bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assay for the quantification of troxerutin in human plasma
Authors: Liu Fei , Xu Yu , Rui Lei , Gao Shu , Dong Haijun , Guo Qingxiang 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA simple, rapid, sensitive and specific liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to quantify troxerutin in human plasma. The analyte and rutin, used as the internal standard, were analyzed on a Phenomenex Synergi Fusion RP column interfaced with a triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer using positive electrospray ionization. Acetonitrile/water (20:80 v/v) was used as the isocratic mobile phase, with 0.1% formic acid in water. A simple sample preparation method of protein precipitation with perchloric acid was employed. The assay was linear over the concentration range 31.25–4000 pg/mL. Correlation coefficients generated by linear regression with a 1/x2 weighting factor ranged from 0.9991 to 0.9996. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision over the entire concentration range were less than 12.28%. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of a 300 mg troxerutin drop pill to 18 healthy volunteers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internet companies' growth strategies: determinants of investment intensity and long‐term performance
Authors: Eisenmann Thomas R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTo exploit first‐mover advantages, pioneers may be motivated to amass customers before rivals enter the market. Likewise, when they enjoy increasing returns due to network effects, static scale economies, or learning effects, companies have incentives to invest aggressively in growth. This paper presents econometric analysis of factors that determined the intensity of Internet companies' investments in growth, and analyzes the long‐term performance consequences of such investments. Results indicate that first movers spent significantly more on upfront marketing than non‐pioneers. Contrary to expectations, however, firms in markets that exhibited increasing returns did not spend more on their early customer acquisition efforts than other sample companies. Although the typical sample company did not earn positive long‐term returns, heavy early investments in growth were nevertheless economically rational. In most cases, reducing marketing outlays would have worsened a bad outcome, consistent with an inverted ‘U’ relationship between long‐term returns and upfront marketing spending. Thus, the typical sample company invested in marketing, ex ante, at levels close to those that would have maximized returns, observed ex post. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The moderating influence of strategic orientation on the strategy formation capability–performance relationship
Authors: Slater Stanley F. , Olson Eric M. , Hult G. Tomas M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAn effective strategy formation capability is a complex organizational resource—a dynamic capability that should lead to superior performance. Strategy scholars have examined the strategy formation capability from many perspectives. However, no study has examined a comprehensive model of strategy formation in the context of the firm's strategic orientation. We develop and examine such a model. The results show that strategic orientation moderates the relationship between different elements of the strategy formation capability and performance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry at 11–14 weeks in singleton pregnancies conceived by assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Prefumo F. , Fratelli N. , Soares S. C. , Thilaganathan B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveSingleton pregnancies resulting from assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have an increased risk of preterm delivery, pre‐eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The aim of the present study was to determine whether first‐trimester trophoblastic invasion, as assessed by uterine artery Doppler velocimetry, is different in singleton pregnancies resulting from ART compared to those conceived naturally.MethodsCase‐control study on 31 singleton ART pregnancies (26 in‐vitro fertilization–embryo transfer, five intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and 62 matched pregnancies conceived spontaneously. Doppler velocimetry was performed at 11–14 weeks of gestation.ResultsThe mean resistance index (coefficient of variation) was 0.70 (17%) and 0.70 (18%) in ART and controls, respectively (P = 0.92). The corresponding values for mean pulsatility index were 1.40 (44%) and 1.47 (44%) in ART and controls, respectively (P = 0.58). Pregnancies with no, unilateral or bilateral diastolic notches were 48%, 26%, 26% and 36%, 37%, 27%, in ART and controls, respectively (P = 0.43).ConclusionThere are no differences in uterine artery Doppler indices between pregnancies obtained by invasive ART and naturally conceived matched controls. This finding suggests that there is no major difference in trophoblastic invasion of the maternal spiral arteries between ART and spontaneous pregnancies. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Double‐strand break repair and homologous recombination in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Raji Hayatu , Hartsuiker Edgar 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe study of double‐strand break repair and homologous recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae meiosis has provided important information about the mechanisms involved. However, it has become clear that the resulting recombination models are only partially applicable to repair in mitotic cells, where crossover formation is suppressed. In recent years our understanding of double‐strand break repair and homologous recombination in Schizosaccharomyces pombe has increased significantly, and the identification of novel pathways and genes with homologues in higher eukaryotes has increased its value as a model organism for double‐strand break repair. In this review we will focus on the involvement of homologous recombination and repair in different aspects of genome stability in Sz. pombe meiosis, replication and telomere maintenance. We will also discuss anti‐recombination pathways (that suppress crossover formation), non‐homologous end‐joining, single‐strand annealing and factors that influence the choice and prevalence of the different repair pathways in Sz. pombe. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DNA replication in the fission yeast: robustness in the face of uncertainty
Authors: Legouras Ioannis , Xouri Georgia , Dimopoulos Sotiris , Lygeros John , Lygerou Zoi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractDNA replication, the process of duplication of a cell's genetic content, must be carried out with great precision every time the cell divides, so that genetic information is preserved. Control mechanisms must ensure that every base of the genome is replicated within the allocated time (S‐phase) and only once per cell cycle, thereby safeguarding genomic integrity. In eukaryotes, replication starts from many points along the chromosome, termed origins of replication, and then proceeds continuously bidirectionally until an opposing moving fork is encountered. In contrast to bacteria, where a specific site on the genome serves as an origin in every cell division, in most eukaryotes origin selection appears highly stochastic: many potential origins exist, of which only a subset is selected to fire in any given cell, giving rise to an apparently random distribution of initiation events across the genome. Origin states change throughout the cell cycle, through the ordered formation and modification of origin‐associated multisubunit protein complexes. State transitions are governed by fluctuations of cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) activity and guards in these transitions ensure system memory. We present here DNA replication dynamics, emphasizing recent data from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and discuss how robustness may be ensured in spite of (or even assisted by) system randomness. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative analysis of a stand of Pinus densiflora undergoing succession to Quercus mongolica ssp. crispula: II. Growth and population dynamics of Q. mongolica ssp. crispula under the P. densiflora canopy
Authors: Kato Jun , Hayashi Ichiroku 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe report here the results of an 8‐year study of the growth and population dynamics of Quercus mongolica ssp. crispula in a Pinus densiflora stand in a state of succession. In 1998, there were 169 Q. mongolica ssp. crispula individuals in a 400‐m2 plot under the P. densiflora canopy. This number remained nearly constant between 1998 and 2005. Mean recruitment of new individuals was 11 year−1, while mean mortality was 12 year−1. Of the 35 individuals ≥60 cm in height existing in 1998, 30 were still surviving in 2005. We were able to represent the height growth of Q. mongolica ssp. crispula individuals as H=30 [1+21.96 exp(−0.0839t)]−1, with t = years since 1998 and H = height in meters. Using this equation we predict that by 2015 the mean height of Q. mongolica ssp. crispula trees in the stand will exceed those of understory trees, such as Rhus trichocarpa and Prunusmaximowiczii. Once above the understory stratum, the Q. mongolica ssp. crispula trees can be expected to grow more rapidly due to the better light conditions, thereby rapidly reaching the canopy stratum of the P. densiflora stand.
Configuration of small patch reefs and population abundance of a resident reef fish in a complex coral reef landscape
Authors: Hattori Akihisa , Kobayashi Miyako 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHabitat use by the resident coral reef anemonefish, Amphiprion frenatus, was examined in the complex coral reef landscape of Shiraho Reef, Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, Japan, using an enlarged color aerial photograph processed using image analysis software as an accurate field map. The anemonefish inhabit assemblages of the host sea anemone, Entacmaea quadricolor (clonal type), which inhabit various patch reefs in the back reef moat. We located all patch reefs inhabited by the host in the map based on snorkel observations: 297 anemonefish were found in 93 host assemblages in the study site of 2.9 ha. These patch reefs could be recognized by the reef colors, including the shadows (blackish color) in the photograph. Using image analysis software, the colors of the patch reefs were chosen and pixels with the same color values were regarded as potential habitat patches for the fish (PHPs). PHPs were 3D patch reefs (>0.5 m in height). Total areas (TA) and total perimeters (TP) of PHPs were measured in nine quadrats in the digitized aerial photograph. Host abundance and anemonefish abundance in a quadrat showed stronger correlations with the product of TA and TP of PHPs than TA alone. A site with numerous large 3D patch reefs (≥0.75 m2 in situ) can be a better habitat for the fish than other sites consisting of several huge 3D patch reefs of the same total area. The methodology applied here may be useful for assessing the quality of habitats for small resident animals in shallow subtidal reefs.
