bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to detect diffuse renal changes in Beagles with iatrogenic hypercortisolism
Authors: Haers Hendrik , Daminet Sylvie , Smets Pascale M. Y. , Duchateau Luc , Aresu Luca , Saunders Jimmy H. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine the feasibility of quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for detection of changes in renal blood flow in dogs before and after hydrocortisone administration.
Animals—11 Beagles
Procedure—Dogs were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: oral administration of hydrocortisone (9.6 mg/kg; n = 6) or a placebo (5; control group) twice a day for 4 months, after which the dose was tapered until treatment cessation at 6 months. Before treatment began and at 1, 4, and 6 months after, CEUS of the left kidney was performed by IV injection of ultrasonography microbubbles. Images were digitized, and time-intensity curves were generated from regions of interest in the renal cortex and medulla. Changes in blood flow were determined as measured via contrast agent (baseline [background] intensity, peak ntensity, area under the curve, arrival time of contrast agent, time-to-peak intensity, and speed of contrast agent transport).
Results—Significant increases in peak intensity, compared with that in control dogs, were observed in the renal cortex and medulla of hydrocortisone-treated dogs 1 and 4 months after treatment began. Baseline intensity changed similarly. A significant increase from control values was also apparent in area under the curve for the renal cortex 4 months after hydrocortisone treatment began and in the renal medulla 1 and 4 months after treatment began. A significant time effect with typical time course was observed, corresponding with the period during which hydrocortisone was administered. No difference was evident in the other variables between treated and control dogs.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Quantitative CEUS allowed detection of differences in certain markers of renal blood flow between dogs treated orally with and without hydrocortisone. Additional studies are needed to investigate the usefulness of quantitative CEUS in the diagnosis of diffuse renal lesions.
Serum cobalamin and methylmalonic acid concentrations in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease
Authors: Berghoff Nora , Parnell Nolie K. , Hill Steve L. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine the prevalence of hypocobalaminemia or methylmalonic acidemia (or both) in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease.
Sample—Serum samples from 56 dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease and 43 control dogs.
Procedures—Serum cobalamin and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations were measured in all samples and compared between groups. A correlation between serum cobalamin and MMA concentrations and the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index was evaluated via the Spearman rank correlation.
Results—20 of 56 (36%) dogs with gastrointestinal disease had hypocobalaminemia. Serum cobalamin concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with gastrointestinal disease than in control dogs. Five of 56 (9%) dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease and 5 of 20 (25%) hypocobalaminemic dogs had increased MMA concentrations. There was a significant negative correlation (Spearman r = −0.450) between serum cobalamin and MMA concentrations in dogs with gastrointestinal disease. No correlation was found between the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index and serum cobalamin or MMA concentrations.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These data indicated the prevalence of hypocobalaminemia in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease was 20 of 56 (36%). Five of 20 (25%) hypocobalaminemic dogs had increased serum MMA concentrations, which indicated that although hypocobalaminemia was common in these dogs, it did not always appear to be associated with a deficiency of cobalamin on a cellular level. Hypocobalaminemia is a risk factor for negative outcome in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease and should be considered in every patient with corresponding clinical signs.
Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR evaluation of chronic erythropoietin treatment effect on the SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells
Authors: Španinger Klemen , Sytkowski Arthur , Debeljak Nataša 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a sensitive technique for examining the influence of erythropoietin (Epo) on gene expression. A critical and fundamental step for data analysis is the selection of and normalization to the optimal reference gene(s). We identified appropriate reference gene(s) among 32 genes during chronic recombinant human Epo (rHuEpo) treatment of SH-SY5Y cells using TaqMan human Express Endogenous Control Plate. Expression stability of the selected reference gene (RPLP) was retested with qPCR, together with two commonly used reference genes (GAPDH, ACTB) and six genes of interest (EPOR, EPO, STAT5B, STAT5A, JUN, AKT). In PC12 cells, three commonly used reference genes (Gapdh, CycA and Ywhaz) and seven genes of interest (EpoR, Epo, Stat5b, Stat5a, Jun, Akt, Fos) were evaluated. For the evaluation of expression stability, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper software were used. All three gave similar results. We demonstrated that among the housekeeping genes, RPLP in SH-SY5Y and CycA and Ywhaz in PC12 are the most stable genes. Additionally, we showed that normalization with GAPDH gave misleading results compared to normalization with geNorm. In conclusion, selection of the appropriate normalization gene(s) is crucial for correct interpretation of rHuEpo treatment results. Graphical abstract
