bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A phase II trial using thalidomide for Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: McClain Kenneth L. , Kozinetz Claudia A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundFew new drugs for treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) have been studied. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is a prime therapeutic target since it appears to be present in elevated amounts in LCH lesions. Thalidomide inhibits TNF‐α production by affecting the gene promoter as well as other anti‐cytokine effects.ProceduresA Phase II trial of thalidomide for treatment of LCH patients who had failed primary and at least one secondary regimen was conducted. Sixteen patients were enrolled: nine males and seven females ranging in age from 19 months to 45 years. Six patients were high risk (HR) because of spleen, liver, lung, or bone marrow involvement. The low risk (LR) patients included six with bone/skin LCH, one with multiple bone, one with skin/bone/pituitary, one with skin/bone/brain, and one with skin only disease involvement. Fifteen patients remained on treatment from 3 weeks to over 1 year.ResultsAmong the LR patients there were four complete responses, three partial responses, and two with no response to thalidomide. No HR patient responded to thalidomide and all died of pulmonary, liver, or bone marrow failure. Thalidomide may have played a role in the pulmonary failure. Other toxicities that required stopping therapy included neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, and fatigue.ConclusionsThalidomide is an effective therapy for some LR patients with LCH, but showed no significant responses in HR patients. Dose‐limiting toxicities may reduce its efficacy in LR patients. Additional trials with improved anti‐TNF therapies would appear warranted. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:44–49. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accuracy of assessment of distress, anxiety, and depression by physicians and nurses in adolescents recently diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Hedström Mariann , Kreuger Anders , Ljungman Gustaf , Nygren Peter , von Essen Louise 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundAs staff members prioritize medical resources for patients, it is imperative to find out whether their assessments of patients' health status agree with patients' assessments. The degree to which physicians and nurses can identify the distress, anxiety, and depression experienced by adolescents recently diagnosed with cancer was examined here.ProcedureAdolescents undergoing chemotherapy (13–19 years, n = 53), physicians (n = 48), and nurses (n = 53) completed a structured telephone interview, 4–8 weeks after diagnosis or relapse, investigating disease and treatment‐related distress, anxiety, and depression.ResultsThe accuracy of staff ratings of physical distress could be considered acceptable. However, problems of a psychosocial nature, which were frequently overestimated, were difficult for staff to identify. Staff underestimated the distress caused by mucositis and worry about missing school more than they overestimated distress. These aspects were some of the most prevalent and overall worst according to the adolescents. Both physicians and nurses overestimated levels of anxiety and depression. Nurses tended to show higher sensitivity than physicians for distress related to psychosocial aspects of distress, while physicians tended to show higher accuracy than nurses for physical distress.ConclusionsStaff was reasonably accurate at identifying physical distress in adolescents recently diagnosed with cancer whereas psychosocial problems were generally poorly identified. Thus, the use of staff ratings as a “test” to guide specific support seems problematic. Considering that the accuracy of staff ratings outside a research study is probably lower, identification of and action taken on adolescent problems in relation to cancer diagnosis and treatment need to rely on direct communication. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laser‐induced Breakdown Detection (LIBD) for the Highly Sensitive Quantification of Aquatic Colloids. Part II: Experimental Setup of LIBD and Applications
Authors: Bundschuh Tobias , Wagner Tobias U. , Köster Rainer 
Published: December 2005

