bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution and Correlates of C-Reactive Protein Concentrations among Adult US Women
Authors: Ford Earl S , Giles Wayne H , Mokdad Ali H , Myers Gary L 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background: Understanding the distribution of C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration among adult women in the US helps to establish the magnitude of women at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
Methods: We examined the distribution and correlates of CRP, using data from 2205 women ≥20 years of age from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2000. CRP was measured with a high-sensitivity latex-enhanced turbidimetric assay.
Results: CRP concentration ranged from 0.1 to 296.0 mg/L (median, 2.7 mg/L). After exclusion of women with a CRP concentration &gt;10 mg/L, the median was 2.2 mg/L. Approximately 25.7% of women, representing ∼26.8 million women, did not report using hormone replacement therapy and had a CRP concentration &gt;3.0 to 10 mg/L, a category considered to indicate high risk for cardiovascular disease. Multiple linear regression analysis included age, race or ethnicity, education, smoking status, total cholesterol concentration, triglyceride concentration, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and concentrations of glucose, insulin, c-peptide, and glycated hemoglobin. CRP concentration varied by race or ethnicity (Mexican American &gt; white) and hormone replacement therapy (users &gt; nonusers). In addition, significant and independent associations existed between CRP and waist circumference, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, and systolic blood pressure but not age, smoking status, alcohol use, insulin concentration, glycated hemoglobin, and c-peptide concentration.
Conclusion: Large numbers of US women have an increased concentration of CRP.
Characterization of Amplifiable, Circulating RNA in Plasma and Its Potential as a Tool for Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: El-Hefnawy Talal , Raja Siva , Kelly Lori , Bigbee William L , Kirkwood John M , Luketich James D , Godfrey Tony E 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackground: Several recent reports have described the detection of circulating, cancer-related RNA molecules in serum or plasma from cancer patients, but little is known about the biology of this extracellular RNA. We aimed to determine how RNA is protected against degradation in serum, to optimize RNA isolation from large volumes of serum, and to test our optimized assays for serum-based cancer detection.Methods: We used quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (QRT-PCR) analysis to investigate the isolation and biology of extracellular plasma RNA. We then examined the presence of amplifiable RNA transcripts in plasma and serum from controls and from patients with esophageal cancer and malignant melanoma.Results: We found that extracellular RNA in plasma is highly degraded and can be isolated most efficiently by guanidinium–phenol extraction followed by precipitation. Extracellular RNA is stable in serum for up to 3 h but is destroyed immediately by addition of detergents. Extracellular RNA can be captured on 0.2 μm filters, allowing concentration of RNA from several milliliters of plasma. When we concentrated RNA from up to 4 mL of serum, detection of cancer-related transcripts in serum from cancer patients and controls was infrequent and inconsistent.Conclusions: Extracellular RNA is most likely protected within protein or lipid vesicles, possibly apoptotic bodies, which can be disrupted by detergents. Despite optimizing many aspects of plasma RNA detection, we were unable to reproducibly detect cancer-related transcripts. Our data suggest that measurement of circulating RNA may not be a good approach to early cancer diagnosis.
Association of Serum Carotenoids and Tocopherols with γ-Glutamyltransferase: The Cardiovascular Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study
Authors: Lee Duk-Hee , Gross Myron D , Jacobs David R 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background: Our previous studies suggest that serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity may be related to oxidative stress, supporting findings of experimental studies. To further examine the role of GGT in relation to oxidative stress, we investigated the association between serum carotenoids and tocopherols, which have antioxidant properties, and serum GGT.
Methods: Study participants were 3128 black and white men and women 17–35 years of age in 1985–1986. Serum carotenoids and tocopherols were measured at years 0 and 7, and serum GGT was measured at years 0 and 10.
Results: Circulating concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin inversely predicted the serum GGT concentration measured 10 years later in a dose–response manner (P for trend &lt;0.01). Year 0 zeaxanthin/lutein was weakly inversely associated with year 10 GGT (P for trend = 0.08), and year 0 lycopene was unrelated to year 10 GGT. Adjusted geometric means of serum GGT at year 10 according to quintile of the sum of four carotenoids at year 0 (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin/lutein) were 19.9, 19.4, 18.9, 17.8, and 17.3 U/L (P for trend &lt;0.01). Year 0 α-tocopherol was also a significant inverse predictor of year 10 serum GGT concentration (P for trend = 0.03), whereas γ-tocopherol showed an inconsistent or possibly U-shaped association. However, year 0 serum GGT did not predict serum antioxidants measured 7 years later.
