bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Nephropathies: Individual Risk for Progression to End-Stage Renal Failure as Predicted by an Integrated Probabilistic Model
Authors: Dimitrov Borislav D. , Ruggenenti Piero , Stefanov Rumen , Perna Annalisa , Remuzzi Giuseppe 
Published: November 2003

<i>Background/Aims:</i> To predict risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in individual patients with chronic nephropathy. <i>Methods:</i> Sequential use of univariate analyses and Cox regression to identify risk factors, artificial neural network to quantify their relative importance and Bayesian analysis to address uncertainty of relationships and incorporate ESRD prevalence information in 344 patients with chronic nephropathy enrolled in the Ramipril Efficacy In Nephropathy study. <i>Results:</i> Serum creatinine (SC), 24-hour urinary protein excretion (UPE) and calcium-phosphorus (Ca*P) product were, in this order, the strongest time-adjusted ESRD predictors. Individual risk of ESRD ranged from near zero when SC and UPE were <1.66 mg/dl and <3 g/24 h, to 69% when SC, UPE and Ca*P were ≧2.41 mg/dl, ≧3 g/24 h and ≧32.64 mg<sup>2</sup>/dl<sup>2</sup>, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that within lowest, middle and highest tertiles of basal SC (0.90–1.65, 1.66–2.40 and 2.41–6.30 mg/dl, respectively) the model accurately predicted ESRD (AUC = 0.80, 0.72 and 0.65; p = 0.0003, 0.0001 and 0.0022, respectively), quality of life or treatment costs. <i>Conclusion:</i> Integrated use of regression analysis and probabilistic models allows computation of individual risk of progression to ESRD and related utilities. This may help in optimizing care and costs in nephrology and other medical areas and designing trials in high-risk patients.
Plasma Levels of Proadrenomedullin N-Terminal 20 Peptide and Adrenomedullin in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Tokura Takeshi , Kinoshita Hiroshi , Fujimoto Shouichi , Kitamura Kazuo , Eto Tanenao 
Published: November 2003

<i>Background:</i> Proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) is a novel hypotensive peptide present in the precursor of adrenomedullin (AM), a vasodilative and natriuretic peptide. However, the profile of PAMP in hemodialyzed (HD) patients has not been determined. <i>Methods:</i> We measured plasma levels of PAMP, total AM (tAM) and a mature form of AM (mAM, the biologically active form) in HD patients (n = 31) and in normal controls (n = 21). <i>Results:</i> Plasma concentrations of PAMP before HD were significantly higher than those in controls (4.02 ± 0.24 vs. 1.64 ± 0.12 fmol/ml, p < 0.001) and decreased to the control level after HD (2.17 ± 0.18 vs. 1.64 ± 0.12 fmol/ml; NS). The plasma PAMP level before HD significantly correlated with weight gain during HD sessions (r = 0.41, p < 0.05), but not with predialysis blood pressure. The concentrations of mAM before and after HD were significantly higher than those in controls. The plasma mAM level before HD significantly correlated with weight gain during HD sessions, but not with predialysis blood pressure. The plasma level of PAMP did not correlate with that of mAM in HD patients. <i>Conclusion:</i> PAMP and AM may be involved in the regulation of blood volume in patients undergoing HD.
Detection of Prepro-ET-1 mRNA in Normal Rat Kidney by in situ RT-PCR
Authors: Moridaira Kazuaki , Nodera Makoto , Sato Gen , Yanagisawa Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2003

<i>Background:</i> Available evidence has shown that endothelin-1 (ET-1) acts in an autocrine/paracrine fashion rather than as a hormone or cytokine. Therefore, the analysis of local ET-1 production is a crucial step toward understanding its physiological and pathophysiological importance. In this study, in situ RT-PCR was utilized to detect tubular expression of prepro-ET-1 mRNA in normal rat kidney. <i>Methods:</i> Kidneys were taken from normal Sprague-Dawley rats weighing approximately 200 g. In situ RT-PCR was carried out using the preparations embedded in paraffin and cut at a thickness of 8 µm. Furthermore, we tried semiquantitation of the prepro-ET-1 mRNA expression along different nephron segments by densitometric analysis. <i>Results:</i> Prepro-ET-1 mRNA expression was detected in all tubular segments of the kidney from normal rats. Densitometric analysis demonstrated its highest expression in cortical collecting duct (CCD) and outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD). The expression was the lowest in thin descending limb of Henle’s loop (TDL). <i>Conclusion:</i> This study showed that all tubular segments have the ability to synthesize ET-1 in rat kidney. It would be worth evaluating the levels prepro-ET-1 mRNA expression in various diseases by in situ RT-PCR to understand its pathophysiological role in such settings.
