein (18 kDa) ligand PK 11195 induces transient mitochondrial Ca2+ release leading to transepithelial Cl− secretion in HT‐29 human colon cancer cells
Authors: Ostuni Mariano A. , Ducroc Robert , Péranzi Gabriel , Tonon Marie‐Christine , Papadopoulos Vassilios , Lacapere Jean‐Jacques 
Published: October 2007

Background information. TSPO (translocator protein), known previously as PBR (peripheral‐type benzodiazepine receptor), is a 18 kDa protein expressed in the mitochondrial membrane of a variety of tissues. TSPO has been reported to be over‐expressed in human colorectal tumours and cancer cell lines, but its function is not well characterized.Results. We investigated the expression and function of TSPO in the human colon cancer cells HT‐29. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that TSPO is localized in mitochondria, and its endogenous ligand, the polypeptide diazepam‐binding inhibitor, in the cytosol. Radioligand binding studies using the specific high‐affinity drug ligand [3H]PK 11195 and membrane fraction demonstrated saturable binding, with Kd and Bmax values of 13.5±1.5 nM and 10.1±1.0 pmol/mg respectively. PK 11195 induced a rapid and transient dose‐dependent rise in intracellular [Ca2+], which was unaffected by extracellular Ca2+, but was blocked by the PTP (permeability transition pore) inhibitor, cyclosporin A, and by the TSPO partial agonist, flunitrazepam. Using HT‐29 clone 19A cell line, which forms cell monolayers, we demonstrated that TSPO ligand stimulated a Ca2+‐dependent transepithelial Cl− secretion. This secretion was inhibited: (i) after removal of extracellular Cl−; (ii) by apical addition of the Cl− channel blocker NPPB [5‐nitro‐2‐(3‐phenylpropylamino)‐benzoate]; and (iii) by basolateral addition of the Na+–K+–2Cl− co‐transporter inhibitor bumetanide. Furthermore, the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA/AM [bis‐(o‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetra‐acetic acid tetrakis(acetoxymethyl ester)] and cyclosporin A abolished the rise in PK 11195‐induced Cl− secretion.Conclusions. These findings indicate that TSPO is located in mitochondrial membranes of HT‐29 and reveal that its activation induces a rise in cytosolic Ca2+, leading to the stimulation of Cl− secretion.