Conclusion: Our present findings support the contention that serum GGT concentration is a marker related with oxidative stress.
Eudesmane Derivatives from Hieracium intybaceum
Authors: Grass Sandra , Zidorn Christian , Ellmerer Ernst P. , Stuppner Hermann 
Published: March 2004

AbstractTwo new eudesmanolides, 4β‐H,3β‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)eudesma‐1,11(13)‐dien‐12,6‐olide (5a) and 3β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxyeudesma‐1,4(15),11(13)‐trien‐12,6‐olide (5b), as well as two related, known compounds, tuberiferin (7a) and dehydrobrachylaenolide (7b), were isolated from the CH2Cl2 extract of subaerial parts of Hieracium intybaceum All. Compounds 6a, 6b, 8a, and 8b, the Me esters of the corresponding sesquiterpenic acids related to 5a, 5b, 7a, and 7b, respectively, were obtained as artifacts during the isolation process. Additionally, linoleic acid (1), linolenic acid (2), the lignane syringaresinol 4′‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (3), and the guaianolide dehydrocostus lactone (4) were also isolated from H. intybaceum. Structure elucidations were based on mass spectrometry and extensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy.
Two‐photon imaging of brain pericytes in vivo using dextran‐conjugated dyes
Authors: Hirase Hajime , Creso Judith , Singleton Malaika , Barthó Peter , Buzsáki György 
Published: March 2004

AbstractPericytes in the central nervous system (CNS) are hypothesized to be involved in important circulatory functions, including local blood flow regulation, angiogenesis, immune reaction, and regulation of blood‐brain barrier. Despite these putative functions, functional correlates of pericytes in vivo are scarce. We have labeled CNS pericytes using the dextran‐conjugated fluorescent calcium indicator Calcium Green I and imaged them in somatosensory cortex of the mouse in vivo. Intracellular calcium concentration in pericytes showed spontaneous surges lasting for several seconds. Furthermore, population bursts of neuronal activity were associated with increased Ca2+ signal in a portion of the pericytes. Selective in vivo labeling of pericytes with functional markers may help reveal their physiological function in neuronal activity‐associated regulation of local cerebral blood flow. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitric oxide as a radiosensitizer: Evidence for an intrinsic role in addition to its effect on oxygen delivery and consumption
Authors: Jordan Bénédicte F. , Sonveaux Pierre , Feron Olivier , Grégoire Vincent , Beghein Nelson , Dessy Chantal , Gallez Bernard 
Published: March 2004

AbstractDifferent nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated treatments (e.g., isosorbide dinitrate, insulin and electrical stimulation of the host tissue) have been investigated for their effects on tumor oxygenation and radiation sensitivity. We further address the issue of the role played by modulation of the NO‐pathway in tumor radiosensitivity. For this purpose, the local concentration of NO was monitored after treatment in FSaII tumors and a comparison between the sensitivity of LLC tumors implanted both on eNOS−/− and wild‐type (WT) mice was carried out. First, we demonstrate the central role played by eNOS in the radiosensitizing effect after application of insulin treatment and electrical stimulation: a significant increase in tumor NO content is induced by these treatments and the increase in tumor oxygenation, as well as the radiosensitizing effect are abolished in eNOS knock‐out mice, in contrast to WT mice. Second, by comparing the level of oxygen and NO achieved in tumors after NO‐mediated treatments and carbogen, we provide evidence that these NO‐mediated treatments are not simply acting by a single oxygen effect. These treatments induced significant regrowth delays compared to carbogen, despite a smaller increase in tumor oxygenation. For the NO‐mediated treatments, there was a direct correlation between the NO content and the radiosensitizing effect. These data strongly suggest that NO is a complementary factor additive to oxygen in determining the sensitivity to irradiation and we therefore propose that NO acts as an intrinsic radiosensitizer in vivo. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accuracy of the Justy II Apex locator in determining working length in simulated horizontal and vertical fractures
Authors: Azabal M. , Garcia‐Otero D. , De La Macorra J. C. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAim  To study the effectiveness of an electronic apex locator (EAL; Justy II; Yoshida Dentcraft, Tokyo, Japan) in locating simulated horizontal and vertical fractures in single roots.Methodology  An EAL was used to measure the distance within the canal of horizontal (n = 31) and vertical (n = 31) fractures, created with a disk in single‐rooted teeth. Accuracy of the EAL was evaluated by comparing the measurements with those made using a size 10 file. Data were analysed with the non‐parametric Passing and Bablok method.Results  For simulated horizontal fractures, the EAL measured exactly the same length as a size 10 file, without constant or proportional errors. In vertical simulated fractures, the EAL measured (on average) with a constant error of 7.5 mm shorter than the size 10 file; the difference had a wide confidence interval (−72.3 to 2.6 mm).Conclusions  In this laboratory study, the Justy II EAL was able to determine accurately the position of simulated horizontal fractures, but was unreliable when measuring simulated vertical fractures.