Muscle activation and strain patterns of the m. hyohyoideus of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) during opercular movements
Authors: Spierts Igor , Niessen Martijn , van Leeuwen Johan 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
We investigated the function of the m. hyohyoideus superior (MHS) and inferior (MHI) in the head of three carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 29.7 ± 2.1 cm FL ) during three movements (normal breathing, stressed movements and food uptake). Both muscle parts are located ventrally at the inner side of the operculum and branchiostegal rays and consist of red (mainly in MHI) and white (mainly in MHS) fibres. Contrasting views exist about the functional role of these muscles during ventilation and food uptake. Therefore, we analysed muscle activities of the MHS and MHI using electromyography (EMG) and measured the strain pattern of the MHS using sonomicrometry. Carp were also filmed from a ventral viewpoint using high-speed video at 250 frames s-1. EMG and sonomicrometry data showed an increase in muscle strain amplitudes, cycle frequency and (relative) stimulus duration while stimulus on- and off-times occurred earlier in the strain cycle from normal breathing to stressed movements to food uptake. The MHS and MHI were always simultaneously active. We concluded that: 1) the MHI is not responsible for high frequency movements (i.e. stressed movements and food uptake); 2) both muscle parts assist in the onset of opercular closing, and 3) the MHS and MHI do not act as antagonists in carp.
Oxygen profile in zebra fish embryo (Danio rerio) elucidated by theory and experiment
Authors: Kranenbarg Sander , van den Boogaart Jos , van Leeuwen Johan 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
We present a numerical-experimental diffusion study in which we elucidate the spatial oxygen profile around and inside a zebra fish embryo in the pre-circulation stage (24-28 hpf). Lowest oxygen partial pressures are found in the head with a gradient of posteriorly increasing pressure along the midline of the embryo. Furthermore, this study shows the yolk mass to have a relatively high oxygen permeability as compared to the surrounding medium and the respiring tissue. The oxygen permeability of the respiring tissue in this stage is close to that of water. Knowledge of the details of the oxygen distribution are important for an understanding of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, since oxygen levels influence the expression of endothelial growth factors.
Reproductive characteristics of a lowland population of an alpine lizard: Lacerta monticola (Squamata, Lacertidae) in north-west Spain
Authors: Rúa Marta , Galán Pedro 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
We studied the reproductive ecology of a population of the lacertid lizard Lacerta monticola at a lowland location in A Coruña (NW Spain) from 1997 to 2002. The timing of the reproductive cycle was examined based on mark-recapture records of individual lizards in the field. The characteristics of the eggs and hatchlings were obtained from clutches laid in the laboratory by pregnant females that were temporarily removed from the study area. Our results indicate that mating took place between late March and July. The smallest female with signs of sexual maturity had a snout-vent length (SVL) of 52.4 mm and the smallest male was 50.7 mm. Sexual maturity was attained at the age of 2 years by 41% of the individuals, while the remaining 59% of the lizards matured at the age of 3 years. The laying period occurred between June and the beginning of August considering all years. About 61% of the reproductive females produced a single clutch annually, while 39% of the females produced two clutches per year. Females that produced two clutches were generally larger (average SVL = 70.9 mm) than those that laid a single annual clutch (average SVL = 62.6 mm). The mean clutch size was 6.4 eggs (range 4-9). Both clutch size and clutch mass increased significantly with female SVL. The mean egg mass in a clutch decreased significantly with clutch size. Hatching occurred between August and September. Hatching success in the laboratory was 71.7%. The mean SVL was higher in female hatchlings than in males.
