bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High order compositeness in natural fats. The glyceride structures of seed fats fromSchleichera trijuga, Sapindus trifoliatus, andMimusops elengi
Authors: Kartha A. R. S. , Narayanan R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe glyceride‐type structures of seed fats fromS. trijuga (Sapindacae, Sm 28.0),S. trifoliatus (Sapindacae, Sm 12.6), andM. elengi (Sapotacae, Sm 29.6) were studied by the gravimetric azelaoglyceride technique. The seed fats fromS. trifoliatus andM. elengi agreed well with the requirements of the Glyceride‐Type Distribution Rule (GTDR). TheS. trijuga seed fat however contained GS3 – nil, GS2U – 25.2, GSU2 – 34.1, and GU3 – 40.7 percentage mols respectively against GTDR values of 0, 21.0, 42.5, and 36.5 percentage mols.Structure deviations from GTDR of the type shown byS. trijuga seed fat have been designated as “HOC deviations” for obvious reasons and may probably be attributed to a new phenomenon termed high order compositeness of fats, which is ultimately caused by the nonhomogeneity of fat tissues. Since this phenomenon appears to be rather widespread, a new constant, the HOC index, is suggested to denote the degree of HOC shown by specific natural fats with reference to GTDR as the standard. The nature of further experimental evidence, required to establish the causative factors behind HOC variations, is also discussed in some detail.
“Acid” pyrolysis‐capillary chromatographic analysis of anionic and nonionic surfactants
Authors: Lew H. L. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA tandem “acid” pyrolysis‐capillary chromatographic method for analyzing surfactants has been developed, and its application to the more common anionic and nonionic surfactant types investigated. In this method a surfactant is mixed with an acid, such as P2O5 or H3PO4, and dropped into a pyrolyzer attached to a capillary gas chromatograph. The resulting volatile pyrolyzate is carried into the chromatograph for analysis.According to the chromatograms, the point of cleavage during “acid” pyrolysis is quite selective, usually at a C‐S or C‐O bond. For example, LAS and ABS give peaks corresponding to the alkylbenzene precursors; primary linear alkyl sulfates and sulfonates, peaks corresponding to olefins with the same number of carbon atoms as the alkyl group; and alcohol and alkylphenol ethoxylates and ethoxylate sulfates, peaks corresponding to olefins from the alkyl group and to acetaldehyde and a higher aldehyde from the polyethoxy group. Alkylphenol derivatives are probably cleaved to form an alkylphenoxy intermediate, which then dealkylates to give the olefins.This method is quantitative for carbon number or carbon number and isomer distribution of hydrophobes in linear surfactants, semiquantitative for ethoxy content and for hydrophobes in branched chain surfactants, and qualitative for hydrotropes and certain foam additives. Surfactants, as well as mixtures of certain surfactant types, in built detergent formulations can be analyzed without isolation.
Estimation of the total number of disease‐causing mutations in ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. Value of the OTC structure in predicting a mutation pathogenic potential
Authors: Arranz J. A. , Riudor E. , Marco‐Marín C. , Rubio V. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractOrnithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), the X‐linked, most frequent urea cycle error, results from mutations in the OTC gene, encoding a 354‐residue polypeptide. To date 341 OTCD clinical mutations, including 222 missense single nucleotide changes (mSNCs), have been compiled (Hum Mutat 2006;27:626). OTCD mutation detection might be simplified if the entire repertoire of OTCD‐causing mutations were known. We estimate the size of this repertoire from 23 new OTCD patients exhibiting 22 different mutations, of which 9, including 4 mSNCs, are novel. The complete repertoire of OTCD‐causing mutations is estimated as 560 mutations (95% confidence interval, 422–833 mutations), including 290 mSNCs (95% confidence interval, 230–394 mSNCs). Thus, OTCD diagnosis based on the screening for known mutations might attain ˜90% sensitivity in <5 years. Since disease‐causing mSNCs represent <20% of the 2064 possible OTC mSNCs, simple approaches are essential for discrimination between causative and trivial mSNCs. Observation of the OTC structure appears a simple approach for such discrimination, comparing favourably in our sample with three formalized structure‐based and/or sequence‐based in silico assessment methods, and supporting the causation of complete deficiency by the mutations p.Pro305Arg and p.Ser96Phe, and of partial deficiency by p.Asp41Gly, p.Glu122Gly, p.Leu179Phe, p.Pro220Thr and p.Glu273del. Five non‐mSNC novel mutations (p.Gly71X, a 7‐nucleotide and a 10‐nucleotide duplication and deletion in exon 5, G>A transitions at bases +1 and +5 of introns 4 and 9, respectively) are obviously pathogenic. The previously reported mSNCs p.Arg26Gln, p.Arg40His, p.Glu52Lys, pLys88Asn, p.Arg129His, p.Asn161Ser, p.Thr178Met, p.His202Tyr, p.Ala208Thr and p.His302Arg, found in our cohort, are also discussed.
