bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applications of silver nanoparticles capped with different functional groups as the matrix and affinity probes in surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight and atmospheric pressure matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization ion trap mass spectrometry for rapid analysis of sulfur drugs and biothiols in human urine
Authors: Shrivas Kamlesh , Wu Hui‐Fen 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA strategy is presented for the analysis of sulfur drugs and biothiols using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with different functional groups as the matrix and affinity probes in surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SALDI‐TOF MS) and atmospheric pressure‐matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (AP‐MALDI‐ITMS). Biothiols adsorbed on the surface of AgNPs through covalent bonding were subjected to ultraviolet (UV) radiation that enabled desorption and ionization due to the excellent photochemical property of NPs. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the determination of cysteine and homocysteine in human urine samples using an internal standard. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for cysteine and homocysteine in urine sample are 7 and 22 nM, respectively, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of <10%. The advantages of the present method compared with the methods reported in the literature for biothiol analysis are simplicity, rapidity and sensitivity without the need for time‐consuming separation and tedious preconcentration processes. Additionally, we also found that the bare AgNPs can be directly used as the matrix in MALDI‐TOF MS for the analysis of sulfur drugs without the addition of an extra proton source. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correction
Authors: Harel Ofer , (Andrew) Zhou X. H. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract‘Multiple imputation for correcting verification bias’ by Harel O, Zhou XH (Statistics in Medicine 2006; 25:3769–3786) and ‘Rejoinder to Multiple imputation for correcting verification bias’ (Statistics in Medicine 2007; 26:3047–3050). A calculation error in the breast cancer example using diaphanography data presented in our paper was recently brought to our attention. In this example, the code calculating the sensitivity and specificity for the multiple imputation (MI) techniques had a typo resulting in column summation instead of row summation. As a result, the reported sensitivity and specificity were actually positive predictive and negative predictive values. The reported values for the methods not requiring MI (Naive 1 and B&G 2) were correct. The corrected table is reported in Table I.We want to emphasize that the conclusions in Harel and Zhou 1 are still valid. The conclusions were based on a simulation study for which their results are valid.We apologize for any inconvenience caused to Statistics in Medicine readers.

Results comparing five MI methods, the B&G as existing method and naive method of sensitivity and specificity—diaphanography data for breast cancer.

Sensitivity
Specificity

Procedure
Est
SE
CI
Est
SE
CI

Naive
0.788
0.071
(0.649, 0.927)
0.800
0.054
(0.694, 0.906)

B&G
0.292
0.080
(0.134, 0.449)
0.973
0.008
(0.958, 0.988)

Logit B&G
0.292
0.388
(0.161, 0.469)
0.973
0.288
(0.954, 0.985)

A&C
0.304
0.075
(0.145, 0.462)
0.972
0.007
(0.959, 0.985)

Rubin
0.297
0.079
(0.165, 0.475)
0.974
0.007
(0.957, 0.984)

Wilson
0.292
0.035
(0.223, 0.361)
0.972
0.006
(0.960, 0.983)

Jeffrey
0.299
—
(0.222, 0.359)
0.974
—
(0.961, 0.984)

