bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary mode, tempo, and phylogenetic association of continuous morphological traits in the aquatic moss genusAmblystegium
Authors: Vanderpoorten A. , Jacquemart A.-L. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractEvolutionary significance of morphological characters that have traditionally been used for species delineation in the aquatic moss genus Amblystegium was tested by partitioning the environmentally and genetically induced morphological variation and focusing on morphological evolution using comparative methods. Cultivation experiments under controlled condition showed that most of the morphological variation in nature resulted from plasticity. Information regarding genetically fixed morphological variation and genetic similarity derived from polymorphic inter-simple sequence repeat markers was combined into an explicit model of morphological evolution. Maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters indicated that evolution of most characters tended to accelerate in the most recent taxa and was often independent from the phylogeny. Constraining the different characters to be independent from each other most often produced a less likely result than when the characters were free to evolve in a correlated fashion. Thus, the morphological characters that have traditionally been used to circumscribe different Amblystegium species lack the independence, diagnostic value for specific lineages, and stability that would be required for distinguishing different species.
Conclusions and Activities of Previous Expert Groups: The Scientific Steering Committee of the EU
Authors: Fries R. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIn 1998, the EU Commission consulted its Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) to give advice on actions against anti‐microbial resistance based on scientific evidence. The SSC set up a working group and adopted in 1999 an Opinion on Antimicrobial Resistance. Statements given in the well‐structured document are clear, and precise recommendations were proposed. Summarizing, the Committee stated: There is evidence to suppose a continuous flow of resistance genes between pathogenic and commensal bacteria and of transfer of these bacteria between different compartments of the biosphere, thus changing the genetic resources continuously. There exist numerous factors which influence the emergence and spread of anti‐bacterial resistance. However, it is likely that restriction in the use of anti‐microbials will lead to a containment or a reduction of the drug resistance problem. Actions should be taken promptly to reduce the overall use of anti‐microbials in a balanced way in all areas: human medicine, veterinary medicine, animal production and plant protection.
Expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in human esophageal cancer and in vitro inhibition by a specific COX‐2 inhibitor, NS‐398
Authors: YU HONG‐PING , SHI LU‐YUAN , LU WEN‐HONG , SU YAN‐HUA , LI YUAN‐YUAN , XU SHUN‐QING 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground:  The purpose of the present paper was to study the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in normal squamous epithelium, squamous dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus, to elucidate the role of COX‐2 in esophageal carcinogenesis, and to evaluate the in vitro effect and mechanism of a COX‐2 inhibitor, NS‐398, in inducing growth inhibition and apoptosis of human esophageal cancer cells.Methods:  Biopsy specimens of esophageal dysplasia (n = 21), and surgical resections of SCC (n = 37) were compared with normal esophagus (n = 37) and analyzed by RT‐PCR. Human esophageal cells were used for the study. Anti‐proliferative effect was measured by MTT, apoptosis was determined by DNA fragmentation assay.Results:  Marked COX‐2 expression was shown in SCC and esophageal squamous dysplasia, and no marked COX‐2 expression was observed in the normal squamous epithelium, respectively. NS‐398 could inhibit esophageal cells growth in a dose‐dependent manner, induce apoptosis, and elevate caspase‐3 activity in vitro.Conclusions:  This study provides evidence that COX‐2 is upregulated in the majority of cases of squamous dysplasia and SCC of esophagus, and that NS‐398 can inhibit growth and induce apoptosis via activating caspase‐3 activity in vitro. These results suggest that selective inhibitors of COX‐2 may be an effective preventive and therapeutic option for esophageal carcinoma.