Development of QSAR models for predicting anti-HIV-1 activity using the Monte Carlo method
Authors: Toropov Andrey , Toropova Alla , Raska Ivan , Benfenati Emilio , Gini Giuseppina 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract The CORAL software (http://www.insilico.eu/coral/) has been examined as a tool for modeling anti-HIV-1 activity by quantitative structure — activity relationships (QSAR) for three different sets: (i) TIBO derivatives (n=82) (ii) anti-HIV-1 activity of 2-amino-6-arylsulfonylbenzonitriles and their congeners (n=64), and (iii) the measured binding affinity for fullerene-based HIV-1 PR inhibitors (n=48). A new global invariant ATOMPAIR of the molecular structure which can be calculated with the simplified molecular input line entry system (SMILES) was studied. The ATOMPAIR is an indicator of the joint presence of pairs of chemical elements (F, Cl, Br, N, O, S, and P) and three types of bonds (double covalent bond, triple covalent bond, and stereo chemical bond). Six random splits into sub-training, calibration, and test set were examined for each set. For the three aforementioned sets, the use of ATOMPAIR in the modeling process improves the predictive potential of the models for six random splits. Graphical abstract
Influence of H3PW12O40 on electrochemical properties of LaCo4.8Bi0.2 alloy
Authors: Giza Krystyna , Adamczyk Lidia 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract The effect of the surface treatment by H3PW12O40 solution on electrochemical properties of the LaCo4.8Bi0.2 alloy was investigated. A significant increase of hydrogen absorption and a distinct increase of exchange current density was obtained for LaCo4.8Bi0.2 alloy activated with tungstophosphoric acid. Potentiokinetic polarization curves show that the anodic currents increase with the amount of absorbing hydrogen. Graphical abstract
The reaction mechanism of the [2+3] cycloaddition between α-phenylnitroethene and (Z)-C,N-diphenylnitrone in the light of a B3LYP/6-31G(d) computational study
Authors: Jasiński Radomir , Mikulska Maria , Barański Andrzej 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract The analysis of reactivity indices suggests the polar nature of the [2+3] cycloaddition of a-phenylnitroethene to (Z)-C,N-diphenylnitrone. Similar conclusions can be drawn from the investigation of the reaction pathways using the B3LYP/6-31g(d) algorithm. This shows that the cycloaddition mechanism depends on the polarity of the reaction medium. A one-step mechanism is followed in the gas phase and toluene in all the theoretically possible pathways. In more polar media (nitromethane, water), a zwitterionic, two-step rather than a one-step mechanism occurs in the pathway leading to 3,4-trans-2,3,5-triphenyl-4-nitroisoxazolidine. Graphical abstract
Determination of three phenoxyacid herbicides in environmental water samples by the application of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Ma Yanling , Wen Yingying , Li Jinhua , Wang Hua , Ding Yangjun , Chen Lingxin 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract An efficient method based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with micellar electrokinetic chromatography has been developed for determination of three phenoxyacid herbicides (PAs) of 2,4-dichlorophenoxybutyric acid (2,4-DB), dicamba and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), in environmental water samples. The types and volumes of extracting and dispersing solvents, ionic strength, extraction and centrifugation time and centrifugation speed were investigated. Successful separation of the three PAs was achieved within 7 min, by using the background electrolyte solution consisting of 10 mmol L−1 sodium tetraborate, 25 mmol L−1 sodium dodecyl sulfate and 15% (v/v) methanol, at pH 9.75. Excellent analytical performances were attained, such as good linear relationships (R ≥0.9993) between peak area and concentration for each PAs from 10–1000 ng mL−1, limits of detection of 1.56–1.91 ng mL−1, and intra-day precisions at two spiked levels in terms of migration time and peak area within the range of 0.22–0.42% and 3.88–6.39%, respectively. Enrichment factors of 2,4-DB, dicamba and 2,4-D were 180, 151 and 216, respectively. The method recoveries obtained at fortified 20.0, 50.0 and 100.0 ng mL−1 for lake, river and reservoir water samples varied from 67.91 to 119.07% with the relative standard deviation of 1.47–6.89%. Graphical abstract
Preparation and characterization of new hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol)/phosphoester — chondroitin sulphate
Authors: Vlad-Bubulac Tachita , Serbezeanu Diana , Oprea Ana-Maria , Carja Ionela-Daniela , Hamciuc Corneliu , Cazacu Maria 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract New polymer hydrogels based on partially phosphorylated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA/Phosphoester) have been prepared. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was employed to confirm PVA/Phosphoester formation. Contact angle measurements were performed to evaluate the surface characteristics of the hydrogels. The PVA/Phosphoester hydrogels were co-networked with Chondroitin sulfate (CS) in various ratios by chemical crosslinking. The synthetic-natural mixed resulted semi-IPN hydrogels were structurally and morphologically investigated by ATR — FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The swelling behavior and dynamic moisture sorption capacity of the PVA/Phosphoester (p-methyl-phenyl phosphonic dichloride) (P3)-CS semi-IPN hydrogels were followed. It was found that the performance of the semi-IPN hydrogels was influenced by the CS. By kinetic studies, it has been shown that the swelling processes occurred by an anomalous transport mechanism. Graphical abstract
