bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, disease activity, and cardiovascular risk factors in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mok Chi Chiu , Birmingham Daniel J. , Ho Ling Yin , Hebert Lee A. , Rovin Brad H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo study the level of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and its relationship with disease activity, damage, and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsConsecutive patients who fulfilled ≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE who did not have a concurrent infection were recruited. Blood was assayed for hsCRP level, and disease activity, organ damage of SLE, and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. Linear regression analyses were performed for the relationship between hsCRP levels, SLE activity, damage, and cardiovascular risk factors.ResultsIn total, 289 patients were studied (94% women, mean ± SD age 39.0 ± 13.1 years, and mean ± SD SLE duration 7.8 ± 6.7 years). The mean ± SD Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score was 4.9 ± 5.6 and clinically active SLE was present in 122 patients (42%). The mean ± SD hsCRP level was 4.87 ± 12.7 mg/liter, and 28 patients with active SLE (23%) had an undetectable hsCRP level (<0.3 mg/liter). The linear regression analyses revealed a significant correlation between hsCRP level and musculoskeletal disease (β = 0.21), hematologic disease (β = 0.19), active serositis (β = 0.46), and clinical SLEDAI score (β = 0.24) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, serum creatinine, and the use of various medications (P < 0.005 for all). hsCRP levels correlated significantly with anti–double‐stranded DNA titer (β = 0.33, P < 0.001) but did not correlate with complement C3 (β = −0.07, P = 0.26). An hsCRP level >3 mg/liter was significantly associated with male sex, long‐term smoking, diabetes mellitus, a higher atherogenic index, and a history of arterial thrombosis. hsCRP levels correlated significantly with pulmonary and endocrine damage scores.ConclusionhsCRP was detectable in 77% of SLE patients with clinically active disease and correlated with SLEDAI scores, particularly in serositis and in the musculoskeletal and hematologic systems. Elevated hsCRP levels in SLE were associated with certain cardiovascular risk factors and a history of arterial thromboembolism.
Long‐term high density lipoprotein infusion ameliorates metabolic phenotypes of diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Zhang Qichun , Wan Rong , Guo Rui , Jin Lai , Liu Yunxin , Li Shengnan 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundLower quantity and quality of high density lipoprotein (HDL) are important characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Acute HDL infusion results in a greater fall of plasma glucose in diabetes patients. Here, we aim to investigate the influence of long‐term HDL infusion on metabolic phenotypes of diabetic db/db mice.MethodsHigh density lipoprotein was introduced to db/db mice twice a week for 4 weeks. The phenotypes of the mice were monitored by analyzing metabolic parameters. Glycogen analysis was performed with amyloglucosidase. The corresponding signaling molecules were detected by western blot.ResultsLong‐term introduction of HDL decreased plasma glucose levels of db/db mice. Glycogen deposition was enhanced in gastrocnemius muscle, paralleling the elevated glycogen synthase kinase‐3 phosphorylation. Meanwhile, increased Akt‐Ser473 and adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase phosphorylations were detected in the muscle. Moreover, HDL reduced blood glucose and free fatty acids and improved pancreatic islet structure and function with increased C‐peptide. Furthermore, decreased interleukin‐6, C‐reactive protein, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, resistin, and malondialdehyde, as well as enhanced leptin levels were detected in HDL‐treated mice.ConclusionResults of the present study suggest that long‐term HDL infusion has positive therapeutic effects on the metabolic disturbances of db/db diabetic mice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of Concise and Flexible Synthetic Strategies for Trichostatic Acid and the Potent Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Trichostatin A
Authors: Cosner Casey C. , Bhaskara Reddy Iska Vijaya , Chatterjee Anamitra , Markiewicz John T. , Corden Steven J. , Löfstedt Joakim , Ankner Tobias , Richer Joshua , Hulett Tyler , Schauer Douglas J. , Wiest Olaf , Helquist Paul 
Published: November 2012

Abstract(R)‐(+)‐Trichostatic acid and (R)‐(+)‐trichostatin A (TSA) are natural products that have attracted considerable attention in the field of epigenetic therapies. TSA in particular is a naturally occurring hydroxamic acid having potent activity as a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) and having significant potential for treatment of a myriad of genetically based diseases. Development of TSA and other trichostatic acid derivatives into useful small‐molecule therapies has been hindered by the low natural abundance and high cost associated with these compounds. We report herein our collective efforts towards the development of concise and scalable routes for the synthesis of trichostatic acid and TSA in both racemic and enantioenriched forms. Three independent synthetic pathways were developed with varying degrees of efficiency and convergency. In the first synthesis, the key step was a vinylogous Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons condensation. A Marshall propargylation reaction was used as the key step in the second synthesis, and Pd‐catalyzed α‐alkenylation of a ketone zinc enolate by using various functionalized alkenyl or dienyl halides was developed for the third synthesis. The second pathway proved to be readily amenable to an enantioselective modification, and both the second and third pathways were straightforwardly adapted for the facile preparation of new analogues of trichostatic acid and TSA.
