bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Xenostrip-Tv, a Rapid Diagnostic Test for
Trichomonas vaginalis
Infection
Authors: Pillay A. , Lewis J. , Ballard R. C. 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACT

An immunochromatographic strip test, Xenostrip-Tv, was compared to wet mount and PCR for the diagnosis of
Trichomonas vaginalis
infection in women. Of 428 specimens tested, 54 (12.6%) were positive by an “expanded gold standard,” defined as either a positive wet mount and PCR test with primers TVK3 and TVK7 and/or a positive PCR test confirmed by a second PCR assay with primers TVA5-1 and TVA6; 26 (6%) were positive by wet mount, and 36 (8.4%) were positive by Xenostrip-Tv test. Since the Xenostrip-Tv test is rapid and easy to perform and proved to be more sensitive than wet mount, it should be considered as an alternative to wet mount for point-of-care diagnosis of trichomoniasis, especially in settings where microscopy is impractical.
HOMOGENIZATION IN COARSENING SYSTEMS I: DETERMINISTIC CASE
Authors: NIETHAMMER B. , VELÁZQUEZ J. J. L. 
Published: August 2004

We study the homogenization limit of the Mullins–Sekerka problem which serves as a model for late-stage coarsening in a phase transformation. We consider the case that the screening length which describes the effective range of particle interactions is much smaller than the system size, which leads to homogenization problems in unbounded domains. The present paper deals with deterministic initial particle distributions which are in an average sense homogeneously distributed. Stochastic particle distributions will be considered in a second paper (Part II).
The Qurʿanic Law of Inheritance
Authors: Kimber Richard 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe Sunnī law of inheritance relies on a particular interpretation of the Qurʿanic inheritance verses. Even though Shīʾī inheritance law is strikingly different from Sunnī law, the Sunnī interpretation of the Qurʿanic texts has rarely been questioned. In this essay I propose a new interpretation of the relevant texts and examine the system of inheritance that this interpretation seems to imply. The system proposed is closer to Shīʾī than to Sunnī law, but even Shīʾī law shows the influence of characteristically Sunnī interpretations of the Qur'ān.
Activity of telithromycin and comparators against bacterial pathogens isolated from 1,336 patients with clinically diagnosed acute sinusitis
Authors: Dohar Joseph , Cantón Rafael , Cohen Robert , Farrell David John , Felmingham David 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
Increasing antimicrobial resistance among the key pathogens responsible for community-acquired respiratory tract infections has the potential to limit the effectiveness of antibiotics available to treat these infections. Since there are regional differences in the susceptibility patterns observed and treatment is frequently empirical, the selection of antibiotic therapy may be challenging. PROTEKT, a global, longitudinal multicentre surveillance study, tracks the activity of telithromycin and comparator antibacterial agents against key respiratory tract pathogens.

Methods
In this analysis, we examine the prevalence of antibacterial resistance in 1,336 bacterial pathogens, isolated from adult and paediatric patients clinically diagnosed with acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS).

Results and discussion
In total, 58.0%, 66.1%, and 55.8% of S. pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to penicillin, cefuroxime, and clarithromycin respectively. Combined macrolide resistance and reduced susceptibility to penicillin was present in 200/640 (31.3 %) of S. pneumoniae isolates (128 isolates were resistant to penicillin [MIC >= 2 mg/L], 72 intermediate [MIC 0.12–1 mg/L]) while 99.5% and 95.5% of isolates were susceptible to telithromycin and amoxicillin-clavulanate, respectively. In total, 88.2%, 87.5%, 99.4%, 100%, and 100% of H. influenzae isolates were susceptible to ampicillin, clarithromycin, cefuroxime, telithromycin, and amoxicillin-clavulanate, respectively. In vitro, telithromycin demonstrated the highest activity against M. catarrhalis (MIC50 = 0.06 mg/L, MIC90 = 0.12 mg/L).

