bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Link Between Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Sher Fateh , Fatima Neha , Bukhari Maham , Shoukat Muhammad Arslan , Hassan Ayeza , Afzaal Tahreem , Shabbir Ahmad , Zafar Shoaib 
Published: July 2024

Background:ESRD significantly burdens healthcare systems worldwide. Its related complications, such as LVH and anemia, lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), which mirrors an increase in myocardial mass and wall thickness, is easily identified in patients with ESRD. Anemia, a state of low hemoglobin, increases cardiac work Aims and Objective: To explore anemia and its association with LVH in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis by detailed echocardiographic assessment and comprehensive blood analysis. Methodology: This comparative study was carried out at a teaching hospital, namely Ghurki Teaching Hospital and a tertiary care hospital, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from March 2023 to April 2024. A purposive sample of 200 adults on maintenance hemodialysis with ESRD was obtained through stratified random sampling techniques and the participants were grouped based on anemia status: anemic; (hemoglobin <13g/dL in males, <12g/dL in females) or non-anemic. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 26) by employing independent t-test to compare the means, chi-squared test for categorical variables, A p-value < 0. 05 was considered significant. Results:In patients with anemia, the LVMI was significantly (P≤0.05) higher than in patients without anemia. Anemia was found to be a significant (P≤0.05) predictor of an increase in LVMI over time, indicating its role in the development of LVH. Conclusion:The findings of present research indicated that, as shown by echocardiography, there is a substantial correlation between LVH and anemia in patients on maintenance of hemodialysis.
Masjid Syuhada Yogyakarta's Development in Zakat, Infaq, and Shadaqah from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Mayang Sekar 
Published: July 2024

The majority religion in Yogyakarta is Islam, which is practiced by most of the population. With a significant Muslim population, Yogyakarta's masjid development rate is also documented. As a result, the masjid is the site for several activities, including an Islamic religious education center, a community dedicated to empowering women economically, zakat management, infaq with shadaqah, recitation, and other events. To learn more about the history of zakat, infaq, and shadaqah, the writers of this study focused on the Masjid Syuhada in Yogyakarta. These programs include collecting, utilizing, and distributing zakat, infaq, and shadaqah monies to those who need them. This study will be beneficial to the growth and maximization of LAZIS Syuhada as zakat, infaq, and sadaqah are developed through deliberate initiatives. Furthermore, the program is transparent to the community so that members of the general public can learn about the development of zakat, infaq, and shadaqah at the Masjid Syuhada Yogyakarta
The usefulness of peri-trigger female reproductive hormones (delta-FRH) in predicting oocyte maturation in normal ovarian reserve patients who received in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: a retrospective study
Authors: He Lina , Xu Qing , Wan Fuming , Hao Li , Qiu Yamin , Ran Xu , Lin Jie , Chen Wei 
Published: July 2024

Objectives
To evaluate the efficacy of peri-trigger female reproductive hormones (FRHs) in the prediction of oocyte maturation in normal ovarian reserve patients during the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedure.

Materials and Methods
A hospital database was used to extract data on IVF-ET cases from January 2020 to September 2021. The levels of female reproductive hormones, including estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), were initially evaluated at baseline, the day of the trigger, the day after the trigger, and the day of oocyte retrieval. The relative change in E2, LH, P, FSH between time point 1 (the day of trigger and baseline) and time point 2 (the day after the trigger and day on the trigger) was defined as E2_RoV1/2, LH_RoV1/2, P_RoV1/2, and FSH_RoV1/2, respectively. Univariable and multivariable regression were performed to screen the peri-trigger FRHs for the prediction of oocyte maturation.

Results
A total of 118 patients were enrolled in our study. Univariable analysis revealed significant associations between E2_RoV1 and the rate of MII oocytes in the GnRH-agonist protocol group (p < 0.05), but not in the GnRH-antagonist protocol group. Conversely, P_RoV2 emerged as a potential predictor for the rate of MII oocytes in both protocol groups (p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis confirmed the significance of P_RoV2 in predicting oocyte maturation rate in both groups (p < 0.05), while the association of E2_RoV1 was not significant in either group. However, within the subgroup of high P_RoV2 in the GnRH-agonist protocol group, association was not observed to be significant. The C-index was 0.83 (95% CI [0.73–0.92]) for the GnRH-agonist protocol group and 0.77 (95% CI [0.63–0.90]) for the GnRH-antagonist protocol group. The ROC curve analysis further supported the satisfactory performance of the models, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.79 for the GnRH-agonist protocol group and 0.81 for the GnRH-antagonist protocol group.