Efficacy of electrolyzed acid water in reprocessing patient‐used flexible upper endoscopes: Comparison with 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde
Authors: LEE JUN HAENG , RHEE POONG‐LYUL , KIM JEONG HWAN , KIM JAE J , PAIK SEUNG WOON , RHEE JONG CHUL , SONG JAE‐HOON , YEOM JOON SUP , LEE NAM YONG 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Two percent glutaraldehyde, the most widely used liquid chemical germicide (LCG), may be hazardous to patients and medical personnel. Alternatives to glutaraldehyde, such as electrolyzed acid water (EAW), are being developed, but data from well‐controlled studies with patient‐used endoscopes are rare. The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate the high‐level disinfection capability of EAW and compare it with glutaraldehyde.Methods:  A random sample of 125 endoscopes was collected immediately after upper endoscopic examination. After careful manual cleaning, endoscopes were divided into a glutaraldehyde and EAW group. After the disinfection procedure, samples from working channel (S‐1), insertion tube (S‐2), umbilical cord (S‐3), and angulation knob (S‐4) were taken and cultured. Another twenty endoscopes were experimentally contaminated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and samples were collected after contamination (T‐1), after manual cleaning (T‐2), and after final disinfection (T‐3). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HBV‐DNA was performed.Results:  In the EAW group, culture‐positive rates were 3.2% in S‐1, 9.5% in S‐2, 3.2% in S‐3, and 27.0% in the S‐4 samples. There was no significant difference between the EAW and glutaraldehyde groups for all sampling sites. However, in both groups, disinfection of the angulation knobs (S‐4) was less efficient than the others. For the T‐1 site, HBV‐DNA was detected from all of them, and in 95% (19/20) of T‐2. However, HBV‐DNA was not detected from T‐3 samples.Conclusions:  Electrolyzed acid water is as efficient as glutaraldehyde in eliminating bacteria from patient‐used endoscopes. After disinfection procedures using both methods, HBV‐DNA was not detected from any endoscopes experimentally contaminated with HBV‐positive mixed sera. However, some bacteria may remain on the surface of the endoscopes. Therefore, more careful precleaning of the endoscopes may help achieve high‐level disinfection in the clinical setting.
Therapeutic effect of transurethral needle ablation in non‐bacterial prostatitis: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome type IIIa
Authors: CHIANG PO HUI , CHIANG CHIN PEI 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAim:  Non‐bacterial prostatitis is difficult to manage with conventional treatment. This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effect of transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) on men with chronic inflammatory non‐bacterial prostatitis.Methods:  Thirty‐two patients with non‐bacterial prostatitis (type IIIa) were treated with TUNA. The TUNA procedure, which uses radiofrequency energy, heats the prostate tissue to approximately 90–110°C over a 5‐min period. Evaluation consisted of a prostatitis symptom severity score chart, the monitoring of the leukocyte count in the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) and a subjective global assessment.Results:  The decrease in the prostate symptom severity score chart at 3 and 6 months compared with the baseline assessment was statistically significant. Analysis of the leukocyte levels in the EPS in 14 patients was available. All 14 patients had a decrease in the EPS leukocyte count 3 months after treatment. However, six of these men (43%) still had EPS leukocyte levels above the normal indices (>10 white blood cells per high‐power field). A second session of TUNA on these partial responders resulted in three of the six men obtaining a normal EPS leukocyte count. At 6 months following treatment, complete, partial and poor improvement in terms of subjective global assessment were noted in 60, 35 and 5% of patients, respectively. No major complications, including those of sexual dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation, were noted in this cohort.Conclusions:  Transurethral needle ablation appears to be an easy, safe and effective treatment for men with chronic inflammatory non‐bacterial prostatitis.
Rate of nosocomial transmission of vancomycin‐resistant enterococci from isolated patients
Authors: Cheng A. C. , Harrington G. , Russo P. , Liolios L. , Spelman D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTo evaluate an isolation policy for patients colonised with vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE), we instituted active surveillance for transmission to uncolonised patients. Surveillance rectal swabs were taken and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis was performed on positive isolates. VRE transmission with an identical genotype occurred in 5 patients, giving a transmission rate of 3.7 per 1000 patient days, or 1 patient per ward each week. The present study provides a baseline for ­assessment of VRE transmission and will be useful in evalu­ation of the effectiveness of infection control interventions. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 510−512)
Elementary Propositions and Essentially Incomplete Knowledge: A Framework for the Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Demopoulos William 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA central problem in the interpretation of non‐relativistic quantum mechanics is to relate the conceptual structure of the theory to the classical idea of the state of a physical system. This paper approaches the problem by presenting an analysis of the notion of an elementary physical proposition. The notion is shown to be realized in standard formulations of the theory and to illuminate the significance of proofs of the impossibility of hidden variable extensions. In the interpretation of quantum mechanics that emerges from this analysis, the philosophically distinctive features of the theory derive from the fact that it seeks to represent a reality of which complete knowledge is essentially unattainable.
