bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of type B fumonisin mycotoxins in maize and maize‐based products by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry using a QqQlinear ion trap mass spectrometer
Authors: Faberi Angelo , Foglia Patrizia , Pastorini Elisabetta , Samperi Roberto , Laganà Aldo 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for determining the type B fumonisin mycotoxins in corn‐based foodstuffs is described. Fumonisins FB1 and FB2 were extracted from a 1 g sample by homogenization with acetonitrile/water (75:25, v/v, 50 mmol/L formic acid, 25 mL final volume) and the extract was defatted on C18 phase. Volumes of 5 mL of crude extracts were cleaned up on Carbograph‐4 cartridges. The final solution was analyzed by HPLC with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring with a QqQ linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Recoveries for spiked corn‐based foodstuffs ranged from 91–105% (RSD% ≤8%), and method detection limits were ≤2 ng/g for FB1 and ≤1 ng/g for FB2. Two different spiking levels were tested (5000 and 100 ng/g for FB1, 1000 and 20 ng/g for FB2). Quantitation was achieved by an external calibration procedure using matrix‐matched standards, with diclofenac added post‐cleanup as internal standard for the LC/MS/MS analyses. Calibration curves showed linearity in the concentration range 0.005–5 ng/μL of final extract (0.992 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.995). Two other fumonisins, FB3 and FB4, were identified in naturally contaminated samples of corn meal using an information‐dependent acquisition protocol that looped three experiments, including neutral loss scan, enhanced resolution scan, and enhanced product ion scan. FB3 and FB4 quantitation was estimated as peak area ratios relative to the FB2 response in view of the lack of both standards. This work also includes an application of the present LC/MS/MS method to some maize and maize‐based product samples (corn meal, cornflakes and popcorn) collected from Italian stores. FB1 and FB2 contamination levels exceeding the European Union recommendation were found in 8 out of 15 corn meal samples. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Orthogonal trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer using a collisional damping chamber
Authors: Hashimoto Yuichiro , Waki Izumi , Yoshinari Kiyomi , Shishika Tsukasa , Terui Yasushi 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe report a new hybrid mass spectrometer, which is a combination of a quadrupole ion trap and an orthogonal time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. This new configuration consists of a collisional‐damping chamber (CDC) inserted between an MSn‐capable ion trap and a high‐mass‐accuracy orthogonal‐TOF mass spectrometer. Because the CDC converted an ion packet into an energy‐focused and quasi‐continuous beam, a high mass resolution of over 10 000 and a high mass accuracy of better than 3 ppm were achieved. Moreover, the ratio of the maximum detectable m/z to the minimum detectable m/z, which is referred to here as the mass window, was improved to more than 10. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Top‐down analysis of protein isoprenylation by electrospray ionization hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry; the mouse Tγ protein
Authors: Kassai Hidetoshi , Satomi Yoshinori , Fukada Yoshitaka , Takao Toshifumi 
Published: December 2004

AbstractProtein isoprenylation, an important post‐translational modification with a lipid, involves the selective attachment of two types of isoprenoids, farnesyl (C15) and geranylgeranyl (C20). The isoprenoid is linked via a thioether bond to the C‐terminal cysteine residue of a variety of cellular proteins, including the heterotrimeric G protein γ‐subunits. One member of the G protein family, transducin (Tα/Tβγ), plays a central role in visual transduction, and the structure‐function relationship has been extensively studied with purified proteins, predominantly with bovine transducin that was shown to be farnesylated at the C‐terminal cysteine residue of the γ‐subunit (Tγ). We report here the structure of the C‐terminal modification of mouse Tγ, which has not yet been elucidated owing to the low amount of protein that can be isolated from the mouse retina. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) of the high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐purified Tγ was in good agreement with the calculated mass of the farnesylated and methylated form of mouse Tγ (Pro1‐Cys70). A ‘top‐down’ analysis of intact Tγ using an ESI hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight (TOF) tandem mass spectrometer provided isoprenyl‐specific ions that were observed to produce ions separated by 204 Da from the conventional (unmodified) precursor ion or the C‐terminal sequence ions. Such characteristic fragmentation on an isoprenoid observed in top‐down analysis could be useful in general for determining the type of isoprenylation as well as probing the site of modification in the protein sequence. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Cesium Hexamminesodium Decahydro‐closo‐decaborate‐Ammonia(1/1), Cs[Na(NH3)6][B10H10]·NH3
Authors: Kraus Florian , Albert Barbara 
Published: December 2004