Modification of alumina matrices through chemical etching and electroless deposition of nano-Au array for amperometric sensing
Authors: Jagminas Arūnas , Kuzmarskytė Julijana , Valinčius Gintaras , Malferrari Luciana , Malinauskas Albertas 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Simple nanoporous alumina matrix modification procedure, in which the electrically highly insulating alumina barrier layer at the bottom of the pores is replaced with the conductive layer of the gold beds, was described. This modification makes possible the direct electron exchange between the underlying aluminum support and the redox species encapsulated in the alumina pores, thus, providing the generic platform for the nanoporous alumina sensors (biosensors) with the direct amperometric signal readout fabrication.
Opioid titration in cancer pain: A critical review
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano 
Published: March 2007

AbstractInitiation of therapy with strong opioids is a challenging phase to obtain the maximum benefit and to gain the patient's compliance. The approach could be different, depending on the clinical situation and type of opioid regimen. Substantially, the need to titrate the dose of strong opioids emerges in different conditions: (a) in opioid‐naive patients who require an opioid treatment; (b) in patients no longer responsive to weaker drugs requiring strong opioids; (c) in patients already receiving strong opioids requiring higher doses because of an increase in pain intensity or a new acute pain problem; (d) in patients who are severely suffering and need an intensive as well as rapid intervention, due to previous persistent undertreatment. Whilst there is a vast literature confirming the effectiveness of most opioid drugs for the treatment of chronic pain, there is a lack of information regarding opioid titration. This review assesses the principal titration methods and outcomes regarding the different opioid drugs and their modalities of administration, in different clinical contexts.
Effects of spinal cord stimulation on cortical excitability in patients with chronic neuropathic pain: A pilot study
Authors: Schlaier Jürgen R. , Eichhammer Peter , Langguth Berthold , Doenitz Christian , Binder Harald , Hajak Göran , Brawanski Alexander 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground: Despite a broad clinical use, the mechanism of action of SCS is poorly understood. Current information suggests that the effects of SCS are mediated by a complex set of interactions at several levels of the nervous system including spinal and supraspinal mechanisms.Aims: The study was undertaken to investigate the influence of SCS on distinct parameters of cortical excitability using single‐ and paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).Methods: Five patients with chronic neuropathic pain were examined with the SCS stimulator on and off by means of TMS. Pain was assessed using a visual‐analogue scale. Electrophysiological and pain parameters of patients during this procedure were compared by means of a linear mixed effect model.Results: SCS induced a significant modulation of cortical excitability, especially by influencing the parameter “intracortical facilitation” (t=−2.657; df=8; p=0.029). A significant relationship between this parameter and “perceived pain” could be obtained (t=−4.798; df=8; p=0.002).Conclusions: These results suggest that SCS is able to influence neurobiological processes at the supraspinal level and that clinical effects of SCS may be at least in part of cortical origin.
