bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Divergence Studies in Cucumber
Authors: Thakur Seema , Agrawal Anshika , Thakur Rajesh 
Published: June 2024

Cucumber is an important vegetable crop belonging to family Cucurbitaceae which is the most widely cultivated in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Immature cucumber fruits can be either consumed as raw or in the form of pickle. In addition to its cooling properties, immature fruits are considered useful for people suffering from constipation, jaundice, and indigestion. In Himachal Pradesh, cucumber is commercially grown from March-May which makes the fruits available to the consumers from June-October, when there is non-availability of fruits in plains. Thirty two diverse genotypes of cucumber were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications including standard check cultivar i.e Solan Srijan at Horticultural Research and Training Station and Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kandaghat It is concluded from the present investigation that for the improvement of various horticultural traits in cucumber, it would be better to carry out hybridization between genotypes from cluster IV (S-30, Sel-3A, Grani Collection, Kothi Deora Collection and Solan Srijan) and cluster II (FAM-2, Ujawala Summer Long-45, Bajrol Collection and Kothon Collection) in order to obtain better recombinants.
Patient race and surgical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty: An analysis of a large regional database
Authors: Blum Marissa A. , Singh Jasvinder A. , Lee Gwo‐Chin , Richardson Diane , Chen Wei , Ibrahim Said A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo examine racial differences in surgical complications, mortality, and revision rates after total knee arthroplasty.MethodsWe studied patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty using 2001–2007 Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council data. We conducted bivariate analyses to assess the risk of complications such as myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism, wound infections, and failure of prosthesis, as well as 30‐day and 1‐year overall mortality after elective total knee arthroplasty, between racial groups. We estimated Kaplan‐Meier 1‐ and 5‐year surgical revision rates, and fit multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to compare surgical revision by race, incorporating 5 years of followup. We adjusted for patient age, sex, length of hospital stay, surgical risk of death, type of health insurance, hospital surgical volume, and hospital teaching status.ResultsIn unadjusted analyses, there were no significant differences by racial group for either overall 30‐day or in‐hospital complication rates, or 30‐day and 1‐year mortality rates. Adjusted Cox models incorporating 5 years of followup showed an increased risk of revisions for African American patients (hazard ratio [HR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.08–1.80), younger patients (HR 2.30, 95% CI 1.96–2.69), and lower risk for female patients (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71–0.92).ConclusionIn this sample of patients who underwent knee arthroplasty, we found no significant racial differences in major complication rates or mortality. However, African American patients, younger patients, and male patients all had significantly higher rates of revision based on 5 years of followup.
Physical activity monitoring in adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia: Findings from a clinical trial of cognitive–behavioral therapy
Authors: Kashikar‐Zuck Susmita , Flowers Stacy R. , Strotman Daniel , Sil Soumitri , Ting Tracy V. , Schikler Kenneth N. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveJuvenile fibromyalgia (JFM) is a chronic musculoskeletal pain condition that is associated with reduced physical function. Recent research has demonstrated that cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in improving daily functioning among adolescents with JFM. However, it is not known whether these improvements were accompanied by increased physical activity levels. Our objective was to analyze secondary data from a randomized clinical trial of CBT to examine whether CBT was associated with improvement in objectively measured physical activity and whether actigraphy indices corresponded with self‐reported functioning among adolescents with JFM.MethodsParticipants were 114 adolescents (ages 11–18 years) recruited from pediatric rheumatology clinics that met criteria for JFM and were enrolled in a clinical trial. Subjects were randomly (1:1) assigned to receive either CBT or fibromyalgia education (FE). Participants wore a hip‐mounted accelerometer for 1 week as part of their baseline and posttreatment assessments.ResultsThe final sample included 68 subjects (94% female, mean age 15.2 years) for whom complete actigraphy data were obtained. Actigraphy measures were not found to correspond with self‐reported improvements in functioning. While self‐reported functioning improved in the CBT condition compared to FE, no significant changes were seen in either group for activity counts, sedentary, moderate, or vigorous activity. The CBT group had significantly lower peak and light activity at posttreatment.ConclusionActigraphy monitoring provides a unique source of information about patient outcomes. CBT intervention was not associated with increased physical activity in adolescents with JFM, indicating that combining CBT with interventions to increase physical activity may enhance treatment effects.
