bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic heterogeneity, evolution, and recombination in noroviruses
Authors: Phan Tung Gia , Kaneshi Kunio , Ueda Yuichi , Nakaya Shigekazu , Nishimura Shuichi , Yamamoto Atsuko , Sugita Kumiko , Takanashi Sayaka , Okitsu Shoko , Ushijima Hiroshi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractNorovirus is one of the most common causes of nonbacterial gastroenteritis in humans. A total of 603 fecal specimens collected from sporadic pediatric cases of acute gastroenteritis in Japan from 2004 to 2005 were tested for the presence of norovirus by RT‐PCR. It was found that 51 (8.5%) specimens were positive for norovirus. The norovirus genotypes detected in this study were GII/1, GII/2, GII/3, GII/4, GII/6, and GII/7. Of these, GII/3 was the most predominant (52.9%), followed by GII/4 (37.2%) and others. It was noticed that four distinct types of recombinant noroviruses were co‐circulating and the variant norovirus GIIb suddenly emerged to be the leading strain in Japan for the first time. A novel norovirus nomenclature was proposed, in which worldwide noroviruses were classified into seven distinct genogroups (I–VII). Norovirus GI and GII consisted of 16 genotypes with 32 subgenotypes and 23 genotypes with 34 subgenotypes, respectively. Of note, human and porcine noroviruses had a close genetic relationship within GII. Interestingly, multiple short amino acid motifs located at N terminus, S domain, P1 domain, P2 domain, and C terminus of capsid gene correctly defined the phylogenetic norovirus genogroups, genotypes, and subgenotypes. Another interesting feature of the study was the identification of eight hitherto unreported recombinant noroviruses. It was noteworthy that three different types (intergenogroup, intergenotype, and intersubgenotype) of recombination in noroviruses were also found. This is the first report to demonstrate the existence of intergenogroup and intersubgenotype recombinations in noroviruses and highlights a possible route of zoonoses in humans because porcine, bovine and murine noroviruses belong to genogroups II, III, and V, respectively. J. Med. Virol. 79:1388–1400, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of interferon and lamivudine treatment in Japanese patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Kobayashi Masahiro , Akuta Norio , Hosaka Tetsuya , Sezaki Hitomi , Yatsuji Hiromi , Kawamura Yusuke , Kobayashi Mariko , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to elucidate the long‐term outcome after interferon (IFN) or lamivudine (LMV) treatment in Japanese patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B. Inclusion criteria were biopsy proven chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, no history of IFN or LMV treatment. Three hundred twenty‐seven patients satisfied above criteria were treated with IFN or LMV. The primary end point of our study was serum clearance of HBeAg and decrease of serum HBV‐DNA to ≤5 LEG/ml after the initiation of treatment. This study was a retrospective cohort study. Attainment of serum clearance of HBeAg and decrease of serum HBV‐DNA to ≤5 LEG/ml was regarded as response. Two hundred eighty‐six patients had got response after the initiation of treatment. The cumulative rate of response was 28.0% in the first year, 56.2% at the 5th year and 82.5% at the 10th year. Response occurred when HBV‐DNA load was high level of more than 7 LEG/ml, and serum ALT level was more than 100 IU/L, HBV genotype was B. IFN and LMV were the similar effect on response (P = 0.410). On IFN therapy, cumulative rate of response in patients of <35 years was higher than that in patients ≥35 years (P = 0.002). Our results suggest that (1) IFN and LMV are the similar effect on response, (2) IFN therapy is more effective for younger patients. J. Med. Virol. 79:1286–1292, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Simple Relation for the Concentration Dependence of Osmotic Pressure and Depletion Thickness in Polymer Solutions
Authors: Fleer Gerard J. , Skvortsov Alexander M. , Tuinier Remco 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe propose simple expressions $\Pi /\Pi _0 = 1 + (\varphi /\varphi _{{\rm ex}} )^{3\alpha - 1}$ and $(\delta _0 /\delta )^2 = 1 + (\varphi /\varphi _{{\rm ex}} )^{2\alpha }$ for the osmotic pressure Π and the depletion thickness δ as a function of the polymer concentration φ. Here, Π0 and δ0 correspond to the dilute limit, and φex is an extrapolation concentration which is of the order of the overlap concentration φov. The De Gennes exponent α describes the concentration dependence of the semidilute correlation length $\xi \sim \varphi ^{ - \alpha }$; it is related to the Flory exponent ν through $\alpha = \nu /(3\nu - 1)$. The quantity φex is experimentally accessible by extrapolating the semidilute limit towards Π = Π0 or δ = δ0. These expressions are exact in mean field, where the ratio φex/φov (0.49 for Π, 0.41 for δ) follows from established models. For excluded‐volume chains they describe simulation data excellently: in this case φex/φov is 0.69 for Π and again 0.41 for δ. We find also very good agreement with experimental data.magnified image