Conclusion
The high in vitro activity of against pathogens commonly isolated in ABS, together with a once daily dosing regimen and clinical efficacy with 5-day course of therapy, suggest that telithromycin may play a role in the empiric treatment of ABS.
Who will lose weight? A reexamination of predictors of weight loss in women
Authors: Teixeira Pedro J , Palmeira António L , Branco Teresa L , Martins Sandra S , Minderico Cláudia S , Barata José T , Silva Analiza M , Sardinha Luís B 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to analyze pretreatment predictors of short-term weight loss in Portuguese overweight and obese women involved in a weight management program. Behavioral and psychosocial predictors were selected a priori from previous results reported in American women who participated in a similar program.

Methods
Subjects were 140 healthy overweight/obese women (age, 38.3 ± 5.9 y; BMI, 30.3 ± 3.7 kg/m2) who participated in a 4-month lifestyle weight loss program consisting of group-based behavior therapy to improve diet and increase physical activity. At baseline, all women completed a comprehensive behavioral and psychosocial battery, in standardized conditions.

Results
Of all starting participants, 3.5% (5 subjects) did not finish the program. By treatment's end, more than half of all women had met the recomended weight loss goals, despite a large variability in individual results (range for weight loss = 19 kg). In bivariate and multivariate correlation/regression analysis fewer previous diets and weight outcome evaluations, and to a lesser extent self-motivation and body image were significant and independent predictors of weight reduction, before and after adjustment for baseline weight. A negative and slightly curvilinear relationship best described the association between outcome evaluations and weight change, revealing that persons with very accepting evaluations (that would accept or be happy with minimal weight change) lost the least amount of weight while positive but moderate evaluations of outcomes (i.e., neither low nor extremely demanding) were more predictive of success. Among those subjects who reported having initiated more than 3–4 diets in the year before the study, very few were found to be in the most successful group after treatment. Quality of life, self-esteem, and exercise variables did not predict outcomes.

Conclusions
Several variables were confirmed as predictors of success in short-term weight loss and can be used in future hypothesis-testing studies and as a part of more evolved prediction models. Previous dieting, and pretreatment self-motivation and body image are associated with subsequent weight loss, in agreement with earlier findings in previous samples. Weight outcome evaluations appear to display a more complex relationship with treatment results and culture-specific factors may be useful in explaining this pattern of association.
Investigation of atomization and evaporation characteristics of high-pressure injection diesel spray using Kelvin—Helmholz instability/droplet deformation and break-up competition model
Authors: Park Sung Wook , Sik Lee Chang 
Published: August 2004

