bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful outcome in a fetus with an extremely low heart rate due to isolated complete congenital heart block
Authors: Vesel S. , Završnik T. , Podnar T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIsolated complete congenital heart block (CCHB) in a fetus is usually associated with the presence of autoantibodies to SSA (Ro) and SSB (La) antigens in the maternal circulation. Although the prognosis for the majority of fetuses is good, it is less favorable in fetuses with a ventricular rate < 55 bpm in early pregnancy or with a decrease in the ventricular rate by ≥ 5 bpm during pregnancy. It is not known if the same prognostic criteria apply for the occasional fetus with isolated non‐autoimmune CCHB. We report a case of a single fetus with an isolated non‐autoimmune CCHB with an extremely low ventricular rate (37 bpm) in which the outcome was favorable. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare complication in patients with isolated CCHB, despite early institution of cardiac pacing, and is usually recognized after several months of relative well‐being. It is assumed that in the majority of patients it represents a sequel to in utero autoimmune or postnatal reactivation myocarditis. However, the possibility of a tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy caused by an excessively high pacing rate should also be taken into consideration, as was clearly demonstrated in our patient. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methylcellulose gel is a superior contrast agent for ultrasound examination of the cervix in obstetric patients
Authors: O'Brien J. M. , Houseman B. A. , Allen A. A. , Barton J. R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the superior contrast agent for cervical sonography: water‐soluble methylcellulose gel vs. normal saline.MethodsWomen with an indication for cervical sonography underwent placement of 10 mL water‐soluble methylcellulose gel or normal saline. Assessment of cervical dimensions and contour was performed via transperineal sonography prior to and after contrast placement.ResultsTwenty‐five patients with similar demographic characteristics and indications for ultrasonography were enrolled into each group. Administration of contrast improved the ability to visualize the external os or vaginal fornices in 18 women in the gel group vs. six in the saline group (P = 0.002). In the gel group, 17 patients had easier identification of the external os and visualization of the fornices was enhanced in 13 patients. The assessment of cervical length prior to and after contrast administration was not statistically different with the use of either of these agents.ConclusionIntravaginal soluble gel is superior to normal saline as a cervical contrast agent. Intravaginal contrast may allow for easier identification of cervical anatomy during ultrasonographic examination in selected patients. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of success in methotrexate treatment of women with unruptured tubal pregnancies
Authors: Nazac A. , Gervaise A. , Bouyer J. , De Tayrac R. , Capella‐Allouc S. , Fernandez H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveThe use of methotrexate (MTX) for the treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) has become common practice, although the factors associated with a favorable outcome are not totally clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of successful MTX treatment.MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐seven women with unruptured tubal EP in whom the hematosalpinx could be directly visualized by pelvic ultrasound were studied. Women who met the inclusion criteria were treated with MTX either: 50 mg/m2 intramuscularly (n = 70) or with 1 mg/kg injected directly into the hematosalpinx under sonographic guidance (n = 67). The associations between the outcome of the treatment and different factors studied (human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level, progesterone level, hematosalpinx diameter, hemoperitoneum volume and mode of MTX administration) were analyzed.ResultsThe overall success rate, defined by a post‐treatment normal hCG level (< 10 mIU/mL), was 79.6%. The initial hCG level and the route of administration of MTX appeared to be two independent factors that predicted success. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the success rate was significantly better when MTX was administered locally: the odds ratio (OR) was 9.7 (95% CI, 3.1–30), and was significantly poorer when the hCG level was ≥ 1000 mIU/mL (P < 0.002): the OR was 0.10 (95% CI, 0.07–0.49).ConclusionAmong selected women with tubal EPs, the route of administration of MTX and the initial level of serum hCG are the most important factors associated with the success of medical treatment. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling and rendering of snowy natural scenery using multi‐mapping techniques