An innovative treatment concept for free flap reconstruction of complex central chest wall defects—The cephalic‐thoraco‐acromial (CTA) loop
Authors: Engel Holger , Pelzer Michael , Sauerbier Michael , Germann Günther , Heitmann Christoph 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground: Loco‐regional flaps are the method of choice for chest wall reconstruction. However there is a selected group of patients who require free flap reconstruction, when all other options are used up. A small subgroup of these patients was identified where the commonly used recipient vessels (Internal mammary A. + V., Thoraco‐dorsal A. + V.) were no longer available. Patient and method: This group comprised 16 seriously ill patients in the period from 2000 to 2004. Underlying diseases were sternum osteomyelitis (10×), tumor (2×), and osteo‐radionecrosis (4×). There were 10 women and 6 men with mean age 62.4 years. All patients were classified as ASA III and IV. Fourteen patients received a TFL flap, two patients a vertical rectus myocutaneuos flap (VRAM). Recipient vessels were created with a temporary A‐V loop between the cephalic vein and the thoraco‐acromial artery (CTA‐loop). Results: No flap was lost and two had to be revised successfully for thrombosis of the arterial anastomosis. Mean operation time was 6.1 (4.7–8.4) h. Average time for ventilatory support was 56 (4–338) h. Five patients died within 6 months postoperatively due their underlying advanced disease (n = 3) or multiple organ failure (n = 2). Conclusion: The new concept of creating recipient vessels for free flap reconstruction of complex thoracic wall defects proved to be safe and reliable. The CTA loop allowed for unhurried flap dissection, best possible flap positioning, and straightforward end–end anstomoses in these seriously sick patients. The outcome with respect to complications and survival justifies the operative effort. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Factors related to lower urinary tract symptoms among a sample of employed women in Taipei
Authors: Liao Yuan‐Mei , Dougherty Molly C. , Biemer Paul P. , Liao Chin‐Tai , Palmer Mary H. , Boyington Alice R. , Connolly AnnaMarie 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAimTo identify factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among female elementary school teachers in Taipei.MethodsThis study is a cross‐sectional, descriptive study. A total of 520 surveys were distributed to 26 elementary schools in Taipei. Logistic regression was used to identify possible factors related to individual LUTS.ResultsStudy results were based on the information provided by 445 participants. Of the 445 teachers, 293 (65.8%) experienced at least one type of LUTS. Factors associated with urinary incontinence were body mass index (BMI), vaginal delivery, obstetric and/or gynecological surgery, bladder habits, and job control. Increased daytime urinary frequency was associated with chronic cough and chronic constipation. Bladder habits, straining to lift heavy objects at work and chronic constipation were associated with urgency. Nocturia was associated with age and caffeine consumption while intermittent stream was associated with the presence of a family history of LUTS and chronic constipation. Bladder habits and regular exercise were associated with weak urinary stream. Incomplete emptying was more likely to occur in teachers with chronic constipation and in those who did not exercise regularly.ConclusionAll the LUTS under logistic regression analyses were associated with 1–3 modifiable factors. Identification of these modifiable contributing factors may be useful to health care providers. Education of women may include the importance of maintaining normal body weight, good bladder/bowel habits, and regular exercise, treating chronic cough, decreasing daily caffeine consumption, and implementing feasible environmental modifications in employment settings. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The penilo‐cavernosus reflex: Comparison of different stimulation techniques
