bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the tensile and flexural behavior of coconut inflorescence fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester resin composites
Authors: Karthik S , Arunachalam V P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Natural fibers as reinforcement with polymer matrix have gained more advantage owing to its low density, high specific properties, biodegradability and abundant availability. In this connection an investigation has been carried out to make use of a newly identified natural fiber named coconut inflorescence fiber to reinforce with polyester resin. The natural fiber after extraction is subjected to mercerization treatment and the effect of mercerization on the surface of CIF was studied by FTIR and XRD analysis. FTIR spectrum analysis revealed the removal of functional groups present in the natural fiber owing to mercerization of CIF. XRD analysis shows improvement in crystalline size and crystalline index of the CIF as a result of mercerization. Samples of CIF/polyester composites were prepared by varying the length of the fiber as 10, 30, 50, 70 and 100 mm to be reinforced with different volume fractions of fiber/polyester resin as 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% respectively and the specimens were cut as per ASTM standards for testing. Further samples were taken for testing of tensile strength and flexural strength. Results showed fiber length played a predominant role for the increase in tensile and flexural strength of the composites for 25% volume fraction. SEM analysis was done to predict the effect of fracture behaviour of the composite specimen.
Multimode Fock states with large photon number: effective descriptions and applications in quantum metrology
Authors: Perarnau-Llobet M , González-Tudela A , Cirac J I 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We develop general tools to characterise and efficiently compute relevant observables of multimode N-photon states generated in nonlinear decays in one-dimensional waveguides. We then consider optical interferometry in a Mach–Zender interferometer where a d-mode photonic state enters in each arm of the interferometer. We derive a simple expression for the quantum Fisher information in terms of the average photon number in each mode, and show that it can be saturated by number-resolved photon measurements that do not distinguish between the different d modes.
Efficacy of an m-Health Physical Activity and Sleep Intervention to Improve Sleep Quality in Middle-Aged Adults: The Refresh Study Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rayward Anna T , Plotnikoff Ronald C , Murawski Beatrice , Vandelanotte Corneel , Brown Wendy J , Holliday Elizabeth G , Duncan Mitch J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Poor sleep health is highly prevalent. Physical activity is known to improve sleep quality but not specifically targeted in sleep interventions.

Purpose
To compare the efficacy of a combined physical activity and sleep intervention with a sleep-only intervention and a wait-list control, for improving sleep quality in middle-aged adults without a diagnosed sleep disorder.

Methods
Three-arm randomized controlled trial (Physical Activity and Sleep Health (PAS), Sleep Health Only (SO), Wait-list Control (CON) groups; 3-month primary time-point, 6-month follow-up) of 275 (PAS = 110, SO = 110, CON = 55) inactive adults (40–65 years) reporting poor sleep quality. The main intervention component was a smartphone/tablet “app” to aid goal setting and self-monitoring physical activity and/or sleep hygiene behaviors (including stress management), and a pedometer for PAS group. Primary outcome was Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score. Secondary outcomes included several self-reported physical activity measures and PSQI subcomponents. Group differences were examined stepwise, first between pooled intervention (PI = PAS + SO) and CON groups, then between PAS and SO groups.

Results
Compared with CON, PI groups significantly improved PSQI global and subcomponents scores at 3 and 6 months. There were no differences in sleep quality between PAS and SO groups. The PAS group reported significantly less daily sitting time at 3 months and was significantly more likely to report ≥2 days/week resistance training and meeting physical activity guidelines at 6 months than the SO group.

Conclusions
PIs had statistically significantly improved sleep quality among middle-aged adults with poor sleep quality without a diagnosed sleep disorder. The adjunctive physical activity intervention did not additionally improve sleep quality.

Clinical Trial information
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12617000680369; Universal Trial number: U1111-1194-2680; Human Research Ethics Committee, Blinded by request of journal: H-2016-0267.