This paper describes a numerical investigation into the atomization and evaporation characteristics of common-rail diesel injection spray using the KH-DDB (Kelvin-Helmholz instability/droplet deformation and breakup) competition model and the evaporation model. The predicted results, such as the images of spray development and SMD distribution, were obtained by using the KH-DDB competition breakup model at different injection pressures. To verify the prediction accuracy of the competition breakup model, the experiments on the atomization of common-rail diesel injector were conducted by using a PDPA (phase Doppler particle analyser) system and laser sheet method, and the experimental results on the atomization characteristics were compared with the predicted results. Also the numerical study of the evaporation characteristics of high-speed diesel spray were performed by using the proposed breakup model. It was revealed that the TAB (Taylor analogy breakup) model predicts the excessive atomization at the early stage of injection duration, whereas the KH-DDB model predicts it properly. From this point of view, the prediction accuracy of the KH-DDB competition model on the mean droplet size distribution is improved compared with the results of the TAB model, the original breakup model of KIVA-3 code. The numerical results of spatial distribution of droplet breakup indicate that both the primary and secondary breakup happen most actively at 0.7 ms after start of injection and 10 mm downstream from the injector tip.
Electrical conductivity spectra of smectites as influenced by saturating cation and humidity
Authors: Logsdon Sally D. , Laird David A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractElectrical conductivity is an important soil property related to salinity, and is often used for delineating other soil properties. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of smectite properties on the complex electrical conductivity spectra of hydrated smectitic clays. Four smectites were saturated with Ca, Mg, Na or K and equilibrated at four relative humidities ranging from 56 to 99%. X-ray diffraction was used to determine fractions of the various smectite layer hydrates (0 to 4 layers of interlayer water molecules) in each sample. A vector network analyzer was used to determine the real component of the complex electrical conductivity spectra (σ′) for frequencies (f) ranging from 300 kHz to 3 GHz. Values of the dc electrical conductivity(σ0), the frequency where the slope changes in the spectra (fr), and the slope at the high-frequency end of the spectra (n) were determined by fitting σ′ to σ′(f) = σ0(1 + f/fr)n. Both σ0 and fr increased with the total amount of water, the amount of interlayer water, and, for saturating cations in the order K < Mg < Ca < Na. The opposite trends were observed for n. The values of these parameters were influenced by the type of smectite, but the trends were not consistent for the effect of layer charge. The results indicate that interlayer water in smectites contributes to the electrical conductivity of hydrated smectites, and that polarization of water by local electrical fields has a substantial influence on the complex electrical conductivity spectra of smectites. The accuracy of salinity estimates for soils and sediments that are based on conductivity measurements maybe adversely affected unless the effects of hydrated clays on electrical conductivity are considered.
Cation exchange capacity measurements on illite using the sodium and cesium isotope dilution technique: Effects of the index cation, electrolyte concentration and competition: Modeling
Authors: Baeyens Bart , Bradbury Michael H. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe isotope dilution technique using Na and Cs as index cations was used to determine the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of illite du Puy as a function of background electrolyte composition. The work showed, in accord with previous studies, that the CEC values were in the order Cs-CEC > Na-CEC. Sodium is commonly chosen as the index cation in CEC determinations using the isotope dilution method. The experimentally measured Na-CEC values for Na-illite increased from ∼75 to ∼200 meq kg−1 for NaClO4 concentrations in the range 5.6 × 10−4 to 1.25 × 10−2 M. Cesium CEC determinations showed a much less pronounced trend over a CsNO3 concentration range from 10−3 to 10−2 M. A reference Cs-CEC value of 225 meq kg−1 was chosen. Careful chemical analyses of the supernatant solutions revealed that Ca and Mg at the (sub)μmolar level were present in all the determinations, despite the extensive conditioning procedures used. Competition between (Ca + Mg) and Na for the exchange sites was put forward as an explanation for the variation of Na-CEC values. This hypothesis was confirmed in a series of single (45Ca) and double (45Ca plus 22Na) labeling experiments. Calcium-sodium selectivity coefficients ((NaCaKc)) were calculated from the experimental data for NaClO4 concentrations from 5.6 × 10−4 to 0.1 M and exhibited a variation from 1.6 to 14.3. A two-site cation exchange model was developed with site capacities and NaCaKc values for each site: planar site capacity =180 meq kg−1, NaCaKcPS=2; type II site capacity = 45 meq kg−1, NaCaKcII=80. The model was able to predict the Na and Ca occupancies in the Na-CEC experiments over the whole range of NaClO4 concentrations. It is recommended that Cs should be used instead of Na as the index cation for determining the CEC of illite.
On the mechanisms of apophyllite alteration in aqueous solutions. A combined AFM, XPS and MAS NMR study
Authors: Aldushin Kirill , Jordan Guntram , Fechtelkord Michael , Schmahl Wolfgang W. , Becker Hans-Werner , Rammensee Werner 
Published: August 2004