Authors: Podnar Simon 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAimsAlthough several stimulation techniques are available to elicit sacral reflexes, no comparative data on their utility has been published. The aim of the present study was to determine the most sensitive stimulation technique used for neurophysiologic recording of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex.MethodsNeurophysiologic measurement of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex on single and double pulse electrical, and on mechanical stimulation was performed in 52 men with chronic cauda equina or conus medullaris lesions. Responses were recorded by a standard concentric EMG needle electrode inserted consecutively into the left and right bulbocavernosus muscle. Responses were regarded as abnormal when non‐elicitable, of increased latency, or of increased latency compared to the contralateral side, using my previously published normative ranges. Sensitivity was calculated separately for each side using all three stimulation techniques.ResultsSensitivities of the electrophysiological measurement of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex on single electrical, double electrical, and mechanical stimulation were 70%, 73%, and 73%, respectively. The combined use of all three stimulation modalities increased the sensitivity to 82%. The use of interside latency differences did not increase the sensitivity using any of the stimulation modalities.ConclusionsNo significant differences in sensitivity were found between the three stimulation techniques, and only a very modest increase was found on concomitant application of all three. Because of the high elicitability of responses, the lower stimulation strength required, and the opportunity to measure sensory and reflex thresholds, the authors' preference is to use double pulse electrical stimulation. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:244–248, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extrinsic cohesive modelling of dynamic fracture and microbranching instability in brittle materials
Authors: Zhang Zhengyu (Jenny) , Paulino Glaucio H. , Celes Waldemar 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDynamic crack microbranching processes in brittle materials are investigated by means of a computational fracture mechanics approach using the finite element method with special interface elements and a topological data structure representation. Experiments indicate presence of a limiting crack speed for dynamic crack in brittle materials as well as increasing fracture resistance with crack speed. These phenomena are numerically investigated by means of a cohesive zone model (CZM) to characterize the fracture process. A critical
evaluation of intrinsic versus extrinsic CZMs is briefly presented, which highlights the necessity of adopting an extrinsic approach in the current analysis. A novel topology‐based data structure is employed to enable fast and robust manipulation of evolving mesh information when extrinsic cohesive elements are inserted adaptively. Compared to intrinsic CZMs, which include an initial hardening segment in the traction–separation curve, extrinsic CZMs involve additional issues both in implementing the procedure and in interpreting simulation results. These include time discontinuity in stress history, fracture pattern dependence on time step control, and numerical energy balance. These issues are investigated in detail through a ‘quasi‐steady‐state’ crack propagation problem in polymethylmethacrylate. The simulation results compare reasonably well with experimental observations both globally and locally, and demonstrate certain advantageous features of the extrinsic CZM with respect to the intrinsic CZM. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A level set‐based parameterization method for structural shape and topology optimization
Authors: Luo Zhen , Wang Michael Yu , Wang Shengyin , Wei Peng 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper presents an effective parametric approach by extending the conventional level set method to structural shape and topology optimization using the compactly supported radial basis functions (RBFs) and the optimality criteria (OC) method. The structural design boundary is first represented implicitly by embedding into a higher‐dimensional level set function as its zero level set, and the RBFs of a favorable smoothness are then applied to interpolate the level set function. The original initial value problem is thus converted to a parametric optimization, with the expansion coefficients of the interplant posed as the design variables.The OC method is then applied to advance the structure boundary in terms of the velocity field derived from the parametric optimization. Hence, the structural shape and topology optimization is now transformed into a process of iteratively finding coefficients to update the level set function to achieve an optimal configuration. The numerical considerations of the conventional level set method, including upwind schemes, velocity extension, and reinitialization, are eliminated. The proposed scheme is capable of addressing structural shape fidelity and topology change simultaneously and of keeping the boundary smooth during the optimization process. Furthermore, numerical convergence is expected to be improved. A widely investigated example, in the framework of structural stiffness designs, is applied to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A computational method for inverse free boundary determination problem