The obesity syndrome and acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans is a common cosmetic problem providing epidemiological clues to the obesity syndrome, the insulin‐resistance syndrome, the thrifty metabolism, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II
Authors: Maitra S K , Rowland Payne C M E 
Published: December 2004

SummaryObesity and its consequences are arguably the chief public health problems facing the developed world. Obesity causes many fatal diseases, in particular cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease.Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a common cosmetic disability in pigmented ethnic groups. It may present with periorbital darkening or darkening of the neck or knuckles as well as acrochordons (skin tags) around eyelids, neck or axillae. The more classical AN of axillae and groins is less often a cosmetic disability, although it is an important physical sign. AN is very common in pigmented populations throughout the world, irrespective of domicile. It is rare in whites. AN is closely associated with all the features of the insulin‐resistance syndrome (IRS), especially obesity. AN and IRS share a similar prevalence and epidemiology.IRS (also known as syndrome X or the deadly quartet) is characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and its associated conditions, including obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) type II. The sequelae of IRS are cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. The origins of insulin resistance and its sequel, IRS, are debated. Insulin resistance can result from obesity. Also obesity usually presents before AN, hypertension or DM II. For these reasons it may be more helpful to recognize instead an obesity syndrome.The obesity syndrome is characterized by a genetically determined thrifty metabolism that protects subjects in famine conditions but which, in conditions of plenty, leads to weight gain with all its consequences, including hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, IR with DM II, and, in due course, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease. In pigmented races, AN is an important early manifestation of the obesity syndrome.AN helps identify persons at particular risk of developing the obesity syndrome, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and IR with DM II. Recognition of AN, therefore, offers important opportunities for health screening and preventative medicine.
The concept of safer face‐lifting
Authors: Frame J D , Frame J E 
Published: December 2004

SummaryFace‐lifting is now a common aesthetic procedure, performed mainly by plastic surgeons but increasingly also by ENT surgeons, oral surgeons, general surgeons and dermatologists. The level of expertise is dependent on training and exposure to patients, in addition to basic surgical skills. With cosmetic surgery clients, a holistic approach to patients is becoming increasingly important and, with increasing demands from the Care Standards Committee, there should be less demand for part‐time aesthetic surgeons.This paper describes the working practice and thought processes of a single surgeon, based on 14 years of a busy aesthetic surgery practice. There are numerous types of face‐lift described in the literature but, in practical terms, the simplest technique often gives the best result, with little risk of morbidity.Undoubtedly, some clients need an aggressive approach but, in most cases, the vertical pull mini‐face‐lift gives consistently good results in cases that are carefully assessed preoperatively and managed by skilled aesthetic/plastic nurses in the postoperative period.This paper is unique in its holistic approach to assessment, technique and aftercare. It is designed for the sensible surgeon, looking for a low‐risk technique that reaps professional satisfaction and a happy client base. The more complex face‐lift should be referred to recognized specialists in the field.