Quantification of Restoration Success Using Complex Systems Concepts and Models
Authors: Anand Madhur , Desrochers Rachelle E. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract Concepts and models from complex systems theory are introduced to help expand the approaches to quantify restoration success in ecology. Main points are illustrated using case studies. These include (1) recovery and restoration trajectories may be complex (nonlinear, unpredictable, and leading to multiple attractors), and thus knowledge of well‐known model trajectories from complex systems theory may be useful; (2) modeling may be inevitable, as complete and long‐term observation of recovery pathways are rarely possible; (3) holistic views (e.g., community level as opposed to population‐level) may be necessary to understand governing processes in restoration and recovery.
Ecosystem Level Impacts of Invasive Acacia saligna in the South African Fynbos
Authors: Yelenik S. G. , Stock W. D. , Richardson D. M. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract Recent efforts to clear invasive plants from the fynbos of South Africa forces managers to think about how N2‐fixing invasives have altered ecosystem processes and the implications of these changes for community development. This study investigated the changes in nitrogen (N) cycling regimes in fynbos with the invasion of Acacia saligna, the effects of clear‐cutting acacia stands on soil microclimate and N cycling, and how altered N resources affected the growth of a weedy grass species. Litterfall, litter quality, soil nutrient pools, and ion exchange resin (IER)‐available soil N were measured in uninvaded fynbos, intact acacia, and cleared acacia stands. In addition, a bioassay experiment was used to ascertain whether the changes in soil nutrient availability associated with acacia would enhance the success of a weedy grass species. Acacia plots had greater amounts of litterfall, which had higher concentrations of N. This led to larger quantities of organic matter, total N, and IER‐available N in the soil. Clearing acacia stands caused changes in soil moisture and temperature, but did not result in differences in IER‐available N. The alteration of N availability by acacias was shown to increase growth rates of the weedy grass Ehrharta calycina, suggesting that secondary invasions by nitrophilous weedy species may occur after clearing N2‐fixing alien species in the fynbos. It is suggested that managers use controlled burns, the addition of mulch, and the addition of fynbos seed after clearing to lower the levels of available N in the soil and initiate the return of native vegetation.
Incidence of and socio‐demographic risk factors for stillbirth, preterm birth and low birthweight among Zimbabwean women
Authors: Feresu Shingairai A. , Harlow Siobán D. , Welch Kathy , Gillespie Brenda W. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryData on birth outcomes are important for planning maternal and child health care services in developing countries. Only a few studies have examined frequency of birth outcomes in Zimbabwe, none of which has jointly examined the spectrum of poor birth outcomes across important demographic subgroups. We assessed delivery patterns and birth outcomes in 17 174 births over a one‐year period from October 1997 to September 1998 at Harare Hospital, Zimbabwe. The annual rate of stillbirth was 61 per 1000 live births, rate of preterm birth (<37 weeks) was 168 per 1000, and low birthweight (LBW) (<2500 g) was 199 per 1000. Not attending antenatal care (prenatal care) was associated with increased risks of stillbirth [relative risk (RR) = 2.54, 95% CI 2.21, 2.92], preterm delivery [RR = 2.43, 95% CI 2.26, 2.61] and LBW births [RR = 2.16, 95% CI 2.02, 2.31]. Preterm births and LBW births were more likely to be stillborn [RR = 7.26, 95% CI 6.28, 8.39 and RR = 6.85, 95% CI 5.94, 7.91]. In conclusion, the rate of stillbirth is high and is predominantly associated with preterm births and to a lesser extent LBW. Reducing the frequency of stillbirth will require a better understanding of the determinants of preterm births and strategies for addressing this particular subset of high‐risk births.