Pain Intensity Variability and Its Relationship With Quality of Life in Youths With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Tupper Susan M. , Rosenberg Alan M. , Pahwa Punam , Stinson Jennifer N. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo describe variability of pain intensity experienced by youths with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and examine factors related to within‐day patterns of pain and the relationship between magnitude of pain variability and quality of life.MethodsPain intensity was self‐reported on a visual analog scale (VAS; range 0–100) by 112 youths with JIA ages 8–18 years using electronic diaries 3 times per day for 7 days. Average absolute change in pain (AAC) was computed as a measure of the magnitude of pain variability for each participant. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between demographic and disease characteristics and the probability of having high pain variability (AAC ≥10 VAS units). Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between quality of life (assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) and AAC. The generalized estimating equations approach was used to examine the relationship between the time of day and pain intensity.ResultsThe mean ± SD AAC was 15.6 ± 10.5. The majority of youths (65%) had high AAC (≥10 VAS units). Disease severity predicted high pain variability (β = 0.02, P = 0.044). Higher AAC predicted lower quality of life (adjusted R2 = 0.194, β = −0.59, P = 0.003). Within‐day patterns of pain intensity varied by JIA subtype and sex.ConclusionThis study characterized the pain intensity variability experienced by youths with JIA. Pain variability throughout the day was common, varied by JIA subtype and sex, and was related to quality of life. These findings have implications for future pain research, patient education, and development of clinical interventions for this population.
Impact of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in an Outpatient Rheumatology Clinic
Authors: Micu Mihaela C. , Alcalde María , Sáenz José Ignacio , Crespo Manuel , Collado Paz , Bolboacă Sorana D. , Naredo Esperanza 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) as a complementary method to clinical assessment on rapid diagnosis and therapeutic decisions in a busy outpatient rheumatology clinic.MethodsSixty patients with different musculoskeletal symptoms were included in the study. Three expert rheumatologists performed the clinical examination and filled out a standardized clinical report sheet with the following parameters: general and/or local diagnoses, planned systemic and/or local treatment, and their decision concerning the use of MSUS evaluation complementary to clinical examination. Another rheumatologist, blinded to clinical data, performed the MSUS assessment of the anatomic areas selected by the clinicians. The impact of the new information obtained by MSUS on the initial diagnosis and therapeutic strategy was estimated by the degree of change in the initial clinical diagnosis and therapy decisions.ResultsOf 60 patients (67 anatomic areas), MSUS was considered as necessary after clinical examination in 39 patients (65%), totaling 43 anatomic areas (64.17%). An overall change of the initial clinical diagnosis was present in 60% of the anatomic areas (P = 0.0175). In all of the anatomic areas (100%), the new diagnosis was more objective and detailed. An overall change of the initial systemic therapy was present in 25% of anatomic areas (P = 0.0014) and in 36% of anatomic areas (P = 0.095) for local therapy. A guided diagnostic aspiration was decided to be performed in 15% of anatomic areas and a guided therapeutic injection in 22% of anatomic areas.ConclusionEnhanced information obtained by MSUS evaluation leads to changes, with a significant impact on the initial diagnosis and treatment strategy designed after clinical examination.
