bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrast‐enhanced FLAIR imaging in combination with pre‐ and postcontrast magnetization transfer T1‐weighted imaging: Usefulness in the evaluation of brain metastases
Authors: Terae Satoshi , Yoshida Daisuke , Kudo Kohsuke , Tha Khin Khin , Fujino Masaharu , Miyasaka Kazuo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPurposeTo assess whether the use of postcontrast fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging in combination with pre‐ and postcontrast magnetization transfer (MT) T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI) can increase diagnostic confidence in the evaluation of brain metastases.Materials and MethodsBrain MR images from 41 patients with suspected brain metastases were reviewed. Two radiologists viewed pre‐ and postcontrast MT‐T1W images for the presence of metastatic tumors and rated the possible enhanced lesions using a five‐point confidence scale (session 1). The postcontrast FLAIR images were then viewed together with pre‐ and postcontrast MT‐T1W images, and the presence of metastasis was rated again (session 2).ResultsA total of 240 possible enhanced lesions were detected in session 1. Judging by follow‐up MR examinations, 196 were considered to be nonmetastatic findings and 44 were determined to be metastasis. In session 2 the confidence rating for nonmetastasis increased significantly in the subset of nonmetastatic findings (P < 0.001), and the confidence rating for metastasis increased significantly in the subset of metastases (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe addition of postcontrast FLAIR imaging to pre‐ and postcontrast MT‐T1WI improves diagnostic confidence in evaluation of brain metastases. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;25:479–487. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection and validated quantification of toxic alkaloids in human blood plasma—comparison of LC‐APCI‐MS with LC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Beyer Jochen , Peters Frank T. , Kraemer Thomas , Maurer Hans H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPoisonings with toxic plants may occur after abuse, intentional or accidental ingestion of plants. For diagnosis of such poisonings, multianalyte procedures were developed for detection and validated quantification of the toxic alkaloids aconitine, atropine, colchicine, coniine, cytisine, nicotine and its metabolite cotinine, physostigmine, and scopolamine in plasma using LC‐APCI‐MS and LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. After mixed‐mode solid‐phase extraction of 1 ml of plasma, the analytes were separated using a C8 base select separation column and gradient elution (acetonitrile/ammonium formate, pH 3.5). Calibration curves were used for quantification with cotinine‐d3, benzoylecgonine‐d3, and trimipramine‐d3 as internal standards. The method was validated according to international guidelines. Both assays were selective for the tested compounds. No instability was observed after repeated freezing and thawing or in processed samples. The assays were linear for coniine, cytisine, nicotine and its metabolite cotinine, from 50 to 1000 ng/ml using LC‐APCI‐MS and 1 to 1000 ng/ml using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS, respectively, and for aconitine, atropine, colchicine, physostigmine, and scopolamine from 5 to 100 ng/ml for LC‐APCI‐MS and 0.1 to 100 ng/ml for LC‐ESI‐MS/MS, respectively. Accuracy ranged from − 38.6 to 14.0%, repeatability from 2.5 to 13.5%, and intermediate precision from 4.8 to 13.5% using LC‐APCI‐MS and from − 38.3 to 8.3% for accuracy, from 3.5 to 13.8%, for repeatability, and from 4.3 to 14.7% for intermediate precision using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The lower limit of quantification was fixed at the lowest calibrator in the linearity experiments. With the exception of the greater sensitivity and higher identification power, LC‐ESI‐MS/MS had no major advantages over LC‐APCI‐MS. Both presented assays were applicable for sensitive detection of all studied analytes and for accurate and precise quantification, with the exception of the rather volatile nicotine. The applicability of the assays was demonstrated by analysis of plasma samples from suspected poisoning cases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of astaxanthin in edible oils and its use as an antioxidant