A collection of 11 800 single‐copy Ds transposon insertion lines in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kuromori Takashi , Hirayama Takashi , Kiyosue Yuki , Takabe Hiroko , Mizukado Saho , Sakurai Tetsuya , Akiyama Kenji , Kamiya Asako , Ito Takuya , Shinozaki Kazuo 
Published: March 2004

SummaryMore than 10 000 transposon‐tagged lines were constructed by using the Activator (Ac)/Dissociation (Ds) system in order to collect insertional mutants as a useful resource for functional genomics of Arabidopsis. The flanking sequences of the Ds element in the 11 800 independent lines were determined by high‐throughput analysis using a semi‐automated method. The sequence data allowed us to map the unique insertion site on the Arabidopsis genome in each line. The Ds element of 7566 lines is inserted in or close to coding regions, potentially affecting the function of 5031 of 25 000 Arabidopsis genes. Half of the lines have Ds insertions on chromosome 1 (Chr. 1), in which donor lines have a donor site. In the other half, the Ds insertions are distributed throughout the other four chromosomes. The intrachromosomal distribution of Ds insertions varies with the donor lines. We found that there are hot spots for Ds transposition near the ends of every chromosome, and we found some statistical preference for Ds insertion targets at the nucleotide level. On the basis of systematic analysis of the Ds insertion sites in the 11 800 lines, we propose the use of Ds‐tagged lines with a single insertion in annotated genes for systematic analysis of phenotypes (phenome analysis) in functional genomics. We have opened a searchable database of the insertion‐site sequences and mutated genes (http://rarge.gsc.riken.go.jp/) and are depositing these lines in the RIKEN BioResource Center as available resources (http://www.brc.riken.go.jp/Eng/).
Resuscitation beyond 10 minutes of term babies born without signs of life
Authors: Patel H , Beeby PJ 
Published: February 2004

Objective:  To obtain population‐based data on babies who were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit despite having Apgar scores of 0 up to and including 10 min, and to document their outcomes. We aimed also to review other studies where outcomes following a 10‐min Apgar score of 0 were described, and to combine them with own results. Current recommendations regarding the discontinuation of resuscitation will be reconsidered in light of these results.Methods:  In order to obtain population‐based data for babies born in New South Wales (NSW), a request was made to the NSW Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Study (NICUS) directors to allow identification of babies in the NICUS database with Apgar scores of 0 at both 1 and 5 minutes. Individual directors were then asked to determine from their hospital records, which of these babies had a 10‐minute Apgar of 0, and to provide the results of follow‐up assessments of any survivors in this subgroupResults:  Twenty‐nine full‐term newborns with a 10‐minute Apgar score of 0 were identified. Twenty of the 29 babies died before leaving hospital. Of the 9 who were discharged alive, eight had severe disability and one had moderate disability. Thus death or severe disability occurred in 28/29 (97%), and death or any disability in 100%. Combining with other published studies, death or severe disability occurred in 63/64 (98%).Conclusion:  The above findings strongly support the discontinuation of resuscitation if a baby remains asystolic at 10 minutes.