Authors: Hon Y. C. , Li M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBased on the method of fundamental solutions and discrepancy principle for the choice of location for source points, we extend in this paper the application of the computational method to determine an unknown free boundary of a Cauchy problem of parabolic‐type equation from measured Dirichlet and Neumann data with noises. The standard Tikhonov regularization technique with the L‐curve method for an optimal regularized parameter is adopted for solving the resultant highly ill‐conditioned system of linear equations. Both one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional numerical examples are given to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed computational method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR investigations of reactively extruded PVC/PMMA and PVC/PS blends
Authors: Haba Yafit , Balazs Yael S. , Carmiel Oshrat , Katz Itai , Narkis Moshe , Schmidt Asher 
Published: July 2007

AbstractReactively extruded PVC/PMMA and PVC/PS polymer blends were investigated by 1H and 13C high‐resolution and 13C MAS NMR spectroscopy. To obtain blends, liquid solutions of monomer, initiator, and cross‐linking agent were absorbed into porous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles, forming dry blends; subsequently, the dry blends were fed into a twin‐screw extruder at 180°C activating in situ polymerization within the PVC matrix. Polymer and monomer fractions of resultant extruded blends were identified and characterized at the molecular level by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, providing important insights into the microscopic details of the blends. NMR characterization includes: residual monomer content and its dispersion and site heterogeneity within the PVC matrix; effect of initial concentrations of monomer, initiator, and cross‐linker on the final products; and possible occurrences of copolymer grafting. NMR spectroscopy reveals efficient polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) (ca 90% polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)) and inefficient polymerization of styrene (less than 10% polystyrene (PS) with a significant fraction of unreacted monomer remaining entrapped in the PVC matrix) under the reactive extrusion of PVC/monomer (15 phr monomer) dry blends. Morphologically, the reactively extruded PVC/PMMA forms a single‐phase blend. In contrast, the PVC/PS forms a phase separated blend. Both the in situ polymerization efficiency and the phase behavior of the resulting blends are rationalized in terms of the affinity of the monomers in the initial dry blends, and of the resulting polymers in the final reactively extruded blends, to the PVC. This understanding can guide the design and control of properties of blends obtained through the reactive extrusion process and other in situ polymerization techniques. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preventing adverse drug events in hospital practice: an overview
Authors: Rommers Mirjam K. , Teepe‐Twiss Irene M. , Guchelaar Henk‐Jan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAdverse drug events (ADEs) are a considerable cause of morbidity and mortality in hospital practice. The precise frequency is unknown, but studies give an incidence number ranging from 2 until 52 ADEs per 100 patients. There are many different methods for definition, causality assessment, severity classification and detection which make it difficult to compare the different studies. A substantial part (in some studies up to 70%) of ADEs can be prevented and it is important to, besides their detection, focus on the prevention of these ADEs. In this literature review we give an overview of methods for preventing ADEs. There are many different tools with different impact on a particular part of the distribution system which has the potential to prevent ADEs. A multifaceted approach is needed. Two interesting strategies of prevention, pharmacist participation on ward rounds and computerised physician order entry with clinical decision support systems (CDSS), are highlighted. Moreover, two promising CDSS are discussed in more detail, namely computer‐based monitoring systems and information systems which link laboratory and pharmacy data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical properties of polyimines: UV–vis and photoluminescence study of undoped and doped polymers in aprotic and protic solvents