AbstractLaser‐induced Breakdown Detection (LIBD) enables the concentration and size of aquatic nano‐particles (colloids), in the range of 10–1000 nm and from about 1 ng/L (ppt) up to some mg/L (ppm), to be determined. Such particles, which are frequently encountered in aquatic systems, cannot be detected using methods based on laser light scattering or obscuration or if detection is possible, then only at a comparably low level of accuracy.The method of Laser‐induced Breakdown Detection uses a high‐energy pulsed laser beam to selectively generate a plasma (dielectric breakdown) on particles. The method is based on non‐linear optics and allows for the determination of both mean particle size and concentration in aqueous samples. Practically, this method is non‐invasive, sample preparation is not required, and measurement can take place online.This second part of the double publication describes the experimental basics as well as the latest developments in the field of LIBD. Furthermore, it shows examples of practical applications and compares the technology to standard methods like dynamic laser light scattering as well as laser light obscuration.
Experimental Study on Particle Size Distribution and Concentration Using Transmission Fluctuation Spectrometry with the Autocorrelation Technique
Authors: Guo Xiaoai , Riebel Ulrich 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBased on the statistical characteristics of the transmission fluctuations in the particle suspension, transmission fluctuation spectrometry with autocorrelation (TFS‐AC) is described theoretically, with the assumptions of geometric ray propagation and completely absorbent particles in the suspension. The experiments presented here are realized in a focused Gaussian beam with the TFS‐AC technique. The acquisition of transmission fluctuation signals is achieved by using a high‐resolution digital oscilloscope. The transition function of TFS‐AC is obtained by varying the autocorrelation time. With a modified iterative Chahine inversion algorithm, solving a linear equation retrieves information on the particle size distribution and particle concentration. Some experimental results on spherical and non‐spherical particles are presented and discussed. The experiments cover a particle size range from 1μm to 1000 μm and a particle concentration of up to 12 %.
Coulomb effects in binding of heme in gas‐phase ions of myoglobin
Authors: Mark Kevin J. , Douglas D. J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractCoulomb effects in binding of heme in gas‐phase holomyoglobin ions are studied. Positive and negative ions are formed from solution myoglobin with Fe2+ (ferromyoglobin) and Fe3+ (ferrimyoglobin). The energy that must be added to the resulting holomyoglobin ions to cause heme loss has been measured by triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. With negative ions, neutral heme is lost regardless of the charge state of Fe in solution. It is likely that the Fe3+ is reduced to Fe2+ in the negative electrospray process. With positive ions, predominantly neutral heme loss is observed with ions formed from ferromyoglobin in solution, and positive heme loss with ions formed from ferrimyoglobin in solution. The energies required to induce neutral heme loss are similar for positive and negative ions. The energies required to induce charged heme loss from positive holomyoglobin ions are significantly less. Coulomb repulsion between the charged heme and charged protein appears to lower the barrier for heme loss. These results are consistent with a simple model potential with a long‐range Coulomb repulsion and short‐range attraction between the heme and protein. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sampling systems for isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry of atmospheric ammonia
Authors: Skinner Richard , Ineson Phil , Jones Helen , Sleep Daren , Theobald Mark 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPassive and active ammonia (NH3) sampling devices have been tested for their nitrogen (N) capture potential and δ15N fractionation effects. Several sampling techniques produced significantly different δ15NH3 signals when sampling the same NH3 source released from field site fumigation campaigns. Conventional passive NH3‐monitoring systems have shown to provide insufficient N for isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry and various modified devices have been developed, based on existing diffusion tube designs, to overcome this problem. The final sampler design was then tested in a wind tunnel to verify that sampling NH3 in different environmental conditions did not significantly fractionate the δ15N signal. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry: direct toxicological screening and analysis of illicit Ecstasy tablets
Authors: Leuthold Luc Alexis , Mandscheff Jean‐François , Fathi Marc , Giroud Christian , Augsburger Marc , Varesio Emmanuel , Hopfgartner Gérard 
Published: December 2005

AbstractDesorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI‐MS) was used as a simple and rapid way to analyze drug tablets and powders without sample preparation. Experiments were performed with a home‐made DESI source coupled to a triple‐quadrupole linear‐ion trap (QqQLIT) mass spectrometer. Twenty‐one commercial drugs as well as some illicit Ecstasy tablets and powders were analyzed. MS spectra almost exclusively showed the protonated or deprotonated ion of the drug after directing the pneumatically assisted electrospray onto the tablet's surface. With some tablets, inhomogeneity of the surface resulted in different spectra depending on the spot analyzed, thus showing that DESI could be used for imaging. Directly triggered MS/MS spectra were used for confirmatory analysis, with analysis times often below 10 s per tablet. For illicit Ecstasy tablets, DESI‐MS, GC/MS and LC/MS analyses provided similar qualitative results for the main analytes. With MS/MS spectra library comparison or exact mass measurements, this technique could become very powerful for the rapid analysis of unknown tablets and shows the great potential of desorption techniques as an alternative to solution‐based analysis. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of salvinorins and divinatorins in Salvia divinorum leaves by liquid chromatography/multistage mass spectrometry
Authors: Medana Claudio , Massolino Cristina , Pazzi Marco , Baiocchi Claudio 
Published: December 2005