Conclusions
P_RoV2 showed significant predictive value for oocyte maturation in both GnRH-agonist and GnRH-antagonist protocol groups, which enhances the understanding of evaluating oocyte maturation and inform individualized treatment protocols in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation during IVF-ET for normal ovarian reserve patients.
Cryopreservation of Plant Cells
Authors: Keller E. R. Joachim , Senula Angelika , Höfer Monika , Heine‐Dobbernack Elke , M. Schumacher Heinz 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCryopreservation, storage of living tissues in or above liquid nitrogen, is increasingly used to preserve germplasm in the long term. When cooling plant tissue to low temperatures, water may destroy cells by osmotic drying or disruption of organelles by forming ice crystals. The organisms accumulate cryoprotective substances to adapt to freezing. Cryoprotectants trigger glass transition (vitrification), when temperature is cooled down rapidly. In the course of cryopreservation, tissues are imposed by various influences causing oxidative stress: wounding, dehydration, and direct liquid nitrogen effect. Occurring reactive oxygen species may be measured and antioxidant substances may be added. Cell structure alterations, water status, regeneration from cryopreservation injury, and genetic and epigenetic changes, which may occur, were investigated. Various plant tissues were cryopreserved: dedifferentiated cells and tissues; shoot tips; axillary buds and other meristematic plant parts; dormant buds of woods species, seeds, embryos, and embryo axes; and pollen. Several main methods were used: slow freezing, vitrification, and encapsulation. Liquid nitrogen can also be used to eliminate viruses from the organs (cryotherapy). The existence of endogenous or contaminating microorganisms needs special attention. Furthermore, technological considerations and the use of cryopreservation to maintain transgenic or patented material need to be mentioned.
Electrophoresis of Proteins and Nucleic Acids
Authors: Gallagher Sean R. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Electrophoresis forms the basis of routine separation and analysis of nucleic acid and protein molecules. It is difficult to scan the biological literature without some form of electrophoresis being used in the methods and results for critical preparation and analysis. The applications of nucleic acid electrophoresis include purification, genetic analysis, DNA probe preparation, and DNA and RNA sequence determination. Protein electrophoresis is used for purification, size estimation, subunit composition, protein expression, and identification of posttranslational modifications, in addition to forming the basis for the first step in immunoblotting. While the analysis of proteins and nucleic acids is described in detail, the future applications of microelectrophoresis and microfluidics are also discussed. The bibliography contains both historically significant references and current references outlining established protocols, providing the bench user a guide to the use of electrophoretic techniques in their research.
Generic Stochastic Gradient Methods
Authors: Bercu Bernard , Fort Jean‐Claude 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This article is devoted to a survey on generic stochastic gradient methods. It provides the main results on stochastic gradient approximations such as the almost sure convergence, the central limit theorem, and the almost sure central limit theorem. The theory is illustrated by a wide range of applications going from least‐square approximation to quantile estimation and quantization.
Continuous‐Time Martingales
Authors: Saure Denis 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis article introduces the concept of continuous‐time martingales. Several examples of continuous‐time martingales are presented, along with some of the most important results in modern martingale theory. The reader is assumed to be familiar with the elements of discrete‐time martingales, standard Brownian motion, and basic concepts in stochastic integration.
Stochastic Orders for Stochastic Processes
Authors: Müller Alfred , Shaked Moshe 
Published: April 2013

AbstractStochastic orders are useful tools for comparing random variables or random vectors, as well as for stochastic processes. In this article, we describe some basic results about monotonicity and comparability of stochastic processes with respect to some stochastic orders, particularly, with respect to the ordinary stochastic order ≤ st. After introducing some results about general stochastic processes, we focus on monotonicity and comparability of Markov chains. Furthermore, we discuss the orderings of elements of Markov chains with respect to the supermodular order, and we also give some details about stochastic comparisons of point processes. References to additional results are given.
