bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient production of methane from artificial garbage waste by a cylindrical bioelectrochemical reactor containing carbon fiber textiles
Authors: Sasaki Daisuke , Sasaki Kengo , Watanabe Atsushi , Morita Masahiko , Igarashi Yasuo , Ohmura Naoya 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A cylindrical bioelectrochemical reactor (BER) containing carbon fiber textiles (CFT; BER + CFT) has characteristics of bioelectrochemical and packed-bed systems. In this study, utility of a cylindrical BER + CFT for degradation of a garbage slurry and recovery of biogas was investigated by applying 10% dog food slurry. The working electrode potential was electrochemically regulated at −0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Stable methane production of 9.37 L-CH4 · L−1 · day−1 and dichromate chemical oxygen demand (CODcr) removal of 62.5% were observed, even at a high organic loading rate (OLR) of 89.3 g-CODcr · L−1 · day−1. Given energy as methane (372.6 kJ · L−1 · day−1) was much higher than input electric energy to the working electrode (0.6 kJ · L−1 · day−1) at this OLR. Methanogens were highly retained in CFT by direct attachment to the cathodic working electrodes (52.3%; ratio of methanogens to prokaryotes), compared with the suspended fraction (31.2%), probably contributing to the acceleration of organic material degradation and removal of organic acids. These results provide insight into the application of cylindrical BER + CFT in efficient methane production from garbage waste including a high percentage of solid fraction.
Complex adaptive systems modeling with Repast Simphony
Authors: North Michael J , Collier Nicholson T , Ozik Jonathan , Tatara Eric R , Macal Charles M , Bragen Mark , Sydelko Pam 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPurposeThis paper is to describe development of the features and functions of Repast Simphony, the widely used, free, and open source agent-based modeling environment that builds on the Repast 3 library. Repast Simphony was designed from the ground up with a focus on well-factored abstractions. The resulting code has a modular architecture that allows individual components such as networks, logging, and time scheduling to be replaced as needed. The Repast family of agent-based modeling software has collectively been under continuous development for more than 10 years.MethodIncludes reviewing other free and open-source modeling libraries and environments as well as describing the architecture of Repast Simphony. The architectural description includes a discussion of the Simphony application framework, the core module, ReLogo, data collection, the geographical information system, visualization, freeze drying, and third party application integration.ResultsInclude a review of several Repast Simphony applications and brief tutorial on how to use Repast Simphony to model a simple complex adaptive system.ConclusionsWe discuss opportunities for future work, including plans to provide support for increasingly large-scale modeling efforts.
Experimental tests of mate choice in nonhuman mammals: the need for an integrative approach
Authors: Charlton Benjamin D. 
Published: March 2013

Summary
Experimental studies of mate choice have normally focused on non-mammal animal species, in which female mating preferences are based on clearly defined male traits. Because mammals are invariably larger and behaviourally more complex, they are less suited to this type of experimentation. Nevertheless, numerous studies on nonhuman mammals have shown that females appear to actively choose their mates. In this Commentary, I review the current literature to reveal that most experimental tests of mate choice in mammals are unable to reveal the actual male phenotypic trait(s) of female preference, which is crucial for identifying male characteristics under sexual selection. In addition, very few studies take into account female oestrous stage, or quantify the fitness benefits to discriminating females. Future work should concentrate on demonstrating female preferences for specific male traits that are shown by genetic paternity analysis to be correlated with male reproductive success, using setups that control for the effects of male and female mating strategies and in which the actual experiments are performed during the female's peak oestrous period.