Microgeographical distribution of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in coastal dune grassland and their relation to the soil structure and vegetation
Authors: Bonte  , Dekoninck  , Provoost  , Cosijns  , Hoffmann  
Published: November 2003

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the microgeographical distribution of ants nests in an intensively grazed dune pasture. A total of seven species were recorded. By the application of a forward multiple logistic regression we were able to determine nesting choice for the three common species Lasius niger, L. psammophilus and Myrmica specioides. The first could be identified as a pioneer species, while the two latter species, which are typical of dry, sandy dune grounds, differ slightly in their nesting preference. The effect of nest building on soil structure was investigated for a mound-building species (Formica cunicularia) and for a non-mound-building species (Lasius psammophilus). Both species significantly decrease the thickness of the organic and water-capturing soil layer, while the mound-building species additionally affects the soil lime content (an increase) and the soil hardness (a decrease). Mound building in dense Calamagrostis vegetation also stimulates the germination of a characteristic and rare plant species, Thymus pulegioides.
Regulated secretion of glycosylated human ferritin from hepatocytes
Authors: Ghosh Sharmistha , Hevi Sarah , Chuck Steven L. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Serum ferritin has been used widely in clinical medicine chiefly as an indicator of iron stores and inflammation. Circulating ferritin also can have paracrine effects. Despite the clinical significance of serum ferritin, its secretion remains an enigma. The consensus view is that serum ferritin arises from tissue ferritins— principally ferritin light—which can be glycosylated. Ferritin heavy and light chains are cytosolic proteins that form cages of 24 subunits to store intracellular iron. We show that ferritin light is secreted when its expression is increased in stable, transfected HepG2 cells or adenovirus-infected HepG2 cells. Export occurs through the classical secretory pathway and some chains are N-glycosylated. Ferritins do not need to form cages prior to secretion. Secretion is blocked specifically, effectively, and rapidly by a factor in serum. The timing of this inhibition of ferritin secretion suggests that normally cytosolic ferritin L is targeted to the secretory pathway during translation despite the absence of a conventional signal sequence. Thus, secretion of glycosylated and unglycosylated ferritin is a regulated and not a stochastic process.
Binding of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate to a Cationic Polymer of High Charge Density
Authors: Lee Jungno , Moroi Yoshikiyo 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
An investigation was made into the binding of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to a cationic polymer of high charge density, the homopolymer of diallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC), in 1 mM (1 M = 1 mol dm−3) NaCl solution using a potentiometric titration method utilizing a surfactant-selective electrode at 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 45 °C. The concentrations of PDADMAC examined were 100, 200, and 400 ppm. SDS ions bound very cooperatively to the PDADMAC polymer. Variation of the polymer concentration had almost no effect on the binding parameters at the same temperature, while increasing the temperature had a large effect on the binding system at the same polymer concentration. The intrinsic binding constant (K) and the critical aggregation concentration (cac) decreased and then increased with increasing temperature, having minimum values of 17.9 × 10−2 mM−1 and 0.19 × 10−2 mM at 25 °C, respectively. However, the cooperativity parameter (u) and the binding affinity (uK) had a maximum value of 20.0 × 102 and 357 at the same temperature, respectively. The polymer-concentration-independence of the binding parameters for the anionic surfactant (SDS) to the cationic polymer (PDADMAC) corresponds to the binding of a cationic surfactant to an anionic polymer, and the maximum in the binding affinity at 25 °C is quite similar to the binding of a cationic surfactant to an anionic polymer, and also to the micellization of ionic surfactants having a minimum cmc value at 25 °C.
The Potentiometric Effect of As(III) Ion on a Belousov–Zhabotinskii Oscillating Chemical Reaction. Application to the Determination of As(III)
Authors: Ojani Reza , Raoof Jahanbakhsh , Mahdavi Fathemeh 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
A novel analytical method that builds on specific features of non-linear chemical systems far from thermodynamic equilibrium is described. The used oscillating chemical system is the BZ (Belousove–Zhabotinskii) reaction in a non-equilibrium stationary state close to a bifurcation point. The method uses a Pt electrode for monitoring the potential response to a perturbation caused by As(III) ion. A linear response, in which the oscillating amplitude varies versus the logarithm of the As(III) concentration, was found in the range of 1.99 × 10−6–1.27 × 10−4 M. Under optimum conditions, a detection limit of 2 × 10−6 M for As(III) was obtained. The relative standard deviation (%RSD) for As(III) 1.59 × 10−5 M is 7.1 (n = 6).