Z&L
0.301
—
(0.235, 0.373)
0.973
—
(0.960, 0.983)
Correction
Authors: Young Linda J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn ‘Assessing the association between environmental impacts and health outcomes: A case study from Florida’, by Young, Gotway, Yang, Kearney, and DuClos (DOI: 10.1002/sim.3249), Reference [33] is incorrect and should be33. Müller WG. Collecting Spatial Data: Optimum Design of Experiments for Random Fields. Physica‐Verlag: Heidelberg, 1998.
High‐Fidelity Formation of a Molecular‐Junction Device Using a Thickness‐Controlled Bilayer Architecture
Authors: Bang Gyeong Sook , Chang Hojong , Koo Ja‐Ryong , Lee Takhee , Advincula Rigoberto C. , Lee Hyoyoung 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe device yield of molecular junctions has become a major issue for the practical application of molecular electronics based on a crossbar system of a metal–molecule–metal (MMM) junction. As the thickness of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) is typically 1–2 nm, it is difficult to avoid electrical shorts due to the penetration of top metal particles into the SAMs. A simple and effective strategy for the creation of a reliable molecular junction using a thickness‐controlled bilayer with a bifunctional heterostructure is presented. In the MMM device, the Au adlayer on the molecular layer is spontaneously formed with deposition of the top Au metals and the sandwiched molecular layer maintains the quality of the SAMs. This method greatly reduces electrical shorts by preventing the diffusion of the top metal electrode and offsetting the surface roughness of the bottom metal electrode, resulting in a device yield of more than 90%.
Glutamate receptor subunits expression in memory‐associated brain structures: Regional variations and effects of aging
Authors: Liu Ping , Smith Paul F. , Darlington Cynthia L. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe investigated regional variations and the effects of aging on the expression of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole (AMPA) receptor subunits in several memory‐associated structures using Western blotting. In young adult rats, NR1, NR2A, and GluR2 levels varied between the hippocampus and parahippocampal region and between the subregions of the hippocampus. When a comparison was made between young (4‐month‐old) and aged (24‐month‐old) rats, significant decreases in NR1 expression were found in the aged ventral hippocampus and the entorhinal and postrhinal cortices. There were significant decreases in NR2A expression in the aged parahippocampal region, but not in the hippocampus. The expression of the GluR2 subunit was significantly reduced in the ventral hippocampus and the postrhinal cortex. A dramatic decrease in NR1 and GluR2 expression was found in the aged CA2/3 and CA1, respectively, but there were no significant age‐related changes in NR2A expression. All three subunits were expressed at a similar level in the two age groups in the prefrontal cortex. These results suggest differential expression and effects of aging on NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits in memory‐associated brain structures. Synapse 62:834–841, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dopamine modulating drugs influence striatal (+)‐[11C]DTBZ binding in rats: VMAT2 binding is sensitive to changes in vesicular dopamine concentration
Authors: Tong Junchao , Wilson Alan A. , Boileau Isabelle , Houle Sylvain , Kish Stephen J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBinding of (+)‐[11C]DTBZ (dihydrotetrabenazine) to the striatal vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) is widely considered to be a stable marker of dopamine neurone integrity. However, we now find that specific binding of a tracer dose of (+)‐[11C]DTBZ is modestly increased in rat striatum following dopamine depletion with α‐methyl‐p‐tyrosine (α‐MPT, +14%) or d‐amphetamine (d‐AMPH, 20 mg/kg, +12%) and decreased following dopamine elevation with γ‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB, −16%) or levodopa (−20%). We suggest that in vivo (+)‐[11C]DTBZ binding in imaging studies is subject to competition by vesicular dopamine and, in this respect, is not a “stable” dopamine biomarker as is generally assumed. Synapse 62:873–876, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of standardization in determining gestational age for prenatal screening
Authors: Koster M. P. H. , Van Leeuwen‐Spruijt M. , Wortelboer E. J. , Stoutenbeek P. , Elvers L. H. , Loeber J. G. , Visser G. H. A. , Schielen P. C. J. I. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo determine whether estimation of gestational age (GA) in the context of first‐trimester Down syndrome screening is standardized in the Netherlands.MethodsThis was a retrospective study, carried out between January 2005 and December 2006, of women who underwent first‐trimester Down syndrome screening (n = 40 730) based on GA, maternal serum analysis and nuchal translucency (NT) measurement. Date of the last menstrual period (LMP), dating scan information including measurement of crown–rump length (CRL), NT thickness and name of the sonographer were recorded for all pregnancies. The accuracy of estimation of GA was evaluated by comparing the GA based on the LMP with that estimated from the CRL, using relevant subsets of the database. A survey of 104 sonographers was performed to further investigate the findings of the preceding analysis.ResultsIn 44% of all first‐trimester combined tests the estimation of GA was based on the dating scan; the method of determination of GA was unknown in 23%. In 15% of all cases a dating scan was recorded but was not used to provide the estimation of GA at blood sampling. Detailed analysis showed that a consistent methodology for the estimation of GA from CRL was not maintained within hospitals and obstetric practices. For a single CRL, the reported GA differed by up to 10 days. Finally, it was demonstrated that individual sonographers reported different GAs for a given CRL.ConclusionsCurrently, estimation of GA in the first trimester in the Netherlands is not standardized. To improve the performance of prenatal screening for Down syndrome, estimation of GA should be based on ultrasound examination, with one nationally accepted CRL curve. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass Spectrometric Identification of Proteotypic Peptides from Clinically Used Tumor Markers
Authors: Li Yan , Sokoll Lori J. , Barker Peter E. , Zhang Hui , Chan Daniel W. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Introduction
With the rapid development of mass spectrometry-based technologies such as multiple reaction monitoring and heavy-isotope-labeled-peptide standards, quantitative analysis of biomarker proteins using mass spectrometry is rapidly progressing toward detection of target proteins/peptides from clinical samples. Proteotypic peptides are a few peptides that are repeatedly and consistently identified from a protein in a mixture and are used for quantitative analysis of the protein in a complex biological sample by mass spectrometry.

Materials and Methods
Using mass spectrometry, we identified peptide sequences and provided a list of tryptic peptides and glycopeptides as proteotypic peptides from five clinically used tumor markers, including prostate-specific antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, Her-2, human chorionic gonadotropin, and CA125.

