bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aerobic treadmill plus Bobath walking training improves walking in subacute stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eich H-J , Mach H , Werner C , Hesse S 
Published: August 2004

Objective: To evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of aerobic treadmill plus Bobath walking training in subacute stroke survivors compared with Bobath walking training alone. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Rehabilitation unit. Subjects: Fifty patients, first-time supratentorial stroke, stroke interval less than six weeks, Barthel Index (0 / 100) from 50 to 80, able to walk a minimum distance of 12 m with either intermittent help or stand-by while walking, cardiovascular stable, minimum 50 W in the bicycle ergometry, randomly allocated to two groups, A and B. Interventions: Group A 30 min of treadmill training, harness secured and minimally supported according to patients' needs, and 30 min of physiotherapy, every workday for six weeks, speed and inclination of the treadmill were adjusted to achieve a heart rate of HR: (Hrmax / HRrest)*0.6 / HRrest; in group B 60 min of daily physiotherapy for six weeks. Main outcome measures: Primary outcome variables were the absolute improvement of walking velocity (m/s) and capacity (m), secondary were gross motor function including walking ability (score out of 13) and walking quality (score out of 41), blindly assessed before and after the intervention, and at follow-up three months later. Results: Patients tolerated the aerobic training well with no side-effects, significantly greater improvement of walking velocity and capacity both at study end (p / 0.001 versus p / 0.002) and at follow-up (p < 0.001 versus p<0.001) in the experimental group. Between weeks 0 and 6, the experimental group improved walking speed and capacity by a mean of.31 m/s and 91 m, the control group by a mean of 0.16 m/s and 56 m. Between weeks 0 and 18, the experimental group improved walking speed and capacity by a mean of 0.36 m/s and 111 m, the control group by a mean of 0.15 m/s and 57 m. Gross motor function and walking quality did not differ at any time. Conclusions: Aerobic treadmill plus Bobath walking training in moderately affected stroke patients was better than Bobath walking training alone with respect to the improvement of walking velocity and capacity. The treatment approach is recommended in patients meeting the inclusion criteria. A multicentre trial should follow to strengthen the evidence.
Assessment of muscle strength and motor fatigue with a knee dynamometer in subjects with multiple sclerosis: a new fatigue index
Authors: Surakka Jukka , Romberg Anders , Ruutiainen Juhani , Virtanen Arja , Aunola Sirkka , Mäentaka Kari 
Published: August 2004

Objective: To measure muscle strength and motor fatigue with a knee dynamometer and to assess the intra-rater reliability of measurements for maximal isometric extensor and flexor torques and the reliability of a new fatigue index (FI) in patients with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis (MS). Design: Repeated assessments with one-week intervals. Setting: The Masku Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, Masku, and the Social Insurance Institution, Research Department, Turku, Finland. Subjects: Twenty-eight MS patients. Outcome measures: Maximal isometric torque during 5 s and fatigue of knee flexors and extensors during isometric contractions of 30 s were assessed. A new FI was established and compared with the two previously used indices (FI1 and FI2). All three indices are based on the calculated area under the force versus time curve (AUFC), with FI1 using the 30-s recording time in its entirety and F2 omitting the initial 5 s in the calculation. In the new fatigue index (FI3), the time point of maximum (TPM) torque achieved by the subject is used as the starting point in the calculation. The patient's subjective fatigue was measured by Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.97 in maximal isometric torque measurements. FI3 showed good intra-rater reliability (ICC 0.68-0.86). None of the fatigue indices correlated with FSS. Conclusions: Maximal isometric torque and motor fatigue of knee flexor and extensor muscles can be reliably measured using a knee dynamometer in MS patients. The new FI proved to be a reliable model for MS patients.
Task-Specific Ionic Liquids
Authors: H. Davis James 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
The covalent tethering of a functional group to one or both of the ions of an otherwise ordinary ionic liquid can imbue the resulting salt with a capacity to interact with dissolved substrates in specific ways. Called “task-specific” ionic liquids (TSIL), these low melting salts are finding an increasing number of applications in synthesis, separations, catalysis, and electrochemistry.