Spatio-Temporal Structure of Population Growth in Urban Regions: The Cases of Tel-Aviv and Haifa, Israel
Authors: Krakover Shaul 
Published: October 2006

Despite the growing awareness of the urban field as an urban entity extending beyond metropolitan area boundaries, the research on its internal spatial structure is still scarce. This study aims for a description of the spatio-temporal structure of population growth in the urban regions of Tel-Aviv and Haifa. The spatio-temporal trends of population growth in these regions are traced and analysed by the application of a multi-variate regression model using a compound spatio-temporal polynomial power series. The analysis is performed adirectionally for each urban region as a whole and it is repeated separately for three different geographic sectors in each region. Structural differences were found to exist between the larger and smaller urban regions as well as among the different geographic sectors. It is demonstrated that in the smaller urban region of Haifa the structural pattern obtained for the whole urban region misrepresents the unique trends that pertain to different directions.
The Relative Effects of Local Authority Financial Assistance Policies
Authors: Wren Colin 
Published: October 2006

The provision of financial assistance to industry has formed a growing and important part of the economic development policies of many local authorities. However, assessments of these policies have suffered from a number of drawbacks. In particular, they have tended to focus on the employment effect of the local authority's assistance policy as a whole, and there have been few attempts to isolate the factors bearing on the success of these policies or to compare their effectiveness with schemes pursued by other agencies. This paper examines the effect of local authority financial assistance on the operation and employment of establishments over the period 1980-84, using data collected as part of a survey of 201 establishments located in the North-East of England. These policies are compared with the two major instruments of regional policy: regional development grant (RDG) and regional selective assistance (RSA), and with national selective assitance (NSA). Different purposes of project are also examined using log-linear models. The results show that local authority assisted projects perform well when compared with RDG, but that RSA/NSA assisted projects perform even better. Much of the local authority assistance has been directed towards new company start-ups, but the research shows that nearly two-thirds of these projects would have gone ahead without being assisted. In general, projects concerned with machinery and equipment were most effective in employment terms and they also had a range of other beneficial impacts upon assisted establishments.
Pathology of Immunodeficient Mice With Naturally Occurring Murine Norovirus Infection
Authors: Ward Jerrold M. , Wobus Christiane E. , Thackray Larissa B. , Erexson Cindy R. , Faucette Larry J. , Belliot Gaël , Barron Elyssa L. , Sosnovtsev Stanislav V. , Green Kim Y. 
Published: October 2006

Murine norovirus (MNV) was recently discovered in Rag2−/−/ Stat1−/− mice in a U.S. medical research facility. Presently, little is known concerning the epidemiology and natural history of this virus. We studied the pathology of naturally occurring MNV infection in 28 immunodeficient mice of several different genotypes ( Rag1−/−/ IFNγ R−/−, OT1 Rag1−/−/ IFNγ R−/−, OT2 Rag1−/−/ IFNγ R−/−, Rag1−/−/ Stat1−/−, and Rag2−/−) that were maintained in two U.S. research facilities. The mice were selected for study because sentinel mice housed in their holding rooms had been identified as positive for MNV-specific antibodies during routine screening for infectious agents. Our data indicate that in certain lines of immunodeficient mice, MNV can establish a disseminated infection that is characteristically associated with inflammation in multiple tissues, including liver (hepatitis), lung (focal interstitial pneumonia) and the peritoneal and pleural cavities. In addition, MNV can establish an asymptomatic infection in the mesenteric lymph nodes of Rag2−/− mice. Further studies are needed to determine whether MNV presents a confounding variable in immunological, toxicological and pathological studies in mice naturally infected with MNV. [The supplemental data referenced in this paper is not printed in this issue of Toxicologic Pathology. It is available as a downloadable file in the online edition of Toxicologic Pathology, 34(6). In order to access the full article online, you must have either an individual subscription or a member subscription accessed through www.toxpath.org .]
