bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of tissue Doppler imaging for regional quantification of radial left ventricular wall motion in healthy horses
Authors: Decloedt Annelies , Verheyen Tinne , Sys Stanislas , De Clercq Dominique , van Loon Gunther 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Objective—To compare the feasibility and repeatability of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) for quantification of radial left ventricular (LV) velocity and deformation from different imaging planes and to correlate cardiac event timing data obtained by TDI to M-mode and pulsed-wave Doppler-derived time intervals in horses.
Animals—10 healthy adult horses.
Procedures—Repeated echocardiography was performed by 2 observers from right and left parasternal short-axis views at papillary muscle and chordal levels. The TDI measurements of systolic and diastolic velocity, strain rate, strain peak values, and timing were performed in 8 LV wall segments (LV free wall and interventricular septum from right parasternal views; left and right region of LV wall from left parasternal views). The inter- and intraobserver within- and between-day variability and measurement variability were assessed. The correlation between TDI-based measurements and M-mode and pulsed-wave Doppler-based time measurements was calculated.
Results—TDI measurements of velocity, strain rate, and strain were feasible in each horse, although deformation could often not be measured in the LV free wall. Systolic and diastolic time intervals could be determined with low to moderate variability, whereas peak amplitude variability ranged from low to high. The TDI-based time measurements were significantly correlated to M-mode and pulsed-wave Doppler measurements.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—TDI measurements of radial LV velocity and deformation were feasible with low to moderate variability in 8 LV segments. These measurements can be used for evaluating LV function in further clinical studies.
Plasma concentrations and therapeutic effects of budesonide in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Pietra Marco , Fracassi Federico , Diana Alessia , Gazzotti Teresa , Bettini Giuliano , Peli Angelo , Morini Maria , Pagliuca Giampiero , Roncada Paola 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of budesonide in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Animals—11 dogs (mean ± SD age, 5.7 ± 3.9 years; various breeds and body weights) with moderate or severe IBD.
Procedures—Each dog received a controlled-release formulation of budesonide (3 mg/m2, PO, q 24 h) for 30 days (first day of administration was day 1). The concentration of budesonide and its metabolite (16-α-hydroxyprednisolone) was measured via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in plasma and urine samples obtained on days 1 and 8 of treatment. On those days, plasma samples were obtained before the daily budesonide administration and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 7 hours after drug administration, whereas urine samples were obtained after collection of the last blood sample. A clinical evaluation was performed on the dogs before onset of drug administration and on days 20 and 30 after start of drug administration.
Results—The highest plasma concentration of budesonide and 16-α-hydroxyprednisolone on day 1 was detected at 1 hour and at 2 hours after drug administration, respectively. After standardization on the basis of specific gravity, the ratio between urinary concentrations of budesonide and 16-α-hydroxyprednisolone was 0.006 and 0.012 on days 1 and 8, respectively. The clinical response was adequate in 8 of 11 dogs.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Budesonide was rapidly absorbed and metabolized in dogs with IBD. The drug gradually accumulated, and there was an adequate therapeutic response and no adverse effects.
Evaluation of insulin secretion and action in New World camelids
Authors: Firshman Anna M. , Cebra Christopher K. , Schanbacher Barbara J. , Seaquist Elizabeth R. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Objective—To measure and compare insulin secretion and sensitivity in healthy alpacas and llamas via glucose clamping techniques.
Animals—8 llamas and 8 alpacas.
Procedures—Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamping (HEC) and hyperglycemic clamping (HGC) were performed on each camelid in a crossover design with a minimum 48-hour washout period between clamping procedures. The HEC technique was performed to measure insulin sensitivity. Insulin was infused IV at 6 mU/min/kg for 4 hours, and an IV infusion of glucose was adjusted to maintain blood glucose concentration at 150 mg/dL. Concentrations of blood glucose and plasma insulin were determined throughout. The HGC technique was performed to assess insulin secretion in response to exogenous glucose infusion. An IV infusion of glucose was administered to maintain blood glucose concentration at 320 mg/dL for 3 hours, and concentrations of blood glucose and plasma insulin were determined throughout.