Authors: Yanyun Chen , Sun Hanqiu , Hui Lin , Wu Enhua 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRealistic image synthesis of highly complex, natural scenes has been a challenging topic in computer graphics over the years. Generation of snowy scenery could be even more difficult due to the difficulty of using common modelling primitives such as polygons and curved surfaces to express the snow‐like shapes. In this paper, we propose a hybrid multi‐mapping method to tackle the snowy scenery problem, in which a displacement map is utilized to model snowy blocks on near objects based on proximate polygons, and a volumetric texture map is combined to handle distant objects such as bushes and trees. Our experimental results showed that the hybrid method is viable in producing realistic snowy scenery with comprehensive complex environments, and in a favourable requirement of storage usage and rendering computation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulating the aurora
Authors: Baranoski Gladimir V. G. , Rokne Jon G. , Shirley Peter , Trondsen Trond S. , Bastos Rui 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe present the first computer graphics algorithm designed to simulate the aurora, a natural phenomenon of great visual beauty and considerable scientific interest. The algorithm is based on the current understanding of the physical origin of this natural display. The aurorae are mainly caused by high‐energy electrons originating in the sun and entering the earth's atmosphere in narrow regions centered on the magnetic poles. These electrons collide with atmospheric atoms, which are excited to higher energy levels. The excited atoms emit rapidly varying visible light in a curtain‐like volume as they return to lower energy levels, thereby creating the aurora. By simulating these light emissions along with the spatial and temporal distribution of the entering electrons, we are able to render the major visual aspects of auroral displays. The applicability of this auroral model for rendering and scientific purposes is illustrated through comparisons of synthetic images with photographs of real auroral displays. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Offshore Wind Energy in Europe— A Review of the State‐of‐the‐Art
Authors: Henderson Andrew R. , Morgan Colin , Smith Bernie , Sørensen Hans C. , Barthelmie Rebecca J. , Boesmans Bart 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAfter several decades of theoretical developments, desk studies, experimental wind turbines and prototype wind farms, the first large‐scale commercial developments of offshore wind farms are now being built. To support and accelerate this development, the European Commission funded a project, ‘Concerted Action on Offshore Wind Energy in Europe’ (CA‐OWEE), which aimed to gather, evaluate, synthesize and distribute knowledge on all aspects of offshore wind energy, including offshore technology, electrical integration, economics, environmental impacts and political aspects. The partners are from a wide range of fields and include developers, utilities, consultants, research institutes and universities. This article reports on the final conclusions of this project, with the complete report being available online at http://www.offshorewindenergy.org. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthese und thermische Eigenschaften von molekularen Clusterverbindungen zusammengesetzt aus Elementen der Gruppen 11‐13‐16
Authors: Olkowska‐Oetzel Jolanta , Fenske Dieter , Scheer Petra , Eichhöfer Andreas 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCuX (X = Cl, CH3COO) bzw. AgOC(O)C6H5 und GaCl3 reagieren in THF mit S(SiMe3)2 bzw. Se(SiMe3)2 in Anwesenheit von PPh3 zu [Cu6Ga8Cl4S13(PPh3)6] (1), [Cu6Ga8Cl4Se13(PPh3)6] (2), [Ag6Ga8Cl4S13(PPh3)6] (4) und [Ag6Ga8Cl4Se13(PPh3)6] (5). Verwendet man anstelle von PPh3 das Phosphan PnPr2Ph, so läßt sich nach Überschichten mit n‐Hexan die Verbindung [Cu6Ga8Cl4Se13(PnPr2Ph)12] (3a, 3b) kristallisieren. Durch Umsetzung von CuCl, GaCl3 und PnPr3 mit Se(SiMe3)2 in THF erhält man den ionischen Cluster (HPnPr3)2[Cu2Ga4Cl4Se6(PnPr3)4] (6). Die Strukturen der Verbindungen 1—6 konnten durch Einkristall‐Röntgenstrukturanalyse aufgeklärt werden. TGA‐MS‐Messungen und Pulverdiffraktogramme der Rückstände zeigen die potentielle Verwendbarkeit der Cluster als Prekursormaterialien zur Darstellung der entsprechenden ternären Festkörperverbindungen.
Die Undecaarsenide A3As11 (A = Rb, Cs) — Synthesen und Kristallstrukturen
Authors: Emmerling Franziska , Röhr Caroline 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRb3As11 und Cs3As11 wurden aus den Elementen synthetisiert und die Kristallstrukturen der geordneten Raumtemperaturmodifikationen auf der Basis von Röntgen‐Einkristalldaten bestimmt. In den Zintl‐Phasen bilden die As‐Atome chirale Ufosan‐Anionen As mit As‐As‐Abständen im Bereich zwischen 238 und 248 pm. Rb3As11 kristallisiert wie K3As11 im Na3P11‐Strukturtyp (orthorhombisch, Raumgruppe Pbcn, a = 1108.2(2), b = 1533.5(3), c = 1060.1(2) pm, Z = 4), die Cs‐Verbindung (monoklin, Raumgruppe C2/c, a = 1324.5(7), b = 1524.5(9), c = 1937.2(11) pm, β = 95.29(1)°, Z = 8) kristallisiert dagegen in einem neuen Strukturtyp. Die kristallographischen Bezüge zwischen den beiden Strukturtypen und den Anionenpackungen der plastisch kristallinen Hochtemperaturformen werden diskutiert.
