bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved method for molecular diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1)
Authors: Erginel‐Unaltuna Nihan , Akbas Fahri 
Published: January 2004

AbstractMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) has been identified as the amplification of a polymorphic (CTG)n repeat in the 3′ untranslated region of a gene encoding a serine/threonine kinase (DMPK). The length of the CTG repeat correlates with clinical severity and the age at onset of the disease. Thus, the ability to perform quick and accurate molecular genetic diagnoses is of great importance to patients and their families. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blots are essential methods for such diagnoses. All previously published methods are based on Southern blots using radioactive probes. Furthermore, the enzymes used for DNA digestion result in larger fragments, which makes it difficult to accurately determine the insert sizes. In this study, we report an improved method for molecular diagnosis of DM1. This method employs an initial screening with PCR followed by Southern blots using nonradioactive probes and TaqI as the enzyme, and provides a much better resolution of the labeled bands. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 18:50–54, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum cystatin C assay for the detection of early renal impairment in diabetic patients
Authors: Xia Li Hai , Bing Xu Guo , An Xia Tie 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe ability to assess renal function in diabetes patients rapidly and early is of major importance. This study was designed to determine whether cystatin C can replace serum creatinine as the screening marker for reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in type 2 diabetes patients. The study was performed on 51 type 2 diabetic patients. GFR was estimated by the plasma clearance of 99mTc‐DTPA. The correlation between 99mTc‐DTPA clearance and levels of serum cystatin C, serum creatinine, and creatinine clearance was determined. Sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of renal impairment (defined as GFR<68 ml/min) were calculated by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for serum cystatin C, serum creatinine, and creatinine clearance. The correlation coefficients with 99mTc‐DTPA clearance were −0.744 for serum cystatin C, −0.658 for serum creatinine, and +0.625 for creatinine clearance (P<0.001). With a cutoff value of 68 mL/min, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.891 for cystatin C, 0.77 for creatinine, and 0.753 for creatinine clearance. The AUC was statistically different between serum cystatin C and creatinine clearance (P<0.05). The ROC plot indicates that cystatin C is superior to serum creatinine and creatinine clearance for detecting impaired GFR. Serum cystatin C appropriately reflects GFR in diabetes, and is more efficacious than serum creatinine and creatinine clearance in detecting reduced GFR in type 2 diabetes patients. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 18:31–35, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
XPS depth profile study of porous zirconia films deposited on stainless steel by spray pyrolysis: the problem of substrate corrosion
Authors: Martin F. , Lopez M. C. , Carrera P. , Ramos‐Barrado J. R. , Leinen D. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractZirconia (ZrO2) films of tissue‐like structure and narrow pore size distribution have been deposited by spray pyrolysis using aqueous zirconyl chloride octahydrate (ZrOCl2·8H2O) precursor solutions. Stainless‐steel sheets, protected or unprotected by a ZnO barrier layer, have been used as the substrate material held at 473 K. The ZnO barrier layers have been deposited on the stainless steel held at 523 K by spray pyrolysis using a zinc acetate precursor. Their property of corrosion protection to stainless steel has been proved by electrochemical polarization measurements in 0.5 M NaCl solution. A complementary study of XPS (depth profiling, mapping) and x‐ray diffraction has shown that the unprotected steel substrates were corroded during ZrO2 film post‐annealing in air at T ≥ 773 K, whereas steel substrates protected with a compact barrier layer of crystalline ZnO before ZrO2 film deposition did not show surface corrosion even after annealing up to 997 K. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS depth profile analysis of non‐stoichiometric NiO films
Authors: Oswald S. , Brückner W. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAntiferromagnetic NiO films used for pinning layers in spin valve systems were prepared by reactive sputtering from an NiO target with variation of the oxygen/argon mixture in the sputter gas. Using XPS depth profiling we investigated the NiOx overstoichiometry (x > 1) in the films that was found by other methods and the chemical changes in the films during annealing. A direct detection of Ni3+ failed because of strong preferential sputtering with the formation of metallic Ni during sputtering. By means of factor analysis a qualitative description of the overstoichiometry is possible. Indirectly it could be shown that metallic Ni is already formed in the oxide layers during annealing. It can be concluded that the stability of the NiOx films decreases with increasing deviation from stoichiometry (x > 1). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of chromate conversion coating on AA7075‐T6 aluminum alloy
Authors: Meng Qingjiang , Frankel G. S. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractChromate conversion coatings (CCCs) on AA7075‐T6 were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam sectioning and scanning transmission electron microscopy with nano‐electron dispersive spectroscopy line profiling. The thickness and composition of the CCC was different at different locations on the heterogeneous microstructure of AA7075‐T6. The coating formed on the matrix phase was much thicker than that formed on the coarse Al–Cu–Mg, Al–Fe–Cu and Mg–Si intermetallic particles. Nano‐electron dispersive spectroscopy line profiling indicated that the coating on the Al–Fe–Cu particles was similar to the CCC formed on the phase matrix, primarily a chromium oxide. However, the coatings on the Al–Cu–Mg and Mg–Si particles were mixed Al/Mg/Cr oxide and Mg oxide, respectively. The growth of CCC followed a linear‐logarithmic kinetic rate law. The observations of this study support the sol‐gel model of CCC formation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure of 4‐biphenylthiolate on Au nanoparticle surfaces studied by UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Jang Soonmin , Kim Sung II , Shin Seokmin , Joo Sang‐Woo 
Published: January 2004