AbstractApophyllite, a hydrous K-Ca-phyllosilicate, reacts with acidic aqueous solutions at room temperature. Various analytical methods have been applied to study the mechanism of the reaction and its characteristics, i.e. the changes in chemical composition, modifications in crystal structure and alterations in surface morphology. In contact with acidic solution, protonation of the terminal, non-bridging oxygen at the silicate tetrahedra takes place and the interlayer cations K+ and Ca2+ are removed. The protonation and ion removal causes the interlayer spacing to increase. Atomic force microscopy shows that the increase takes place discontinuously and, therefore, reflects a discontinuous reaction that comprises a two- or three-step protonation. Additionally, three structurally different protonation sites have been detected by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy which also differ in the amount of close-by hydrogen, although in pristine apophyllite all terminal oxygen positions at silicate tetrahedra are structurally equivalent. In many clay minerals such structurally different protonation sites have not been detected so far. Thus, the multi-step protonation process in apophyllite clearly demonstrates the vast sensitivity of the protonation reaction on small structural variations in phyllosilicates.
Mineralogical and chemical characterization of sepiolite occurrences at Karapinar (Konya Basin, Turkey)
Authors: Karakaya N. , Karakaya M. Çelik , Temel A. , Küpeli Ş. , Tunoğlu C. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe Konya region in central Anatolia is covered by Pliocene-Late Pleistocene sediments and volcanites related to the sediments NNW of Karapınar, Turkey. In the area, the Upper Miocene-Quaternary Üzecek Dağı and Karacadağ volcanites are generally of the same age and formed from magmas of similar composition. The Karapınar formation is brown to whitish-beige, partly fossiliferous and consists of limestone, marl, claystone and, locally, sandy layers. Silica-rich lenses, nodules and layers are observed in the upper strata which locally contain sepiolite-rich layers. The mineralogical composition of sepiolite samples taken from the area was determined by powder X-ray diffractometry, while the abundance of major-element oxides was measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The crystallographic and morphological properties of samples were determined by means of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Samples were taken from three sections and from random locations. Mineral assemblages in the same stratigraphic position are generally similar in the three sections, while the thickness of the individual beds varies between the sections. Dolomite and calcite are the main carbonate minerals in the sections. Sepiolite occurs primarily with dolomite and, locally, dolomite and calcite, and less commonly with just calcite. Generally, quartz, feldspar and mica are found, especially in the upper parts of the sections where tuff is abundant. CaO and MgO dominate the major-element oxides. The CaO content is between 1 and 30% while MgO is 3–21%. Al2O3 and SiO2 are generally higher in the sepiolitic and tuffitic layers. Al2O3 is <3% and SiO2 is between 15–18% in the sepiolitic layers. The average structural formula of sepiolite was calculated as: (Mg7.00Al0.44Fe0.18)(Si11.71Al0.29)O30 (OH)4(OH2)4Ca0.13K0.09Na0.01. Sepiolite occurs as fibers and dolomite as subhedral or euhedral crystals. It is considered that sepiolite was formed either by conversion of dolomite or by direct precipitation from solution under alkaline and saline conditions in the Karapınar paleolake. The paleolake was saturated with respect to Mg, Ca and Si derived from groundwater that percolated along fracture systems.
Sterically Demanding Diphosphonite Ligands –Synthesis and Application in Nickel‐Catalyzed Isomerization of 2‐Methyl‐3‐Butenenitrile
Authors: van der Vlugt Jarl Ivar , Hewat Alison C. , Neto Samuel , Sablong Rafael , Mills Allison M. , Lutz Martin , Spek Anthony L. , Müller Christian , Vogt Dieter 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe synthesis of a novel class of sterically demanding diphosphonites 1–8, based on rigid backbones, is described. The starting materials are all commercially available and the methodology allows for a modular approach. All ligands have been fully characterized, including an X‐ray crystal structure for compound 1, 4,5‐bis{di[(2‐tert‐butyl)phenyl]phosphonito}‐9,9‐dimethylxanthene. The coordination of these diphosphonite ligands towards Ni(II) and Ni(0) precursors is investigated, both by NMR spectroscopy as well as X‐ray crystallography and compared with the behaviour of diphosphine ligands such as Xantphos. The molecular structure for complex 9, trans‐[NiBr2(1)] is described in detail. The nickel‐catalyzed isomerization of 2‐methyl‐3‐butenenitrile to 3‐pentenenitrile is studied, a relevant step in the industrially important hydrocyanation of butadiene (the DuPont adiponitrile process). Good activities and selectivities to the desired 3‐pentenenitrile are obtained in this reversible CC bond activation reaction.
Selenium‐Catalyzed Carbonylation of Nitroarenes to Symmetrical 1,3‐Diarylureas under Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Lu Shiwei , Yu Zhengkun 
Published: August 2004