Solvothermal Synthesis and Characterization of the New Iron Thioantimonates(III) [Fe(C6H18N4)]FeSbS4 and [Fe(C4H13N3)2]Fe2Sb4S10 Containing FeII and FeIII and Protein‐Analogous [2FeIII‐2S]2+ Clusters
Authors: Kiebach Ragnar , Bensch Wolfgang , Hoffmann Rolf‐Dieter , Pöttgen Rainer 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe two new compounds [Fe(tren)]FeSbS4 (1) (tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine) and [Fe(dien)2]Fe2Sb4S10 (2) (dien = diethylendiamine) were prepared under solvothermal conditions and represent the first thioantimonates(III) with iron cations integrated into the anionic network. In both compounds Fe3+ is part of a [2FeIII‐2S] cluster which is often found in ferredoxines. In addition, Fe2+ ions are present which are surrounded by the organic ligands. In (1) the Fe2+ ion is also part of the thioantimonate(III) network whereas in (2) the Fe2+ ion is isolated. In both compounds the primary SbS3 units are interconnected into one‐dimensional chains. The mixed‐valent character of [Fe(tren)]FeSbS4 was unambiguously determined with Mössbauer spectroscopy. Both compounds exhibit paramagnetic behaviour and for (1) a deviation from linearity is observed due to a strong zero‐field splitting. Both compounds decompose in one single step.
Ein neuer Aluminium/Nickel/Oxo‐Cluster: [Ni(acac)OAl(OtBu)2]4
Authors: Veith Michael , Valtchev Kroum , Huch Volker 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Bis(tert‐butoxi)alan (tBu‐O)2AlH reagiert mit Nickeldiacetylacetonat bei höheren Temperaturen zum neuartigen Nickel‐Aluminium‐Sauerstoff‐Cluster [Ni(acac)OAl(OtBu)2]4; neben anderen Produkten wird auch Aluminiumtriacetylacetonat Al(acac)3 gebildet. Der Metall‐Sauerstoff‐Cluster lässt sich durch Kristallisation isolieren und kann über Röntgenstrukturanalyse charakterisiert werden. Das Molekül [Ni(acac)OAl(OtBu)2]4 enthält im Zentrum einen achtgliedrigen Al4O4‐Ring, an den acht kantenverknüpfte NiO2Al‐Ringe über gemeinsame O‐Al‐O‐Einheiten gebunden sind. Die Punktsymmetrie des Metall‐Sauerstoff‐Clusters beträgt nahezu S4. Während die Aluminiumatome verzerrt tetraedrisch von Sauerstoffatomen umgeben sind (mittlerer Abstände Al‐O zwischen 1, 730(6) und 1, 789(6) Å)), befinden sich die Nickelatome in verzerrt quadratisch pyramidalen Sauerstoff‐Koordinationssphären (Ni‐Oaxial = 1, 938(6) Å, Ni‐Obasal = 2, 056(9)Å). Die Nickelatome sind in einem Highspin‐d8‐Zustand (μeff = 3, 32 B.M.).
Information Technology and U.S. Energy Consumption: Energy Hog, Productivity Tool, or Both?
Authors: Laitner John A. “Skip” 
Published: March 2003

SummaryA significant debate has emerged with respect to the energy requirements of the Internet. The popular literature has echoed a misleading study that incorrectly suggests the growth of the information economy will require huge amounts of new energy resources. Even correcting the misleading assumptions in that study, discussion on this topic tends to result in a highly limited and unsatisfactory review of many larger issues. Although the evidence suggests a relatively small amount of energy is required to power today's information needs—;about 3% of total electricity consumption in the United States—;the complexity and connectivity of the Internet, and, more generally, the information economy, yield a deep uncertainty about the eventual long‐term impact on energy consumption. Although we may not yet be able to generalize about the future long‐term energy needs associated with the information economy, the evidence points to continuing technical changes and the growing substitution of knowledge for material resources. These interrelated trends will likely generate small decreases in energy intensity and reduce subsequent environmental impacts relative to many baseline projections. Despite these trends, a number of questions need to be addressed before any solid long‐term conclusions might be forthcoming. The article reviews some of the dimensions of these possible changes and suggests further directions for research that may help answer these important questions.