Variation in temperature tolerance among families of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is associated with hypoxia tolerance, ventricle size and myoglobin level
Authors: Anttila Katja , Dhillon Rashpal S. , Boulding Elizabeth G. , Farrell Anthony P. , Glebe Brian D. , Elliott Jake A. K. , Wolters William R. , Schulte Patricia M. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARY
In fishes, performance failure at high temperature is thought to be due to a limitation on oxygen delivery (the theory of oxygen and capacity limited thermal tolerance, OCLTT), which suggests that thermal tolerance and hypoxia tolerance might be functionally associated. Here we examined variation in temperature and hypoxia tolerance among 41 families of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), which allowed us to evaluate the association between these two traits. Both temperature and hypoxia tolerance varied significantly among families and there was a significant positive correlation between critical maximum temperature (CTmax) and hypoxia tolerance, supporting the OCLTT concept. At the organ and cellular levels, we also discovered support for the OCLTT concept as relative ventricle mass (RVM) and cardiac myoglobin (Mb) levels both correlated positively with CTmax (R2=0.21, P&lt;0.001 and R2=0.17, P=0.003, respectively). A large RVM has previously been shown to be associated with high cardiac output, which might facilitate tissue oxygen supply during elevated oxygen demand at high temperatures, while Mb facilitates the oxygen transfer from the blood to tissues, especially during hypoxia. The data presented here demonstrate for the first time that RVM and Mb are correlated with increased upper temperature tolerance in fish. High phenotypic variation between families and greater similarity among full- and half-siblings suggests that there is substantial standing genetic variation in thermal and hypoxia tolerance, which could respond to selection either in aquaculture or in response to anthropogenic stressors such as global climate change.
Phentermine/Topiramate for the Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Smith Steven M , Meyer Melissa , Trinkley Katy E 
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of phentermine/topiramate (PHEN/TPM) in the management of obese patients. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE (1966-July 2012) was searched using the terms weight loss, obesity, phentermine and topiramate, phentermine, topiramate, Qnexa, Qsymia, and VI-0521. Additionally, the new drug application and prescribing information for PHEN/TPM were retrieved. STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION All studies considering the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of PHEN/TPM were reviewed with a focus on efficacy and safety data from Phase 3 trials. DATA SYNTHESIS In 3 Phase 3 trials (EQUIP, CONQUER, and SEQUEL), treatment with PHEN/TPM consistently demonstrated statistically significant weight loss compared with placebo. After 56 weeks of treatment, percent weight loss achieved with PHEN/TPM was 10.6%, 8.4%, and 5.1% with 15/92 mg, 7.5/46 mg, and 3.75/23 mg, respectively (p < 0.0001). The 52-week extension study (SEQUEL) showed maintained weight loss over 2 years with 9.3% and 10.5% weight loss from baseline for 7.5/46 mg and 15/92 mg PHEN/TPM (p < 0.0001). A significantly higher proportion of patients achieved greater than 5%, 10%, or 15% weight loss with PHEN/TPM compared with placebo. Significant reductions in waist circumference, fasting triglycerides, and fasting glucoses were also attributable to PHEN/TPM. The drug was generally well tolerated in clinical trials. Adverse reactions occurring in 5% or more of study subjects included paresthesia, dizziness, dysgeusia, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth. CONCLUSIONS PHEN/TPM is a new, once-daily, controlled-release, combination weight-loss product approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise for chronic weight management of obese or overweight patients with weight-related comorbidities. PHEN/TPM is modestly effective and a viable option for patients interested in losing weight, although long-term safety data are lacking.