Quality of requests for serum digoxin concentrations: experience from an Australian Regional Health Service
Authors: Ellington Chris , Grgurinovich Nick , Miners John O. , Mangoni Arduino A. 
Published: October 2006

What is already known about this subject• Therapeutic drug monitoring of serum digoxin concentrations (SDC) is considered useful in enhancing the therapeutic benefits of digoxin and minimizing the incidence of adverse drug reactions.• The quality of requests for SDC has been reported to be generally unsatisfactory. However, studies have focused on few information parameters.• A better knowledge of these issues might be useful to target appropriate areas of weakness within heathcare systems.What this study adds• The poor quality of the information in SDC requests involves a wide range of codes from the contact details of the requester to the time interval between the last dose of digoxin and blood sampling.• Misuse of the therapeutic drug monitoring service is common across different specialties and healthcare settings.AimsTo assess the quality of the information provided with serum digoxin concentration (SDC) requests received by a therapeutic drug monitoring service in a regional health service.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective audit of a consecutive series of 685 SDC requests during a 7‐month period. Information regarding (i) contact details, (ii) reasons for request, (iii) dose, (iv) route of administration, (v) concurrent therapy, (vi) treatment duration and (vii) time interval between the last dose and sampling was reviewed and coded as appropriate or inappropriate/missing. Data were analysed according to the origin of request, i.e. from different specialties/wards (emergency department and critical care, cardiology and coronary care unit, medicine and aged care, surgery, and general/private practice) and healthcare settings (teaching hospital, geriatric hospital and general/private practice).ResultsThe quality of SDC requests was generally poor across different specialties and healthcare settings. The information provided for the coded parameters was appropriate only in 19.1% (i), 6.4% (ii), 54.7% (iii), 45.8% (iv), 12.8% (v), 32.9% (vi) and 47.1% (vii) of cases. No SDC request was complete in all the information codes. SDC requests from general/private practice lacked more often details regarding the dose (information provided in 46.7% of requests, P = 0.007 vs. other specialties; P = 0.02 vs. other settings) and the route of administration (20.0%, P < 0.001 vs. other specialties and vs. other settings). SDC requests from the emergency department and critical care unit lacked more often details regarding the treatment duration (22.6%, P < 0.001 vs. other specialties) and the time interval between the last dose and blood sampling (40.1%, P = 0.01 vs. other specialties).ConclusionsThe quality of the information in SDC requests is poor across different specialties and healthcare settings. Educational strategies to ensure the appropriate use of this service are urgently needed.
Identification of trans‐acting siRNAs in moss and an RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase required for their biogenesis
Authors: Talmor‐Neiman Mali , Stav Ran , Klipcan Liron , Buxdorf Kobi , Baulcombe David C. , Arazi Tzahi 
Published: October 2006

Summary Trans‐acting small interfering RNAs (tasiRNAs) are a class of higher‐plant endogenous siRNAs that, like miRNAs, direct the cleavage of non‐identical transcripts. tasiRNAs derive from non‐coding transcripts (TAS) that are converted into dsRNA by a RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RDR6), following their initial miRNA‐guided cleavage. The dsRNA is then processed by a dicer‐like enzyme 4 into phased 21‐nucleotide siRNAs. To date, tasiRNAs have been identified only in Arabidopsis, and their identity and function in other land plants are unknown. Here, a set of endogenous small RNAs that correspond in a phased manner to a non‐coding transcript (contig13502) were identified in the moss Pyscomitrella patens. Northern analysis suggests that contig13502‐derived small RNAs are expressed in the juvenile gametophyte. In addition, miR390‐guided cleavage of contig13502 at two sites flanking the small RNAs cluster was validated by 5′ RACE. These cleavages are predicted to provide defined termini for the production of phased siRNAs. To elucidate the biogenesis of identified siRNAs, we cloned and generated knock‐out mutants for an RDR6 moss homologue (PpRDR6). These mutants exhibited an accelerated transition from juvenile to mature gametophyte. In addition, RNA blots demonstrated that they lacked contig13502‐derived siRNAs, suggesting that PpRDR6 is required for siRNA biogenesis. A target gene, which showed homology to an AP2/EREBP transcription factor, for one phased siRNA, was validated, corroborating its identity as a trans‐acting siRNA. Taken together, our data indicate that contig13502 is a novel TAS locus and suggest a role for derived tasiRNAs in the regulation of gene expression in moss.