AbstractStructure of 4‐biphenylthiolate on Au nanoparticle surfaces has been studied by UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). 4‐Biphenylthiolate is found to have a standing geometry on Au from the presence of the benzene ring CH stretching band identified at ∼3060 cm−1. The ν8a band at 1597 cm−1 in the ordinary Raman spectrum was found to split clearly into two features at 1599 and 1585 cm−1. This result suggests that orientation of the phenyl rings in 4‐biphenylthiolate may be quite different and should not lie in the same plane on Au nanoparticle surfaces. On the basis of the electromagnetic enhancement factor, the dihedral angle could be estimated with a reported value of the tilt angle. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HREELS signal processing via wavelets
Authors: Charles Catherine , Leclerc Gervais , Rasson Jean‐Paul , Pireaux Jean‐Jacques 
Published: January 2004

AbstractIn spectroscopy, the recorded spectra can often be modelled as the noisy convolution product of an instrumental function with the ‘true’ signal to be estimated. Such models have often been used for high‐resolution electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (HREELS). In this article, a new method is suggested to estimate the ‘true’ HREELS signal, i.e. the original electronic diffusion function with ‘true’ peak intensities. Our method relies upon the use of wavelets that, because they exhibit simultaneous time and frequency localization, are well‐suited for signal analysis.Firstly, a wavelet shrinkage algorithm is used to filter the noise. This is achieved by decomposing the noisy signal into an appropriate wavelet basis and then thresholding the wavelet coefficients that contain noise. This algorithm has a particular threshold related to frequency andtime.Secondly, the broadening due to the instrumental response is eliminated through a deconvolution process. This step mainly rests on the existing relation between the Lipschitz regularity of the signal and the decay with scale of its wavelet coefficients and on least squares.The efficiency of this technique is highlighted by comparing the results obtained with those provided by other published methods.This work is the second in a series of three papers in this issue. The first one presents background knowledge on the wavelets required to understand the estimation methods. The third paper explores the application of wavelet filtering and deconvolution techniques to x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noise filtering and deconvolution of XPS data by wavelets and Fourier transform
Authors: Charles Catherine , Leclerc Gervais , Louette Pierre , Rasson Jean‐Paul , Pireaux Jean‐Jacques 
Published: January 2004

AbstractIn experimental sciences, the recorded data are often modelled as the noisy convolution product of an instrumental response with the ‘true’ signal to find. Different models have been used for interpreting x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra. This article suggests a method of estimate the ‘true’ XPS signal that relies upon the use of wavelets, which, because they exhibit simultaneous time and frequency localization, are well suited to signal analysis.First, a wavelet shrinkage algorithm is used to filter the noise. This is achieved by decomposing the noisy signal into an appropriate wavelet basis and then thresholding the wavelet coefficients that contain noise. This algorithm has a particular threshold related to frequency andtime.Secondly, the broadening due to the instrumental response is eliminated through a deconvolution process similar to that developed in the previous paper in this series for the analysis of HREELS data. This step mainly rests on least‐squares and on the existing relation between the Fourier transform, the wavelet transform and the convolution product. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between hydroxyl fraction and O/Al atomic ratio as determined from XPS spectra of aluminium oxide layers
Authors: van den Brand J. , Sloof W. G. , Terryn H. , de Wit J. H. W. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractA set of five different aluminium oxide layers has been investigated using XPS. The oxide layers were made by oxidizing aluminium in a vacuum, with an alkaline and acidic pretreatment and in boiling water. Hydroxyl fractions of the aluminium oxide layers ranging from 0.0 to 0.5 were determined by constrained curve‐fitting of the O 1s peak. The O/Al atomic ratios of the aluminium oxide layers, ranging from 1.5 to 2.0, were determined from the O 1s and Al 2p photoelectron intensities. A method is presented to account for the attenuation of the photoelectron intensities by the contamination overlayer. For the studied oxide layers, a linear relation is observed between the hydroxyl fraction and the O/Al atomic ratio of the aluminium oxide layers. It is concluded that the results obtained by the curve‐fitting procedure are reliable. Furthermore, a linear relation is observed between the hydroxyl fraction and the O 1s peak width. The O 1s binding energies of the O2− and OH− components of the oxide layers correspond to 531.0 ± 0.1 eV and 532.4 ± 0.1 eV, respectively. Only pseudoboehmite showed 0.5 eV lower binding energies for these components. Angle‐resolved XPS analysis showed that most of the studied oxides are enriched in hydroxyl groups at their outermost surface. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial of an educational intervention for GPs in the assessment and management of depression
Authors: GASK L. , DOWRICK C. , DIXON C. , SUTTON C. , PERRY R. , TORGERSON D. , USHERWOOD T. 
Published: January 2004