Hydrogen Generation by Wet Grinding of Quartz Powders and Its Dependence on the pH and Ionic Strength of Liquid Media
Authors: Kameda Jun , Saruwatari Kazuko , Tanaka Hidemi 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Hydrogen generation was investigated by grinding quartz powder in pH- and ionic strength-controlled liquid media. The effect of ionic strength on hydrogen generation was negligible, while the decrease of generated hydrogen in the acidic pH region (&gt;5.0) was observed. The mechanism of these mechanochemical reactions was discussed.
Role of Hydrogen Bonding in Azobenzene–Urea Assemblies. Structural Evaluations of Multilayers on Solid Substrates
Authors: Seki Takahiro , Fukuchi Takashi , Kobayashi Toru , Ichimura Kunihiro 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The multilayers of three homologous azobenzene (Az)-containing urea derivatives, having two, one and no hydrogen atom(s) at the terminal nitrogen atom in the urea moiety, and a simple long chain urea (hexadecylurea) were prepared by the Langmuir–Schaefer method. X-ray reflectometry, contact angle measurements of water, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were undertaken to evaluate the layer structure and properties of these multilayered films. Of the four compounds, only the Az amphiphile, having no hydrogen atom at the terminus nitrogen atom, provided a different type of multilayers in terms of the molecular orientation, flexibility of the packing state, and characteristics of the intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The obtained data strongly support the formation of bifurcated hydrogen bonds for compounds having one or two hydrogen atom(s) at the terminus nitrogen of urea. The aspects obtained in this structural study can be exactly correlated with the properties of the Langmuir monolayers floating on water (Seki et al., Langmuir, 18, 5462 (2002).). Based on the X-ray and IR spectroscopic data, plausible models of the packed structure of the urea compounds in the multilayers are proposed.
Selective Reduction of α-Chloroketone to α-Chloroalcohol Using Hydrogen Transfer from Alcohol over Metal Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Gotoh Kunihiro , Kubo Jun , Ueda Wataru , Mori Tohru , Morikawa Yutaka 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The carbonyl group of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanone was reduced selectively through hydrogen transfer from 2-butanol over MgO, SiO2·Al2O3, Al2O3, and ZrO2. It is suggested that the reaction is promoted by either base or acid site of the catalysts.
Effective Shortening in Length of Glycolipid Nanotubes with High Axial Ratios
Authors: Yang Bo , Kamiya Shoko , Yui Hiroharu , Masuda Mitsutoshi , Shimizu Toshimi 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
A novel glycolipid, N-(11-cis-octadecenoyl)-β-d-glucopyranosylamine self-assembles in water to provide monodispersed and well-defined glycolipid nanotubes (LNTs) with a high-axial-ratio structure. Mechanical stirring of the LNT suspension proved to convert the obtained long LNTs into short ones (&lt;10 μm) in length, depending on the feature of hydrogen bond network in the LNTs.
Facile Chemical Modification of the Poly(l-histidine) for a New pH-Sensitive Polypeptide
Authors: Asayama Shoichiro , Kawakami Hiroyoshi , Nagaoka Shoji 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
We have synthesized the poly(l-histidine) (PLH) with aliphatic primary amino groups for conjugation as a new pH-sensitive polypeptide. The resulting aminated PLH suddenly precipitated out of the aqueous medium above pH 6.0 owing to the deprotonation of imidazole groups. The aminated PLH was successfully conjugated with maltopentaose by reductive amination. The resulting PLH-maltopentaose conjugate improved its water solubility at physiological pH.
Photocatalytic Decomposition of Acetaldehyde under Visible Light Irradiation over La3+ and N Co-doped TiO2
Authors: Sakatani Yoshiaki , Nunoshige Jun , Ando Hiroyuki , Okusako Kensen , Koike Hironobu , Takata Tsuyoshi , Kondo Junko N , Hara Michikazu , Domen Kazunari 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
La3+ and N co-doped TiO2, which contained paramagnetic N species, decomposed acetaldehyde under visible light irradiation. The number of the paramagnetic N species seemed to control the absorption of visible light and the activity.