ORI findings of scientific misconduct in clinical trials and publicly funded research, 1992–2002
Authors: Reynolds Sandra M 
Published: December 2004

Background Since 1992 the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) had reviewed investigations of scientific misconduct in research funded by the US Public Health Service (PHS). ORI defined scientific misconduct as “fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other practices that seriously deviate from those that are commonly accepted within the scientific community for proposing, conducting, or reporting research”. Purpose The purpose of this study was to summarize the findings and administrative actions reported in ORI notices of scientific misconduct in clinical trials occurring between May 1992 and 2002. Methods Findings of misconduct were gathered from publicly available sources: the ORI annual reports and the NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts. Results Clinical trials accounted for 17 (13%) of the 136 investigations that resulted in findings of scientific misconduct, and they were noted in 12 (11%) of the 113 brief reports of investigations closed with findings of no scientific misconduct. In clinical trials, the most severe sanction, debarment from US Government funding, was applied in six (35%) of the cases of misconduct compared to 79 (66%) of 119 cases from all other types of research combined. Of individuals cited for misconduct in clinical trials, three (18%) held doctorates in contrast to 81 (68%) in other types of research. Conclusions In clinical trials, junior employees may bear the burden of sanction for scientific misconduct. The most frequently applied sanction was the requirement that a plan of supervision of the sanctioned employees accompany any future application for funding which would include them. This imposition of sanction on an individual employee does not address possible causes of misconduct which may be inherent in the overall pattern of leadership, training and supervision in the trial. Furthermore, the definition of misconduct, as interpreted by the Departmental Appeals Board, excludes carelessness and other poor research practices that may lead to dissemination of more incorrect data than misconduct.
The Vermont Diabetes Information System (VDIS): study design and subject recruitment for a cluster randomized trial of a decision support system in a regional sample of primary care practices
Authors: MacLean Charles D , Littenberg Benjamin , Gagnon Michael , Reardon Mimi , Turner Paul D , Jordan Cy 
Published: December 2004

Background Despite evidence that optimal care for diabetes can result in reduced complications and improved economic outcomes, such care is often not achieved. The Vermont Diabetes Information System (VDIS) is a registry-based decision support and reminder system based on the Chronic Care Model and targeted to primary care physicians and their patients with diabetes. Purpose To develop and evaluate a regional decision support system for patients with diabetes. Methods Randomized trial of an information system with clustering at the practice level. Ten percent random subsample of patients selected for a home interview. Subject and setting includes 10 hospitals, 121 primary care providers, and 7348 patients in 55 Vermont and New York primary care practices. Results We report on the study design and baseline characteristics of the population. Patients have a mean age of 63 years and a mean glycosolated hemoglobin A1C of 7.1%. Sixty percent of the population has excellent glycemic control (A1C, 7%); 45% have excellent lipid control (serum LDL-cholesterol,100 mg /dL and serum triglycerides,400 mg/dL). Twenty-five percent have excellent blood pressure control (,130/80 mm Hg). These results compare favorably to recent national reports. However, only 8% are in optimal control for all three of hyperglycemia, lipids and blood pressure. Conclusions Our experience to date indicates that a low cost decision support and information system based on the Chronic Care Model is feasible in primary care practices that lack sophisticated electronic information systems. VDIS is well accepted by patients, providers and laboratory staff. If proven beneficial in a rigorous, randomized, controlled evaluation, the intervention could be widely disseminated to practices across America and the world with a substantial impact on the outcomes and costs of diabetes. It could also be adapted to other chronic conditions. We anticipate the results of the study will be available in 2006.
A Novel Approach to Synthesize Hollow Calcium Carbonate Particles
Authors: Han Yong Sheng , Hadiko Gunawan , Fuji Masayoshi , Takahashi Minoru 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Hollow calcium carbonate particles were synthesized by a novel and facile approach which involves bubbling the CO2/N2 mixed gases into CaCl2 solution. The hollow particles were formed by the aggregation of nano-sized spherical particles on bubble surface. The formation mechanism was firstly proposed and the interaction of particles with bubbles was discussed.
Das Experiment: Ionenselektive Elektroden
Authors: Wenck Helmut , Höner Kerstin 
Published: December 2004

AbstractElektroden, die ein bestimmtes Ion in Gegenwart anderer Ionen selektiv anzeigen, werden als ionenselektive Elektroden bezeichnet. Herstellung und Wirkungsweise dieser Elektroden lassen sich in einem einfachen Experiment zeigen.