AbstractCs[Na(NH3)6][B10H10]·NH3 was synthesised from cesium and disodium‐decahydro‐closo‐decaborate Na2B10H10 in liquid ammonia, from which it crystallized in form of temperature sensitive colorless plates (triclinic, P1¯, a = 8.4787(7) Å, b = 13.272(1) Å, c = 17.139(2) Å, α = 88.564(1)°, β = 89.773(1)°, γ = 81.630(1)°, V = 1907.5(3) Å3, Z = 4). The compound is the first example of an alkali metal boranate with two different types of cations. The decahydro‐closo‐decaborate dianions [B10H10]2— and the cesium cations form a [Cs2(B10H10)2]2— layer parallel to the ac plane. These layers are separated by N—H···N‐hydrogen bonded hexamminesodium cations.
Using Cost of Infection as a Tool to Demonstrate a Difference in Prophylactic Antibiotic Efficacy: A Prospective Randomized Comparison of the Pharmacoecomonic Effectiveness of Ceftriaxone and Cefotaxime Prophylaxis in Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Woodfield John C. , Van Rij Andre M. , Pettigrew Ross A. , van der Linden Antje , Bolt Donna 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that cost, as well as frequency of infection, could be used to demonstrate a difference in the performance of prophylactic antibiotics. In a prospective, randomized, double‐blind study, 1013 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were given 1 g of intravenous ceftriaxone (R) or cefotaxime (C) at induction of anesthesia, and an additional 500 mg of metronidazole for colorectal surgery. Infection was checked for during the hospital stay and at 30 days postoperatively. The inpatient, outpatient, and community costs of infection were prospectively collected. The frequency of wound infection for appendectomies when additional metronidazole was not administered was greater with cefotaxime (R 6%, C 18%, p < 0.05), but the cost of infection was the same (average cost R $994 ± SD $1101, C $878 ± $1318). For all other procedures, the frequency of wound infection was similar (R 8%, C 10%), but the cost was less with ceftriaxone (R $887 ± $1743, C $2995 ± $6592, p < 0.05). Ceftriaxone decreased the frequency but not the cost of chest and urinary infection (frequency R 6%, C 11%, p < 0.02, cost R $1273 ± 2338, C $1615 ± 4083). Differences in both the frequency and cost of all infection are also presented. Ceftriaxone decreased either the frequency or the cost of different postoperative infections. The cost of infection can increase the discriminatory power of trials comparing antibiotic effectiveness.
A Modified Stapling Technique for Performing Billroth I Anastomosis after Distal Gastrectomy
Authors: Takeuchi Kunio , Tsuzuki Yasushi , Ando Tetsu , Sekihara Masao , Hara Takashi , Kori Takayuki , Nikajima Hiroki , Kuwano Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAutosuture staplers have provided various operative and postoperative benefits in gastrointestinal surgery. We describe herein our technique of performing distal gastrectomy followed by side‐to‐end gastroduodenostomy. Eighteen consecutive patients with gastric cancer underwent distal gastrectomy by the staple technique. We propose a modification of the stapling technique to reduce the number of devices used. In our technique, side‐to‐end anastomosis is performed first, followed by gastric resection just distal to the anastomosis. By introducing the stapler through the area to be resected, we can eliminate the need to close the gastrostomy. Anastomotic stricture occurred in only 1 (5.5%) of 18 cases. There have been no other postoperative complications related to the anastomosis. We believe that our technique is superior in simplicity and security to the conventional techniques.
Usefulness of the 3‐Dimensionally Reconstructed Computed Tomography Imaging for Diagnosis of the Site of Tracheal Injury (3D‐Tracheography)
Authors: Moriwaki Yoshihiro , Sugiyama Mitsugi , Matsuda Goro , Toyoda Hiroshi , Kosuge Takayuki , Uchida Keiji , Fukuyama Hiroshi , Iwashita Masayuki , Morimura Naoto , Suzuki Junnichi , Yamamoto Toshiro , Suzuki Noriyuki 
Published: December 2004