A glide over the Indo-Australian geological maze: repeated transgressions of Lydekker’s and Wallace’s Lines in archdukes, barons and dukes (Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae: Adoliadini)
Authors: Toussaint Emmanuel F A , Müller Chris J , Morinière Jérôme , Tänzler Rene , Balke Michael 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Archdukes, barons, counts, dukes and marquises are forest-dwelling butterflies found in mainland Asia and most islands of the Indo-Australian archipelago west of Wallace’s Line, with only a few species occurring as far east as the Bismarck Archipelago. This pattern is unusual among butterfly groups of the region, which often present more widespread geographical ranges bearing little signature of Lydekker’s and Wallace’s Lines. Using a molecular multimarker matrix, we infer the first dated phylogeny for this clade and estimate its biogeographical history. We recover the Oriental genus Euthalia as polyphyletic, although other genera are monophyletic. The clade originated in continental Indomalaya in the late Oligocene ~24 Mya, when the Indo-Australian archipelago was at one of the most dynamic stages of its orogeny. Multiple independent colonization events towards the Lesser Sunda Islands, Moluccas, Australia and New Guinea suggest the relative permeability of Lydekker’s and Wallace’s Lines to these butterflies. Colonization of Melanesia took place twice, probably before the recent formation of Sulawesi. The study of Indo-Australian Adoliadini provides additional evidence that biogeographical barriers long thought to prevent exchange between the Asian and Australian biotas are, in fact, permeable especially to vagile insect lineages in the region.
Maternal Depressive Symptoms During Pregnancy and Brain Age in Young Adult Offspring: Findings from a Prenatal Birth Cohort
Authors: Mareckova Klara , Marecek Radek , Andryskova Lenka , Brazdil Milan , Nikolova Yuliya S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Maternal depression during pregnancy is associated with elevated risk of anxiety and depression in offspring, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we conducted a neuroimaging follow-up of a prenatal birth cohort from the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (n = 131; 53% women, age 23–24) to test whether deviations from age-normative structural brain development in young adulthood may partially underlie this link. Structural brain age was calculated based on previously published neuroanatomical age prediction models using cortical thickness maps from healthy controls aged 6–89. Brain age gap was computed as the difference between chronological and structural brain age. Participants also completed self-report measures of anxiety and mood dysregulation. Further, mothers of a subset of participants (n = 103, 54% women) answered a self-report questionnaire in 1990–1992 about depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Higher exposure to maternal depressive symptoms in utero showed a linear relationship with elevated brain age gap, which showed a quadratic relationship with anxiety and mood dysregulation in the young adult offspring. Our findings suggest that exposure to maternal depressive symptoms in utero may be associated with accelerated brain maturation and that deviations from age-normative structural brain development in either direction predict more anxiety and dysregulated mood in young adulthood.
Equilibrium dialysis, ultrafiltration, and ultracentrifugation compared for determining the plasma-protein-binding characteristics of valproic acid.
Authors: Barré J , Chamouard J M , Houin G , Tillement J P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Equilibrium dialysis, ultrafiltration, and ultracentrifugation were compared to determine their reliability and applicability in the study of binding of an anticonvulsant drug, valproic acid, by plasma proteins. We studied drug binding with pooled serum and with solutions of human serum albumin at physiological concentrations. We compared binding characteristics such as number of binding sites, affinity constants, and percent of binding as measured by each method in the therapeutic range for valproic acid. Results by ultracentrifugation differed from those by equilibrium dialysis and ultrafiltration, which agreed reasonably well with each other.
Variance estimates and individuality ratios of 25 serum constituents in beagles.
Authors: Leissing N , Izzo R , Sargent H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Variance components and individuality ratios for each of 25 chemical constituents of serum were estimated in a population of beagles. Ten blood samples were obtained from each of 14 beagles, seven of each sex, approximately weekly during three months. Glucose and phospholipid displayed marked inter-dog variation, as compared with intra-dog variation (individuality ratio less than 1). Triglycerides and nonesterified fatty acids had large intra-dog variances relative to their inter-dog variances (individuality ratio greater than 1). Overall, the estimated individuality ratios exceeded 1 for 20 of the 25 constituents. We conclude that subtraction of pretreatment values in the statistical analysis of the data from assays with individuality ratios greater than 1 may mask small clinically or biologically important changes between treatment groups. When the individuality ratio is greater than 1, pretreatment values should only be used as a population screening tool before a study.