Authors: Rao Ambati Ranga , Sarada Ravi , Ravishankar Gokare Aswathanarayana 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAstaxanthin, a ketocarotenoid (3,3′‐dihydroxy‐β,β‐carotene‐4,4′‐dione), is produced in high concentration in the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis. It constitutes 85–88% of total carotenoid and exists in the monoester, diester and free form. Astaxanthin in its ester form is fairly stable in all edible oils such as rice bran, mustard, groundnut, gingelly, coconut and palm oil at room temperature with variation in terms of its loss in content and colour during a 4 month period. Rice bran, gingelly and palm oil retained 84–90% of astaxanthin when heated at 70 °C for 8 h while palm oil was effective in retaining 90% of astaxanthin at 90 °C for 8 h without any change in its ester form in comparison to 90% carotenoid loss in aqueous form. At 120 and 150 °C, carotenoid loss was significant (60–90%) without change in the fatty acid profile of the edible oils. The antioxidant activity of carotenoids stored in oils was comparable to standard butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA). Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of sample grinding procedures after processing on gas production profiles and end‐product formation in expander processed barley and peas
Authors: Azarfar Arash , van der Poel Antonius F. B. , Tamminga Seerp 
Published: February 2007

AbstractGrinding is a technological process widely applied in the feed manufacturing industry and is a prerequisite for obtaining representative samples for laboratory procedures (e.g. gas production analysis). When feeds are subjected to technological processes other than grinding (e.g. expander treatment), grinding afterwards may disturb the effect of processing, both in practice and when laboratory techniques are applied. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the possible effects of different grinding procedures and sample preparation on the degradative behaviour of expander processed barley and peas. Samples of expander processed barley and peas were subjected to six different sample preparation procedures (intact sample, dissolved sample, samples ground stepwise over 6 and 3 mm sieves, samples ground stepwise over 6, 3 and 1 mm sieves, samples ground over a 3 mm sieve and samples ground over a 1 mm sieve). The patterns of gas production in these samples were studied over a period of 72 h incubation using an automated in vitro gas production system. The particle size distribution determined by dry sieve analysis and the Coulter counter method changed due to the different grinding procedures. Grinding the samples of expander processed barley and peas changed the kinetics of gas production and led to a faster degradation, most pronounced after stepwise grinding. However, the formation of the fermentation end‐product was not affected by the method of sample preparation. In expander processed barley, the difference in the degradation pattern due to the different grinding procedures was small. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Integral utilisation of barley husk for the production of food additives
Authors: Cruz José M , Moldes Ana B , Bustos Guadalupe , Torrado Ana , Domínguez José M 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA new and effective chemical–biotechnological process for the global utilisation of barley husk (obtained from the spent grains in the brewing process) is reported. With the proposed process the three main components of the lignocellulosic residue (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) are utilised. A first treatment with sulfuric acid (pre‐hydrolysis) allowed the solubilisation of hemicelluloses to give xylose and glucose‐containing liquors (suitable to make fermentation media for the continuous lactic acid (LA) production with L. pentosus) and a solid phase containing cellulose and lignin. In this set of experiments, a maximum volumetric productivity (QP) = 2.077 g L−1 h−1 and product yield (YP/S) = 0.62 g g−1 were obtained for a dilution rate of 0.01 h−1. The solid residues from pre‐hydrolysis were treated with NaOH in order to increase their cellulase digestibility, and dissolve the lignin content. The cellulose residue was used as substrates for lactic acid production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) in media containing Trichoderma reesei cellulases and Lactobacillus rhamnosus cells using the complete MRS broth or a cheaper medium. In both cases similar LA concentrations and volumetric productivities were achieved (P = 73.4–71.0 g L−1 and QP = 1.28–1.25 g L−1 h−1, respectively), where P is LA concentration. The lignin solution obtained after the alkaline treatment was extracted with ethyl acetate in order to obtain the phenolic components. The extract obtained at pH 3 showed three times more antioxidant activity than the one extracted at pH 12.8, with an EC50 of 1.396 g L−1 for pH 3 and 4.604 g L−1 for pH 12.8. The best extracts showed twice antioxidant activity than BHT. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Dietetic and hypocholesterolaemic action of black soy peptide in dietary obese rats