Evaluation of the diethylcarbamazine patch to evaluate onchocerciasis endemicity in Central Africa
Authors: Ozoh Gladys , Boussinesq Michel , Bissek Anne‐Cécile Zoung‐Kanyi , Kobangue Léon , Kombila Maryvonne , Mbina Jean‐Romain Mourou , Enyong Peter , Noma Mounkaïla , Sékétéli Azodoga , Fobi Grace 
Published: October 2006

SummaryObjective  As part of a baseline data collection for assessing the impact of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control, to evaluate the diethylcarbamazine (DEC) patch test in determining the endemicity of onchocerciasis.Method  A total of 226 untreated children aged 3–5, living in four selected endemic foci, in Cameroon, Gabon and Central African Republic, were tested. Observed graded skin reactions to the patch were analysed and compared with the prevalence of onchocercal nodules and reactive skin disease in the corresponding community.Results  The proportion of children who tested positive ranged from 25.0% to 77.1%. The values were closely correlated with the prevalence of nodules, i.e. the level of endemicity for onchocerciasis.Conclusion  The DEC patch test, which has been so far used only in West African foci of onchocerciasis, can also constitute a valuable tool to evaluate the levels of endemicity of onchocerciasis in Central Africa, and to follow‐up the intensity of transmission of Onchocerca volvulus.
Safety and immunogenicity of the RTS,S/AS02A candidate malaria vaccine in children aged 1–4 in Mozambique
Authors: Macete E. , Aponte J. J. , Guinovart C. , Sacarlal J. , Ofori‐Anyinam O. , Mandomando I. , Espasa M. , Bevilacqua C. , Leach A. , Dubois M. C. , Heppner D. G. , Tello L. , Milman J. , Cohen J. , Dubovsky F. , Tornieporth N. , Thompson R. , Alonso P. L. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackground  The development of a malaria vaccine remains a public health priority for sub‐Saharan Africa. RTS,S/AS02A candidate malaria vaccine has been shown to be safe and immunogenic in previous studies in adults and staggered dose‐escalation studies in children in The Gambia. However, genetic features and the intensity of malaria transmission may modify the safety and immune response of a vaccine.Objective  We carried out a phase I, double‐blind randomized controlled trial in 60 children aged 1–4 in Mozambique to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the paediatric vaccine dose (fixed 25 μg RTS,S in 0.25 ml) of RTS,S/AS02A, prior to undertaking a planned larger phase IIb proof‐of‐concept of efficacy study in the same population.Method  Children were randomized to receive either RTS,S/AS02A or Engerix‐B® vaccine. Monitoring of safety and reactogenicity included detailed clinical and laboratory analyses and assessment of adverse events (AEs).Results  The RTS,S/AS02A was found to be safe and well tolerated. Serious adverse events were balanced between both groups and none was related to vaccination. The frequency of adverse events reported with RTS, S/AS02A was comparable to previous studies in children. Grade 3 AEs were infrequent (one case of pain, one of fever in each group and some swelling greater than 20 mm in diameter), transient and resolved without sequelae. RTS,S/AS02A was highly immunogenic for anti‐circumsporozoite protein antibody response and induced a strong anti‐hepatitis‐B surface antigen response.