Analysis for nicotine and cotinine in hair to determine cigarette smoker status.
Authors: Haley N J , Hoffmann D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Noninvasive validation of cigarette smoking behavior is necessary for large population studies, especially with adolescents, where peer pressures can compromise self-report. Saliva and urine samples provide biological material for confirmation of recent nicotine intake by analysis for cotinine, the major metabolite of nicotine. However, detection of infrequent use of cigarettes can be missed in a single annual screen when participants have not smoked in the preceding week. We analyzed scalp hair from smokers and controls, to see whether hair could provide reliable samples for determining nicotine uptake. The amounts of nicotine and cotinine we detected in these samples correlated with individual smoking habits and exposures.
Chemiluminescence immunoassay of plasma progesterone, with progesterone-acridinium ester used as the labeled antigen.
Authors: Richardson A P , Kim J B , Barnard G J , Collins W P , McCapra F 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This simple solid-phase chemiluminescence immunoassay for measurement of progesterone in extracts of venous plasma has sensitivity and precision similar to that of conventional radioimmunoassay with use of a tritiated antigen. The labeled antigen, 11 alpha-progesteryl-2-succinoyltyramine-4-(10-methyl)-acridini um-9-carboxylate, and a monoclonal antibody to progesterone-11 alpha-succinyl-bovine serum albumin are incubated with a 100-microL aliquot of plasma extract (equivalent to 20 microL of plasma) and 50 microL of a suspension of an IgG fraction of a donkey antiserum to mouse immunoglobulins, covalently attached to cellulose particles. After the antibody-binding reaction (60 min at 4 degrees C), 1 mL of phosphate buffer is added to each tube, the tubes are centrifuged (5 min, 1500 X g), and the supernatant fluid is aspirated. The washing step is repeated and diluted hydrochloric acid (50 mmol/L, 50 microL) is added to the pellet. Luminescence is initiated by oxidation with dilute sodium hydroxide/hydrogen peroxide. The signal is integrated over 10 s. The light yield is inversely proportional to the progesterone concentration in the standard or sample.
Studies on the quality of specimens obtained by skin-puncture of children. 2. An analysis of blood-collecting practices in a pediatric hospital.
Authors: Meites S , Glassco K M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We quantified blood-collecting practices for chemistry in a pediatric hospital. Skin-puncture provided 67% of samples, and in-dwelling catheters (lines), 31%. About 46% of samples collected (day-shift) were urgent ("stats"). A single skin-puncture provided 448 microL (range, 150-1350) of blood, and 80% of requests, but only 58% of stats. About 1.3 punctures per request were required. Time spent collecting blood was 11.0 min per single request. Patients undergoing total parenteral nutrition took 17.9 min and 3.6 skin-punctures per request. Analytical time for stat blood gases was about 6 min, total ("turnaround") time, about 16 min. Turnaround time for stat requests involving the Ektachem 400TM instrument was 32.4 min; for non-stat, at least 56 min. Other tests required 151 min. Blood gases and electrolytes represented the majority of all tests ordered, and 97% of in-dwelling line blood-draws. There was no correlation between age and number of tests per request, but the youngest patients (0 to 1 year) had more skin-punctures per request (1.4), along with the greatest number (55.5%) and frequency of tests.
Oxygen toxicity related to exposure to lead.
Authors: Monteiro H P , Abdalla D S , Arcuri A S , Bechara E J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We evaluated superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9) activities in the erythrocytes of lead-exposed and nonexposed workers from distinct industries localized in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Concentrations of either lead or protoporphyrin IX, or both, in blood were used to indicate the extent of exposure. In all cases, values for superoxide dismutase were significantly higher in the exposed workers. The dose-response relationship between this enzyme and lead concentrations was roughly linear for the workers with greater than 40 micrograms of lead per 100 g of blood. Except for the sample from one of the industries, the corresponding glutathione peroxidase activities were also significantly higher in lead-exposed workers. These data, together with those previously found for patients with intermittent acute porphyria, suggest that in both groups the accumulation of heme precursors is connected to the exacerbated production of activated oxygen species.