Extracellular Matrix Control of Collagen Mineralization In Vitro
Authors: Lausch Alexander J. , Quan Bryan D. , Miklas Jason W. , Sone Eli D. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCollagen biomineralization is a complex process and the controlling factors at the molecular level are still not well understood. A particularly high level of spatial control over collagen mineralization is evident in the anchorage of teeth to the jawbone by the periodontal ligament. Here, unmineralized ligament collagen fibrils become mineralized at an extremely sharp mineralization front in the root of the tooth. A model of collagen biomineralization based on demineralized cryosections of mouse molars in the bone socket is presented. When exposed to metastable calcium and phosphate‐containing solutions, mineral re‐deposits selectively into the natively mineralized tissues with high fidelity, demonstrating that the extracellular matrix retains sufficient information to control the rate of mineralization at the tissue level. While solutions of simulated bodily fluid produce amorphous calcium phosphate within the tissue section, a more highly supersaturated solution stabilized with polyaspartic acid produces oriented, crystalline calcium phosphate with diffraction patterns consistent with hydroxyapatite. The model thus replicates both spatial control of mineral deposition, as well as the matrix‐mineral relationships of natively mineralized collagen fibrils, and can be used to elucidate roles of specific biomolecules in the highly controlled process of collagen biomineralization. This knowledge will be critical in the design of collagen‐based scaffolds for tissue engineering of hard‐soft tissue interfaces.
Investigating the Role of Emissive Layer Architecture on the Exciton Recombination Zone in Organic Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Erickson Nicholas C. , Holmes Russell J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAn experimental approach to determine the spatial extent and location of the exciton recombination zone in an organic light‐emitting device (OLED) is demonstrated. This technique is applicable to a wide variety of OLED structures and is used to examine OLEDs which have a double‐ (D‐EML), mixed‐ (M‐EML), or graded‐emissive layer (G‐EML) architecture. The location of exciton recombination in an OLED is an important design parameter, as the local optical field sensed by the exciton greatly determines the efficiency and angular distribution of far‐field light extraction. The spatial extent of exciton recombination is an important parameter that can strongly impact exciton quenching and OLED efficiency, particularly under high excitation. A direct measurement of the exciton density profile is achieved through the inclusion of a thin, exciton sensitizing strip in the OLED emissive layer which locally quenches guest excitons and whose position in the emissive layer can be translated across the device to probe exciton formation. In the case of the G‐EML device architecture, an electronic model is developed to predict the location and extent of the exciton density profile by considering the drift, diffusion, and recombination of charge carriers within the device.
Exploring the Energy Storage Mechanism of High Performance MnO2 Electrochemical Capacitor Electrodes: An In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy Study in Aqueous Electrolyte
Authors: Tao Xinyong , Du Jun , Sun Yong , Zhou Shulan , Xia Yang , Huang Hui , Gan Yongping , Zhang Wenkui , Li Xiaodong 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe basic microstructure‐dependent charge storage mechanisms of nanostructured MnO2 are investigated via dynamic observation of the growth and in situ probing the mechanical properties by using in situ AFM in conjunction with in situ nanoindentation. The progressive nucleation followed by three‐dimensional growth yields pulsed current deposited porous nanostructured γ‐MnO2, which exhibits a high specific capacitance of 437 F/g and a remarkable cycling performance with >96% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles. The proton intercalation induced expansion of MnO2 can be self‐accommodated by the localized compression and reduction of the porosity. More coincidentally, the proton intercalation induced softening is favorable for the elastic deformation of MnO2. This self‐adaptive capability of nanostructured MnO2 could generate high structural reliability during cycling. These discoveries offer important mechanistic insights for the design of advanced electrochemical capacitors.