Authors: Rho Shin Joung , Park Soojin , Ahn Chang‐Won , Shin Jae‐Kil , Lee Hyeon Gyu 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTo investigate the effect of peptides from black soy (rat's eye) bean (Rhynchosia volubilis Lour.) on weight gain and lipid composition, Sprague–Dawley male rats were fed either a black soy peptide (BSP; 2, 6 or 10% of energy)‐containing diet or a casein control diet (20% of energy) enriched with 36% fat and 1% cholesterol for 28 days. Compared with the casein group, the BSP groups showed significant attenuation of body, liver and epididymal adipose tissue weight gains (P < 0.05). Moreover, rats that consumed BSP had a lower total cholesterol concentration and low‐density lipoprotein/high‐density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL) ratio in serum and a lower level of hepatic triglycerides as well as higher excretion of faeces compared with those fed only casein (P < 0.05). Molecular weights of peptides from black soy were mainly below 10 kDa, and Arg/Lys and Gly/Met ratios in BSP were five and three times of those in casein respectively. It is concluded that BSP can be a potent nutraceutical component for anti‐obesity and hypolipidaemic benefits. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinicopathologic features of poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Oishi Koichi , Itamoto Toshiyuki , Amano Hironobu , Fukuda Saburo , Ohdan Hideki , Tashiro Hirotaka , Shimamoto Fumio , Asahara Toshimasa 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesClinicopathologic features of poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of poorly differentiated HCC in hepatectomized patients.MethodsFrom 1986 to 2001, 354 HCC patients underwent curative hepatectomy in our institution and were prospectively followed. Histological examinations revealed 43 well‐differentiated HCC tumors, 273 moderately differentiated HCC tumors, and 38 poorly differentiated HCC tumors. Clinicopathologic factors and outcomes after hepatectomy were compared statistically.ResultsOnly serum alpha‐fetoprotein level was significantly different in the poorly differentiated HCC group from that in the moderately differentiated HCC group preoperatively (P = 0.0001). Although there were no significant differences between overall survival rates or between disease‐free survival rates in the three groups, distant metastasis within 2 years after hepatectomy occurred more frequently in the poorly differentiated HCC group (21%) than in the well‐differentiated HCC group (2%) (P = 0.011) or moderately differentiated HCC group (8%) (P = 0.018). Distant metastasis occurred in about 40% of patients in the poorly differentiated HCC group with tumor size greater than 3 cm.ConclusionsPoorly differentiated HCC tumors larger than 3 cm are already of advanced stage representing distant metastasis in the early period after hepatectomy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:311–316. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors influencing recurrence after curative resection for ampulla of vater carcinoma
Authors: Park Joon Seong , Yoon Dong Sup , Kim Kyung Sik , Choi Jin Sub , Lee Woo Jung , Chi Hoon Sang , Kim Byong Ro 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundCarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater has a relatively higher resection rate, lower recurrence rate, and more favorable prognosis than other malignant tumors of the periampullary region. Because of the relative low incidence of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater, there have been few reports on the patterns and risk factors of recurrence after curative resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the patterns and risk factors of recurrence after curative resection of ampulla of Vater carcinoma.Materials and MethodsBetween January 1992 and December 2002, 102 patients received radical resection for ampulla of Vater carcinoma at Yonsei University Medical Center. Fifteen patients were excluded because of incomplete clinicopathologic data. Finally, 87 patients were reviewed and analyzed to assess predictors of tumor recurrence.ResultsAmong the 87 patients, 37 patients (42.5%) experienced recurrent disease. The mean length of time to recurrence was 29.3 ± 35.3 months, and the most common sites of recurrence were the intra‐abdominal organs: liver and loco‐regional lymph nodes. The patients were divided into two groups: early recurrence (≤18 months) and late recurrence (>18 months). In the early recurrence group, ulcer formation tumors and poorly differentiated tumors were more common in comparison with the late recurrence group. Lymph node metastasis was identified as an independent factor of tumor recurrence after curative resection for ampulla of Vater carcinoma.ConclusionLymph node metastasis is the most important risk factor for recurrence after a curative resection. Also, the fact that a higher probability of recurrence is anticipated in cases of ulcer formation and poorly differentiated tumors, there exists a need for a close‐up follow‐up program. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:286–290. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adefovir Dipivoxil for Wait-Listed and Post–Liver Transplantation Patients with Lamivudine-Resistant Hepatitis B