Effects of Rhodium Addition to Mo/HZSM-5 Catalyst for Methane Dehydroaromatization
Authors: Kojima Ryoichi , Kikuchi Satoshi , Ichikawa Masaru 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Rhodium added 6 wt % Mo/HZSM-5 catalyst (Rh/Mo = 0.2) exhibited highly stable and active performances in the methane dehydroaromatization reaction at 1023 K under 0.3 MPa with 2700 mL g−1 h−1 of the methane feed with 6% hydrogen addition due to the effective suppression of the coke deposition on the Brønsted acid sites of HZSM-5.
A Novel l-Proline Catalyzed Biginelli Reaction: One-Pot Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Yadav J S , Kumar S Praveen , Kondaji G , Rao R Srinivasa , Nagaiah K 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
A Novel efficient and simple synthetic protocol for the Biginelli reaction has been developed for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones in a one-pot three-component condensation of aldehydes, β-dicarbonyl compounds, and urea or thio-urea by using 10 mol % l-proline as the catalyst under solvent free condition.
Characterization and Field-Effect Transistor Performance of Heterocyclic Oligomers Containing a Thiazolothiazole Unit
Authors: Ando Shinji , Nishida Jun-ichi , Fujiwara Eiichi , Tada Hirokazu , Inoue Youji , Tokito Shizuo , Yamashita Yoshiro 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Novel mixed five-membered heterocyclic (furan, thiophene, and thiazole) oligomers containing a thiazolothiazole ring system have been investigated as active materials of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). The field-effect moblities of 10−4–10−3 cm2/Vs were obtained for the furyl derivatives and their FET performances as p-type semiconductors are presented as the first examples of FET behavior of oligomers including furan rings.
Low-voltage Organic Field-effect Transistors with a Gate Insulator of Ta2O5 Formed by Sputtering
Authors: Sakai Heisuke , Furukawa Yukio , Fujiwara Eiichi , Tada Hirokazu 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
The Ta2O5 film prepared on silicon by RF sputtering has been used as a gate insulator for the top-contact field-effect transistors fabricated with poly(2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) or pentacene. Good transistor characteristics have been obtained with saturation at low drive voltages (about −3 V) and with hole mobilities of 5.2 × 10−4 cm2/Vs (MEH-PPV) and 0.8 cm2/Vs (pentacene).
DFT Method Estimation of Standard Redox Potential of Metals
Authors: Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Miura Toshiko , Shimodaira Yoshiki , Kudo Akihiko 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
The DFT method calculation was carried out to evaluate standard redox potential for metal/metal cation systems. With the Born–Haber cycle, standard redox potential is composed of the cohesive energy, ionization energy, and hydration energy. Utilizing experimental values of the cohesive energy of metals, the root-mean-square deviation of calculated and experimental values was 0.29 V for 17 ions.
Peak Formation Due to Chemiluminescence Reaction through the Collapse of Laminar Flow Liquid–Liquid Interface in a Microreactor
Authors: Tsukagoshi Kazuhiko , Ikegami Keiichi , Nakajima Riichiro , Yamashita Kenichi , Maeda Hedeaki 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
A peak signal due to a chemiluminescence (CL) reaction in a microreactor consisting of a microchannel without sample plug formation is presented. The CL reaction of luminol–hydrogen peroxide–Cu(II) was used in this study. A CL profile, including a peak signal, was observed by the collapse of the liquid–liquid interface based on laminar flow in the microchannel. We examined CL profiles for various flow rates of reagents and detection points in the microreactor. The data obtained were taken into consideration, together with the residence times and diffusion lengths. On the basis of on the measurements of peak height, Cu(II) was determined over the range of 20 nM–0.1 mM with a detection limit of 20 nM (S/N = 3).
Tetrakis(trimethylsilylbutadiynyl)ethene, C18(SiMe3)4: An Extended Two-Dimensional π-Conjugated System Consisting of Eighteen Carbon Atoms
Authors: Ozawa Takehiro , Akita Munetaka 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Tetrakis(trimethylsilylbutadiynyl)ethene, C18(SiMe3)4, containing an extended two-dimensional (2-D) π-conjugated carbon system has been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic and crystallographic methods.