Self‐Healing Materials via Reversible Crosslinking of Poly(ethylene oxide)‐Block‐Poly(furfuryl glycidyl ether) (PEO‐b‐PFGE) Block Copolymer Films
Authors: Barthel Markus J. , Rudolph Tobias , Teichler Anke , Paulus Renzo M. , Vitz Jürgen , Hoeppener Stephanie , Hager Martin D. , Schacher Felix H. , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe application of well‐defined poly(furfuryl glycidyl ether) (PFGE) homopolymers and poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(furfuryl glycidyl ether) (PEO‐b‐PFGE) block copolymers synthesized by living anionic polymerization as self‐healing materials is demonstrated. This is achieved by thermo‐reversible network formation via (retro) Diels‐Alder chemistry between the furan groups in the side‐chain of the PFGE segments and a bifunctional maleimide crosslinker within drop‐cast polymer films. The process is studied in detail by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), depth‐sensing indentation, and profilometry. It is shown that such materials are capable of healing complex scratch patterns, also multiple times. Furthermore, microphase separation within PEO‐b‐PFGE block copolymer films is indicated by small angle X‐ray scattering (lamellar morphology with a domain spacing of approximately 19 nm), differential scanning calorimetry, and contact angle measurements.
Oil‐Filled Lipid Nanoparticles Containing 2′‐(2‐Bromohexadecanoyl)‐Docetaxel for the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Feng Lan , Benhabbour Soumya R. , Mumper Russell J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA docetaxel (DX) lipid conjugate 2′‐(2‐bromohexadecanoyl)‐docetaxel (2‐Br‐C16‐DX) is synthesized to enhance the drug loading, entrapment, and retention in liquid oil‐filled lipid nanoparticles (NPs). The conjugate is successfully entrapped in the previously optimized NPs with an entrapment efficiency of 56.8%. In‐vitro release studies in 100% mouse plasma show an initial 45% burst release with no additional release within 8 h. The conjugate is able to be hydrolyzed to release DX by esterases in‐vitro. The conjugate is less potent than unmodified DX in DU‐145 and 4T1 cells. However, NPs containing the conjugate show significantly higher cytotoxicity compared to its free form especially in 4T1 cells. In‐vivo, the AUC0‐∞ value of NP‐formulated 2‐Br‐C16‐DX is about 100‐fold higher than DX formulated in Taxotere. Furthermore, 2‐Br‐C16‐DX NPs improve DX AUC 4.3‐fold compared to Taxotere. The high concentration and prolonged exposure of both 2‐Br‐C16‐DX and DX from 2‐Br‐C16‐DX NPs in circulation result in a 10‐fold and 1.5‐fold higher accumulation of 2‐Br‐C16‐DX and DX, respectively, in tumors compared to Taxotere. In mice bearing syngeneic 4T1 tumors, 2‐Br‐C16‐DX NPs show markedly greater anticancer efficacy, as well as survival benefit over all controls. The results of these studies support that the oil‐filled NPs containing hydrolyzable lipophilic DX prodrug 2‐Br‐C16‐DX improve the therapeutic index of DX and are more efficacious in the treatment of breast cancer.
Chemically Stable Yttrium and Tin Co‐Doped Barium Zirconate Electrolyte for Next Generation High Performance Proton‐Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Sun Wenping , Liu Mingfei , Liu Wei 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBaZr0.7Sn0.1Y0.2O3–δ (BZSY) is developed as a novel chemically stable proton conductor for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). BZSY possesses the same cubic symmetry of space group Pm‐3m with BaZr0.8Y0.2O3‐δ (BZY). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) results reveal that BZSY exhibits remarkably enhanced hydration ability compared to BZY. Correspondingly, BZSY shows significantly improved electrical conductivity. The chemical stability test shows that BZSY is quite stable under atmospheres containing CO2 or H2O. Fully dense BZSY electrolyte films are successfully fabricated on NiO–BZSY anode substrates followed by co‐firing at 1400 °C for 5 h and the film exhibits excellent electrical conductivity under fuel cell conditions. The single cell with a 12‐μm‐thick BZSY electrolyte film outputs by far the best performance for acceptor‐doped BaZrO3‐based SOFCs. With wet hydrogen (3% H2O) as the fuel and static air as the oxidant, the peak power density of the cell achieves as high as 360 mWcm−2 at 700 °C, an increase of 42% compared to the reported highest performance of BaZrO3‐based cells. The encouraging results demonstrate that BZSY is a good candidate as the electrolyte material for next generation high performance proton‐conducting SOFCs.