Using Rituximab Plus Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide as a Treatment for Refractory Mixed Cryoglobulinemia Associated With Lymphoma
Authors: Saadoun D. , Pineton de Chambrun M. , Hermine O. , Karras A. , Choquet S. , Jego P. , Decaux O. , Cacoub P. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTreatment of refractory mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) with severe organ involvement remains challenging. Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) treatment is highly effective for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and marginal‐zone lymphoma. We first report the safety and efficacy of FCR treatment in severe and refractory MC vasculitis associated with lymphoma.MethodsWe report the safety and efficacy of fludarabine (40 mg/m2 orally on days 2–4), cyclophosphamide (250 mg/m2 orally on days 2–4), and rituximab (375 mg/m2 on day 1), every 4 weeks, for 3 to 6 cycles in 7 consecutive patients with severe and refractory MC.ResultsClinical features of MC included purpura (n = 7), polyneuropathy (n = 6), and kidney (n = 4) and cardiac involvement (n = 2). Previous treatment included rituximab (n = 5), corticosteroids (n = 5), antiviral therapy (n = 5), cyclophosphamide (n = 3), and plasmapheresis (n = 2). All patients achieved clinical response, with 3 patients (42.9%) achieving a complete remission and 4 patients (57.1%) a partial remission. Cryoglobulin decreased from 0.94 to 0.41 gm/liter (P = 0.015). After a followup of 27 months, 2 patients experienced a relapse of MC. Five patients (71.4%) experienced side effects, including cytopenia (n = 5), pneumopathy (n = 2), and serum sickness (n = 1).ConclusionThe FCR regimen represents an effective treatment in severe and refractory MC.
Wetting Properties of Steel Surfaces Modified by Laser Interference Metallurgy
Authors: Raillard Brice , Rémond Justine , Ramos‐Moore Esteban , Souza Nicolas , Gachot Carsten , Mücklich Frank 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe wetting properties of 100Cr6 bearing steel surfaces modified using laser interference metallurgy (LIMET) are analyzed. The steel surfaces are structured with line‐like patterns with line‐spacing. The topography of the ridged surface is analyzed by means of white light interferometry and scanning electron microscopy and surface chemistry of the different topographic regions by Raman spectroscopy. Contact angle (CA) measurements are performed on modified and non‐irradiated surfaces, using bi‐distilled water and FVA2 industrial oil. The angles are measured parallel and perpendicular to the line‐pattern orientation. The topographical analysis shows steep line‐pattern produced by laser. Raman analysis indicates that the laser irradiation does not significantly change the chemical species of the modified surfaces. The CA measurements elucidates that the parallel orientation provides a better wetting of the surface, because the laser line‐pattern acts as capillary flow channels, whereas the perpendicular orientation imposes energy barrier thus preventing wetting. As expected, the wetting coverage is more effective for larger than for smaller periodic structures, due to the larger area of flat contact. These novel results highlight the relevant use of LIMET to tailor the wetting properties of steel surfaces.
Ultrathin Silica Films on Metals: The Long and Winding Road to Understanding the Atomic Structure
Authors: Shaikhutdinov Shamil , Freund Hans‐Joachim 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper critically reviews the experimental and theoretical studies on the growth of ultrathin silica films onto metal single crystal substrates reported to date. The silica films on Mo(112) and Ru(0001) are discussed in more detail to demonstrate the key roles of the multi‐technique approach and interplay between experiment and theory in the quest for understanding the atomic structure of the films. The results show the structural complexity and diversity of silica overlayers on metals, providing further information towards our understanding of the atomic structure, structural dynamics and physical and chemical properties of silica and related materials.
Asymmetrische Katalyse mit Bis(hydroxyphenyl)diamid/Seltenerdmetall‐Komplexen
Authors: Kumagai Naoya , Shibasaki Masakatsu 
Published: November 2012

AbstractEine Serie von asymmetrischen Katalysatoren bestehend aus konformativ flexiblen, chiralen Amidliganden und Seltenerdmetallen wurde für die Protonentransferkatalyse entwickelt. Diese von Aminosäuren abgeleiteten Liganden bieten eine faszinierende chirale Plattform für die Bildung asymmetrischer Katalysatoren durch Komplexierung mit Seltenerdmetallen. Das Anwendungsspektrum dieser Katalysatorfamilie wurde durch die Entwicklung katalytischer Heterodimetallsysteme noch erweitert. Das Zusammenwirken von Wasserstoffbrückenbindung und Metallkoordination führte zu einer verblüffenden Substratspezifität und Stereokontrolle, und dank der dynamischen Natur der Katalysatoren ließ sich deren Funktion umschalten. In diesem Kurzaufsatz fassen wir unsere aktuellen Untersuchungen dieser Katalysatorklasse zusammen.