Biselides A and B, Novel Macrolides from the Okinawan Ascidian Didemnidae sp.
Authors: Teruya Toshiaki , Shimogawa Hiroki , Suenaga Kiyotake , Kigoshi Hideo 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Two new macrolides, biselides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the Okinawan ascidian Didemnidae sp. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis.
A Novel Open-framework Cerium Sulfate Hydrate: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Yu Ranbo , Wang Dan , Chen Yunfa , Xing Xianran , Ishiwata Shintaro , Saito Takashi , Takano Mikio 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
A novel open-framework cerium sulfate hydrate [CeIII(SO4)1.5(HSO4)0.5]·0.5H3O has been synthesized hydrothermally, and characterized by single-crystal XRD, SEM, SQUID, and elemental analysis. In its structure, the CeO7 polyhedra and SO4 tetrahedra are connected via corner sharing in a strictly alternate manner to form an open-framework structure with a one-dimensional eight-membered ring channel system along the b axis. Protonated H2O molecules are accommodated in the channels.
Novel Donor–π–Acceptor Compounds Containing 1,3-Dithiol-2-ylidene and Tetracyanobutadiene Units
Authors: Morioka Yosuke , Yoshizawa Naoto , Nishida Jun-ichi , Yamashita Yoshiro 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
The title donor–π–acceptor compounds were prepared by the reaction of acetylenes containing a 1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene unit with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE). They showed amphoteric properties and intramolecular charge-transfer absorptions in the visible region. The molecular and crystal structures were revealed by X-ray analysis.
Preparation of Nitriles from Primary Alcohols by a New Type of Oxidation-reduction Condensation Using 2,6-Dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and Diethyl Cyanophosphonate
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Masutani Kouta , Hagiwara Yoshiaki 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Cyanation of alkoxydiphenylphosphines, in situ prepared from nBuLi and various primary alcohols, with 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (DMBQ) and diethyl cyanophosphonate provided the corresponding nitriles in high yields.
Novel Way to Synthesize CuO Nanocrystals with Various Morphologies
Authors: Yang Rui , Gao Lian 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
A novel and facile method for the synthesis of CuO nanocrystals with various morphologies is reported. The synthesis involves the convenient hydrothermal decomposition process of the Cu(COOH)2 in the mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and H2O. The spherical, rodlike, and leaflike CuO nanocrystals are prepared by varying the concentration of water. The capacitance of CuO products was determined by cyclic voltammetry.
Photochemical Polar Addition of 1,1-Diphenylethene Using Photosensitive Surfactant in Stable Oil-in-Water Emulsion
Authors: Yoshimi Yasuharu , Higuchi Michiya , Itou Tatsuya , Hatanaka Minoru 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
An aq NaOH solution of the photosensitive surfactant 1 was mixed with 1,1-diphenylethene 2 to form a stable oil-in-water emulsion and excitation of the emulsion afforded the alcohol 3 in good yield without stirring. The photosensitive surfactant 1 works more efficiently in heterogeneous system (in water) than in homogeneous system (in organic solvent).
Bounds and Approximations for the Transportation Problem of Linear Programming and Other Scalable Network Problems
Authors: Daganzo Carlos F. , Smilowitz Karen R. 
Published: August 2004

Bounds and approximate formulae are developed for the average optimum distance of the transportation linear programming (TLP) problem with homogeneously, but randomly distributed points and demands in a region of arbitrary shape. It is shown that if the region size grows with a fixed density of points, then the cost per item is bounded from above in 3+ dimensions (3+-D), but not in 1-D and 2-D. Lower bounds are also developed, based on a mild monotonicity conjecture. Computer simulations confirm the conjecture and yield approximate formulae. These formulae turn out to have the same functional form as the upper bounds. Curiously, the monotonicity conjecture implies that the cost per item does not depend on zone shape asymptotically, as problem size increases, for 2+-D problems but it does in 1-D. Therefore, the 2-D case can be viewed as a transition case that shares some of the properties of 1-D (unbounded cost) and some of the properties of 3-D (shape independence). The results are then extended to more general network models with subadditive link costs. It is found that if the cost functions have economies of scale, then the cost per item is bounded in 2-D. This explains the prevalence of the “last mile” effect in many logistics applications. The paper also discusses how the results were used to estimate costs under uncertainty for a vehicle repositioning problem.