AbstractComputed tomography (CT) has not been considered useful for early diagnosis of traumatized patients who could hardly hold their breath, particularly patients with tracheal injuries. However, the recent development of spiral CT has made it possible to acquire contiguous patient data, which eliminates the respiratory misregistration. Air is easily differentiated from surrounding tissues by striking contrast, and the trachea can therefore be well displayed by three‐dimensional (3D)‐CT. We consider that it is possible to show tracheal injury by 3D‐CT. The aim of this study is to clarify the usefulness of 3D‐CT for detecting the injury site of blunt tracheal injuries. The study was carried out in hemodynamically stable patients who were suspected of having tracheal injury based on clinical manifestations such as hemoptysis, or cervical subcutaneous, deep cervical, or mediastinal emphysema. Repeated bronchoscopy confirmed tracheal injury. The virtual images of the 3D‐CT (3D‐tracheography) were compared with the direct images of bronchoscopic findings. Five cases were examined. In patients with tracheal injury, bronchoscopy revealed laceration of the tracheal lumen or disruption and dislocation of the tracheal cartilage, partially coated by mucus and clot, findings that confirmed the diagnosis of tracheal injury. The virtual images of the 3D‐tracheography clearly showed the injury as a defect in the tracheal wall or a depression in the wall. The site and size of injury shown in the 3D‐tracheography were comparable with those detected by bronchoscopy. We succeeded in detecting tracheal injuries by 3D‐CT imaging, the virtual images of which were comparable with the bronchoscopic findings. 3D‐tracheography is a useful method for diagnosing the site and form of tracheal injury in hemodynamically stable patients.
A Qualitative Study of the Information Needs of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients, and Their Preferences for Follow-up Contact After Discharge
Authors: Aminda Hanssen Tove , Nordrehaug Jan Erik , Hanestad Berit Rokne 
Published: December 2004

Background: Several studies have claimed that patients have unmet information needs after discharge following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our overall goal is to develop a post-discharge nursing intervention program to provide patients with appropriate information and support in contexts where existing follow-up services are poorly developed. Aims: To explore the information needs of inpatients with AMI and their preferences for follow-up contact after discharge from hospital. Methods: Fourteen AMI patients aged 42–69 years participated in one of three focus groups, held between 3 and 5 months after their discharge. Results and conclusions: The findings are grouped into three themes corresponding to the major topics in the interview guide: the hospital stay, coming home, and patients' follow-up preferences. The data support the findings of previous studies that there is a systemic failure to meet patients’ in-hospital and post-discharge information needs. Most importantly, our participants’ follow-up preferences favoured open telephone lines and telephone follow-up. The results of this study provide some of the knowledge that is necessary to improve patient information and support following AMI.
Quantitative analysis of the postnatal development of Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum of the cat
Authors: Vastagh Cs. , Víg J. , Takács J. , Hámori J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe have studied the postnatal quantitative changes of cortical Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum of the cat at the following postnatal groups of age: P0, P42, P72 and adults. An unbiased counting method, the optical fractionator was used for the estimation of Purkinje cell numbers. A significant increase of Purkinje cell number was found between P0 (1.097 × 106) and P42/P72 (1.805 × 106 and 1.895 × 106) declining to 1.429 × 106 in the adult, still 30% higher than in the newborn. It was also observed that during the first few postnatal weeks large “gaps” were present in the Purkinje monolayer as revealed by Nissl staining and metabotropic glutamate receptor 1α immunocytochemistry. These Purkinje cell gaps were observed most frequently in well‐definable areas, especially in the intermediate zone of the neocerebellum. Simultaneously with the numerical increase of Purkinje neurons between the P0 and P72 age groups, these gaps disappeared after the third postnatal week resulting in the completion of the Purkinje monolayer in the whole cerebellum.
Overview and Architecture of the Java Integration Framework, Hybrid Scheduler, and Web-Enabled LIMS
Authors: Rodziewicz Paul , Bell Blane 
Published: December 2004