Authors: Schiff Eugene , Lai Ching-Lung , Hadziyannis Stephanos , Neuhaus Peter , Terrault Norah , Colombo Massimo , Tillmann Hans , Samuel Didier , Zeuzem Stefan , Villeneuve Jean-Pierre , Arterburn Sarah , Borroto-Esoda Katyna , Brosgart Carol , Chuck Steven 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Wait-listed (n = 226) or post–liver transplantation (n = 241) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) were treated with adefovir dipivoxil for a median of 39 and 99 weeks, respectively. Among wait-listed patients, serum HBV DNA levels became undetectable (<1,000 copies/mL) in 59% and 65% at weeks 48 and 96, respectively. After 48 weeks, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, bilirubin, and prothrombin time normalized in 77%, 76%, 60%, and 84% of wait-listed patients, respectively. Among posttransplantation patients, serum HBV DNA levels became undetectable in 40% and 65% at weeks 48 and 96, respectively. After 48 weeks, ALT, albumin, bilirubin, and prothrombin time normalized in 51%, 81%, 76%, and 56% of posttransplantation patients, respectively. Among wait-listed patients who underwent on-study liver transplantation, protection from graft reinfection over a median of 35 weeks was similar among patients who did (n = 34) or did not (n = 23) receive hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg). Hepatitis B surface antigen was detected on the first measurement only in 6% and 9% of patients who did or did not receive HBIg, respectively. Serum HBV DNA was detected on consecutive visits in 6% and 0% of patients who did or did not receive HBIg, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events led to discontinuation of adefovir dipivoxil in 4% of patients. Cumulative probabilities of resistance were 0%, 2%, and 2% at weeks 48, 96, and 144, respectively. In conclusion, adefovir dipivoxil is effective and safe in wait-listed or posttransplantation CHB patients with lamivudine-resistant HBV and prevents graft reinfection with or without HBIg. Liver Transpl 13:349-360, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Simulation of Styrene Polymerization by Monomolecular and Bimolecular Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Processes over a Range of Reaction Conditions
Authors: Belincanta‐Ximenes Juliana , Mesa Paola V. R. , Lona Liliane M. F. , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo , McManus Neil T. , Penlidis Alexander 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSimulations of polymerization rate, molecular weight development and evolution of the concentrations of species participating in the reaction mechanism over a range of operating conditions, and a parameter sensitivity analysis showing the effects of temperature, activation/deactivation equilibrium constant and initial concentrations of controller and initiator (if present) on these variables are presented for the nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of styrene. The simulations were performed with a computer program based on a detailed reaction mechanism. The simulated profiles of conversion, number average molecular weight ($\overline M _{\rm n}$), and polydispersity agree well with experimental data. Previously unknown activation energies for reactions involved in the mechanism are estimated. The temperature dependence of the kinetic rate constants obtained in this study will be useful for future modeling and optimization studies.magnified image
Monte Carlo Simulation of ABA Triblock Copolymer Melts Confined in a Cylindrical Nanotube
Authors: Xiao Xingqing , Huang Yongmin , Liu Honglai , Hu Ying 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMonte Carlo simulations were used to identify the microphase morphologies of ABA triblock copolymer melts confined in a cylindrical nanotube. The influences of the volume fraction of mid‐block B (fB), the radius of nanotube (R) and the asymmetry of ABA triblock copolymer chain were discussed in detail. When fB varies, a series of double‐continuous, three‐layer concentric cylinder barrel, porous net, double helixes and the new multiplex structures were observed under different conditions. In addition, the stacked disk, catenoid‐cylinder and multi‐layer concentric cylinder barrel structures occur in turns at changing R. The relation between circular lamellae period L and layer number Nlayer of concentric cylinder barrel with the increase of R was investigated to further explain the put‐off phenomenon of microphase transition of the multi‐layer concentric cylinder barrel structures. As for the increase of the asymmetry of ABA triblock copolymer chain, it was concluded that the short AI segments tend to site at the interface between rich A and B circular lamellae.magnified image