Variable Order Fractional Controllers
Authors: Valério Duarte , Sá da Costa José 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper addresses variable order fractional controllers. Four situations where variable order fractional controllers may be used to cope with time‐varying plants are used as examples. In all cases a constant phase margin is sought, thus resulting in a constant overshoot in step responses, which is otherwise unattainable. The first two examples concern first generation Crone controllers for plants with time‐varying gains. The other two examples concern a logarithmic phase Crone controller for a plant with time‐varying poles and gain. Numerical simulation results are given for all examples.
Stability Margins and H∞ Co‐Design with Fractional‐Order PIλ Controllers
Authors: Wang De‐Jin , Gao Xue‐Li 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis article considers the co‐design of gain and phase margins and H∞ performance for fractional‐delay systems using fractional‐order PIλ controllers. The stability region in the proportional–integral plane of the PIλ controller for a fixed fractional‐order λ is first determined graphically in terms of a stability equation method applicable to fractional‐delay systems. Then, in the stability region, the system performance design is carried out, including the classical gain‐margin and phase‐margin and the modern H∞‐norm constraint of the sensitivity function of the closed‐loop. A numerical example is given to show the superiorities of the fractional‐order PIλ controller over the integer‐order PI controller.
Integrating cell‐free biosyntheses of heme prosthetic group and apoenzyme for the synthesis of functional P450 monooxygenase
Authors: Kwon Yong‐Chan , Oh In‐Seok , Lee Nahum , Lee Kyung‐Ho , Yoon Yeo Joon , Lee Eun Yeol , Kim Byung‐Gee , Kim Dong‐Myung 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHarnessing the isolated protein synthesis machinery, cell‐free protein synthesis reproduces the cellular process of decoding genetic information in artificially controlled environments. More often than not, however, generation of functional proteins requires more than simple translation of genetic sequences. For instance, many of the industrially important enzymes require non‐protein prosthetic groups for biological activity. Herein, we report the complete cell‐free biogenesis of a heme prosthetic group and its integration with concurrent apoenzyme synthesis for the production of functional P450 monooxygenase. Step reactions required for the syntheses of apoenzyme and the prosthetic group have been designed so that these two separate pathways take place in the same reaction mixture, being insulated from each other. Combined pathways for the synthesis of functional P450 monooxygenase were then further integrated with in situ assay reactions to enable real‐time measurement of enzymatic activity during its synthesis. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1193–1200. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved production of 3‐hydroxypropionaldehyde by complex formation with bisulfite during biotransformation of glycerol
Authors: Sardari Roya R.R. , Dishisha Tarek , Pyo Sang‐Hyun , Hatti‐Kaul Rajni 
Published: November 2012

Abstract3‐Hydroxypropionaldehyde (3HPA) is an important specialty chemical which can be produced from glycerol using resting cells of Lactobacillus reuteri. This biocatalytic route, however, suffers from substrate‐ and product‐mediated loss of enzyme activity within 2 h of biotransformation. In order to overcome the inhibitory effects of 3HPA, complex formation with sodium bisulfite was investigated, optimized and applied for in situ capture of the aldehyde during biotransformation of glycerol in a fed‐batch process. As a result, the activity of the cells was maintained for at least 18 h. The 3HPA produced per gram cell dry weight was increased 5.7 times compared to the batch production process, and 2.2 times compared to fed‐batch process without in situ complex formation. This approach may have potential for production and in situ removal of 3HPA after further process development. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1243–1248. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification and quantification of atractylenolide I and atractylenolide III in Rhizoma Atractylodes Macrocephala by liquid chromatography–ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Qinhua , He Hongsheng , Li Peng , Zhu Jun , Xiong Min 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTRhizoma Atractylodes Macrocephala (RAM) is an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb that is used for treatment of dyspepsia and anorexia. The active ingredients, atractylenolide I (AO‐I) and atractylenolide III (AO‐III), were identified by direct‐injection ion trap‐mass spectrometry (IT‐MS) for collecting MSn spectra. The major fragment ions of AO‐I and AO‐III were confirmed by MSn both in negative ion mode and in positive ion mode. The possible main cleavage pathway of fragment ions was studied. The determinations of AO‐I and AO‐III were accomplished by liquid chromatography (LC) with UV and MS. The analytes provided good signals corresponding to the protonated molecular ions [M + H]+ and product ions. The precursor ions and product ions for quantification of AO‐III and AO‐I were m/z 249 → 231 and m/z 233 → 215, respectively, using selected ion monitoring by LC‐IT‐MS. Two methods were evaluated for a number of validation characteristics (repeatability, limit of detection, calibration range, and recovery). MS provides a high selectivity and sensitivity for determination of AO‐III and AO‐I in positive mode. After optimization of the methods, separation, identification and quantification of the two components in RAM were comprehensively tested by HPLC with UV and MS. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzymatic processes for the purification of trehalose
Authors: Wu Tsung‐Ta , Lin Sung‐Chyr , Shaw Je‐Fu 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA dual‐enzyme process aiming at facilitating the purification of trehalose from maltose is reported in this study. Enzymatic conversion of maltose to trehalose usually leads to the presence of significant amount of glucose, by‐product of the reaction, and unreacted maltose. To facilitate the separation of trehalose from glucose and unreacted maltose, sequential conversion of maltose to glucose and glucose to gluconic acid under the catalysis of glucoamylase and glucose oxidase, respectively, is studied. This study focuses on the hydrolysis of maltose with immobilized glucoamylase on Eupergit® C and CM Sepharose. CM Sepharose exhibited a higher protein adsorption capacity, 49.35 ± 1.43 mg/g, and was thus selected as carrier for the immobilization of glucoamylase. The optimal reaction temperature and reaction pH of the immobilized glucoamylase for maltose hydrolysis were identified as 40°C and 4.0, respectively. Under such conditions, the unreacted maltose in the product stream of trehalose synthase‐catalyzed reaction was completely converted to glucose within 35 min, without detectable trehalose degradation. The conversion of maltose to glucose could be maintained at 0.92 even after 80 cycles in repeated‐batch operations. It was also demonstrated that glucose thus generated could be readily oxidized into gluconic acid, which can be easily separated from trehalose. We thus believe the proposed process of maltose hydrolysis with immobilized glucoamylase, in conjunction with trehalose synthase‐catalyzed isomerization and glucose oxidase‐catalyzed oxidation, is promising for the production and purification of trehalose on industrial scales. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2013
Preventive effects of low‐dose aspirin on colorectal adenoma growth in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: double‐blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ishikawa Hideki , Wakabayashi Keiji , Suzuki Sadao , Mutoh Michihiro , Hirata Keiji , Nakamura Tomiyo , Takeyama Ikuko , Kawano Atsuko , Gondo Nobuhisa , Abe Takashi , Tokudome Shinkan , Goto Chiho , Matsuura Nariaki , Sakai Toshiyuki 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThere are several reports of clinical trials of aspirin in sporadic colon cancer. However, only one double‐blind trial of aspirin in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) has been reported to date. This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was therefore performed to evaluate the influence of low‐dose aspirin enteric‐coated tablets (100 mg/day for 6–10 months) in 34 subjects with FAP (17 each in the aspirin and placebo groups). The increase in mean diameter of colorectal polyps tended to be greater in the placebo group compared with the aspirin group, which showed a response ratio, that is, aspirin response rate (number of subjects with reduced polyps/total)/placebo response rate (number of subjects with reduced polyps/total), of 2.33 (95% confidence interval: 0.72–7.55). Subgroup analysis revealed that the number of subjects with a mean baseline polyp diameter of ≤2 mm, and the diameter and number of polyps after intervention showed a significant reduction in the aspirin group. Adverse effects of aspirin, such as anastomotic ulcer, aphtha in the large intestine, and progression of anemia, occurred in three subjects. Moreover, none of the subjects developed colorectal cancer. The results thus indicated a potential for aspirin to reduce colorectal adenoma development in patients with FAP, but careful follow‐up is needed to avoid or rapidly counter severe adverse effects.