Determination of osteocalcin in human serum: results with two kits compared with those by a well-characterized assay.
Authors: Gundberg C M , Wilson P S , Gallop P M , Parfitt A M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Osteocalcin, the vitamin K-dependent protein in bone, can also be detected in serum and is receiving increased attention as a marker for bone turnover in evaluating patients with metabolic bone disease. We compared results for patients as determined with two commercial radioimmunoassay kits (Immuno Nuclear Corp. and Seragen Inc.) and with our in-house radioimmunoassay (Methods Enzymol 107: 517, 1984). Results by our assay correlated well (r greater than 0.9) with those by both kits, but the values by the Immuno Nuclear and Seragen methods were respectively 40% and 10% lower than by our radioimmunoassay. Within-run variation (CV) for the two kit methods was respectively 7.3% and 9.8%, run-to-run CV was 9.7% and 8.6%. The standard curve was linear from 1 to 25 micrograms/L for the Immuno Nuclear kit, from 4 to 100 micrograms/L for the Seragen equilibrium method, and from 1 to 25 micrograms/L for the Seragen nonequilibrium method. A second freeze-thaw cycle reduced the serum values by 20% to 40% for both kit methods. A third freeze-thaw cycle further reduced values and eliminated any correlation among methods.
Effect of assay conditions on cross reactivity of digoxin-like immunoreactive substance(s) with radioimmunoassay kits.
Authors: Pudek M R , Seccombe D W , Jacobson B E , Humphries K 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
One or more digoxin-like immunoreactive substances (DLIS), most frequently present in serum of premature and full-term neonates. cross react to various extents with different digoxin immunoassay kit reagents. Mostly, this variation is attributed to the relative cross reactivity of DLIS with the antiserum in each kit. However, modification of standard assay procedures for digoxin can also greatly alter the relative cross reactivity of DLIS. Using sequential RIA kit methods for digoxin by 20 to 60% relative to the standard equilibrium RIA mode. Cross reactivity was decreased still more if the concentrations of antiserum (binding-site concentration) and tracer (125 l-labeled digoxin) were decreased, and conversely. Serum samples containing only digoxin, analyzed by the modified method, consistently yielded results well comparable with those obtained with the manufacturers' recommended procedures. We describe use of the different responses to digoxin and DLIS of standard and sequential radioimmunoassays and use of simultaneous equation to calculate the concentration of DLIS (in digoxin equivalents) in digoxin-containing samples.
Improved radioimmunoassay for vitamin D and its use in assessing vitamin D status.
Authors: Hollis B W , Napoli J L 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We describe a faster, more-sensitive radioimmunoassay for vitamin D in plasma. Antibodies were generated in rabbits immunized with a new vitamin D analog, the 23,24,25,26,27-pentanor-C(22)-carboxylic acid of vitamin D, coupled directly with bovine serum albumin. After several months, Rivanol-treated sera from the rabbits contained high-titer antibodies, as determined by their abilities to bind 25-hydroxy-[3H]cholecalciferol. The antibody, used at a 1:15 000 final dilution, cross reacted equally with all cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol metabolites tested except 1,25-dihydroxycalciferol metabolites and the parent calciferols. 25-Hydroxycalciferol and similar forms were efficiently extracted from plasma or serum with acetonitrile. We separated bound from free 25-hydroxy-[3H]cholecalciferol by using a second antibody: goat antiserum to rabbit serum. The detection limit of the assay was 3.0 pg of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and its equivalents per tube; thus only 1 microL of plasma is needed per assay tube. Results compared well with those from a liquid-chromatographic procedure involving specific ultraviolet detection of 25-hydroxycalciferol in plasma.
Value of measuring C-terminal parathyrin in differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia.