Existence, Uniqueness, and Trip Cost Function Properties of User Equilibrium in the Bottleneck Model with Multiple User Classes
Authors: Lindsey Robin 
Published: August 2004

Under relatively general assumptions a unique deterministic departure-time user equilibrium with a finite departure rate exists in the bottleneck model with drivers who differ in their unit costs of travel time, preferred times of arrival, and schedule delay cost functions. Existence requires that schedule delay cost functions be upper semicontinuous with respect to arrival time, and that schedule delay costs decline at a rate smaller than the unit cost of travel time. Uniqueness requires, more restrictively, that schedule delay cost functions be continuous. Several properties of equilibrium trip cost functions are derived for n groups of users with Ni in group i. The trip cost of a user in group i is a nondecreasing function of each Nj, but typically rises more quickly with respect to Ni than Nj, j≠i. Thus, users experience lower trip costs when they travel with users unlike themselves than with an equal number of users like themselves.
Rapid detection of the factor XIII Val34Leu (163 G→T) polymorphism by real-time PCR using fluorescence resonance energy transfer detection and melting curve analysis
Authors: Shemirani Amir H. , Muszbek László 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe Val34Leu polymorphism in the A subunit of blood coagulation factor XIII (FXIII-A) is located in the activation peptide, just three amino acids upstream of the thrombin cleavage site. The Val→Leu replacement accelerates the rate of the proteolytic activation of FXIII and it seems to provide protection against myocardial infarction. Methods available for the assessment of the FXIII-A Val34Leu polymorphism are rather time-consuming, laborious and not easily applicable for large-scale studies. In this study a new method based on real-time PCR with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) detection and melting curve analysis was developed. The rapid, simple method was adapted to the widely used real-time PCR instrument, LightCycler (Roche Diagnostics). The results showed 100% coincidence with those obtained by the traditional PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay and fluorescent DNA sequencing. Using this method, an allele frequency of 24.2% was obtained (n = 113), which well agrees with the allele frequency obtained by PCR-RFLP on a different group of the same ethnic Hungarian population (25.9%).
Changes of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the serum of patients with autoimmune diseases: association with age and disease activity
Authors: Ziouti Nikoleta , Vynios Demitrios H. , Aletras Alexios J. , Kyriakopoulou Dora , Mastorakou Anna , Andonopoulos Andreas 
Published: August 2004

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases participate in the degradation of the extracellular matrix proteins and are regulated mainly by their respective tissue inhibitors. In a variety of inflammatory connective tissue diseases, variations in the tissue content of both metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the serum levels of metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors in patients with autoimmune diseases and compare with those of healthy individuals of similar age. The metalloproteinase content was analyzed by zymography and it was found that the serum levels of metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 of all autoimmune disease samples were decreased, in all diseases examined and independently of clinical activity, while those of active metalloproteinase-9 were significantly elevated. Both tissue inhibitors were quantitated by direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and were also found decreased in autoimmune disease samples, confirming the balance that should exist in the secretion of metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors. These results suggested that the increased active form of metalloproteinase-9, together with the decreased concentration of tissue inhibitor-2, could be used for diagnostic purposes and for the follow-up of patients with autoimmune diseases.