AbstractSalvinorin A is the most potent naturally occurring hallucinogen known and rivals synthetic LSD in potency. Structurally it belongs to the neoclerodane diterpenoids, and it is the only known non‐nitrogenous kappa‐opioid‐selective agonist. Salvia divinorum (Diviner's sage) is a member of the mint family that was used in ancient Mexican traditional practices. Today it is widely cultivated in Europe as a recreational marijuana substitute; it is illegal to buy, sell or possess the plant or the active principle in some countries. Six different salvinorins and three divinatorins have been isolated from Salvia divinorum leaves. The ion fragmentation, separation and quantitation of these diterpenes by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MSn) are described. The importance of LC in herbal extract determination and the chemical diagnostic power of MSn in the analysis of classes of natural organic products are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prioritizing process change requests (PCRs) in software process improvement
Authors: Kanungo Shivraj , Monga Ipininder S. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe present a prioritization scheme (based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)) to obtain individual and aggregate ranks of process improvement ideas as a part of software process improvement in an organization. This is a problem that organizations entering or operating in high maturity (CMM and CMMI levels 4 and 5) tend to face. In particular, we present the application of group AHP and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) to the problem of choosing process change requests (PCRs) in a software process improvement (SPI) program at IBM Global Services. [We are grateful to the quality group at IBM Global Services for their contribution to and participation in this project.] In eliciting PCRs, it is crucial to ensure that all PCRs are addressed and evaluated in a transparent and contextually relevant manner. In order to include diverse opinions and constituencies, the group‐based approach is most appropriate. However, there are numerous variants that can be applied to such situations for group decision‐making. In order to implement the option chosen by IBM, we developed a Java‐based system and added a spreadsheet add‐on for the ISM component. Specifically, we have shown how pure priorities provided by the use of group AHP can be augmented by structuring the elements that were prioritized on the basis of an understating of the linkages between the process change requests. Specifically, we have shown how complementarities (potential for synergy) between combinations of PCRs can be identified by integrating AHP and ISM. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pattern approach to software inspection process improvement
Authors: Harjumaa Lasse 
Published: December 2005

AbstractConcrete guidelines are often helpful when planning software process improvement. Small companies, in particular, need detailed and unambiguous instructions detailing what process areas to improve, and how to achieve the improvement. This article introduces a set of patterns to direct the improvement of the software inspection process. The pattern approach has been applied, since it has been used very successfully for knowledge‐sharing purposes and other areas of software engineering. The approach involves an evaluation of the inspection process capability, setting an overall goal for the improvement and updating the process according to pre‐defined actions. Experiments with initial patterns show that the method provides a feasible and quick way of making inspections more effective. Using patterns may also be beneficial when launching more wide‐ranging SPI activities, as companies can run preliminary trials of the improvement process on a smaller scale first. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intention‐driven modeling for flexible workflow applications
Authors: Nurcan Selmin , Edme Marc‐Henri 
Published: December 2005

AbstractDuring the early 1990s, workflow technologies were the only ones to offer a transversal integration capacity to the enterprise applications, thus allowing the representation and the enactment of business processes. However, the formalisms developed for workflow specifications were almost systematically activity oriented. Consequently, the resulting process definitions have the advantage to be easily transformable in executable code, but the disadvantage of being prescriptive and rigid. Recent works underline the needs in term of flexible and adaptive workflows, whose execution can evolve according to situations that cannot always be prescribed. In fact, a flexible representation of business processes is an asset to maintain the fit between business processes and their supporting systems in an evolving environment. This article proposes a conceptual framework for an intention‐driven modeling of flexible workflow applications. The purpose of the underlying modeling formalism is to define an integration/orchestration for islands of business process chunks and their support systems in order to create and to maintain the fit between them. The modeling framework offers the ability to represent in the same business process definition the well‐structured process chunks as well as the ill‐structured orad hocones. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of mu‐opioid agonists in the treatment of evoked neuropathic pain: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Eisenberg Elon , McNicol Ewan D. , Carr Daniel B. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractSeveral reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown the efficacy of mu‐opioids in reducing spontaneous neuropathic pain (NP). However, relatively little is known about their specific efficacy for evoked pain, which is a significant problem for many patients with NP. The present systematic review assesses the efficacy of opioid agonists for the treatment of evoked NP based upon published RCTs. We searched articles in any language using the MEDLINE database (1966 to December 2004), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (4th quarter, 2004) and the reference lists of retrieved papers, employing search terms for RCTs, opioids and NP. Only RCTs in which opioid agonists were given to treat NP of any etiology, and evoked pain was assessed were included. Data were extracted by two independent investigators. Nine articles met inclusion criteria and were classified as short‐term (less than 24 h; n = 7) or intermediate‐term trials (4 weeks; n = 2). Although the scarcity of retrieved data precluded formal meta‐analysis of short‐term trials, we found that the intensity of dynamic mechanical allodynia was significantly attenuated by opioids relative to placebo in all studies. In contrast, no consistent effects on the magnitude of static allodynia, the threshold for mechanical allodynia or the threshold or magnitude of heat allodynia were found. The threshold and magnitude of cold‐induced allodynia generally responded positively to opioid treatments in patients with peripheral pain syndromes, but not central pain syndromes. Evoked pain was studied in only two intermediate‐term trials, in both of which oxycodone was significantly superior to placebo. The results of the two trials were combinable for a meta‐analysis that showed an overall 24 points difference in endpoint pain intensities between patients given opioids and those treated with placebo (95% CI −33 to −15; p < 0.00001). In conclusion: short‐term studies show that opioids can reduce the intensity of dynamic mechanical allodynia and perhaps of cold allodynia in peripheral NP. Insufficient evidence precludes drawing conclusions regarding the effect of opioids on other forms of evoked NP. A meta‐analysis of intermediate‐term studies demonstrates the efficacy of opioids over placebo for evoked NP. These findings are clinically relevant because dynamic mechanical allodynia and cold allodynia are the most prevalent types of evoked pain in NP.
Reduction of ferric haemoproteins by tetrahydropterins: a kinetic study
Authors: Capeillere-Blandin Chantal , Mathieu Delphine , Mansuy Daniel 
Published: December 2005