Malaria parasitemia and systemic cytokine bias in pregnancy
Authors: Achidi E.A. , Apinjoh T.O. , Titanji V.P.K. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives: To investigate the effects of age, gravidity, and gestational age on peripheral malaria parasitemia and functional T helper (Th) cell heterogeneity in pregnant women. Methods: Maternal age, gravidity, and gestational age were recorded and peripheral venous blood collected from 175 women attending antenatal clinics in south western Cameroon between March and September 2002. The blood was checked for malaria parasitemia by light microscopy and plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐4 and human interferon (IFN)‐γ were measured by indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Malaria parasites were detected in 45 (25.4%) of 174 women, with rates similar for different age groups, trimesters of pregnancy, and gravidity. The geometric mean parasite density was 565, and parasite density was significantly higher in younger than in older women. For all groups combined, the mean IL‐4 level was significantly higher than the mean IFN‐γ (P = 0.0004), irrespective of the presence and density of malaria parasites, gravidity except for women in their first trimester of pregnancy and grandmultiparas, who had similar levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐4. In general, the cytokine profile was biased toward The‐type of responses in 112 (84.3%) of 132 women. Conclusions: In this study the ability to control malaria parasitemia during pregnancy was found to be predominantly age dependent, suggesting naturally acquired immunity. Furthermore, the systemic cytokine profile was found to be biased towards Th2 responses, a prerequisite for a successful pregnancy. This pattern was unaffected by maternal age, gestational age, gravidity, or parasitemia.
Geomorphological, paleontological and 87Sr/86Sr isotope analyses of early Pleistocene paleoshorelines to define the uplift of Central Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Mancini Marco , D'Anastasio Elisabetta , Barbieri Mario , De Martini Paolo Marco 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe eastern border of the Middle Valley of the Tiber River is characterized by several Plio-Pleistocene paleoshorelines, which extend for about 100 km along the western margin of the Central Apennines (Italy). We studied these paleoshorelines by the means of geological and paleontological analyses and new 87Sr/86Sr isotope analyses. The youngest and uppermost paleoshorelines have been detected and mapped through detailed geologic and stratigraphic surveys, which led to the recognition of nearshore deposits, cliff breccias, alignments of Lithophaga borings, fossil abrasion notches and wave-cut platforms. The altitude of these paleoshorelines decreases almost regularly in the NNW–SSE direction from 480 to 220 m a.s.l. Measurements of the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio have been conducted on corals and mollusks collected from sediments outcropping close to the paleoshorelines. The isotopic dating results indicate numerical values that range between 0.70907 and 0.70910 all over the 100-km outcrop. These results, together with biostratigraphic data, constrain the age of the youngest paleoshorelines to 1.65–1.50 Ma. These paleoshorelines are thus considered almost isochronous, giving an estimated uplift rate of 0.34–0.17±0.03 mm/a moving from NNW to SSE. Shape, length and continuity of the 100-km-long observed movements indicate that the studied paleoshorelines are an important marker of the Quaternary uplift of the Central Apennines.
United States Department of Agriculture's weather and climate information system for operational applications in agriculture
Authors: Motha Raymond , Stefanski Robert 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThere are many challenges facing today's farmers and the use of weather and climate can help farmers in meeting and overcoming these challenges. Additionally, government decision‐makers use information on actual and potential crop production impacts, a large percentage of which is based on weather and climate information such as drought, heavy rain events, and hurricanes. The Joint Agricultural Weather Facility (JAWF) is an example of one U.S. Government organization successfully using weather and climate information in many of its operational applications that are disseminated to users. These agricultural weather applications or products are grouped into tactical (short‐term) and strategic (long‐term) products. Examples of tactical products discussed include the Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (WWCB); routine and special crop‐weather assessments, and a Regional Weather Network in Mississippi. Strategic products discussed include the U.S. Drought Monitor and the use of weather information in the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) process. The purpose of this paper is to provide some successful applications of climate and weather information and how this information is communicated between this agrometeorological service and farmers. Also, the goal is to provide lessons learned for other agrometeorological services around the world. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Division II: Sun and Heliosphere
Authors: Webb David F. , Melrose Donald B. , Benz Arnold O. , Bogdan Thomas J. , Bougeret Jean-Louis , Klimchuk James A. , Pillet Valentin Martinez 
Published: March 2007

AbstractDivision II of the IAU provides a forum for astronomers studying a wide range of phenomena related to the structure, radiation and activity of the Sun, and its interaction with the Earth and the rest of the solar system. Division II encompasses three Commissions, 10, 12 and 49, and four working groups. During the last triennia the activities of the division involved some reorganization of the division and its working groups, developing new procedures for election of division and commission officers, promoting annual meetings from within the division and evaluating all the proposed meetings, evaluating the division's representatives for the IAU to international scientific organizations, and participating in general IAU business.