Alternative Monitoring of Argatroban Using Plasma-Diluted Thrombin Time
Authors: Wanat Matthew A , Hart Sara R , Putney David , Liebl Michael G , Chandler Wayne 
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE To report a case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in a patient with concurrent liver dysfunction and a prolonged baseline activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in whom argatroban therapy was monitored with aPTT and a novel plasma-diluted thrombin assay. CASE SUMMARY An 80-year-old man with HIT and liver dysfunction was treated with argatroban, which was initiated at a dose of 0.5 μg/kg/min and gradually decreased to 0.09 μg/kg/min. The patient had a mildly prolonged aPTT at baseline (37.5 seconds). He was concurrently monitored with aPTT, per institution protocol, and plasma-diluted thrombin time. Plasma-diluted thrombin times were consistently lower than aPTTs, but mirrored the trend of the aPTTs. Eleven hours after argatroban was stopped, the aPTT remained elevated (53.9 seconds), while the plasma-diluted thrombin time returned to normal range (26.4 seconds). The patient's therapy was transitioned to warfarin and he had a hospital course with no thrombotic or bleeding complications. DISCUSSION Plasma-diluted thrombin time is a novel laboratory test consisting of 1 part patient plasma diluted with 3 parts normal plasma. Plasma-diluted thrombin time has been shown to blunt the sensitivity of the thrombin time and may be more accurate for drug monitoring. A MEDLINE search revealed 2 studies using the plasma-diluted thrombin time assay. The first study compared aPTT and plasma-diluted thrombin times in blood samples mixed with argatroban, bivalirudin, or lepirudin at 3 different concentrations. Blood samples contained lupus inhibitors, vitamin k deficiency, or normal baseline aPTTs. The aPTT overestimated drug concentrations in all samples with lupus anticoagulant and vitamin k deficiency, while the plasma-diluted thrombin time correctly estimated drug concentrations in nearly all samples. The second study looked at monitoring dabigatran with plasma-diluted thrombin time and found a linear relationship between the plasma-diluted thrombin time and the dabigatran dose-response curve. CONCLUSIONS Plasma-diluted thrombin time may be an alternative for direct thrombin inhibitor monitoring in patients with elevated aPTT values at baseline. Further randomized control trials are needed to determine its applicability in clinical practice.
Body weight loss reverts obesity-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Rastrelli Giulia , Monami Matteo , Saad Farid , Luconi Michaela , Lucchese Marcello , Facchiano Enrico , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveFew randomized clinical studies have evaluated the impact of diet and physical activity on testosterone levels in obese men with conflicting results. Conversely, studies on bariatric surgery in men generally have shown an increase in testosterone levels. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of available trials on the effect of body weight loss on sex hormones levels.DesignMeta-analysis.MethodsAn extensive Medline search was performed including the following words: ‘testosterone’, ‘diet’, ‘weight loss’, ‘bariatric surgery’, and ‘males’. The search was restricted to data from January 1, 1969 up to August 31, 2012.ResultsOut of 266 retrieved articles, 24 were included in the study. Of the latter, 22 evaluated the effect of diet or bariatric surgery, whereas two compared diet and bariatric surgery. Overall, both a low-calorie diet and bariatric surgery are associated with a significant (P<0.0001) increase in plasma sex hormone-binding globulin-bound and -unbound testosterone levels (total testosterone (TT)), with bariatric surgery being more effective in comparison with the low-calorie diet (TT increase: 8.73 (6.51–10.95) vs 2.87 (1.68–4.07) for bariatric surgery and the low-calorie diet, respectively; both P<0.0001 vs baseline). Androgen rise is greater in those patients who lose more weight as well as in younger, non-diabetic subjects with a greater degree of obesity. Body weight loss is also associated with a decrease in estradiol and an increase in gonadotropins levels. Multiple regression analysis shows that the degree of body weight loss is the best determinant of TT rise (B=2.50±0.98, P=0.029).ConclusionsThese data show that weight loss is associated with an increase in both bound and unbound testosterone levels. The normalization of sex hormones induced by body weight loss is a possible mechanism contributing to the beneficial effects of surgery in morbid obesity.
RAC1b overexpression in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a role to unravel
Authors: Silva Ana Luísa , Carmo Francisca , Bugalho Maria João 
Published: March 2013

ContextTheBRAFV600E mutation is the most frequent genetic alteration in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In colorectal cancer,BRAFV600E was described to functionally cooperate with RAC1b, a hyperactive splice variant of the small GTPase RAC1, to sustain cell survival. This interplay has never been investigated in PTCs.ObjectiveWe aimed to analyze the expression of RAC1b in PTC and correlate its expression withBRAFV600E mutational status, histopathological features, and clinical outcome.Patients and methodsSixty-one patients and 87 samples (61 PTCs and 26 normal thyroid tissues) were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on longitudinal evolution and final outcome.RAC1bexpression levels were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting.ResultsRAC1bwas expressed in thyroid and overexpressed in 46% of PTCs. Neither RAC1b overexpression nor V600E mutation correlated with histopathological features classically associated with worse prognosis.RAC1boverexpression was significantly associated with both V600E mutation (P=0.0008) and poor clinical outcome (P=0.0029). WhereasBRAFV600E alone did not associate with patient outcome (P=0.2865), the association ofRAC1boverexpression withBRAFV600E was overrepresented in the group with poorer clinical outcome (P=0.0044).ConclusionsPresent results document, for the first time, expression of RAC1b in normal thyroid cells as well as overexpression in a subset of PTCs. Furthermore, they suggest a possible interplay betweenBRAFV600E and RAC1b contributing to poor clinical outcome. Future studies are needed to clarify the oncogenic potential of RAC1b in thyroid carcinogenesis.