Expression of hepcidin in hereditary hemochromatosis: evidence for a regulation in response to the serum transferrin saturation and to non-transferrin-bound iron
Authors: Gehrke Sven G. , Kulaksiz Hasan , Herrmann Thomas , Riedel Hans-Dieter , Bents Karin , Veltkamp Claudia , Stremmel Wolfgang 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Experimental data suggest the antimicrobial peptide hepcidin as a central regulator in iron homeostasis. In this study, we characterized the expression of human hepcidin in experimental and clinical iron overload conditions, including hereditary hemochromatosis. Using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we determined expression of hepcidin and the most relevant iron-related genes in liver biopsies from patients with hemochromatosis and iron-stain-negative control subjects. Regulation of hepcidin mRNA expression in response to transferrin-bound iron, non-transferrin-bound iron, and deferoxamine was analyzed in HepG2 cells. Hepcidin expression correlated significantly with serum ferritin levels in controls, whereas no significant up-regulation was observed in patients with hemochromatosis despite iron-overload conditions and high serum ferritin levels. However, patients with hemochromatosis showed an inverse correlation between hepcidin transcript levels and the serum transferrin saturation. Moreover, we found a significant correlation between hepatic transcript levels of hepcidin and transferrin receptor-2 irrespective of the iron status. In vitro data indicated that hepcidin expression is down-regulated in response to non-transferrin-bound iron. In conclusion, the presented data suggest a close relationship between the transferrin saturation and hepatic hepcidin expression in hereditary hemochromatosis. Although the causality is not yet clear, this interaction might result from a down-regulation of hepcidin expression in response to significant levels of non-transferrin-bound iron. (Blood. 2003;102:371-376)
Alterations in the intrinsic properties of the GPIbα–VWF tether bond define the kinetics of the platelet-type von Willebrand disease mutation, Gly233Val
Authors: Doggett Teresa A. , Girdhar Gaurav , Lawshe Avril , Miller Jonathan L. , Laurenzi Ian J. , Diamond Scott L. , Diacovo Thomas G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPlatelet-type von Willebrand disease (PTVWD) is a bleeding disorder in which an increase of function mutation in glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα), with respect to binding of von Willebrand factor (VWF), results in a loss of circulating high molecular weight VWF multimers together with a mild-moderate thrombocytopenia. To better ascertain the specific perturbations in adhesion associated with this disease state, we performed a detailed analysis of the kinetic and mechanical properties of tether bonds formed between PT-VWD platelets and the A1-domain of VWF. Results indicate that the GPIbα mutation, Gly233Val, promotes and stabilizes platelet adhesion to VWF at shear rates that do not support binding between the native receptor-ligand pair due to enhanced formation and increased longevity of the mutant tether bond (k0off values for mutant versus native complex of 0.67 ± 0.11 s-1 and 3.45 ± 0.37 s-1, respectively). By contrast, the sensitivity of this interaction to an applied force, a measure of bond strength, was similar to the wild-type (WT) receptor. Although the observed alterations in the intrinsic properties of the GPIbα–VWF tether bond are comparable to those reported for the type 2B VWD, distinct molecular mechanisms may be responsible for these function-enhancing bleeding disorders, as interactions between the mutant receptor and mutant ligand resulted in a greater stability in platelet adhesion. We speculate that the enhanced cellular on-rate together with the prolongation in the lifetime of the mutant receptor-ligand bond contributes to platelet aggregation in circulating blood by permitting the formation of multiple GPIbα–VWF-A1 interactions. (Blood. 2003;102:152-160)
Wear and deformation of ceramic-on-polyethylene total hip replacements with joint laxity and swing phase microseparation
Authors: Williams S , Butterfield M , Stewart T , Ingham E , Stone M , Fisher J 
Published: March 2003