Commission 10: Solar Activity
Authors: Melrose Donald B. , Klimchuk James A. , Benz A.O. , Craig I.J.D. , Gopalswamy N. , Harrison R.A. , Kozlovsky B.Z. , Poletto G. , Schrijver K.J. , van Driel-Gesztelyi L. , Wang J.-X. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractCommission 10 aims at the study of various forms of solar activity, including networks, plages, pores, spots, fibrils, surges, jets, filaments/prominences, coronal loops, flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), solar cycle, microflares, nanoflares, coronal heating etc., which are all manifestation of the interplay of magnetic fields and solar plasma. Increasingly important is the study of solar activities as sources of various disturbances in the interplanetary space and near-Earth “space weather”.Over the past three years a major component of research on the active Sun has involved data from the RHESSI spacecraft. This review starts with an update on current and planned solar observations from spacecraft. The discussion of solar flares gives emphasis to new results from RHESSI, along with updates on other aspects of flares. Recent progress on two theoretical concepts, magnetic reconnection and magnetic helicity is then summarized, followed by discussions of coronal loops and heating, the magnetic carpet and filaments. The final topic discussed is coronal mass ejections and space weather.The discussions on each topic is relatively brief, and intended as an outline to put the extensive list of references in context.The review was prepared jointly by the members of the Organizing Committee, and the names of the primary contributors to the various sections are indicated in parentheses.
Commission 16: Physical Study of Planets and Satellites
Authors: Consolmagno Guy J. , Courtin Régis , Blanco C. , Cruikshank D. , Ksanfomality L. , McGrath M. , Morrison D. , Noll K. , Owen T. , Roos-Serote M. , Spencer J. , Tejfel V. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis report is a brief summary of some of the major achievements in studies of planets and satellites that have been accomplished during the years 2003–2005. Unlike previous years, we do not attempt to provide a detailed overview of the field but rather choose to highlight aspects which are of particular novelty.
Division X: Radio Astronomy
Authors: Rodríguez Luis F. , Nan Ren-Dong , Diamond Philip J. , Dubner Gloria , Garrett Michael , Green Anne , Ishiguro Masato , Goss W. Miller , Taylor Russ , Padrielli Lucia , Rao A. Pramesh , Torrelles José M. , Turner Jean L. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThere have been important advances in radio astronomy in the last three years. New discoveries both at the galactic and extragalactic scale have been reported over this period and we highlight here several of them. The outstanding results of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe satellite, allowing an accurate determination of the main cosmological constants, are certainly among the most important. At the international level, the consolidation of the Atacama Large Millimeter Array project, with participation of the USA, Europe, and Japan and an estimated cost of around one billion US dollars, takes the construction of radio telescopes to a new level of complexity and potential. We also include the Progress Report of the Working Group on Historic Radio Astronomy, that includes a description of the duties and activities of this recently created working group.