Preparation of dietary fibre‐enriched materials from preharvest dropped apples and their utilisation as a high‐fibre flour substitute
Authors: Kim Yujeong , Kim Yongwook , Bae In Young , Lee Hyeon Gyu , Lee Suyong 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundPreharvest dropped apples from a weather disaster are generally discarded or used in animal feed due to reduced market value. In this study, they were utilised to produce dietary fibre‐enriched materials (DFEMs) and their baking performance in a food system was then evaluated as a high‐fibre and low‐calorie flour substitute.ResultsHydrothermal treatment and fractionation of preharvest dropped apple powder produced fibre‐rich fractions (856.2 g kg−1). The use of DFEMs increased the pasting properties of wheat flour and improved dough mixing stability. When DFEMs were incorporated in the cookie formulation (2, 4 and 6 g dietary fibre per serving), the cookie dough exhibited increased elongational viscosity and solid‐like behaviour which became more pronounced with increasing levels of DEFMs. After baking, reduced spread was observed in DFEM cookies which could be readily attributed to their rheological characteristics. However, greater moisture retention by DFEMs produced cookie samples with softer texture.ConclusionDFEMs prepared from preharvest dropped apples could be successfully evaluated in a cookie model system as a high‐fibre and low‐calorie substitute for wheat flour. This study suggests a new value‐added application of preharvest dropped fruits, positively extending their use for better healthful diets. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The protective effect of hulls on the occurrence of Alternaria mycotoxins in spelt wheat
Authors: Vučković Jovana , Bodroža‐Solarov Marija , Vujić Đura , Bočarov‐Stančić Aleksandra , Bagi Ferenc 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundSince there is an increasing demand on the world market for alternative crops suitable for organic production, spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum spp. spelta L.) is a highly attractive farming option. Alternaria species are widespread and infect a great variety of economically important crops. Certain species are known producers of mycotoxins. The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of hulls covering the spelt kernels on Alternaria toxins.ResultsAlternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) were evaluated in hulls and dehulled kernels after plant inoculation with one A. alternata and two different A. tenuissima isolates. Mycotoxins were determinated using high‐performance liquid chromatography with dioade array detection. The detected levels of AOH and AME were four times higher in hulls compared to kernels in inoculation treatments. AOH was registered at levels ranging from 227 to 331 µg kg−1 in dehulled kernels and from 433 up to 1647 µg kg−1 in hulls. AME was predominant toxin detected in the range of 277 to 398 µg kg−1 in dehulled kernels and from 1844 to 2183 µg kg−1 in hulls, with highly significant difference to water control treatment.ConclusionObtained results indicate the significantly higher concentrations of Alternaria toxins in hulls than in dehulled kernels which implicate the possible protective effect of spelt wheat hulls.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of Maillard products from bread crust on magnesium bioavailability in rats
Authors: Roncero‐Ramos Irene , Delgado‐Andrade Cristina , Morales Francisco J , Navarro María Pilar 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDConsumption of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) present in food has been related to deterioration of protein digestibility and changes in mineral bioavailability. We aimed to investigate the effects of MRP intake from bread crust on magnesium balance and tissue distribution, seeking causative factors among its different components.RESULTSDuring the final stage of the trial, magnesium digestibility improved by around 15% in rats fed diets containing bread crust or its derivatives compared with the control diet. Despite certain enhancements in magnesium bioavailability in this stage, for the experimental period as a whole, this parameter remained unchanged. However, specific changes in the content and/or concentration in some organs were observed, particularly in the femur, where magnesium levels were higher due to the smaller size of the bones.CONCLUSIONSConsumption of MRPs from bread crust or its different components did not modify the magnesium balance. Nevertheless, the bread crust fractions led to some changes in magnesium tissue distribution which did not match the effects induced by complete bread crust intake, suggesting the importance of designing studies with real‐food systems, in order to reinforce the validity of the findings obtained. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical assessment is an accurate predictor of which patients will need septoplasty