Conclusion
These proteotypic peptides have potential for targeted detection as well as heavy-isotope-peptide standards for quantitative analysis of marker proteins in clinical specimens using a highly specific, sensitive, and high-throughout mass spectrometry-based analysis method.
Women's opinions and experiences with induction of labor and cesarean delivery on request in south eastern Nigeria
Authors: Chigbu Chibuike Ogwuegbu , Ezenyeaku Cyril Chukwuma 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the opinions and experiences of women regarding induction of labor and cesarean delivery on request in south eastern Nigeria.MethodWomen were interviewed using questionnaires on their awareness of their right to request labor induction and/or a cesarean delivery, and of their experience and opinion of the procedures.ResultsOf the 15.1% of the respondents who knew they could request a cesarean delivery, 2.4% had requested one; and of the 56.3% who knew they could request labor induction, 6.9% had requested one. Only 5.3% and 11.3% of the respondents who would chose the former or the latter procedure, respectively, said that they would insist on receiving it. Fear of their physicians' negative attitude regarding the procedures, and/or abandonment of care, ranked highest among their reasons for not insisting.ConclusionIn south eastern Nigeria few women are aware of their right to a cesarean delivery on request and the rate of refusal to perform such deliveries is high among physicians; more women are aware of their right to receive induction of labor on request and the acceptance rate is higher among physicians; and most women are unwilling to insist that their physician respect their choice.
Reduced growth and integrin expression of prostate cells cultured with lycopene, vitamin E and fish oilin vitro
Authors: Bureyko T. , Hurdle H. , Metcalfe J. B. , Clandinin M. T. , Mazurak Vera C. 
Published: August 2008