AbstractSelenium‐catalyzed carbonylation of nitrobenzene and substituted nitroarenes with CO under atmospheric pressure afforded symmetrical 1,3‐diarylureas in yields up to 94%. A mechanism has been proposed to demonstrate the formation of symmetrical ureas.
Asymmetric Dihydroxylation of Cinnamonitrile to trans‐3‐[(5S,6R)‐5,6‐Dihydroxycyclohexa‐1,3‐dienyl]‐acrylonitrile using Chlorobenzene Dioxygenase in Escherichia coli (pTEZ30)
Authors: Yildirim Selcuk , Zezula Josef , Hudlicky Tomas , Witholt Bernard , Schmid Andreas 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAsymmetric cis‐dihydroxylations of aromatic compounds are catalyzed by bacterial dioxygenases. In order to prevent through conversion, either dihydrodiol dehydrogenase blocked mutant strains or recombinant bacterial cells are used as biocatalysts for synthetic purposes. We characterized the cis‐dihydroxylation of cinnamonitrile by chlorobenzene dioxygenase (CDO) in recombinant E. coli on different reaction scales. The absolute stereochemistry of the product was determined to be trans‐3‐[(5S,6R)‐5,6‐dihydroxycyclohexa‐1,3‐dienyl]‐acrylonitrile. The cells showed a maximum specific activity of 3.76 U/g cdw in shake‐flask experiments. Stable expression of the dioxygenase genes in E. coli JM101 (pTEZ30) resulted in increasing volumetric productivities. The maximum volumetric productivities of 80 and 92 mg product/L/h were achieved on 2‐L and 30‐L scales, respectively. The specific growth rate correlated with the volumetric productivity during the biotransformations. An average volumetric productivity of 40 mg product/L/h in reactors on 2‐L and 30‐L scales resulted in 0.96 and 16.4 g of isolated product at the end of the biotransformations. This points out the need for metabolically active cells and controllable expression systems for achieving high volumetric productivities for cofactor dependent biooxidations. We have now applied this concept for the asymmetric dihydroxylation of the non‐natural substrate cinnamonitrile using multicomponent CDO in tailored E. coli JM101 in long‐term reactions.
3‐Pyridinesulfonyl Azide: A Useful Reagent for Radical Azidation
Authors: Panchaud Philippe , Renaud Philippe 
Published: August 2004

AbstractRadical azidations and carboazidations have been achieved using 3‐pyridinesulfonyl azide as azidating agent. Due to its base properties and its polarity, the excess of reagent is readily removed at the end of the reaction by filtration through silica gel or by extraction with either aqueous 1 M HCl or 1 M CuSO4. The use of this reagent greatly facilitates the tedious purifications of the final azides frequently encountered when reactions are run according to the original procedure involving benzenesulfonyl azide.
Relationship between symptom response and oesophageal acid exposure after medical and surgical treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Jenkinson A D , Kadirkamanathan S S , Scott S M , Yazaki E , Evans D F 
Published: August 2004

Abstract

Background
The relationship between symptom severity and objective evidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) after medical and surgical treatment has recently been questioned. This study aimed to compare the symptomatic and physiological response (as measured by pHmetry) to the treatment of GORD by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and by laparoscopic antireflux surgery, and to examine the relationship between the patient's subjective and objective response to treatment of GORD.

Methods
Seventy patients underwent 24-h oesophageal pH measurement and DeMeester symptom assessment (for heartburn and regurgitation, grade 0–3) while off medical treatment, while taking PPIs and after laparoscopic fundoplication.

Results
The median percentage total time with oesophageal pH &lt; 4 off treatment, during medical treatment and after fundoplication was 9·5, 4·3 and 0·5 per cent respectively. After medical treatment 30 patients became asymptomatic although 18 of these still had pathological reflux on pH testing. Of the 19 patients who remained symptomatic after surgery only two had pathological acid reflux.

Conclusion
The symptomatic response of patients to either PPIs or antireflux surgery is a poor indicator of successful treatment in terms of reduced lower oesophageal acid exposure. A high proportion of patients whose symptoms are improved by PPIs still have pathological levels of acid reflux. Conversely, most patients who complain of reflux symptoms after antireflux surgery have no evidence of residual reflux on pHmetry.