Studies of Adjacent Re‐Entry Folds of Chains of Syndiotactic l,2‐Poly(1,3‐butadiene) by Molecular Mechanics Calculations
Authors: Napolitano Roberto , Pirozzi Beniamino 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe mode of packing and the adjacent re‐entry folds of chains of syndiotactic 1,2‐poly(1,3‐butadiene) have been studied by molecular mechanics calculations with the use of various sets of potential functions. The results of the packing analysis indicate that the crystal grows preferentially along the [100] and [110] directions. Models of fold have been built up on an infinite ab surface completely covered by adjacent re‐entry folds in the (100) and (110) planes. The results of energy minimizations show that several almost isoenergetic folds, constituted by four monomeric units, can be realized in the (100) planes, while the fold in the (110) planes has higher energy. The calculated value of the work of fold is in satisfactory agreement with that derived by crystallization kinetics reported in literature.magnified image
Matrix Representation of Polymer Chain Size Distributions, 2
Authors: Sanches Heloísa L. , Melo Príamo A. , Pinto José Carlos 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAnalysis of the mass balance equations that describe a reaction system may be useful to provide information about its dynamics, such as the restricted set of compositions that can be achieved from a given set of initial compositions and the effect of feeding reactants to the reaction environment along the reaction course. Since these results may be important for the formulation of reaction policies, this work presents the properties of a matrix polymerization model previously developed and extended to describe transient conditions. This model is based on the definitions of two matrices: the consumption matrix (A − Kt), which contains information about chemical transformations among the many active polymer species in the system, and the propagation matrix Kp, which contains information about chain growth. It is shown that the set of mass balance equations that describes the dynamics of active chemical species in polymerization reactions has a stable and unique solution, which is bounded if feed rates are also bounded. It is also shown that the set of compositions that may be reached through manipulation of the feed rates is restricted and may not include all possible chemical compositions. Finally, it is shown that the obtained molecular weight distributions are special multiple time convolutions of the initiation rates.magnified image
The strategic use of managerial incentives in a non‐profit firm mixed duopoly
Authors: Goering Gregory E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA mixed duopoly setting is examined where a private non‐profit firm (NPO) competes with a private profit‐maximizer. The NPO's stakeholders select a contract for their managers. A novel NPO objective function is utilized which takes into account all the likely returns to the NPO's stakeholders (NPO profits and the surplus accruing to the NPO stakeholders) in such a commercial setting. In sub‐game perfect equilibria, it is shown that the NPO's managers generally will not be given the NPO's true objective to optimize. It is also shown that aggregate social welfare may increase or decrease due to this managerial contracting behavior or the use of NPO membership fees. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
If you play well they will come—and vice versa: bidirectional causality in major‐league baseball
Authors: Horowitz Ira 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe Granger‐causality test is applied to the annual attendance and win‐percentage data for 29 major‐league teams. It is shown that bidirectional causality exists for these teams and that there are some essential differences between the original 10 of 16 franchises that comprised the majors in 1903 and the six that relocated between 1953 and 1961. Some differences and some similarities are also seen in the parameter estimates for both blocs of teams, the relocated teams, and seven long‐lived expansion franchises. Finally, the parameter estimates are manipulated to yield noise‐free equilibrium estimates for both attendance and performance. In tandem, these two sets of estimates provide fodder for speculation as to the futures of each of the extant 23 franchises considered here. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A further clarification of OCRA and its properties in response to Wang and Wang (2005)
Authors: Parkan Celik 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis is an exposition written in response to the claims in Wang and Wang (2005) about the problems with the method of OCRA, operational competitiveness rating analysis, for gauging the relative performances of a set of operating entities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.