Background. General practitioners (GPs) can be provided with effective training in the skills to manage depression. However, it remains uncertain whether such training achieves health gain for their patients.Method. The study aimed to measure the health gain from training GPs in skills for the assessment and management of depression. The study design was a cluster randomized controlled trial. GP participants were assessed for recognition of psychological disorders, attitudes to depression, prescribing patterns and experience of psychiatry and communication skills training. They were then randomized to receive training at baseline or the end of the study. Patients selected by GPs were assessed at baseline, 3 and 12 months. The primary outcome was depression status, measured by HAM-D. Secondary outcomes were psychiatric symptoms (GHQ-12) quality of life (SF-36), satisfaction with consultations, and health service use and costs.Results. Thirty-eight GPs were recruited and 36 (95%) completed the study. They selected 318 patients, of whom 189 (59%) were successfully recruited. At 3 months there were no significant differences between intervention and control patients on HAM-D, GHQ-12 or SF-36. At 12 months there was a positive training effect in two domains of the SF-36, but no differences in HAM-D, GHQ-12 or health care costs. Patients reported trained GPs as somewhat better at listening and understanding but not in the other aspects of satisfaction.Conclusions. Although training programmes may improve GPs' skills in managing depression, this does not appear to translate into health gain for depressed patients or the health service.
Assessing mental health in primary care research using standardized scales: can it be carried out over the telephone?
Authors: EVANS M. , KESSLER D. , LEWIS G. , PETERS T. J. , SHARP D. 
Published: January 2004

Background. Telephone interviewing has economic and logistical advantages but has not been widely used in the UK. Most studies comparing face-to-face and telephone psychiatric assessment have been carried out in the US, often restricted to a population with known psychiatric disorder and involving comparisons between two separate sample groups rather than repeat interviews with the same group. The aim of the present study was to compare face-to-face and telephone administration of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire and the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule in a UK general practice sample.Method. Ninety-eight consecutive attenders at two general practices were assessed twice within 48 h. The order of face-to-face and telephone interviews was alternated.Results. There was no evidence that the mode of administration led to a bias in scores on the CIS-R. For the GHQ, those aged over 60 tended to score higher on the telephone. There was good agreement between face-to-face and telephone scores for both GHQ and CIS-R and good agreement for case definition. Participants had a strong preference for face-to-face interviews.Conclusions. Telephone assessment of mental health using the GHQ and CIS-R is a reasonable method to be used in primary care research in the UK with the limitation that telephone responses from older people might be different from face-to-face assessments for the GHQ. However, telephone interviewing appeared less acceptable and should probably be used in the context of established or ongoing personal contact between researcher and subject.
Problem-solving in suicide attempters
Authors: POLLOCK L. R. , WILLIAMS J. M. G. 
Published: January 2004

Background. Recent research studies on the psychological processes underlying suicidal behaviour have highlighted deficits in social problem-solving ability, and suggest that suicide attempters may, in addition, be passive problem-solvers. The aim of this study was to examine problem-solving in suicide attempters (including passivity) and to see whether the deficits are mood-dependent.Method. Two groups, a suicide attempter group and a non-suicidal psychiatric control group completed measures of depression, hopelessness, suicidal ideation and social problem-solving ability shortly after admission, and again 6 weeks later. In addition, a non-psychiatric control group provided baseline data at a single time point.Results. The suicide attempter group displayed poorer problem-solving ability than matched psychiatric controls and this difference persisted despite change in mood. However, although suicidal patients were more passive in their problem-solving style than non-psychiatric controls, they were not significantly more passive than psychiatric controls. Problem-solving did not change with improving mood.Conclusions. Although passivity is not unique to suicidal patients, in combination with the smaller number and less effective alternatives generated, it may increase vulnerability.
Cognitive functions in depressive disorders: evidence from a population-based study
Authors: AIRAKSINEN E. , LARSSON M. , LUNDBERG I. , FORSELL Y. 
Published: January 2004