Weak sulfur-sulfur interactions between chemically-identical atoms
Authors: Silaghi-Dumitrescu Radu , Lupan Alexandru 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract Experimentally-known sulfur-sulfur distances shorter than the sum of van der Waals radii and involving two chemically-identical sulfur atoms are examined at several levels of theory (BP86/6-31G** to CCSD(T)/6-311+G**). None of the theoretical methods predict an attractive interaction from an energetic point of view, even though molecular orbitals stretching between the two sulfur atoms have been identified. Most likely, if there is indeed an attractive interaction force between chemically identical sulfur atoms, its value is comparable to the accuracy of the methods employed here — implying an attractive interaction below 1 kcal/mol. The investigation includes some simple models of 1,6,12,17-tetrathiacyclodocosa-2,4,13,15-tetrayne which was previously shown to have an S—S interaction involving two chemically-identical atoms. Attractive interactions calculated for these latter models are shown to arise from S—HC weak bonding, with the S—S interaction being again repulsive. Graphical abstract
Electrochemical study of dsDNA on carbon nanotubes paste electrodes applying cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry
Authors: Serpi Constantina , Voulgaropoulos Anastasios , Girousi Stella 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract Carbon nanotubes paste electrodes (CNTPEs) in combination with adsorptive transfer stripping voltammetry are shown to be very suitable for the determination of calf thymus double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). The performance of three types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes paste electrodes (MWCNTPEs) is investigated. The effects of surface pre-treatment and accumulation conditions on the adsorption and electrooxidation of the dsDNA at MWCNTPEs are also described. The results indicate that the electroactivity inherent to carbon nanotubes/paste electrodes allows a large enhancement of the guanine oxidation signal compared to that obtained at the conventional carbon paste electrodes (CPEs). Moreover, the extent of the enhancement dependents on the type of MWCNTs incorporated into the paste. Based on the signal of guanine, under optimal conditions, very low levels of dsDNA can be detected following short accumulation times for all three types of MWCNTPEs (MWCNTPE1, MWCNTPE2, MWCNTPE3), with detection limits of 2.64 mg L−1, 2.02 mg L−1 and 1.46 mg L−1, respectively. Additionally, the dsDNA isolated from rat liver tissues is determined by use of the previously mentioned MWCNTPEs. Graphical abstract
Gemini ester quat surfactants and their biological activity
Authors: Łuczyński Jacek , Frąckowiak Renata , Włoch Aleksandra , Kleszczyńska Halina , Witek Stanisław 
Published: December 2012

AbstractCationic gemini surfactants are an important class of surface-active compounds that exhibit much higher surface activity than their monomeric counterparts. This type of compound architecture lends itself to the compound being easily adsorbed at interfaces and interacting with the cellular membranes of microorganisms. Conventional cationic surfactants have high chemical stability but poor chemical and biological degradability. One of the main approaches to the design of readily biodegradable and environmentally friendly surfactants involves inserting a bond with limited stability into the surfactant molecule to give a cleavable surfactant. The best-known example of such a compound is the family of ester quats, which are cationic surfactants with a labile ester bond inserted into the molecule. As part of this study, a series of gemini ester quat surfactants were synthesized and assayed for their biological activity. Their hemolytic activity and changes in the fluidity and packing order of the lipid polar heads were used as the measures of their biological activity. A clear correlation between the hemolytic activity of the tested compounds and their alkyl chain length was established. It was found that the compounds with a long hydrocarbon chain showed higher activity. Moreover, the compounds with greater spacing between their alkyl chains were more active. This proves that they incorporate more easily into the lipid bilayer of the erythrocyte membrane and affect its properties to a greater extent. A better understanding of the process of cell lysis by surfactants and of their biological activity may assist in developing surfactants with enhanced selectivity and in widening their range of application.
Subcellular localization of full-length human myeloid leukemia factor 1 (MLF1) is independent of 14-3-3 proteins
Authors: Molzan Manuela , Ottmann Christian 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMyeloid leukemia factor 1 (MLF1) is associated with the development of leukemic diseases such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, information on the physiological function of MLF1 is limited and mostly derived from studies identifying MLF1 interaction partners like CSN3, MLF1IP, MADM, Manp and the 14-3-3 proteins. The 14-3-3-binding site surrounding S34 is one of the only known functional features of the MLF1 sequence, along with one nuclear export sequence (NES) and two nuclear localization sequences (NLS). It was recently shown that the subcellular localization of mouse MLF1 is dependent on 14-3-3 proteins. Based on these findings, we investigated whether the subcellular localization of human MLF1 was also directly 14-3-3-dependent. Live cell imaging with GFP-fused human MLF1 was used to study the effects of mutations and deletions on its subcellular localization. Surprisingly, we found that the subcellular localization of full-length human MLF1 is 14-3-3-independent, and is probably regulated by other as-yet-unknown proteins.
Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions using low-cost sorbents obtained from ash
Authors: Harja Maria , Buema Gabriela , Sutiman Daniel , Cretescu Igor 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis study’s main objective was the development of effective low-cost sorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The influence of different factors on the sorption capacity of ash and modified ash as low-cost sorbents obtained by different methods was investigated. The synthesis of new ash-based materials was carried out at ambient temperature (20°C), 70°C, and 90°C, respectively, in an alkaline medium with NaOH concentrations of 2 M and 5 M, respectively, corresponding to a mixture with solid/liquid ratios of 1: 3 and 1: 5, respectively. The prepared materials (sorbents) were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), X-ray diffraction, and BET surface measurement. Adsorption isotherms were determined using the batch equilibrium method. The results showed that these types of new materials displayed a good capacity to remove copper, nickel, and lead ions (29.97 mg of Cu2+ per g of sorbent, 303 mg of Ni2+ per g of sorbent, and 1111 mg of Pb2+ per g of sorbent) from aqueous solutions. The modified materials were prepared using an alkaline attack (a recognised method used in previous studies), but Romanian ash from a thermal power plant was studied for the above purpose for the first time. Hence, the factors which affect the sorption capacity of the prepared low-cost sorbents were determined and their behaviour was explained, taking into account the composition and structure of the new materials.
Rationalized algorithm for computing the product of two sedenions
Authors: Cariow Aleksandr , Cariowa Galina 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this paper we introduce efficient algorithm for the multiplication of sedenions. The direct multiplication of two sedenions requires 256 real multiplications and 240 real additions. We show how to compute a sedenions product with 120 real multiplications and 344 real additions.
Graphics card processing: accelerating profile-profile alignment
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Zimmermann Karl-Heinz 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAlignment is the fundamental operation in molecular biology for comparing biomolecular sequences. The most widely used method for aligning groups of alignments is based on the alignment of the profiles corresponding to the groups. We show that profile-profile alignment can be significantly speeded up by general purpose computing on a modern commodity graphics card. Wavefront and matrix-matrix product approaches for implementing profile-profile alignment onto graphics processor are analyzed. The average speed-up obtained is one order of magnitude even when overheads are considered. Thus the computational power of graphics cards can be exploited to develop improved solutions for multiple sequence alignment.
Managing transaction risks in interdependent supply chains: an extended transaction cost economics perspective
Authors: Wever Mark , Wognum Nel , Trienekens Jacques , Omta Onno 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The present study examines the management of transaction risks in supply chains. Risk management studies often ignore the wider supply chain context in which individual transactions take place. However, risk management strategies which are suitable to use when only a single transaction is considered may be inappropriate when other transactions in the supply chain are taken into account. This study addresses this issue by examining: (1) how risks arise as a result of interdependencies between the various transactions making up the supply chain; and (2) what types of contractual-based strategies actors can use to manage their risk exposure. To realize these aims, the study applies an extended Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) framework with a supply chain orientation. The framework illustrates how different types of interdependencies – pooled, sequential and reciprocal – expose companies to different sources of risk. Three strategies companies can use when facing barriers to risk minimization in sequentially interdependent supply chains are analyzed: risk transferring, risk altering and risk sharing. Examples from the agri-food sector are discussed to demonstrate the functioning of these strategies.
Sustainable supply chain management – the influence of local stakeholder expectations in China’s agri-food industry
Authors: Kao Pao T. , Redekop William H. , Mark-Herbert Cecilia 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Multinational food processing corporations are facing rapid growth in emerging markets like China and a concurrent need for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). These firms attempt to address supply risk and threat to the triple bottom line through managing suppliers and inputs, and at the same time need to overcome the uncertainty raised by the unfamiliar host environment. An exploratory qualitative case study of two multinational food processing corporations in China finds their SSCM practices are impacted by the nature of the raw material inputs as well as local stakeholder expectations. In particular, government policy and media attention seems to influence the direction and choice of SSCM activities engaged in by the focal firms. Furthermore, the discussion also suggests a possible permanent effect may occur as stakeholder expectations and host country institutions evolve. The implication of this study is that food processors preparing to enter emerging markets should be aware that local stakeholder expectations may affect operations significantly more than previously expected. As such, these firms need to carefully evaluate their operations in the host market and seek balance between SSCM practices and local stakeholder expectations. This study extends existing research on SSCM, exploring practices among the agri-food industry in a developing economy, and points out a theoretical extension to the existing sustainable purchasing portfolio matrix.