The pharmacokinetics of acyl, des-acyl, and total ghrelin in healthy human subjects
Authors: Tong Jenny , Dave Nimita , Mugundu Ganesh M , Davis Harold W , Gaylinn Bruce D , Thorner Michael O , Tschöp Matthias H , D'Alessio David , Desai Pankaj B 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundGhrelin stimulates GH secretion and regulates energy and glucose metabolism. The two circulating isoforms, acyl (AG) and des-acyl (DAG) ghrelin, have distinct metabolic effects and are under active investigation for their therapeutic potentials. However, there is only limited data on the pharmacokinetics of AG and DAG.ObjectivesTo evaluate key pharmacokinetic parameters of AG, DAG, and total ghrelin in healthy men and women.MethodsIn study 1, AG (1, 3, and 5 μg/kg per h) was infused over 65 min in 12 healthy (8 F/4 M) subjects in randomized order. In study 2, AG (1 μg/kg per h), DAG (4 μg/kg per h), or both were infused over 210 min in ten healthy individuals (5 F/5 M). Plasma AG and DAG were measured using specific two-site ELISAs (study 1 and 2), and total ghrelin with a commercial RIA (study 1). Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by non-compartmental analysis.ResultsAfter the 1, 3, and 5 μg/kg per h doses of AG, there was a dose-dependent increase in the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC(0–last)) of AG and total ghrelin. Among the different AG doses, there was no difference in the elimination half-life, systemic clearance (CL), and volume of distribution. DAG had decreased CL relative to AG. The plasma DAG:AG ratio was ∼2:1 during steady-state infusion of AG. Infusion of AG caused an increase in DAG, but DAG administration did not change plasma AG. Ghrelin administration did not affect plasma acylase activity.ConclusionsThe pharmacokinetics of AG and total ghrelin appears to be linear and proportional in the dose range tested. AG and DAG have very distinct metabolic fates in the circulation. There is deacylation of AG in the plasma but no evidence of acylation.
Design and implementation of a measurement system for automatically measurement of electrical parameters of thermoelectric generators
Authors: Petrov Dmitry , Assion Fabian , Hilleringmann Ulrich 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThe continues development of thermoelectric generators causes a permanent improvement of their characteristics. New types of thermoelectric generators can work at temperatures up to 1000 K. With this, special measurement equipment is needed to control the electrical parameters of the new developed specimens. The devices must be tested over the whole range of operating temperatures. For each temperature value a series of electrical measurements has to be performed. To establish the maximal output power of the thermoelectric generators, a load resistor with variable resistance has to be connected to the output of thermoelectric generator. The measurement system should measure the electrical current through the load resistor and the voltage over this resistor to determine the device parameters. A large amount of measurement data have to be collected and processed to evaluate the electrical characteristics of the specimen and to present them in graphical form, suitable for the comparison with others specimens.