Background. Most of the available evidence on the effects of depression is based on in- and out-patient samples focusing on individuals suffering from major depression. The aims of this study were to examine cognitive functioning in population-based samples and to determine whether cognitive performance varies as a function of depression subgroup.Method. Population-based samples (aged 20–64 years) with major depression (N=68), dysthymia (N=28), mixed anxiety-depressive disorder (N=25) and minor depression (N=66) were examined on a variety of cognitive tasks (i.e. episodic memory, verbal fluency, perceptual-motor speed and mental flexibility). One hundred and seventy-five non-depressed individuals served as controls.Results. The total group of depressed individuals showed impairments in tasks tapping episodic memory and mental flexibility. Of more interest, however, was the observation that the pattern of impairments varied as a function of depression subgroup: the major depression and mixed anxiety-depressive disorder groups exhibited significant memory dysfunction, whereas individuals with dysthymia showed pronounced difficulties in mental flexibility. Minor depression did not affect cognitive performance. Verbal fluency and perceptual-motor speed were not affected by depression.Conclusions. These results indicate that persons with depressive disorders in the population exhibit cognitive impairments in tasks tapping episodic memory and mental flexibility and that cognitive impairment varies as a function of depressive disorder.
Bulimia nervosa with co-morbid avoidant personality disorder: behavioural characteristics and serotonergic function
Authors: BRUCE K. R. , STEIGER H. , KOERNER N. M. , ISRAEL M. , YOUNG S. N. 
Published: January 2004

Background. Separate lines of research link lowered serotonin tone to interpersonal submissiveness and bulimia nervosa (BN). We explored the impact of co-morbid avoidant personality disorder (APD), as a proxy for submissiveness, on behavioural inhibition and serotonin function in women with BN.Method. Participants included women with BN with co-morbid APD (BNA+, N=13); women with BN but without APD (BNA−, N=23), and control women with neither BN nor APD (N=23). The women were assessed for psychopathological tendencies and eating disorder symptoms, and participated in a computerized laboratory task that measured behavioural inhibition and disinhibition. Participants also provided blood samples for measurement of serial prolactin responses following oral administration of the partial 5-HT agonist meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP).Results. The BNA+ group had higher scores than the other groups on self-report measures of submissiveness, social avoidance, restricted emotional expression, affective instability and self-harming behaviours. Compared with the other groups, the BNA+ group tended to be more inhibited under cues for punishment on the computerized task and to have blunted prolactin response following m-CPP. The bulimic groups did not differ from each other on current eating symptoms or on frequencies of other mental disorders.Conclusions. Findings indicate that women with BN and co-morbid APD may be characterized by interpersonal submissiveness and avoidance, affective instability, self-harm, behavioural inhibition in response to threat and lower sensitivity to serotonergic activation. These findings may indicate common, serotonergic factors, associated with social submissiveness, behavioural inhibition to threat and BN.
Randomized controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for chronic fatigue
Authors: HARTZ A. J. , BENTLER S. , NOYES R. , HOEHNS J. , LOGEMANN C. , SINIFT S. , BUTANI Y. , WANG W. , BRAKE K. , ERNST M. , KAUTZMAN H. 
Published: January 2004

Background. Chronic fatigue greatly affects quality of life and is a common reason for consulting a physician. Since conventional therapy is often of limited help, fatigued patients may use herbal treatments. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of Siberian ginseng.Method. Subjects were recruited from advertisements in Iowa (82%) and members of chronic fatigue syndrome support groups (18%). Potential subjects were required to have substantial fatigue [ges ]6 months with no identifiable cause. The mean change in a fatigue measure was compared for placebo and Siberian ginseng at 1 and 2 months. Comparisons were for all subjects and for subjects with characteristics previously identified in the literature as important for categorizing chronic fatigue.Results. Ninety-six subjects were randomized to treatment groups, and 76 provided information at 2 months of follow-up. Fatigue among subjects assigned to either placebo or Siberian ginseng was substantially reduced during the study, but differences between treatment groups were not statistically significant in the full sample. Fatigue severity and duration had a statistically significant interaction with response to Siberian ginseng at the P<0·05 level. Treatment was effective at 2 months for 45 subjects with less severe fatigue (P=0·04 unadjusted for multiple comparisons) and for 41 subjects with fatigue for [ges ]5 years (P=0·09 unadjusted for multiple comparisons).Conclusion. Overall efficacy was not demonstrated. However, the findings of possible efficacy for patients with moderate fatigue suggests that further research may be of value.