Die PCR – eine Revolution in der DNA‐Analytik
Authors: Krauss Gerhard 
Published: December 2004

AbstractKaum eine Methode hat die Analytik der Desoxyribonucleinsäure (DNA) so revolutioniert wie die Polymerase‐Kettenreaktion (Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR), eine DNA‐Vervielfältigungstechnik. Sie wird auf so verschiedenen Gebieten wie der Gerichtsmedizin, Gentechnologie, der medizinischen Diagnostik sowie der Paläontologie eingesetzt. Doch damit sind ihre Möglichkeiten noch lange nicht ausgeschöpft.
Die molekulare Architektur des Exoskeletts von Insekten
Authors: Peter Martin G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBei den Insekten dient das Exoskelett nicht nur als Stützapparat für die Fortbewegungsmuskulatur, sondern auch als Barriere gegen schädliche Einwirkungen. Die Hauptkomponenten des Exoskeletts sind Chitin, Proteine und phenolische Verbindungen. Der vorliegende Aufsatz behandelt den Aufbau und einige Materialeigenschaften der Insektencuticula und geht dann ausführlicher auf die Mechanismen der Aushärtung (Sklerotisierung) des Exoskeletts ein.
Reaktionsverläufe animiert. Organic Reaction Mechanisms
Authors: Adam Horst 
Published: December 2004

AbstractZur Darstellung chemischer Reaktionen, z. B. in Veröffentlichungen, verwendet der Chemiker schon immer eine Symbolschrift, die seit den Tagen der Alchimie erweitert und vereinheitlicht wurde, bis sie zu der heute allgmein bekannten Formelschreibweise gewachsen ist. Will man dazu noch verdeutlichen, wie eine Reaktion von A + B → C vonstatten geht, zeichnet man kleine Pfeile an die „Bindungen”︁, um die Bewegung der Elektronen zu verdeutlichen.
Jobsuch auf dem Internet
Authors: Iblenfelt Wolf D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractDie Arbeitsmarktsituation in der Chemie hat sich in den letzten Jahren spürbar entspannt. Dennoch gibt es auf etlichen, nicht hundertprozentig dem Trend der Zeit entsprechenden Spezialgebieten immer noch einen beträchtlichen Überhang an Stellensuchenden. Entsprechende Mobilität vorausgesetzt, kann das Internet bei der Stellensuche hilfreich sein.
Biochemische Mechanismen einer einfachen Verhaltensreaktion
Authors: Marwan Wolfgang , Oesterhelt Dieter 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn active search for conditions for optimal phototrophic growth, halobacteria respond to light and to a variety of other environmental stimuli by taxis. Light reception is mediated by sensory rhodopsins, seven helix transmembrane retinal proteins that are stably complexed to specific MCP‐related transducer proteins. Photoisomerization of the retinal chromophore generates a steric signal which activates the sensory rhodopsin‐transducer‐complex. Complex activation is relayed to a two component signaling system and transiently changes the cytoplasmic concentration of fumarate which, together with the small cytoplasmic protein CheY controls flagellar motor switching. Dual signaling by CheY and fumarate was also found inEscherichia coliwhere it mediates metabolic signaling and taxis in cells with disabled two‐component system. Sensory integration of different environmental stimuli occurs at the level of the signaling domains of several stimulus‐specific transducers constructed through combination of appropriate molecular modules. Irrespective of the complexity of the signaling network, the response to light is quantitatively predictable and stochastic. Its kinetic analysis suggests that time‐dependent changes in the activity of signaling components can be resolved even in the context of a complex molecular network.
Goethes Experimente mit „chemischen Farben”︁
Authors: Schwedt Georg 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn connection with the chemical aspects of his work „Farbenlehre”︁, which involved him almost his whole life, Goethe, too, performed chemicals experiments which he recorded so carefully that his notes can still he reproduced today. It deals with tests series on the reactions of metal salts solutions with yellow prussiate of potash (potassium ferrocyanide), at that time called „Berlinerblau Lauge”︁, acid‐base reactions of numerous blossom dyes (today noted as anthocyanes), silver pigments and the coloured ions of manganese in its several oxidation states, called as mineral chameleon.