Integrins are transmembrane proteins that facilitate the interaction of cells with the extracellular environment. They have also been implicated in cancer progression. The effects of nutrients thought to be involved in the prevention of prostate cancer on integrin expression have not been determined. Prostate cancer cell lines representing a range of malignancy from normal (RWPE-1) to highly invasive phenotypes (22Rv1 < LNCaP < PC-3) were cultured with or without lycopene (10 nm), vitamin E (5 μm) or fish oil (100 μm) for 48 h. Growth and integrin (α2β1, αvβ3and αvβ5) expression were assessed using Trypan Blue exclusion and monoclonal antibodies combined with flow cytometry. Vitamin E enhanced (P < 0·001) whereas fish oil reduced the growth of all the cell lines tested (P < 0·001). Lycopene had no effect on growth. All the malignant cell lines exhibited lower expression of α2β1with the addition of lycopene to culture media. Supplemental fish oil reduced α2β1in most invasive cell lines (LNCaP and PC-3). Each nutrient at physiological levels reduced integrins αvβ3and αvβ5in most invasive cell lines (PC-3). The results suggest that integrins may represent an additional target of bioactive nutrients and that the effects of nutrients may be dependent on the type of cell line used.
Cryptic species within Anopheles longipalpis from southern Africa and phylogenetic comparison with members of the An. funestus group
Authors: Koekemoer L.L. , Misiani E.A. , Hunt R.H. , Kent R.J. , Norris D.E. , Coetzee M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractHouse-resting Anopheles mosquitoes are targeted for vector control interventions; however, without proper species identification, the importance of these Anopheles to malaria transmission is unknown. Anopheles longipalpis, a non-vector species, has been found in significant numbers resting indoors in houses in southern Zambia, potentially impacting on the utilization of scarce resources for vector control. The identification of An. longipalpis is currently based on classical morphology using minor characteristics in the adult stage and major ones in the larval stage. The close similarity to the major malaria vector An. funestus led to investigations into the development of a molecular assay for identification of An. longipalpis. Molecular analysis of An. longipalpis from South Africa and Zambia revealed marked differences in size and nucleotide sequence in the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region of ribosomal DNA between these two populations, leading to the conclusion that more than one species was being analysed. Phylogenetic analysis showed the Zambian samples aligned with An. funestus, An. vaneedeni and An. parensis, whereas the South African sample aligned with An. leesoni, a species that is considered to be more closely related to the Asian An. minimus subgroup than to the African An. funestus subgroup. Species-specific primers were designed to be used in a multiplex PCR assay to distinguish between these two cryptic species and members of the An. funestus subgroup for which there is already a multiplex PCR assay.
Soybean seed composition in cultivars differing in resistance to charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina)
Authors: BELLALOUI N. , MENGISTU A. , PARIS R. L. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYSeed composition in soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.] has not been well investigated under charcoal rot infestation under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. The objective of the present experiment was to assess seed composition and nitrogen fixation under these conditions. No significant differences in protein levels in the moderately resistant germplasm line DT97-4290 were observed under these conditions. Under irrigation, protein concentration was significantly (P⩽0·05) higher for the susceptible cultivars Egyptian and Pharaoh under non-infested than infested conditions. The opposite response for protein was observed under non-irrigated conditions for Pharaoh. Oleic acid concentration was significantly (P⩽0·001) higher in susceptible cultivars under infested conditions. The concentration of linolenic acid in susceptible cultivars was significantly lower under infested conditions. The enrichment of Delta 15N in susceptible cultivars under infested conditions indicated that nitrogen fixation was substantially inhibited, but soil nitrogen was used for compensating for atmospheric nitrogen inhibition. These results indicate that charcoal rot infection may alter seed composition and nitrogen fixation in soybean. The alteration in seed composition depended on cultivar susceptibility to charcoal rot and irrigation management.
Reflection of an electromagnetic pulse from a relativistically moving plasma
Authors: ŠKORIĆ MILOŠ M. , STANIĆ BOŽIDAR B. , HADŽIEVSKI LJUPČO , NIKOLIĆ LJUBOMIR 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe reflection of an obliquely incident electromagnetic pulse from a moving plasma half-space is studied. Using the Lorentz transformations, covariance of Maxwell's equations and the principle of phase invariance to transform between the rest frame and the moving frame, calculations can be conveniently performed in the moving frame. An analytical formula for the linear reflected waveform as a function of the incident angle shows temporal compression and pulse amplification at relativistic velocities of relevance for the generation of ultra-short laser optical pulses.
Using PDA for undergraduate student incidental vocabulary testing
Authors: Song Yanjie , Fox Robert 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRecent studies have explored English vocabulary learning in environments where students used mobile technologies for prescribed vocabulary learning tasks, or tested designed personalized learning systems to enhance student vocabulary learning for short periods of time in language related courses. Dictionary use via mobile devices has mostly been used for referential purposes. Referential use refers to applications that provide student access to content such as dictionaries, e-books, etc. at places where learning activities occur, taking advantage of the portability and mobility of mobile devices. Research on free student use of mobile devices to foster incidental vocabulary learning in non-English courses remains scant, and no in-depth studies have been carried out to investigate the value of dictionary use on mobile devices for incidental vocabulary learning in higher education. This one-year multiple-case study investigated undergraduate students' dictionary and other uses of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) to enhance their incidental vocabulary learning in an English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) university. The research findings show: (a) the students made various uses of the PDA to improve their vocabulary learning, namely, referential, situated, constructive, reflective, explorative and conversing uses, (b) the students adopted integrated uses of the tools on the PDA and the computer for their incidental vocabulary learning, and (c) the integrated use of the PDA and the computer shaped the vocabulary learning activities and vice versa. These research results indicate that PDAs can be used in more flexible, novel and extended ways for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) vocabulary teaching and learning in higher education, taking student needs and contexts into consideration.
L'italiano al telefonino: Using SMS to support beginners' language learning
Authors: Kennedy Claire , Levy Mike 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article discusses an experiment in sending regular Short Message Service (SMS) messages to support language learning, and vocabulary learning in particular, at beginners' level in Italian at an Australian university. The approach we took built on the initiatives of Thornton and Houser (2005) and Dias (2002b), and was informed by the results of an earlier trial we had conducted with students at high-intermediate level (Levy & Kennedy, 2005). In testing the possibilities for using mobile phones for language learning purposes, we were especially interested in investigating the acceptability of a ‘push’ mode of operation, in which the scheduling of messages is determined by the teachers. While the students appreciated the experience overall, and found the message content often useful or enjoyable, there was a wide range of views on the frequency of messages acceptable. We are therefore planning the further integration of messaging into the course around a flexible arrangement involving options for high or low frequency of pushed messages, as well as messages available on request – in ‘pull’ mode.
The potential of using a mobile phone to access the Internet for learning EFL listening skills within a Korean context
Authors: Nah Ki Chune , White Peter , Sussex Roland 
Published: August 2008

AbstractInterest in the use of a mobile phone to access the Internet for learning English in general, and listening skills in particular, has been increasing in Korea over the last few years. However, there has been only a small number of studies on this topic in Korea. The present paper investigates the potential of using a mobile phone to browse wireless application protocol (WAP) sites for the purpose of learning listening skills. The study focuses specifically on the attitudes of language learners toward using a mobile phone for this purpose. The study is based on input, interaction, output and sociocultural theories, as well as on collaborative, learner-centred, constructivist and task-based learning approaches. An experiment was carried out with a group of undergraduate students who had enrolled in a required intermediate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) listening course at a Korean university. A WAP site was designed and used as the instrument for the experiment. This study found that the language learners expressed positive attitudes towards the use of the WAP site. It also found that the WAP site can be effective for learning listening skills and for student-centred and collaborative learning. Based on the findings, it is clear that WAP sites can be effective for learning listening skills, since they can enhance opportunities to learn language skills, and encourage language learners to participate actively in the learning process.