The Empirical Spectator and Gallery Education
Authors: Fulkova Marie , Straker Alison , Jaros Milan 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis paper examines the onto‐epistemic status and understanding of contemporary material culture and of visual art, particularly in the context of gallery education. It does so through a case study of the response of 15 year‐old school students in the Czech Republic and in England to a recent photographic exhibition, I.N.R.I., created by artists Bettina Rheims and Serge Bramly. It supports and develops further the proposition that the tradition grounded in the concept of a single ‘objective’ interpretation of a work of art has been significantly undermined by the paradigmatic change that has taken place in the last decades. In the course of this process the vocabulary of signification (e.g. doves, the royal blue, temptations of Christ, class struggle) inherited from the age of ideologies and grand narratives has been significantly weakened. In its place there emerged the vocabulary of signs born out of the language of high tech media. It takes the form of dynamically constituted units identifiable via daily exposure to techno processes, e.g. familiar from advertising and networking, at best mere fragments of traditional narratives. The recognition of reality is couched in terms of consumer units originating in objects (e.g. gadgetry) and object‐based practices filling (indeed constituting) the living place of today. This shift is particularly apparent among English young people, brought up in a more consumer‐oriented society, and to a lesser degree among Czechs. This is well in keeping with the concept of the post‐modern ‘empirical spectator’ developed in recent literature on art and material culture education.
The Role of Art and Craft Collections in Teacher Training Institutions in Australia
Authors: Collet Penelope J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn postwar Australia, rapid population growth increased the demand for teachers. The colleges at Ballarat and Bendigo were revived and expanded by the Victorian Government. At Bendigo in 1955 F. M. Courtis, Head of Art Education, acquired art works initiating a valuable and significant teaching resource at the College. The study of the Courtis Collection raised obvious questions about the role of collections in the early teaching colleges and what events or factors led to their beginnings. This case study will be situated within a broader picture of art and craft collections in institutions across three states. My discussions in this paper are framed by some of Raymond Williams' notions about country and city and the ‘contrast between country and city, as fundamental ways of life’. I hope to demonstrate the important role art and craft collections have played in visual arts education in country institutions.
Selective Tail-to-Tail Dimerization of Ethyl Acrylate Catalyzed by Dirhodium Complexes
Authors: Kaneko Yuichi , Kanke Tsuyoshi , Kiyooka Syun-ichi , Isobe Kiyoshi 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
A catalytic selective tail-to-tail dimerization of ethyl acrylate was achieved by using dinuclear rhodium complexes, [(RhCp*)2(μ-CH2)2(CH3CN)2](BF4)2(Cp*=C5Me5) (1a) and [(RhCp*)2(μ-CH2)2(CO)2](BF4)2 (2). The corresponding dimethyl complex, [(RhCp*)2(μ-CH2)2(CH3)2] (3), showed catalytic ability only in the presence of HBF4·OEt2.
Ytterbium(II)-Aromatic Imine Dianion Complexes-Catalyzed Isomerization of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Makioka Yoshikazu , Saiki Akira , Takaki Ken , Taniguchi Yuki , Kitamura Tsugio , Fujiwara Yuzo 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Ytterbium-aromatic imine dianion complexes, easily prepared from ytterbium metal and aromatic imines, can act as effective catalysts for the isomerization of terminal alkynes to afford internal alkynes in good to high yields.
Trinuclear Cobalt(III) Complex Having Partial Cubane Co3O4 Core: Synthesis and Structural Analysis of the Complex Containing Bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine
Authors: Ama Tomoharu , Okamoto Ken-ichi , Yonemura Toshiaki , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Ogasawara Yoshiko , Yasui Takaji 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
The trinuclear cobalt(III) complex with the partial cubane Co3O4 core, [Co3(dpa)3(μ-OH)3(μ3-O)]4+ (dpa: bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine), was prepared and the structure was determined by the X-ray diffraction method. Though the partial cubane structure was slightly distorted by the N–H↔H–N repulsive interaction, this complex is stable at least 5 days in its neutral aqueous solution.
Synthesis of SBA-1 Mesoporous Silica Crystals with Tunable Pore Size Using Sodium Silicate and Alkyltrimethylammonium Surfactants
Authors: Chao Man-Chien , Lin Hong-Ping , Wang Da-Shin , Mou Chung-Yuan 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
The spherical micelle-templated SBA-1 mesoporous silicas with different pore size were conveniently synthesized from commercially available alkyltrimethylammonium surfactants and sodium silicate components in dilute solution.
GaAs Nanocrystals via Hydrothermal Redox Reaction
Authors: Wei Shuo , Lu Jun , Yu Weichao , Zhang Houbo , Qian Yitai 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
GaAs nanocrystals of 35 nm were synthesized via hydrothermal redox reaction of metal gallium with As2O3 and following annealing, which were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra. The formation mechanism was discussed.