Occupational health policy and immigrant workers in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector
Authors: Liebman Amy K. , Wiggins Melinda F. , Fraser Clermont , Levin Jeffrey , Sidebottom Jill , Arcury Thomas A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundImmigrant workers make up an important portion of the hired workforce in the Agricultural, Forestry and Fishing (AgFF) sector, one of the most hazardous industry sectors in the US. Despite the inherent dangers associated with this sector, worker protection is limited.MethodsThis article describes the current occupational health and safety policies and regulatory standards in the AgFF sector and underscores the regulatory exceptions and limitations in worker protections. Immigration policies and their effects on worker health and safety are also discussed. Emphasis is placed on policies and practices in the Southeastern US.ResultsWorker protection in the AgFF sector is limited. Regulatory protections are generally weaker than other industrial sectors and enforcement of existing regulations is woefully inadequate. The vulnerability of the AgFF workforce is magnified by worker immigration status. Agricultural workers in particular are affected by a long history of “exceptionalism” under the law as many regulatory protections specifically exclude this workforce.ConclusionsA vulnerable workforce and high‐hazard industries require regulatory protections that, at a minimum, are provided to workers in other industries. A systematic policy approach to strengthen occupational safety and health in the AgFF sector must address both immigration policy and worker protection regulations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:975–984, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrated PLGA–Ag nanocomposite systems to control the degradation rate and antibacterial properties
Authors: Rinaldi Silvia , Fortunati Elena , Taddei Marco , Kenny Josè M. , Armentano Ilaria , Latterini Loredana 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTBiodegradable polymer based nanocomposite materials have attracted much attention since they can be used for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. In order to have highly integrated PLGA nanocomposite materials, silver colloidal nanoparticles were prepared in chloroform starting from silver nitrate and using polyvinylpyrrolidone as reduction and capping agent. TEM and AFM imaging give information on the size distribution of the silver nucleus (7.0 nm) and the capping shell (8.2–10.7 nm). PLGA–Ag nanocomposites were prepared upon addition of 1 or 3% wt of silver nanoparticles to the PLGA/chloroform suspension. The effect of silver loading on polymer degradation was studied following the mass loss and the morphology of nanocomposite films at different degradation stages. The concentrations of Ag+, which is released during nanocomposite degradation, were monitored and analyzed through the diffusion model, to have insight on the degradation kinetics. The release rate, and likely the degradation rate, was reduced at higher silver loading. Bacterial growth tests indicated that the cell growth is inhibited in the presence of PLGA–Ag nanocomposites and the efficiency is correlated to Ag+ release. Thus, controlling the nanoparticle loading, a tunable degradation and antibacterial action can be designed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1185‐1193, 2013
Preparation and characterization of semi‐interpenetrating network polystyrene/PVDF cation exchange alloy membranes
Authors: Sun Xiaocheng , Chen Fei , Lei Yinlin , Luo Yunjie , Zhao Yingxian 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe polystyrene‐DVB/PVDF alloy particles were prepared by pulverizing the polymerization product of styrene/DVB/PVDF in DMF, and then sulfonated with concentrated sulfuric acid to gain the cation exchange alloy powder, which was directly thermoformed by a hot‐press machine to form the titled cation exchange alloy membranes with the structure of semi‐interpenetrating polymer network. The effects of the polystyrene‐DVB to PVDF mass ratio and the DVB content in the monomers on the physical and electrochemical properties of the prepared alloy membranes were investigated. While the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms the components of membranes, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the alloy membranes possess a uniform distribution of functional groups, and a more dense structure with the increases of DVB content and PVDF content. The optimal prepared membranes have the area electrical resistance values within 3.0–6.6 Ω·cm2, obviously superior to the commercial heterogeneous cation exchange membrane, as well as the moderate water contents of 35–40% and the desirable permselectivity with a transport number more than 0.95. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1220‐1227, 2013