We previously showed that one-electron transfer from tetrahydropterins to iron porphyrins is a very general reaction, with formation of an intermediate cation radical similar to the one detected in NO synthase. As a model reaction, the rates of reduction of eight haemoproteins by diMePH4 (6,7-dimethyltetrahydropterin) have been studied and correlated with their one-electron reduction potentials, Em (FeIII/FeII). On the basis of kinetic data analyses, a bimolecular collisional mechanism is proposed for the electron transfer from diMePH4 to ferrihaemoproteins. Haemoproteins with reduction potentials below −160 mV were shown not to be reduced by diMePH4 to the corresponding ferrohaemoproteins. For haemoproteins with reduction potentials more positive than −160 mV, such as chloroperoxidase, cytochrome b5, methaemoglobin and cytochrome c, there was a good correlation between the second-order reduction rate constant and the redox potential, Em (FeIII/FeII):The rate of reduction of cytochrome c by BH4 [(6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin] was determined to be similar to that of the reduction of cytochrome c by diMePH4. These results confirm the role of tetrahydropterins as one-electron donors to FeIII porphyrins.
Regulation of ERK1 gene expression by coactivator proteins
Authors: Chu Beanca Y. , Tran Kim , Ku Tony K. S. , Crowe David L. 
Published: December 2005

RARs (retinoic acid receptors) mediate the effect of their ligand RA (retinoic acid) on gene expression. We previously showed that RA inhibited cellular proliferation in part by decreasing expression of the mitogen activated protein kinase ERK1 (extracellular signal regulated kinase 1). However, the mechanism by which RA regulates ERK1 expression is largely uncharacterized. The present study characterizes coactivator-mediated regulation of RA target gene expression by analysing ERK1 promoter activation. CBP (CREB-binding protein) and PCAF (p300/CBP associated factor) are transcriptional coactivators that interact with nuclear hormone receptors such as RARs. CBP and PCAF differentially regulated ERK1 expression in stable clones. CBP clones expressed higher ERK1 protein levels, proliferated faster in culture and were resistant to RA-mediated growth inhibition. PCAF clones expressed lower levels of ERK1 protein and cells grew more slowly than controls. CBP and PCAF regulation of the ERK1 promoter was dependent on two Sp1 (specificity protein 1) sites located between −86 and −115 bp. Immunoprecipitation and yeast two-hybrid analysis revealed that PCAF interacted with Sp1 via CBP. A putative p53 binding site at −360 bp functioned as a major repressor of ERK1 promoter activity even in the absence of exogenous p53 expression. CBP and PCAF occupancy of the proximal ERK1 promoter was dramatically decreased by RA treatment. PCAF mediated inhibition of ERK1 expression was due to decreased stability of the kinase mRNA. We conclude that CBP and PCAF coactivators mediate ERK1 gene expression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level.
The in situ observation of the temperature and pressure stability of recombinant Aspergillus aculeatus pectin methylesterase with Fourier transform IR spectroscopy reveals an unusual pressure stability of β-helices
Authors: Dirix Carolien , Duvetter Thomas , Loey Ann Van , Hendrickx Marc , Heremans Karel 
Published: December 2005

The stability of recombinant Aspergillus aculeatus PME (pectin methylesterase), an enzyme with high β-helix content, was studied as a function of pressure and temperature. The conformational stability was monitored using FTIR (Fourier transform IR) spectroscopy whereas the functional enzyme stability was monitored by inactivation studies. Protein unfolding followed by amorphous aggregation, which makes the process irreversible, was observed at temperatures above 50 °C. This could be correlated to the irreversible enzyme inactivation observed at that temperature. Hydrostatic pressure greater than 1 GPa was necessary to induce changes in the enzyme's secondary structure. No enzyme inactivation was observed at up to 700 MPa. Pressure increased PME stability towards thermal denaturation. At 200 MPa, temperatures above 60 °C were necessary to cause significant PME unfolding and loss of activity. These results may be relevant for an understanding of the extreme stability of amyloid fibrils for which β-helices have been proposed as a structural element.