Authors: Iwan Agnieszka , Mazurak Zbigniew , Sek Danuta 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe optical properties of polyimines (PAs) with structure containing aliphatic–aromatic and aromatic–aromatic moieties are reported. It is demonstrated that the photoluminescence (PL) spectra can be regulated over a wide range by variation in main chain structure and through protonation or intramolecular hydrogen bonding. By combining these two methods it is possible to precisely tune the emission spectra of PAs in the spectral range of 480–531 nm. Luminescent PA/1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamide sulfonic acid complexes were self‐organizated from nonamphiphilic π‐conjugated PAs, in DMA and in m‐cresol solution. Solvatochromism is manifested in the PL spectra of the undoped and doped PAs. The emission spectra of doped PAs are blue or red shifted relative to the undoped one. Additionally, absorption (UV–vis) properties of the PAs before and after protonation with 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamide sulfonic acid (“dopant I”) were tested. We propose that the novel self‐assembly is driven by the amphiphilicity of 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamide sulfonic acid activated by protonation of PAs. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1179–1186, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and properties of liquid‐ crystalline triblock copolymers by ATRP, having electron‐transporting thiadiazole unit
Authors: Nakashima Shinji , Sato Moriyuki , Yamaguchi Isao 
Published: July 2007

AbstractABA‐type block copolymers composed of 2,5‐diphenyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (DPTD) oligoester and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) segments (Mn = 16 200 and 23 000) were synthesized by atom‐transfer radical polymerization and their liquid‐crystalline (LC) and photoluminescence (PL) properties were examined. The structures of block copolymers were identified by Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR spectroscopies. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement, polarizing microscopy observation and wide‐angle X‐ray analysis revealed that the block copolymers form thermotropic LC phase (smectic C) independent of molecular weights of PMMA segments, but a model polymer (PMMA segments having the DPTD unit in the central part) has no LC melt. Solution and solid‐state PL spectra indicated that all the block copolymers display blue emission arising from the DPTD unit. Their quantum yields are 17–21%, which increase with the PMMA chain lengths. The block copolymers have good aligned structures in the LC states, but their order parameter (S) values in sheared LC states were lower than those in the sheared LC compounds. The PL properties in the LC states were independent of the LC aligned structures. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed that these block copolymers have deep HOMO levels compared with polymers composed of oxadiazole rings. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid and automatic on‐plate desalting protocol for MALDI‐MS: Using imprinted hydrophobic polymer template
Authors: Jia Weitao , Wu Huixia , Lu Haojie , Li Na , Zhang Yang , Cai Ruifang , Yang Pengyuan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA novel protocol of rapid and automatic on‐plate desalting (OPD) and peptide concentration for 2‐DE‐MALDI‐MS has been developed by the approach of templating the hydrophobic polymer solution over Kapton‐etched mask. For the template technique, small hydrophobic polymer [linear poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), PMMA derivatized with fullerene‐C60 (PMMA‐C60), linear polystyrene (PSt), or PSt derivatized with fullerene‐C60 (PSt‐C60)] spots (990 μm od) are patterned at the centers of stainless MALDI plate wells (1400 μm id). Tryptic–peptide solution with no predesalting was dropped onto the central hydrophobic spots, resulting in a concentration of proteolytic peptides on the hydrophobic polymer surface with a reduced spot size. The dried peptide layer was then covered subsequently with over‐volume matrix solution, causing the removal of redissolved salts from the spot center to the spot edge by means of a natural “outward flow.” The proposed OPD protocol exhibited a dramatic enhancement in S/N up to 850 for 14 fmol BSA digests in the coexistence of 100 mM salts, compared with barely detectable peaks in ordinary way. This analysis has shown that the success rate of identification was increased by two‐fold for low abundance proteins in the human liver tissue with no need for the conventional ZipPlate desalting strategy.