Encapsulation of Stimuli-Responsive Fusion Proteins in Silica: Thermally Responsive Metal Ion-Sensitive Hybrid Membranes
Authors: Li Linying , Im Owen , Chilkoti Ashutosh , López Gabriel P. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, we demonstrate the fabrication of hybrid membranes that exhibit discrete and reversible changes in permeability in response to changes in calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration and temperature. Fusion proteins comprising calmodulin (CAM) and elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) were used as stimuli-responsive elements due to their ability to undergo a reversible lower critical solution temperature (LCST) phase transition, which is sensitive to Ca2+binding. The calmodulin elastin-like polypeptides fusions (CAM-ELPs) were incorporated into polymerizing silica networks using a simple sol-gel process and spin coating. Permeation experiments with solutions of crystal violet showed that the membranes are both Ca2+-responsive and thermally responsive. Under suitable pressure drop across the membranes, in the absence of Ca2+or below the LCST of the ELPs, the hybrid membranes are impermeable to water. After addition of Ca2+or above the LCSTs, they become permeable to water. The permeability can be toggled back and forth by sequential addition of calcium and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). These results demonstrate that CAMELP/silica hybrid membranes can serve as tunable molecular filters whose permeability can be switched on and off in response to Ca2+and temperature.
Morphology Control of Alzheimer Amyloid β Peptide (1-42) on the Multivalent Sulfonated Sugar Interface
Authors: Miura Yoshiko , Fukuda Tomohiro 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThe amyloidosis of amyloid β (1-42) was investigated by the well-defined glyco-cluster interface. We prepared monovalent, divalent, and trivalent 6-sulfo-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine immobilized substrates. The interaction between amyloid β and 6-sulfo-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine was amplified by multivalency of divalent and trivalent 6-sulfo-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. The morphology of amyloid β were investigated by AFM, and we found the morphology of amyloid β aggregates were determined by the kinds of displayed saccharide-valency. Amyloid β had tendency to form spherical objects on the multivalent 6-sulfo-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, but form fibrils on the monovalent 6-sulfo-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Spherical amyloid β was more toxic than fibrillar amyloid β to HeLa cells. These results suggested that the multivalency of was significant in its morphology and aggregation effects at the surface of the cell membrane mimic.
Role of Oxidation State of Vanadium in Vanadium Oxide-Hematite Nanoparticles
Authors: Sorescu Monica , Xu Tianhong , Wade Collin 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTSingle phase, a FeVO4 triclinic crystalline structure was successfully synthesized by annealing the mechanochemically milled xV2O5·(1-x)α-Fe2O3 composites (x = 0.5) at 550 °C for 1 h. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Mössbauer spectroscopy were combined for a detailed study of the assisting role of the mechanochemical milling process. Mechanochemical milling homogeneously mixed the starting materials of α-Fe2O3 and V2O5 and substantially decreased their average grain sizes. The partially V5+-substituted α-Fe2O3 phase and Fe3+-substituted V2O5 could be the important intermediate phases in the production of FeVO4 single phase. In addition, xV2O3·(1-x)α-Fe2O3 (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7) solid solutions were successfully synthesized by mechanochemical activation of V2O3 and α-Fe2O3 mixtures. Complete solid solutions exist after 12 h ball-milling time for all studied x values. The synthesized xV2O3·(1-x)α-Fe2O3 solid solutions with x = 0.5 and 0.7 were mainly paramagnetic at room temperature. The study demonstrates that the transformation pathway is related to the valence state of the metallic specie of the oxide used in connection with hematite.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mn Doped ZnS Quantum Dots from a Single Source Precursor
Authors: Malik M. Azad , O’Brien Paul , Revaprasadu N. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractNanoparticles of ZnS and Mn-doped ZnS capped with TOPO (tri-n-octylphosphine oxide) and close to mono-dispersed have been prepared by a single source route using bis(diethyldithiocarbamato) zinc(II) as a precursor. The nanoparticles obtained show quantum size effects in their optical spectra and ZnS nanoparticles exhibit near band-edge luminescence. Clear difference in photoluminescence results between ZnS and ZnS:Mn samples. Changes in Mn-doping levels are shown by the changes in photoluminescence intensity. The most intense photoluminescence was observed for 1% and the least intense for 5% doping level. ESR spectra and ICP results confirm the presence of Mn in ZnS quantum dots and also correspond to the amount of Mn in each ZnS:Mn sample.The Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) show the material to be of the hexagonal phase. The crystallinity of the material was also evident from High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) which gave well-defined images of nanosize particles with clear lattice fringes.