Wear of polyethylene and the resulting wear debris-induced osteolysis remains a major cause of long-term failure in artificial hip joints. There is interest in understanding engineering and clinical conditions that influence wear rates. Fluoroscopic studies have shown separation of the head and the cup during the swing phase of walking due to joint laxity. In ceramic-on-ceramic hips, joint laxity and microseparation, which leads to contact of the head on the superior rim of the cup, has led to localized damage and increased wear in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of joint laxity and microseparation on the wear of ceramic on polyethylene artificial hip joints in an in vitro simulator. Microseparation during the swing phase of the walking cycle produced contact of the ceramic head on the rim of the polyethylene acetabular cup that deformed the softer polyethylene cup. No damage to the alumina ceramic femoral head was found. Under standard simulator conditions the volume change of the moderately crosslinked polyethylene cups was 25.6 ± 5.3 mm3/million cycles and this reduced to 5.6 ± 4.2 mm3/million cycles under microseparation conditions. Testing under microseparation conditions caused the rim of the polyethylene cup to deform locally, possibly due to creep, and the volume change of the polyethylene cup when the head relocated was substantially reduced, possibly due to improved lubrication. Joint laxity may be caused by poor soft tissue tension or migration and subsidence of components. In ceramic-on-polyethylene acetabular cups wear was decreased with a small degree of joint laxity, while in contrast in hard-on-hard alumina bearings, microseparation accelerated wear. These findings may have significant implications for the choice of fixation systems to be used for different types of bearing couples.
Bivalirudin and Provisional Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Blockade Compared With Heparin and Planned Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Blockade During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Lincoff A. Michael , Bittl John A. , Harrington Robert A. , Feit Frederick , Kleiman Neal S. , Jackman J. Daniel , Sarembock Ian J. , Cohen David J. , Spriggs Douglas , Ebrahimi Ramin , Keren Gadi , Carr Jeffrey , Cohen Eric A. , Betriu Amadeo , Desmet Walter , Kereiakes Dean J. , Rutsch Wolfgang , Wilcox Robert G. , de Feyter Pim J. , Vahanian Alec , Topol Eric J. ,   for the REPLACE-2 Investigators
Published: March 2003

ContextThe direct thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin has been associated with better efficacy and less bleeding than heparin during coronary balloon angioplasty but has not been widely tested during contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of bivalirudin, with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (Gp IIb/IIIa) inhibition on a provisional basis for complications during PCI, compared with heparin plus planned Gp IIb/IIIa blockade with regard to protection from periprocedural ischemic and hemorrhagic complications.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThe Randomized Evaluation in PCI Linking Angiomax to Reduced Clinical Events (REPLACE)–2 trial, a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial conducted among 6010 patients undergoing urgent or elective PCI at 233 community or referral hospitals in 9 countries from October 2001 through August 2002.InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous bivalirudin (0.75-mg/kg bolus plus 1.75 mg/kg per hour for the duration of PCI), with provisional Gp IIb/IIIa inhibition (n = 2999), or heparin (65-U/kg bolus) with planned Gp IIb/IIIa inhibition (abciximab or eptifibatide) (n = 3011). Both groups received daily aspirin and a thienopyridine for at least 30 days after PCI.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary composite end point was 30-day incidence of death, myocardial infarction, urgent repeat revascularization, or in-hospital major bleeding; the secondary composite end point was 30-day incidence of death, myocardial infarction, or urgent repeat revascularization.ResultsProvisional Gp IIb/IIIa blockade was administered to 7.2% of patients in the bivalirudin group. By 30 days, the primary composite end point had occurred among 9.2% of patients in the bivalirudin group vs 10.0% of patients in the heparin-plus-Gp IIb/IIIa group (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-1.09; P = .32). The secondary composite end point occurred in 7.6% of patients in the bivalirudin vs 7.1% of patients in the heparin-plus-Gp IIb/IIIa groups (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval 0.90-1.32; P = .40). Prespecified statistical criteria for noninferiority to heparin plus Gp IIb/IIIa were satisfied for both end points. In-hospital major bleeding rates were significantly reduced by bivalirudin (2.4% vs 4.1%; P&amp;lt;.001).ConclusionsBivalirudin with provisional Gp IIb/IIIa blockade is statistically not inferior to heparin plus planned Gp IIb/IIIa blockade during contemporary PCI with regard to suppression of acute ischemic end points and is associated with less bleeding.