Results—Alpacas and llamas were not significantly different with respect to whole-body insulin sensitivity during HEC or in pancreatic β-cell response during HGC. Alpacas and llamas had markedly lower insulin sensitivity during HEC and markedly lower pancreatic β-cell response during HGC, in comparison with many other species.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—New World camelids had lower glucose-induced insulin secretion and marked insulin resistance in comparison with other species. This likely contributes to the disorders of fat and glucose metabolism that are common to camelids.
Photocatalytic properties of ZnO/TiO2 powders obtained via combustion gel method
Authors: Bachvarova-Nedelcheva Albena , Iordanova Reni , Stoyanova Angelina , Gegova Radka , Dimitriev Yanko , Loukanov Alexandre 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract The present study is a continuation of our previous investigations on the ZnO-TiO2 system. By applying different sol-gel methods we proved that the type of precursor and the order of adding the components influence the microstructure of the final product. This study focuses on the combustion sol-gel synthesis and photocatalytic properties of nanosized (∼7-20 nm) ZnO-TiO2 powders. The photocatalytic tests were performed toward two model organic dyes, Malachite Green and Reactive Black 5, in the UV and Vis region. For synthesis of ZnO/TiO2 powders, different precursors such as Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O, Ti(OC2H5)4 and Ti(OC4H9)4 were used. During the combustion process various phases (ZnO, TiO2 — anatase and rutile, ZnTiO3) were obtained. The structure and morphology of the resulting particles were characterized by XRD and SEM analysis. All samples exhibited a good photocatalytic activity in both UV and Vis regions. Graphical abstract
Phosphatidylcholine — Mg2+ equilibria in a monolayer at the air/water interface
Authors: Petelska Aneta , Figaszewski Zbigniew 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract The interaction between Mg2+ and a phosphatidylcholine (lecithin, L) monolayer at the air/water interface was investigated. Surface tension measurements (Langmuir method) of phosphatidylcholine monolayers as a function of Mg2+ concentration were carried out at 22°C using a Teflon trough and a Nima 9000 tensiometer. Interactions between phosphatidylcholine and Mg2+ result in significant deviations from additivity. An equilibrium theory was developed to obtain the stability constants and areas occupied by one molecule of LMg+ and L2Mg. The stability constants were K 1 = 9.95×102 m2 mol−1 and K 2 = 3.87×104 m2 mol−1. The area occupied by LMg+ is 77 Å2 molecule−1, while that occupied by L2Mg is 109 Å2 molecule−1. The Gibbs free energies of complexation for LMg+ and L2Mg are −16.91 ± 0.51 and −25.88 ± 0.76 kJ mol−1. Graphical abstract
Flash point of organic binary mixtures containing alcohols: experiment and prediction
Authors: Hristova Mariana , Damgaliev Dimitar 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The flash points of three organic binary mixtures containing alcohols were measured in the present work. The experimental data was obtained using the Pensky-Martens closed cup tester. The experimental data were compared with the values calculated by the Liaw model. Activity coefficients were calculated by the Wilson equation and NRTL equation. The accuracy of predicted flash point values is dependent on the thermodynamic model used for activity coefficient.
Spectrophotometric method for rapid estimation of the oxygen stoichiometry in YBCO superconducting samples
Authors: Georgieva Stela , Nedeltcheva Tsvetanka , Vladimirova Latinka , Stoyanova-Ivanova Angelina 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract Detailed investigations on the possibility for determination of the oxygen stoichiometry in YBa2Cu3Oy superconducting samples by measuring the absorbance of the colored Co(III)-EDTA and Cu(II)-EDTA complexes in one solution have been performed. The absorptivity of the complexes at pH 2.5 and 4.9 as well as Beer’s law have been studied. The content of the solution for the sample dissolving has been established. The stoichiometry of the oxidation-reduction reaction between Cu(III) from the sample and Co(II) in the solution has been proved. The possibility to dissolve the sample in air has been tested. As a result a simple and rapid spectrophotometric method for the determination of the δ non-stoichiometric oxygen coefficient in YBa2Cu3O6.5+δ samples has been developed without precise measurement of the sample mass. The standard deviation of the δ- and y-coefficient results is 0.017. The reproducibility of the y-values in relative units (sr ) is 0.2%. The accuracy of the results has been confirmed by the method, which is based on the absorbance measurement of the I 3−-starch compound. Graphical abstract
Composite membranes with poly(ether ether ketone) as support and polyaniline like structure, with potential applications in fuel cells
Authors: Baicea Cristina , Luntraru Vlad , Vaireanu Danut , Vasile Eugeniu , Trusca Roxana 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract In this paper we present the synthesis of two composite membranes with sulfonated polyether etherketone as support polymer and as conductive polymers: polyaniline and poly(p-phenylenediamine) — which has a similar structure with polyaniline. The support membranes were obtained by the phase inversion process, the conductive polymers were added by in situ polymerization into the membrane pores, and to increase the conductive properties they were doped with polystyrene sulfonic acid. The synthesized membranes were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, EDAX and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Graphical abstract
A silica gel-bound macrocycle system for the selective separation of toxic cadmium from metal-affluent aqueous matrix
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroshi , Rahman Ismail , Begum Zinnat , Umehara Yoshihiro , Maki Teruya , Furusho Yoshiaki , Mizutani Satoshi 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract Selective separation of cadmium(II) on a macrocycle immobilized solid phase extraction (SPE) system namely AnaLig Cd-01, and commonly known as molecular recognition technology (MRT) gel, have been examined. The MRT-SPE able to retain the cadmium from the metal-affluent aqueous matrix at the pH range of 2 to 8, and the captured species can be recovered via elution with 1 and 6 M HNO3. Besides the effects of solution pH and eluent concentration, the impacts of sample loading flow rates and coexisting matrix ions were also investigated and optimized. The Cd(II) retention capacity of the MRT-SPE was 0.26 mmol g-1, and it can be reused for more than 100 loading and elution cycles. The Cd(II) recovery attained from the metal-spiked natural waters was satisfactory (95.3–98.1%). However, the Cd(II) retention ability of the MRT-SPE was significantly decreased when excess of chelant remain in the aqueous waste matrix. Graphical abstract
Separation of ketoprofen enantiomers at nanomolar concentration levels by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with on-line electrokinetic preconcentration
Authors: Petr Jan , Ginterová Pavlína , Znaleziona Joanna , Knob Radim , Lošťáková Markéta , Maier Vítězslav , Ševčík Juraj 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract Separation of enantiomers represents an extremely important task in the field of analytical chemistry. This paper contributes to the field of the on-line preconcentration of enantiomers by developing a novel setup based on the electrokinetic accumulation of ketoprofen enantiomers on the pH boundary followed by enantioselective mobilization by a mixture of SDS, sulfated-β-cyclodextrin (S-β-CD), and trimethyl-β-cyclodextrin (TM-β-CD). Under the best conditions, where the injection electrolyte was composed of 50 mmol L−1 borate/NaOH pH 9.5 with 60% (v/v) methanol, the background electrolyte contained 50 mmol L−1 phosphate/NaOH pH 2.5, and the mobilization electrolyte consisted of 50 mmol L−1 phosphate/NaOH pH 2.5 with 4.0% (w/v) S-β-CD, 0.5% (w/v) TM-β-CD, and 20 mmol L−1 SDS, the determination of nanomolar concentration levels of ketoprofen enantiomers was successful by using micellar electrokinetic chromatography with a common UV detection. LODs were 2.5 nmol L−1 and 3.4 nmol L−1, which represent enhancement factors of 9921 and 8529, respectively. The method was also applied to the determination of ketoprofen enantiomers in waste water samples by using simple filtration as a clean-up step. Here, the recovery of ketoprofen enantiomers was 91% at the concentration level of 5×10−9 mol L−1. Graphical abstract
Structure and permanent electric dipole of para-fluoroaniline in gaseous phase
Authors: Rahim Mohamad , Ghannam Leila , Antoine Rodolfe , Dugourd Philippe , Rayane Driss , Broyer Michel , Karamé Iyad 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract By coupling a matrix assisted laser desorption source to an electric beam deflection setup, we have measured the permanent electric dipole moment of the isolated para-fluroaniline PFAN (FC6H4NH2) molecule in the ground state. This measurement of the electric dipole of an isolated push-pull molecule is unique. The experimental value is compared to two different calculations and the structure of the system is discussed. Graphical abstract
First synthesis of important secondary oxidative metabolites of morphine and codeine with the Michael addition
Authors: Garadnay Sándor , Gyulai Zsuzsanna , Makleit Sándor , Sipos Attila 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract Morphine (1) and codeine (2) are two representatives of medically important, frequently used natural opiates, therefore the exploration of their metabolic pathways and the exact characterization of the metabolites are main targets of their pharmacological studies. These morphinans also play a crucial role in drug abuse; therefore, the analysis and preparation of the metabolites for identification and quantitation in human samples are considered important aims. In order to allow the in-depth analysis of metabolites derived from the oxidative pathways through morphinone (3) and codeinone (4), synthetic procedures have been elaborated for the gram-scale preparation of glutathione and N-acetylcysteine adducts. Primary pharmacological studies revealed the inactive nature of these metabolites in opioid receptor binding tests. Graphical abstract
Visible light photocatalytic activity of TiO2 deposited on activated carbon
Authors: Eliyas Alexander , Ljutzkanov Ljutzkan , Stambolova Irina , Blaskov Vladimir , Vassilev Sasho , Razkazova-Velkova Elena , Mehandjiev Dimitar 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Abstract Four photocatalyst samples, prepared from beech sawdust, were synthesized by an original method, combining pyrolysis and impregnation — two of them: TiO2 + activated carbon and other two — only activated carbon. The pyrolysis process has been carried out at two different temperatures — 680°C and 830°C. The prepared samples were characterized by a series of methods — XRD, BET, SEM and DTA/TG. The most important result was achieving visible light photocatalytic activity with an azo dye pollutant for both materials. The TiO2/AC-680°C sample demonstrated higher activity under visible light illumination than the TiO2/AC-830°C sample. The visible light activity was attributed to the active carbon component in the composite materials, which was evidenced by the photocatalytic tests with bare carbon (without any TiO2) manifesting visible light activity. The AC-680°C carbon was superior to the AC-830°C under visible illumination probably due to its higher specific surface area and porous texture. UV-light testing of the photocatalytic activity revealed that the TiO2/AC-680°C sample was higher than that of the TiO2/AC-830°C under polychromatic UV-A illumination (320–400 nm with a maximum at l = 365 nm). The TiO2/AC-680°C sample was also more efficient with the monochromatic UV-C illumination (l = 254 nm). Graphical abstract
Reversible and irreversible electroporation of cell suspensions flowing through a localized DC electric field
Authors: Korohoda Włodzimierz , Grys Maciej , Madeja Zbigniew 
Published: December 2012

AbstractExperiments on reversible and irreversible cell electroporation were carried out with an experimental setup based on a standard apparatus for horizontal electrophoresis, a syringe pump with regulated cell suspension flow velocity and a dcEF power supply. Cells in suspension flowing through an orifice in a barrier inserted into the electrophoresis apparatus were exposed to defined localized dcEFs in the range of 0–1000 V/cm for a selected duration in the range 10–1000 ms. This method permitted the determination of the viability of irreversibly electroperforated cells. It also showed that the uptake by reversibly electroperforated cells of fluorescent dyes (calcein, carboxyfluorescein, Alexa Fluor 488 Phalloidin), which otherwise do not penetrate cell membranes, was dependent upon the dcEF strength and duration in any given single electrical field exposure. The method yields reproducible results, makes it easy to load large volumes of cell suspensions with membrane non-penetrating substances, and permits the elimination of irreversibly electroporated cells of diameter greater than desired. The results concur with and elaborate on those in earlier reports on cell electroporation in commercially available electroporators. They proved once more that the observed cell perforation does not depend upon the thermal effects of the electric current upon cells. In addition, the method eliminates many of the limitations of commercial electroporators and disposable electroporation chambers. It permits the optimization of conditions in which reversible and irreversible electroporation are separated. Over 90% of reversibly electroporated cells remain viable after one short (less than 400 ms) exposure to the localized dcEF. Experiments were conducted with the AT-2 cancer prostate cell line, human skin fibroblasts and human red blood cells, but they could be run with suspensions of any cell type. It is postulated that the described method could be useful for many purposes in biotechnology and biomedicine and could help optimize conditions for in vivo use of both reversible and irreversible electroporation.
A nanoformulation of siRNA and its role in cancer therapy: In vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Jagani Hitesh , Rao Josyula , Palanimuthu Vasanth , Hariharapura Raghu , Gang Sagar 
Published: December 2012

AbstractOverexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 is often observed in a wide variety of human cancers. It prevents the induction of apoptosis in neoplastic cells and contributes to resistance to chemotherapy. RNA interference has emerged as an efficient and selective technique for gene silencing. The potential to use small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer has elicited a great deal of interest. However, insufficient cellular uptake and poor stability have limited its therapeutic applications. The purpose of this study was to prepare chitosan nanoparticles via ionic gelation of chitosan by tripolyphosphate for effective delivery of siRNA to silence the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene in neoplastic cells. Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with siRNA were in the size range 190 to 340 nm with a polydispersive index ranging from 0.04 to 0.2. They were able to completely bind with siRNA, provide protection against nuclease degradation, and enhance the transfection. Cell culture studies revealed that nanoparticles with entrapped siRNA could efficiently silence the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 gene. Studies on Swiss albino mice showed that siRNA could be effectively delivered through nanoparticles. There was significant decrease in the tumor volume. Blocking the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 can enhance the sensitivity of cancerous cells to anti-cancer drugs and the apoptosis rate. Therefore, nanoformulations with siRNA can be promoted as an adjuvant therapy in combination with anti-cancer drugs.
Introducing OGR — a new approach to anonymous IP datagram transmission based on the Chaumian ‘onion’ encryption and the KISS principle
Authors: Kozłowski Marek 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe goal of this paper is to introduce a technique, called ‘OGR’, that allows anonymous transmission of IP datagrams of any kind. During the last decade numerous anonymizing solutions implementing the Chaumian ‘onion’ encryption have been proposed. Many of them are dedicated to specific services: either anonymous mail delivery or anonymous storage sharing, while the other ones, referred as low-latency systems, work real-time and are able to anonymize any TCP streams (with preference to http), but poorly deal with or even don’t support other transports. ‘OGR’ is strongly inspired by the original Chaumian Mix-net model and aims at universality (the ability to work at the level of IP datagrams rather than upper-layers protocols) and maximal simplicity (the KISS principle). It discards the idea of fixed circuits (or cascades) present in most low-latency solutions in favor of independent, intelligent packets. Although this approach may occur less efficient for huge data streams it’s able to handle any request-reply protocols including those operating over UDP as well as all applications where other transports or raw IP packets are to be used.
From waste to profit: an interorganisational perspective on drivers for biomass valorisation
Authors: Wubben Emiel F.M. , Runge Nienke A. , Blok Vincent 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
This paper focuses on the identification of interorganisational drivers for biomass valorisation that create relational rents. Given the growing interest in the valorisation of biowastes it is posited that entrepreneurial firms develop interorganisational relationships to generate competitive advantages. The literature study of transaction cost theory, resource-based theory, and network theory brought about four plausible drivers for innovative business development in biomass valorisation. The newness of research on biomass valorisation, scarcity of good data and confidentiality issues made explorative research necessary, and therefore the case study method was applied on six focal firms in the Netherlands. The results confirm the relevancy of three out of the four suggested drivers for biomass valorisation that create relational rents, namely: complementary resources, partner alignment and relationship governance.
Fundamental perspectives on supply chain management1
Authors: Omta S.W.F. , Hoenen S.J. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The aim of the present literature study is to find the fundamental perspectives/models in the realm of supply chain management and to investigate whether they can be extended based on recent literature findings. The fundamental perspectives were found using a two-tier snowball collection method, including 1,287 articles. Using a critical rule set and customized multiplier values, three fundamental perspectives on supply chain management were found: (1) the structural perspective; (2) the relational perspective; and (3) the governance perspective. The original articles and the further developments in literature are discussed in this paper.