Meta‐Analysis Comparison of Open Versus Percutaneous Tracheostomy
Authors: Higgins Kevin M. , Punthakee Xerxes 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: Multiple studies have been performed to characterize differences in complications and cost‐effectiveness of open and percutaneous tracheostomy; however, large enough studies have not been performed to determine a clearly superior method. Our primary objective was to compare complication rates of open versus percutaneous tracheostomy in prospective, randomized‐controlled trials using meta‐analysis methodology. Secondary objectives included cost‐effectiveness and procedure length analyses.Study Design: Meta‐analysis.Methods: From 368 abstracts, 15 prospective, randomized‐controlled trials involving nearly 1,000 patients were reviewed to extract basic demographic data in addition to complications, case length, and cost‐effectiveness. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with confidence intervals (CI) were calculated in addition to subgroup analyses and meta‐regression.Results: Pooled OR revealed statistically significant results against percutaneous tracheostomy for the complication of decannulation/obstruction (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.29‐6.03). There were significantly fewer complications in the percutaneous group with respect to wound infection (0.37, 0.22‐0.62) and unfavorable scarring (0.44, 0.23‐0.83). There was no statistically significant difference for complications of false passage (2.70, 0.89‐8.22), minor hemorrhage (1.09, 0.61‐1.97, P = .77), major hemorrhage (0.60, 0.28‐1.26), subglottic stenosis (0.59, 0.27‐1.29), death (0.70, 0.24‐2.01), and overall complications (0.75, 0.56‐1.00). However, the overall complications trended toward favoring the percutaneous technique. Percutaneous tracheostomy case length was shorter overall by 4.6 minutes, and costs were less by approximately $456 USD.Conclusions: Our meta‐analysis illustrates there is no clear difference but a trend toward fewer complications in percutaneous techniques. Percutaneous tracheotomies are more cost‐effective and provide greater feasibility in terms of bedside capability and nonsurgical operation.
No Negative Outcomes of Childhood Middle Ear Disease in Adulthood
Authors: Welch David , Dawes Patrick 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: To test the hypothesis that childhood middle‐ear disease may have disadvantageous long‐term psychosocial consequences in adulthood.Study Design: Prospective, longitudinal study of a general‐population birth cohort.Methods: One thousand thirty‐seven people born in 1972/73 were studied from birth to age 26 when 1,019 (96% of survivors) were followed up. Childhood otitis media was assessed, and effects of it have previously been observed in childhood and adolescence. We considered outcome measures that were plausible adult counterparts of the childhood constructs shown to be impaired by otitis media: socioeconomic status, employment status, educational outcomes, personality, mental health, antisocial and criminal behavior, and subjective ratings of personal health (SF‐36).Results: No outcome measure was predicted by severity of childhood otitis media.Conclusions; Adult psychological and socioeconomic outcomes are not related to childhood otitis media when appropriate treatment is available.
Exclusion of pH Artifacts is Essential for Hypopharyngeal pH Monitoring
Authors: Harrell Steven P. , Koopman Jennifer , Woosley Scheryl , Wo John M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground: Published yields of pH monitoring for suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) vary greatly. Hypopharyngeal pH artifacts may be responsible for these inconsistencies.Objective: To determine the impact of potential artifacts on pH monitoring of the hypopharynx and esophagus.Methods: Patients with suspected LPR were prospectively studied. Single‐catheter, triple‐sensor pH monitoring was performed off antireflux therapy. Subjects recorded meal times and marked liquid swallows outside of meals on the data recorder. Results were analyzed by excluding six potential pH artifacts individually and all together. Positive pH test was defined as three or more reflux episodes in hypopharynx, total percent of time pH less than 4 was 1.0% or greater in the proximal esophagus, and total percent of time pH less than 4 was 4.2% or greater in the distal esophagus. Wilcoxon rank sum and chi‐square tests were used.Results: Thirty‐eight subjects (24 females; median age, 47 yr) completed the study. A total of 2,225 hypopharyngeal pH drops less than 4 were identified; 48% were short pH drops at less than 5 seconds, 17% within meal periods, 16% liquid swallows outside of meals, 16% isolated proximal pH drops, 12% pH out of range, and 5% pH drift. Eighty percent of the hypopharyngeal pH drops were at least one of the potential pH artifacts. The yield of the hypopharyngeal sensor was reduced by 45% (from 92% to 47%) after all potential pH artifacts were excluded. Yields of proximal and distal esophageal pH sensors were reduced by 19% and 8%, respectively, significantly less than the hypopharyngeal sensor (P < .01).Conclusions: Patients should record all liquid swallows outside of meals. It is essential to exclude all potential artifacts for hypopharyngeal pH monitoring in patients with suspected LPR.