Authors: Scott D P , Teasdale P R , Swaminathan R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We measured calcium, phosphate, chloride, albumin, C-terminal parathyrin, and beta 2-microglobulin in serum from 102 hypercalcemic patients: 42 with primary hyperparathyroidism and 60 with neoplasia. The calcium concentrations and the discriminant function index of Johnson et al. (Clin Chem 28, 333-338, 1982) were higher in malignant hypercalcemia than in primary hyperparathyroidism. The diagnostic efficiency of the index and of parathyrin concentration was 82% and 78%, respectively. Using the ratio of parathyrin to beta 2-microglobulin increased the diagnostic efficiency to 98%; the ratio of the discriminant index to parathyrin concentration had a diagnostic efficiency of 100%. We conclude that C-terminal assay by itself is no better than the discriminant function index.
Biochemical diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic modulation of disease activity in an unusual case of congenital erythropoietic porphyria.
Authors: Mukerji S K , Pimstone N R , Gandhi S N , Tan K T 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We describe the methodology used for quantifying and characterizing porphyrins in various tissues and in excreta, in the diagnosis and monitoring of the therapeutic modulation of biochemical disease activity in a 53-year-old white man who has a rare form of familial porphyria cutanea tarda with bone marrow rather than hepatic expression of the disease. Liquid-chromatographic and thin-layer chromatographic analyses of the patients's urine and skin showed predominantly heptacarboxylic porphyrin and uroporphyrin, whereas his stool and bile contained isocoproporphyrin and coproporphyrin as the major products. The data reflect defective uroporphyrinogen decarboxylation. Both analytical methods gave quantitatively similar results for urinary and fecal porphyrins. A triple-lumen perfusion study of samples procured both at the ampulla of Vater and 15 cm downstream provided data for porphyrins excreted in the bile and their reabsorption in the small intestine. We evaluated: suppression by hypertransfusion of bone marrow overproduction of porphyrins and reduction of enteral absorption of porphyrins by orally administered charcoal (Acta Char) and cholestyramine.
Evaluation of dual-label simultaneous assays for lutropin and follitropin in serum.
Authors: Beinlich C J , Piper J A , O'Neal J C , White O D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We evaluated the analytical performance and clinical utility of three dual-label simultaneous assays for lutropin and follitropin by comparison with widely used individual assays for these analytes (Diagnostic Products Corp.; DPC). Of the three assays evaluated, "Cotropin" (Clinetics Corp.) and "Combostat" (Micromedics Systems, Inc.) compared favorably with the DPC assay with respect to recovery, linearity, intra- and inter-assay precision, and sensitivity for lutropin. The third assay evaluated, "Simultropin" (Becton Dickinson Immunodiagnostics), exhibited greater interassay variability for lutropin than did the DPC assay but otherwise compared favorably. Analytically the three assays were similar to one another for follitropin determinations and results compared favorably with those by the DPC assay. Intercorrelation of patients' results obtained with these assays is poor. However, using the same standards with each of the three assays improved intercorrelation of patients' data except for follitropin by Combostat. A universally accepted reference material for immunoassay of lutropin and follitropin is needed.
Effect of heat treatment on results for biochemical analysis of plasma and serum.
Authors: Houssein I , Wilcox H , Barron J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Incubation of serum and plasma samples at 56 degrees C for 30 min inactivates the HTLV-III virus. We assessed the effect of this procedure on results of routine biochemical tests by dividing samples of serum and plasma into two, heat-treating one while the other remained at room temperature. Samples were then analyzed in an SMA 16/60, an Astra-8, an Analox glucose analyzer, a Cobas Bio centrifugal analyzer, and manually for salicylate and acetaminophen (paracetamol). Most of the differences produced by heat treatment were not clinically significant, although heated samples proved unsuitable for use in assay of some commonly measured enzymes. Serum evidently is preferable to plasma for this procedure, and heat-treated serum samples can validly be used for most routine analyses. Thus this procedure makes safer the analysis of samples from patients with suspected or proven acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).