“Syn-Effect” in the Desilylation Reaction of γ-Silylated Allylic and Vinylic Sulfones
Authors: Guha Samar Kumar , Ukaji Yutaka , Inomata Katsuhiko 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The desilylation reaction of γ-silylated allylic sulfones was found to proceed through γ-silylated (E)-vinylic sulfones to afford the corresponding allylic sulfones by treatment with DBU and H2O. The Z/E ratio of the resulting allylic sulfones varied according to the γ-substituents of the γ-silylated sulfones. This stereochemical outcome was rationalized by “syn-effect.”
Infrared Absorption Induced by Field Effect from a Metal–Insulator–Semiconductor Diode Fabricated with Regioregular Poly(3-hexylthiophene)
Authors: Takao Hiroki , Furukawa Yukio 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Infrared absorption induced by field effect from a metal–insulator–semiconductor diode with an Au/aluminum oxide/regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) structure has been obtained by using a combination of infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy and the FT-IR difference-spectrum method. The observed bands have been attributed to carriers (positive polarons) injected into the polymer layer and accumulated near the surface of the layer.
Longstanding vulval problems and entry dyspareunia among STD-clinic visitors in Oslo-results from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Edgardh Karin , Abdelnoor Michael 
Published: November 2003

An increasing number of women with vulval problems and pain attend Olafiaklinikken, the centre for sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Oslo. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of long-standing vulval problems and entry dyspareunia in a consecutive sample of STI-clinic visitors in Oslo. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed before and independent of the consultation. Response rate was 89.6% (502/560). Mean and median age were 25.9 and 24.0 years respectively, range 16-65 years. Vulval soreness, burning, dryness and fissures present for at least three months were reported by 23.1% (116/502), entry dyspareunia by 6.9% (34/494). Independent risk factors for dyspareunia were a history of ≥4 treatments for vulvovaginal candidiasis during the last year, reported by 34.6%, odds ratio (OR) 4.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.81-11.0, and a history of bacterial vaginosis, reported by 42.4%, OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.11-4.92. Contraceptive methods, hygienic habits, a history of STIs, depression or sexual abuse were factors unrelated to longstanding symptoms. Investigation with regard to longstanding vulval problems and entry dyspareunia is required for a certain group of sexually transmitted disease-clinic visitors in Oslo, and referral to a special service for vulva patients would be beneficial for selected patients.
Glimepiride Pharmacokinetics in Obese Versus Non-Obese Diabetic Patients
Authors: Shukla Umesh A , Chi Eric M , Lehr Karl-Heinz 
Published: November 2003

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is a global concern, accounting for the vast majority of cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin deficiency and insulin resistance and, increasingly, with patients who are overweight or obese. Glimepiride is a popular choice of oral antidiabetic agent for patients with Type 2 diabetes since it increases both insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity and, unlike some other oral agents, is associated with weight neutrality or even weight loss. OBJECTIVE: To assess the pharmacokinetic characteristics of glimepiride and its metabolites in normal-weight and morbidly obese patients with type 2 diabetes to determine whether the pharmacokinetics of glimepiride are altered by obesity. METHODS: Normal-weight (n = 14) and morbidly obese (n = 14) men and women (in a 1:1 ratio) with type 2 diabetes received a single oral dose of glimepiride 8 mg following an overnight fast. Serum concentrations of glimepiride and its metabolites, cyclohexyl hydroxymethyl derivative (MI) and carboxyl derivative (MII), and urinary concentrations of these metabolites were measured. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 patient groups for glimepiride in terms of mean peak concentration (Cmax) (p = 0.0807), time to reach Cmax (tmax) (p = 0.9916), AUC0–24 (p = 0.2609), AUC0–∞ (p = 0.1275), or terminal half-life (p = 0.3076). Mean tmax values and relative total clearances for the 2 groups were also equivalent. Some differences were noted with respect to the pharmacokinetics of metabolites between the groups. In particular, over a 24-hour period, the morbidly obese group excreted statistically significantly greater amounts of MI (p = 0.0430) and MII (p = 0.0051) compared with the normal-weight group. However, none of the differences was considered clinically significant since these metabolites do not have meaningful pharmacologic activity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results presented here indicate that no intrinsic difference is observed in the oral clearance of glimepiride in obese patients compared with non-obese patients. Given that the dosage is titrated to achieve optimal fasting glucose levels, no special dose consideration is required for the use of glimepiride in the treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes.