bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FLOW VELOCIMETRY FOR WEAKLY CONDUCTING ELECTROLYTES BASED ON HIGH RESOLUTION LORENTZFORCE MEASUREMENT
Authors: EBERT R. , VASILYAN S. , WIEDERHOLD A. 
Published: December 2013

We demonstrate that a flow velocity measurement can be transformed into a non-invasive force measurement by metering the dragforce acting on a system of magnets that is arranged around a flow channel. This method is called Lorentzforce velocimetry and has been developed in the last years in our institute. It is a highly feasible principle for materials with large conductivity like liquid metals. To evolve this method for weakly conducting fluids like salt water or molten glass the dragforce measurement is the challenging bottleneck. Here forces of 10−8 and less of the weightforce of the magnet system have to be resolved in the rather noisy environment of the flow channel. In this paper different force measurement techniques get tested and compared. In the first setup the drag-force is acting on the magnets that are hanging as a pendulum with 0.5 m long wires on a mounting. Here the displacement in the range of a few μm can be detected with a laser interferometer and another optical positioning sensor. For the second setup the magnet system is attached to a state of the art electromagnetic force compensation balance. The balance is used in an unusual orientation: It is turned by 90 degrees to measure the horizontally acting Lorentzforce. Different ways of getting the correct force signal out of the two measurement setups will be presented and discussed. For generalization of the measurement principle the Lorentzforce is determined for different fluid profiles. In addition to that we have developed new systematic noise reduction methods to increase the resolution of both force measurement techniques by a factor of ten or larger which we will present here.
Integrated MicroRNA Network Analyses Identify a Poor-Prognosis Subtype of Gastric Cancer Characterized by the miR-200 Family
Authors: Song Fengju , Yang Da , Liu Ben , Guo Yan , Zheng Hong , Li Lian , Wang Tao , Yu Jinpu , Zhao Yanrui , Niu Ruifang , Liang Han , Winkler Hans , Zhang Wei , Hao Xishan , Chen Kexin 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Purpose: Our aim was to investigate whether microRNAs can predict the clinical outcome of patients with gastric cancer. We used integrated analysis of microRNA and mRNA expression profiles to identify gastric cancer microRNA subtypes and their underlying regulatory scenarios.
Experimental Design: MicroRNA-based gastric cancer subtypes were identified by consensus clustering analysis of microRNA profiles of 90 gastric cancer tissues. Activated pathways in the subtypes were identified by gene expression profiles. Further integrated analysis was conducted to model a microRNA regulatory network for each subtype. RNA and protein expression were analyzed by RT-PCR and tissue microarray, respectively, in a cohort of 385 gastric cancer cases (including the 90 cases for profiling) to validate the key microRNAs and targets in the network. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to further validate the findings.
Results: MicroRNA profiles of 90 gastric cancer cases identified two microRNA subtypes significantly associated with survival. The poor-prognosis gastric cancer microRNA subtype was characterized by overexpression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. This gastric cancer “mesenchymal subtype” was further validated in a patient cohort comprising 385 cases. Integrated analysis identified a key microRNA regulatory network likely driving the gastric cancer mesenchymal subtype. Three of the microRNAs (miR-200c, miR-200b, and miR-125b) targeting the most genes in the network were significantly associated with survival. Functional experiments demonstrated that miR-200b suppressed ZEB1, augmented E-cadherin, inhibited cell migration, and suppressed tumor growth in a mouse model.
Conclusions: We have uncovered a key microRNA regulatory network that defines the mesenchymal gastric cancer subtype significantly associated with poor overall survival in gastric cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 20(4); 878–89. ©2013 AACR.
Association Between Plasma Triglycerides and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Microvascular Kidney Disease and Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sacks Frank M. , Hermans Michel P. , Fioretto Paola , Valensi Paul , Davis Timothy , Horton Edward , Wanner Christoph , Al-Rubeaan Khalid , Aronson Ronnie , Barzon Isabella , Bishop Louise , Bonora Enzo , Bunnag Pongamorn , Chuang Lee-Ming , Deerochanawong Chaicharn , Goldenberg Ronald , Harshfield Benjamin , Hernández Cristina , Herzlinger-Botein Susan , Itoh Hiroshi , Jia Weiping , Jiang Yi-Der , Kadowaki Takashi , Laranjo Nancy , Leiter Lawrence , Miwa Takashi , Odawara Masato , Ohashi Ken , Ohno Atsushi , Pan Changyu , Pan Jiemin , Pedro-Botet Juan , Reiner Zeljko , Rotella Carlo Maria , Simo Rafael , Tanaka Masami , Tedeschi-Reiner Eugenia , Twum-Barima David , Zoppini Giacomo , Carey Vincent J. 
Published: December 2013

Background—
Microvascular renal and retinal diseases are common major complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The relation between plasma lipids and microvascular disease is not well established.

Methods and Results—

The case subjects were 2535 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an average duration of 14 years, 1891 of whom had kidney disease and 1218 with retinopathy. The case subjects were matched for diabetes mellitus duration, age, sex, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to 3683 control subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus who did not have kidney disease or retinopathy. The study was conducted in 24 sites in 13 countries. The primary analysis included kidney disease and retinopathy cases. Matched analysis was performed by use of site-specific conditional logistic regression in multivariable models that adjusted for hemoglobin A
1c
, hypertension, and statin treatment. Mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was 2.3 mmol/L. The microvascular disease odds ratio increased by a factor of 1.16 (95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.22) for every 0.5 mmol/L (≈1 quintile) increase in triglycerides or decreased by a factor of 0.92 (0.88–0.96) for every 0.2 mmol/L (≈1 quintile) increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. For kidney disease, the odds ratio increased by 1.23 (1.16–1.31) with triglycerides and decreased by 0.86 (0.82–0.91) with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Retinopathy was associated with triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in matched analysis but not significantly after additional adjustment.

Conclusions—
Diabetic kidney disease is associated worldwide with higher levels of plasma triglycerides and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol among patients with good control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Retinopathy was less robustly associated with these lipids. These results strengthen the rationale for studying dyslipidemia treatment to prevent diabetic microvascular disease.
Seamless Precipitation Prediction Skill in the Tropics and Extratropics from a Global Model
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Wheeler Matthew C. , Sobel Adam H. , Hudson Debra 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe skill with which a coupled ocean–atmosphere model is able to predict precipitation over a range of time scales (days to months) is analyzed. For a fair comparison across the seamless range of scales, the verification is performed using data averaged over time windows equal in length to the lead time. At a lead time of 1 day, skill is greatest in the extratropics around 40°–60° latitude and lowest around 20°, and has a secondary local maximum close to the equator. The extratropical skill at this short range is highest in the winter hemisphere, presumably due to the higher predictability of winter baroclinic systems. The local equatorial maximum comes mostly from the Pacific Ocean, and thus appears to be mostly from El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). As both the lead time and averaging window are simultaneously increased, the extratropical skill drops rapidly with lead time, while the equatorial maximum remains approximately constant, causing the equatorial skill to exceed the extratropical at leads of greater than 4 days in austral summer and 1 week in boreal summer. At leads longer than 2 weeks, the extratropical skill flattens out or increases, but remains below the equatorial values. Comparisons with persistence confirm that the model beats persistence for most leads and latitudes, including for the equatorial Pacific where persistence is high. The results are consistent with the view that extratropical predictability is mostly derived from synoptic-scale atmospheric dynamics, while tropical predictability is primarily derived from the response of moist convection to slowly varying forcing such as from ENSO.
Involuntary outpatient treatment for mental health problems in Switzerland: A literature review
Authors: Morandi Stéphane , Burns Tom 
Published: December 2013

Background: In 2008, the Swiss Civil Code was amended. From 1 January 2013, each Swiss canton may propose specific provisions for involuntary outpatient treatment (community treatment orders (CTOs)) for individuals with mental disorders. Aim: This review catalogues the legal provisions of the various Swiss cantons for CTOs and outlines the differences between them. It sets this in the context of variations in clinical provisions between the cantons. Methods: Databases were searched to obtain relevant publications about CTOs in Switzerland. The Swiss Medical Association, Swiss Federal Statistical Office, Swiss Health Observatory and all the 26 Cantonal medical officers were contacted to complete the information. Conférence des cantons en matière de protection des mineurs et des adultes (COPMA), the authority which monitors guardianship legislation, and Pro Mente Sana, a patients’ right association, were also approached. Results: Three articles about CTOs in Switzerland were identified. Psychiatric provisions vary considerably between cantons and only a few could provide complete or even partial figures for rates of compulsion in previous years. Prior to 2013, only 6 of the 20 cantons, for which information was returned, had any provision for CTOs. Now, every canton has some form of legal basis but the level of detail is often limited. In eight cantons, the powers of the measure are not specified (for example, use of medication). In 12 cantons, the maximum duration of the CTO is not specified. German speaking cantons and rural cantons are more likely to specify the details of CTOs. Conclusion: Highly variable Swiss provision for CTOs is being introduced despite the absence of convincing international evidence for their effectiveness or good quality data on current coercive practice. Careful monitoring and assessment of these new cantonal provisions are essential.
Does the Long Arm of US Macroeconomic Policy Reach South Asia?
Authors: Carmignani Fabrizio 
Published: December 2013

What is the effect of US macroeconomic policy on the business cycle of South Asian economies? The evidence reported in this article suggests that there is little systematic contemporaneous effect of US monetary policy on South Asian GDP. The lagged effect of US monetary policy tends to be statistically significant, but it appears that a monetary expansion in the US in year t lowers real GDP in year t + 1 in a majority of South Asian economies. Conversely, US fiscal policy has both contemporaneous and lagged Keynesian effects in a majority of countries. Interestingly, the lagged effect is quantitatively larger than the contemporaneous effect. The paper also looks at the impact of domestic macroeconomic policy in South Asian countries. Two key results emerge in this respect. First, the contemporaneous effects of domestic monetary and fiscal policy are in line with ‘Keynesian’ predictions: an increase (decrease) in government consumption or money growth increases (decreases) real GDP. Second, there is also evidence of significant lagged effects of domestic macroeconomic policies. However, while the sign of the lagged effect of fiscal policy is generally the same as the sign of the contemporaneous effect, for monetary policy the sign of the lagged effect is inverted in some countries. JEL Classification: E32 E52, E63, E62, C23
A lack of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) causes defects in granulocytic differentiation
Authors: Klimenkova Olga , Ellerbeck Wienke , Klimiankou Maksim , Ünalan Murat , Kandabarau Siarhei , Gigina Anna , Hussein Kais , Zeidler Cornelia , Welte Karl , Skokowa Julia 
Published: December 2013

Key PointsThe natural inhibitor of neutrophil elastase, SLPI, is severely reduced in severe congenital neutropenia patients. SLPI controls myeloid differentiation by regulation of NFκB, ERK1/2:LEF-1, and c-myc activation.
Whole-genome integrative analysis reveals expression signatures predicting transformation in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Brodtkorb Marianne , Lingjærde Ole Christian , Huse Kanutte , Trøen Gunhild , Hystad Marit , Hilden Vera I. , Myklebust June H. , Leich Ellen , Rosenwald Andreas , Delabie Jan , Holte Harald , Smeland Erlend B. 
Published: December 2013

Key Points
Whole-genome integrative analyses in FL reveal that genes strongly influenced by copy number are highly enriched for NF-kB pathway regulators. Subsignatures of the NF-kB targets predict transformation in FL.
Research on the relationship between fibrinogen level and subtypes of the TOAST criteria in the acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lang Qi , Zhou Muke , Feng Hong , Guo Jian , Chen Ning , He Li 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Cerebral infarction caused by different reasons seems differ in fibrinogen levels, so the current work intends to explore the relationship between the fibrinogen level and subtypes of the TOAST criteria in the acute stage of ischemic stroke.

Methods
A total of 577 case research objects were treated acute ischemic stroke patients in our hospital from December 2008 to December 2010, and blood samples within 72 hours of the onset were processed with the fibrinogen (PT-der) measurement. Classification of selected patients according to the TOAST Criteria was conducted to study the distribution of fibrinogen levels in the stroke subtypes.

Results
The distribution of fibrinogen levels in the subtypes was observed to be statistically insignificant.

Conclusions
In the acute stage of ischemic stroke, fibrinogen level was not related to the subtypes of the TOAST criteria.
High protein intake is associated with low prevalence of frailty among old Japanese women: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Kobayashi Satomi , Asakura Keiko , Suga Hitomi , Sasaki Satoshi ,   the Three-generation Study of Women on Diets and Health Study Group
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Protein intake has been inversely associated with frailty. However, no study has examined the effect of the difference of protein sources (animal or plant) or the amino acid composing the protein on frailty. Therefore, we examined the association of protein and amino acid intakes with frailty among elderly Japanese women.

Methods
A total of 2108 grandmothers or acquaintances of dietetic students aged 65 years and older participated in this cross-sectional multicenter study, which was conducted in 85 dietetic schools in 35 prefectures of Japan. Intakes of total, animal, and plant protein and eight selected amino acids were estimated from a validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire and amino acid composition database. Frailty was defined as the presence of three or more of the following four components: slowness and weakness (two points), exhaustion, low physical activity, and unintentional weight loss.

Results
The number of subjects with frailty was 481 (23%). Adjusted ORs (95% CI) for frailty in the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth quintiles of total protein intake were 1.00 (reference), 1.02 (0.72, 1.45), 0.64 (0.45, 0.93), 0.62 (0.43, 0.90), and 0.66 (0.46, 0.96), respectively (P for trend = 0.001). Subjects categorized to the third, fourth, and fifth quintiles of total protein intake (>69.8 g/d) showed significantly lower ORs than those to the first quintile (all P <0.03). The intakes of animal and plant protein and all selected amino acids were also inversely associated with frailty (P for trend <0.04), with the multivariate adjusted OR in the highest compared to the lowest quintile of 0.73 for animal protein and 0.66 for plant protein, and 0.67-0.74 for amino acids, albeit that the ORs for these dietary variables were less marked than those for total protein.

Conclusions
Total protein intake was significantly inversely associated with frailty in elderly Japanese women. The association of total protein with frailty may be observed regardless of the source of protein and the amino acid composing the protein.
Synthesis and psychobiological evaluation of modafinil analogs in mice
Authors: Lari Arezou , Karimi Isaac , Adibi Hadi , Aliabadi Alireza , Firoozpour Loghman , Foroumadi Alireza 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background and the purpose of the study
Modafinil, a novel wake-promoting agent with low potential for abuse and dependence, has a reliable structure to find some novel derivatives with better activity and lower potential for abuse and risk of dependency. This study was designed to evaluate psychobiological activity of some novel N-aryl modafinil derivatives.

Methods
Seven novel N-aryl modafinil derivatives were synthesized through three reactions: a) preparation of benzhydrylsulfanyl acetic acid through reaction of benzhydrol with thioglycolic acid, b) formation of desired amide by adding the substituted aniline to activated acid with EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl amino propyl) carbodiimide). This reaction was catalyzed by HOBt (N- hydroxylbenzotriazole), and c) oxidation of sulfur to sulfoxide group with H2O2. Then, their psychobiological effect on the performance of male albino mice were compared to that of modafinil as following: wakefulness by determining the effects of derivatives on phenobarbital-induced loss of the righting reflex (LOPR); exploratory activity by measuring activity in the open field test (OFT); depression by measuring immobility time (IT) during forced swimming test (FST) and the anxiogenic and anxiolytic like effects by using elevated plus-maze test (EPM). All tests were videotaped and analyzed for the frequency and duration of the behaviors during the procedures.

Conclusions
2-(Benzhydrylsulfonyl)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)acetamide (4c) showed comparable result in LOPR test. However, all analogs were found to be stimulant except 2-(benzhydrylsulfinyl)-N-phenylacetamide (4a). Also 4c led the most exploratory activity in mice among derivatives. FST results showed that 4a had the longest IT while modafinil, 2-(benzhydrylsulfinyl)-N-(3-chlorophenyl) acetamide (4b) and 2-(benzhydrylsulfinyl)-N-(4-ethylphenyl) acetamide (4d) had the shortest IT. In EPM, all derivatives showed anxiogenic-like behavior since they decreased open arms time and open arms entries and simultaneously increased close arms time.
Preparation, characterization and optimization of sildenafil citrate loaded PLGA nanoparticles by statistical factorial design
Authors: Ghasemian Elham , Vatanara Alireza , Rouholamini Najafabadi Abdolhossein , Rouini Mohammad Reza , Gilani Kambiz , Darabi Majid 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background and the aim of the study
The objective of the present study was to formulate and optimize nanoparticles (NPs) of sildenafil-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by double emulsion solvent evaporation (DESE) method. The relationship between design factors and experimental data was evaluated using response surface methodology.

Method
A Box-Behnken design was made considering the mass ratio of drug to polymer (D/P), the volumetric proportion of the water to oil phase (W/O) and the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the independent agents. PLGA-NPs were successfully prepared and the size (nm), entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL) and cumulative release of drug from NPs post 1 and 8 hrs were assessed as the responses.

Results
The NPs were prepared in a spherical shape and the sizes range of 240 to 316 nm. The polydispersity index of size was lower than 0.5 and the EE (%) and DL (%) varied between 14-62% and 2-6%, respectively. The optimized formulation with a desirability factor of 0.9 was selected and characterized. This formulation demonstrated the particle size of 270 nm, EE of 55%, DL of 3.9% and cumulative drug release of 79% after 12 hrs. In vitro release studies showed a burst release at the initial stage followed by a sustained release of sildenafil from NPs up to 12 hrs. The release kinetic of the optimized formulation was fitted to Higuchi model.

Conclusions
Sildenafil citrate NPs with small particle size, lipophilic feature, high entrapment efficiency and good loading capacity is produced by this method. Characterization of optimum formulation, provided by an evaluation of experimental data, showed no significant difference between calculated and measured data.
Sex-related differences and age of peak performance in breaststroke versus freestyle swimming
Authors: Wolfrum Mathias , Knechtle Beat , Rüst Christoph Alexander , Rosemann Thomas , Lepers Romuald 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Sex-related differences in performance and in age of peak performance have been reported for freestyle swimming. However, little is known about the sex-related differences in other swimming styles. The aim of the present study was to compare performance and age of peak performance for elite men and women swimmers in breaststroke versus freestyle.

Methods
Race results were analyzed for swimmers at national ranked in the Swiss high score list (during 2006 through 2010) and for international swimmers who qualified for the finals of the FINA World Swimming Championships (during 2003 through 2011).

Results
The sex-related difference in swimming speed was significantly greater for freestyle than for breaststroke over 50 m, 100 m, and 200 m race distances for Swiss swimmers, but not for FINA finalists. The sex-related difference for both freestyle and breaststroke swimming speeds decreased significantly with increasing swimming distance for both groups. Race distance did not affect the age of peak performance by women in breaststroke, but age of peak performance was four years older for FINA women than for Swiss women. Men achieved peak swimming performance in breaststroke at younger ages for longer race distances, and the age of peak swimming performance was six years older for FINA men than for Swiss men. In freestyle swimming, race distance did not affect the age of peak swimming performance for Swiss women, but the age of peak swimming performance decreased with increasing race distance for Swiss men and for both sexes at the FINA World Championships.

Conclusions
Results of the present study indicate that (i) sex-related differences in swimming speed were greater for freestyle than for breaststroke for swimmers at national level, but not for swimmers at international level, and (ii) both female and male swimmers achieved peak swimming speeds at younger ages in breaststroke than in freestyle. Further studies are required to better understand differences between trends at national and international levels.