Most of the scheduling software and instrument integration frameworks are written in Visual Basic, C/C++, or the LabView programming environment. A lot of these frameworks are proprietary tools of instrument vendors and are used by these companies during system integration of their instruments. In addition to the closed architecture of these products, the scheduler choice is very limited. ReTiSoft Inc. has created a suite of software products that address these problems. In this article we would like to introduce ReTiSoft's open-architecture framework for instrument integration, a hybrid scheduler (static and dynamic) and a Web-enabled interface to the automated system. In addition to ReTiSoft's integration framework (Genera) and the hybrid-scheduling software (Supra), we recently developed a Web-enabled application that allows scientists to log onto the automated system remotely, set up and run assays, examine and analyze the data produced during the experiment. The software is called DataPilot and is comprised of a high-performance database engine and the Apache Web server. In unison with Genera's and Supra's open-architecture approach, DataPilot can be modified and customized by system integrators to suit their specific application needs. The application serves as a data repository and adheres to guidelines presented by the Code of Federal Regulations for electronic records and electronic signatures; the guidelines are known as 21 CFR Part 11. This article provides an architectural overview of our software products and justifies its merits in comparison to other technologies commonly used in laboratories. We describe our Genera integration framework, give an overview of our scheduling algorithms, describe a Web-enabled data-tracking software and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA assay), and describe different methods of automated system validation using our software. We also offer some conclusions.
Concepts for Dynamic Scheduling in the Laboratory
Authors: Schäfer Reinhold 
Published: December 2004

Laboratory environments are controlled more and more by automated systems. Written procedures and lab journals are replaced by workflow description languages and electronic notebooks, which not only describe the processes but are used also for the control of the entire workbench, data acquisition, and documentation. Dynamic scheduling is needed in such an environment. Multiple samples with different procedures are processed in parallel, competing for the instruments. The whole environment may be also underlaid by optimization strategies like throughput or minimum sample processing time. The modeling of all components interacting on the workbench—samples, devices, sensors, results, database systems, and so on—needs to rely on concepts building a consistent framework. This article gives a set of terms and definitions used in a dynamic scheduling environment. It describes most of these entities in detail, including their functionality and attributes as well as their logical and physical interactions. It also describes concepts such as workflows with activities and constraints, functional libraries, hidden transport, and dynamic execution. Maintenance, calibration, and error management also are included. Finally, it discusses how the entities interact with the different components in the scheduling system.
An articulated antibiotic spacer used for infected total knee arthroplasty: A comparative in vitro elution study of Simplex® and Palacos® bone cements
Authors: Stevens C. Melinda , Tetsworth Kevin D. , Calhoun Jason H. , Mader Jon T. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractFor the staged management of infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA), antibiotic laden polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spacers have been recommended. Antibiotic‐impregnated PMMA spacers target drug delivery, achieving high local levels while limiting the potential for host toxicity associated with parenteral antimicrobial therapy. This study examined the elution characteristics of an articulating PMMA TKA spacer that has been useful clinically. Tobramycin and vancomycin are both active against many organisms leading to joint infections. We used various combined antibiotic concentrations (maintaining a relative ratio of 55% tobramycin to 45% vancomycin w/w), and then assayed the elution profile of the TKA spacer in vitro. Additionally, the elution qualities of two brands of bone cement, Simplex® and Palacos®, were compared. Briefly, three groups of PMMA spacers, impregnated with different antibiotic loads, were fashioned from a mold replicating a femoral TKA component. The entire spacer surface area was immersed in sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in a 1:6 ratio of grams of cement to milliliters of PBS and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. After 24 h, aliquot eluates were taken, the PBS discarded, and replaced with fresh, sterile PBS. PBS was changed daily and an aliquot was taken at least weekly for nine weeks. Eluate samples were stored at −70 °C until assayed. Each spacer eluate sample's antibiotic concentration was determined by disc diffusion bioassay against Bacillus subtilis. Mean zone inhibition diameters were extrapolated from the standard curve to yield micrograms per milliliter of antibiotic in PBS. In all groups the Palacos® spacers demonstrated higher elution levels, above the MIC for the organism used, for a longer period of time than those made with Simplex®. Based on the observed elution profiles, antibiotic‐impregnated Palacos® bone cement may offer a more effective vehicle for local drug delivery during staged treatment of infected TKA. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Opioid rotation in chronic non‐malignant pain patients
Authors: Thomsen A. B. , Becker N. , Eriksen J. 
Published: December 2004

Background: The clinical advantage of opioid rotation is probably due to incomplete cross‐tolerance favouring analgesia more than adverse effects. The objectives of opioid rotation in chronic non‐malignant patients are 1): rotation between different long‐acting opioids (LAO) to improve analgesia and reduce side‐effects, and 2): rotation from short‐acting opioids (SAO) to LAO to establish stable analgesia in order to minimise withdrawal symptoms, risk of tolerance and addiction.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 37 rotations between different LAO and 59 rotations from SAO to LAO.Results: The main reason for opioid rotation was insufficient pain relief. Opioid rotations resulted in significantly better pain control in 59% (CI95=49–76%) of the patients rotated between different LAO and 73% (CI95 =60–84%) of the patients rotated from SAO to LAO. During rotations symptoms of withdrawal and overdosing were relatively frequent in both groups. No significant dose changes were seen when rotating between different LAO. However, the consequence of rotation from SAO to LAO was a 74% increase in the opioid dose (CI95 =30–117%).Conclusion: Opioid rotations between different LAO resulted in better pain control and fewer side‐effects at dose levels predicted to be equianalgesic. The majority of the patients rotated from SAO to LAO obtained improved analgesia, but the cost was a 74% increase in the opioid dose.
Julfar and the urbanisation of Southeast Arabia
Authors: Kennet Derek 
Published: December 2004

The fourteenth‐sixteenth‐century town of Julfar (al‐Mataf) in Ras al‐Khaimah (UAE) is one of the most fully investigated archaeological sites in the Gulf, having been the subject of seven different excavation projects. Evidence from the published reports, when brought together, provides a detailed and coherent picture of the development of the site from a small fishing community in the mid‐fourteenth century to a fully urbanised settlement by the mid‐fifteenth century, and then attests to its eventual decline and abandonment by the late sixteenth century.Julfar was the first example of true urbanism in this part of Arabia, and therefore marks a significant historical turning point. Its development is believed to have been linked to the expanding mercantile economy of Hormuz, but it occurred at the same time as a period of spectacular rural growth in its own immediate hinterland, evidence for which has been produced by archaeological field survey. Together these phenomena suggest the development of a local market economy, perhaps for the first time, which would have had significant implications for the social and economic structure of the area.
Cerebral blood flow in alcohol withdrawal: relation to severity of dependence and cognitive impairment
Authors: Hamdi E. , Al-Suhaili A. , Abou-Saleh M. T. , Amin Y. , Prais V. 
Published: December 2004

Background:Alcohol dependence affects cerebral function in complex, still unsettled ways.Methods:Thirty exclusively alcohol-dependent patients in various stages of withdrawal and 25 matched controls were examined for regional uptake of 99mTc-HMPAO in nine homologous regions of the cerebral cortex by single photon emission tomography (SPET). Image analysis reports regional uptake/uptake in homologous hemisphere.Results:Alcohol dependence is associated with diminished perfusion in the anterior, and middle frontal regions, and increased perfusion in the posterior temporal regions. Frontal hypoperfusion is related to alcohol withdrawal because it disappears with longer time between imaging, last intake and correlates with a composite index of cognitive impairment at the time. Temporal hyperperfusion persists for longer periods. Severe dependence correlates with both frontal, and temporal altered perfusion.Discussion:Alcohol withdrawal leads to redistribution of blood flow favouring the temporal, and more posterior regions of the cortex at the expense of frontal flow.