N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide as a biochemical marker of long-term interventional success after radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias
Authors: Brueckmann Martina , Bertsch Thomas , Hoffmann Ursula , Lang Siegfried , Kaden Jens J. , Wolpert Christian , Huhle Guenter , Borggrefe Martin , Haase Karl K. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractRadiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardias. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (B-type natriuretic peptide; BNP) are secreted by the heart mainly in response to myocardial stretch induced by volume load. The aim of the present study was to determine the time course of the N-terminal prohormone forms of ANP (NT-proANP) and BNP (NT-proBNP) in patients undergoing radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias.Serial blood samples were taken from 13 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias undergoing RF ablation and from 13 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Blood was taken before ablation (day 0, baseline), and at day one and day 120 after ablation. Levels of NT-proANP were significantly higher before RF ablation (4862 ± 726 pmol/l) as compared to day one (2021 ± 220 pmol/l) and day 120 after RF ablation (2470 ± 349 pmol/l) (with p < 0.01 on day one and p < 0.05 on day 120; n = 13). The size of the left atrium decreased from 41.0 ± 5.5 mm before ablation to 34.9 ± 5.9 mm (n = 13; p < 0.05) on day 120 as measured by M-mode echocardiography. Levels of NT-proBNP showed comparable values before and on day one and day 120 after ablation and were not significantly elevated as compared to healthy controls.NT-proANP levels are increased in patients presenting with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias and decrease one day after radiofrequency catheter ablation, possibly reflecting a transient reduction of ANP secretion from injured myocardial cells. Lower NT-proANP levels in the long-term time course may result from reduction of atrial volume load and reconstitution of atrial architecture after successful treatment of supraventricular tachycardias. NT-proANP may serve as a useful laboratory marker to describe the long-term interventional success after RF ablation.
Preventing in vitro lipoperoxidation in the malondialdehyde-thiobarbituric assay
Authors: Gonzalo Ricardo , Vives-Bauza Cristofol , Andreu Antonio L. , García-Arumí Elena 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe malondialdehyde-thiobarbituric acid assay is widely used to study lipid peroxidation. Among the various methods used to perform the assay, the most widely accepted is the quantification of malondialdehyde using the thiobarbituric acid reaction, followed by reversed-phase chromatography. However, unacceptable results may be obtained as malondialdehyde can be produced in vitro. To study the conditions that inhibit in vitro lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde levels were measured in cultured cells using different concentrations of butylated hydroxytoluene, EDTA or a combination of both. Butylated hydroxytoluene alone inhibits in vitro lipid peroxidation effectively. EDTA reduces artificially produced malondialdehyde, but not totally. Finally, the combination of EDTA and butylated hydroxytoluene does not improve the results obtained using butylated hydroxytoluene alone. The conclusion is that in the malondialdehyde-thiobarbituric acid assay it is necessary to add an inhibitor of the in vitro lipid peroxidation and assay the necessary concentration depending on the specimen used.
Oxidative stress: potential of distinct peroxide determination systems
Authors: Lindschinger Meinrad , Nadlinger Karl , Adelwöhrer Norbert , Holweg Karin , Wögerbauer Markus , Birkmayer Jörg , Smolle Karl-Heinz , Wonisch Willibald 
Published: August 2004

AbstractWhen reactive oxygen species attack biological structures, peroxides, which are short-lived oxidative intermediates, are generated. We evaluated the potential of two different, commercially available peroxide activity assays (Pox-Act and d-ROMS) to see whether the results were associated with the clinical condition of subjects who were participating in a routine health care program. Furthermore, we determined the total antioxidant status (TAS) and the titer of autoantibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oLAb) to verify the hydroperoxide measurements.Subjects with medical conditions (hereafter referred to as patients) had significantly increased serum peroxide levels compared to healthy subjects. The d-ROMS kit indicated that 86% of subjects had an increased level of total peroxides. Although the assays had a significant correlation (p < 0.001), 34% of the subjects had an increased total peroxide concentration in the Pox-Act assay that was clearly associated with clinical symptoms. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the Pox-Act assay was 35 times higher than that of the d-ROMS kit. In subjects with medical conditions, there was a trend toward a decreased TAS and a slightly increased oLAb titer in comparison to healthy subjects, but this was not statistically significant. The Pox-Act assay seems to be a valuable tool for the determination of total peroxides, while the results from the d-ROMS kit should be considered with caution.