Authors: Sedaghat Ahmad R. , Busaba Nicolas Y. , Cunningham Michael J. , Kieff David A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Septoplasty is a frequently performed surgical procedure with the most common indication being nasal airway obstruction. Almost universally, health insurance companies mandate a trial of medical therapy consisting of intranasal corticosteroids prior to performance of septoplasty regardless of clinical assessment. Evidence for this requirement is lacking. We sought to evaluate the initial clinical assessment as a predictor of response to this mandated trial of medical treatment.Study Design:Retrospective review of prospectively collected data on 137 consecutive patients who presented with symptoms of nasal obstruction and a deviated nasal septum on physical examination.Methods:Patients were placed into one of three cohorts based on prediction of 1) failure of medical therapy with subsequent septoplasty, 2) success of medical therapy without subsequent septoplasty, or 3) unable to make a prediction. Patients from each cohort were assessed for subsequent response to medical therapy and ultimate need for septoplasty.Results:Overall clinical assessment had a sensitivity of 86.9%, specificity of 91.8%, positive predictive value of 93.6%, and negative predictive value of 96.4% for detecting/predicting need for septoplasty. The accuracy of the overall clinical assessment is considerably better than severe deviation at any one septal anatomical site. Of patients whose response to medical therapy could not be predicted, 61.3% failed medical therapy and needed surgery; this is statistically equivalent to a 50/50 distribution between either needing septoplasty or not.Conclusions:Clinical assessment at initial presentation of patients with nasal obstruction and deviated septum is highly accurate in predicting which patients will need septoplasty. Laryngoscope, 2013
Effects of tensor tympani muscle contraction on the middle ear and markers of a contracted muscle
Authors: Bance Manohar , Makki Fawaz M. , Garland Philip , Alian Wael A. , van Wijhe Rene G. , Savage Julian 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Many otologic disorders have been attributed to dysfunction of the tensor tympani muscle, including tinnitus, otalgia, Meniere's disease and sensorineural hearing loss. The objective of this study was to determine adequate stimuli for tensor tympani contraction in humans and determine markers of the hypercontracted state that could be used to detect this process in otologic disease.Study Design:Multiple types of studies.Methods:Studies included 1) measuring middle ear impedance changes in response to orbital puffs of air, facial stroking, and self‐vocalization; 2) measuring changes in stapes and eardrum vibrations and middle ear acoustic impedance in response to force loading of the tensor tympani in fresh human cadaveric temporal bones; 3) measuring changes in acoustic impedance in two subjects who could voluntarily contract their tensor tympani, and performing an audiogram with the muscle contracted in one of these subjects; and 4) developing a lumped parameter computer model of the middle ear while simulating various levels of tensor tympani contraction.Results:Orbital jets of air are the most effective stimuli for eliciting tensor tympani contraction. As markers for tensor tympani contraction, all investigations indicate that tensor tympani hypercontraction should result in a low‐frequency hearing loss, predominantly conductive, with a decrease in middle ear compliance.Conclusions:These markers should be searched for in otologic pathology states where the tensor tympani is suspected of being hypercontracted.
OSNR monitoring using fiber bragg grating in high birefringent optical fibers
Authors: Sousa Ana O. P. , Marques Carlos A. F. , Nogueira Rogério , André Paulo S. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis work presents a technique based on the application of a high birefringent (Hi‐Bi) fiber Bragg grating (FBG) to monitor the optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) of an optical channel.A Hi‐Bi FBG produces reflection at two different spectral bands depending on the polarization of the incoming signal. The OSNR can be determined by decomposing, for a data channel, the polarized signal information and the depolarized noise. This work gathers the simulation and experimental results for a single channel system continuous wave signal and modulated at 10 Gb s−1. The results for a multichannel system are also presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:6–9, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27228
Differential‐mode wideband bandpass filter for UWB application
Authors: Li Meng , Fang Zhang , Kwoun Sung‐Su , Lee Byungje , Kim Jin‐Young , Choi Jin‐Joo , Lee Jong‐Chul 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe design of a differential‐mode wideband bandpass filter (BPF) with good common‐mode suppression is presented in this article. The structure of the proposed filter is divided to behave like a bandpass or bandstop filter (BSF) under differential‐ or common‐mode operation. The open stubs in the BSF are used to control the 3‐dB bandwidth (BW) of the BPF by slightly reducing the 3‐dB cut‐off BW of the BSF. To validate the design idea, a differential‐mode BPF centered at 4 GHz with a 3‐dB BW of 55%, near 30 dB common‐mode suppression, is designed and fabricated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:197–200, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27230
Influence of laser wavelength on insertion loss of silicon‐based optically controlled microwave switch
Authors: Lan Litao , Zhao Deshuang , Liang Feng , Zhang Qiaoli , Wang Bing‐Zhong 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe influence of laser wavelength on the insertion loss of the silicon‐based optically controlled microwave switch (OCMS) operating at L‐band is investigated.The OCMS is made of a section of microstrip transmission line by placing a silicon dice on a microstrip gap. Both numerical simulations and experiments are conducted in the range of the wavelength from 600 nm to 980 nm for this study. The results show that the 980 nm laser achieves the lowest insertion loss in this wavelength range if the OCMS is excited with the same optical power density. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:187–190, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27244
Integrated CMOS RF transmitter with a single‐ended power amplifier
Authors: Oh Junhee , Kim Hyungchul , Kim Min‐su , Han Suyeon , Ham Junghyun , Seo Mincheol , Jung Sungchan , Park Cheon‐seok , Yang Youngoo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis article presents a highly integrated CMOS RF double‐sideband (DSB) transmitter (TX) including an active input balun and a single‐ended power amplifier (PA) for a ultrahigh frequency radiofrequency identification (RFID) system‐on‐chip reader. The conventional TX architecture, including an up‐conversion mixer and a balanced PA, requires an output balun to create the needed single‐ended load. Compared to the conventional TX architecture, the proposed system provides a more compact circuit and uses a smaller chip area because the active balun and the single‐ended PA have a much smaller size than those using a passive balun and a differential PA. In addition, the gain of the active balun, which is generally larger than unity, can be a benefit in the system design budget. The designed TX IC is fabricated using a 0.13 μm CMOS process on a small area of 780 × 560 μm2 (including pads). The TX IC exhibited an overall conversion gain of 41.7 dB, an output P1dB of 18 dBm, an OIP3 of 28 dBm, a DSB noise figure of 14.8 dB, and a power consumption of 284.4 mW, including the 42.9 mW consumed by the local oscillator buffer stages. The implemented TX IC complied with the spectral mask for the DSB amplitude‐shift keying signal of the RFID reader at an output power of 15.5 dBm. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:205–210, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27257
An alternative implementation for fabricating a Schiffman phase shifter
Authors: Lee Chien‐Hsing , Chang Yu‐Han 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis article presents an alternative implementation for fabricating a Schiffman phase shifter. The method consists of initially deciding the gap width between the coupled microstrip lines and using the derived equation to determine the width of the coupled microstrip lines. The proposed approach does not have to remove the ground plane underneath the coupled microstrip lines and install an additional isolated rectangular conductor under them. One Schiffman phase shifter is designed and fabricated on a double‐sided FR4 printed circuit board as an example to verify the performance of the proposed approach, and the design is simulated using Ansoft HFSS and validated by the measurements. The simulated and measured return losses are found to be better than −15 dB over the frequency band from 1.0 to 4.0 GHz and the insertion loss is within −2 dB. The bandwidth in 90° phase difference from 1.6 to 3.4 GHz is about 72%. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:9–12, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27266
Procedure for quantitative 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and tissue characterization of human brain tissue based on the use of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Tisell A. , Leinhard O. Dahlqvist , Warntjes J. B. M. , Lundberg P. 
Published: November 2012

PurposeExisting methods for quantitative magnetic resonance spectroscopy are not widely used for magnetic resonance spectroscopy examinations in clinical practice due to the lengthy and difficult workflow. In this report, we aimed to investigate whether metabolite concentrations show co‐variation with relaxation parameters (R1,H2O,R2,H2O), water concentration (ĈH2O), and age, using a quantitative magnetic resonance spectroscopy method, which is suitable for a clinical setting.MethodsWe performed 166 single voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements in the white matter and thalamus in 47 healthy subjects, aged 18–72 years. Whole brain R1,H2O, R2,H2O, and ĈH2O maps were determined for each subject using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. Absolute metabolite concentrations were calculated by calibrating the water‐scaled magnetic resonance spectroscopy, using the quantitative magnetic resonance imaging maps of R1,H2O, R2,H2O, and ĈH2O.ResultsAbsolute concentrations in white matter of total Creatine and myo‐Inositol were correlated with age (total Creatine: 12 ± 4 μM/year, P < 0.01; myo‐Inositol: 23 ± 9 μM/year, P < 0.05), suggesting a process of increased glia density in aging white matter. Moreover, total Creatine and total N‐acetylaspartate were inversely correlated with the R1,H2O and positively correlated with the ĈH2O of white matter. In addition, the Cramér‐Rao lower bound was biased regarding the metabolite concentration, suggesting that should not be used as a quality assessment.ConclusionThe implemented method was fast, robust, and user‐independent. Magn Reson Med, 70:905–915, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single‐ and Double‐Sided Chemical Functionalization of Bilayer Graphene
Authors: Felten Alexandre , Flavel Benjamin S. , Britnell Liam , Eckmann Axel , Louette Pierre , Pireaux Jean‐Jacques , Hirtz Michael , Krupke Ralph , Casiraghi Cinzia 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAn experimental study on the interaction between the top and bottom layer of a chemically functionalized graphene bilayer by mild oxygen plasma is reported. Structural, chemical, and electrical properties are monitored using Raman spectroscopy, transport measurements, conductive atomic force microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Single‐ and double‐sided chemical functionalization are found to give very different results: single‐sided modified bilayers show relatively high mobility (200–600 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature) and a stable structure with a limited amount of defects, even after long plasma treatment (>60 s). This is attributed to preferential modification and limited coverage of the top layer during plasma exposure, while the bottom layer remains almost unperturbed. This could eventually lead to decoupling between top and bottom layers. Double‐sided chemical functionalization leads to a structure containing a high concentration of defects, very similar to graphene oxide. This opens the possibility to use plasma treatment not only for etching and patterning of graphene, but also to make heterostructures (through single‐sided modification of bilayers) for sensors and transistors and new graphene‐derivatives materials (through double‐sided modification).