bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Thiourea Dioxide–Water: An Effective Reusable Catalyst for the Synthesis of Polyhydroquinolines via Hantzsch Multicomponent Coupling
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Verma Sanny , Jain Suman L 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Thiourea dioxide in water was found to be an efficient and reusable organocatalytic system for the one-pot synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives via the Hantzsch-type coupling of aldehyde, dimedone, acetoacetate, and ammonium acetate under mild reaction conditions. Operational simplicity, the use of an economically affordable catalyst, environmentally benign conditions, high product yields, and reusability of the catalyst system were the advantageous features of the developed method.
Chiral Glutathione-protected Ag Triangular Nanoplates Synthesized by Protectant-substitution Reaction: Chiroptical and Surface Structure Analysis
Authors: Nishida Naoki , Kojima Yasuhiro , Tanaka Hideki 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Chiral Ag:SG (glutathione) triangular nanoplates were synthesized by substitution reaction of achiral Ag:poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) nanoplates with glutathione free GSH molecules. Analysis of the chiroptical properties of the synthesized nanoplates using a circular dichroism spectrometer revealed characteristic Cotton effects with wavelengths that corresponded well to those of plasmon resonances for Ag nanoplates. X-ray photoelectron spectrometry analysis of their chemical compositions revealed that complete substitution of PVP molecules with GSH molecules proceeds on the nanoplates.
Discrimination between Ascorbic Acid from Acerola and of Synthetic Origin by Measuring 13C and 18O Stable Isotope Ratios
Authors: Hanamura Takayuki , Uchida Eriko , Ishiguro Yutaka , Koizumi Takeshi , Sekiguchi Michie , Kobe Ryo 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We examined the 13C/12C and 18O/16O stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ18O) of ascorbic acid from acerola and of synthetic origin. Although the obtained δ13C values were partially overlapping for the two species, δ18O values were higher for ascorbic acid from acerola, than values obtained for synthetic ascorbic acid. From this study, it was demonstrated that carbon and oxygen isotopic composition analysis can discriminate ascorbic acid from acerola from that of synthetic origin.
Liquid Carbazole Substituted with a Poly(ethylene oxide) Group and Its Application for Liquid Organic Light-emitting Diodes
Authors: Kubota Korefumi , Hirata Shuzo , Shibano Yuki , Hirata Osamu , Yahiro Masayuki , Adachi Chihaya 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We report efficient carrier injection characteristics in liquid organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The use of a liquid carbazole substituted with a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chain provided a substantial improvement in carrier injection compared to devices constructed with carbazoles without PEO units. The external electroluminescence quantum efficiency (ΦEL) of an OLED with the liquid carbazole as an emitting layer resulted in ΦEL = 0.75%, 25 times higher ΦEL than that of our previous liquid OLED without electrolyte.
A Superior New Route to Methyl Phosphonate-based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Froschauer Carmen , Sixta Herbert , Weber Hedda K , Laus Gerhard , Kahlenberg Volker , Schottenberger Herwig 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In the search for new ionic liquids (ILs) for biomass processing, analytical chemistry, or modern nonvolatile fire retarding agents, alkyl phosphonate-based ILs represent very promising candidates. A very practical synthesis of such ILs, which is superior to the conventional quaternization of 1-alkylimidazoles by dimethyl phosphite (DMP), was developed. 1,3-Dialkylimidazolium halide salts serve as convenient starting materials, and various 1,3-dialkylimidazolium methyl phosphonates are thus accessible by simple, fast, and solvent-free procedures with DMP, where the anion is methylated.
Self-assembling Property of 6,6′-Di-O-octyltrehalose under Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Kanemaru Manami , Yamamoto Kazuya , Kadokawa Jun-ichi 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In this study, we synthesized a new trehalose-based amphiphile, 6,6′-di-O-octyltrehalose, from trehalose by five reaction steps. The SEM and TEM images of the sample prepared by drying its aqueous dispersion showed the formation of morphologically controlled hollow rod nanoaggregates.
Low-dose radiation with 80-kVp computed tomography to diagnose pulmonary embolism: a feasibility study
Authors: Nyman Ulf , Björkdahl Peter , Olsson Marie-Louise , Gunnarsson Mikael , Goldman Bitte 
Published: September 2012

Background Mounting collective radiation doses from computed tomography (CT) implies an increased risk of radiation-induced cancer in exposed populations, especially in the young. Purpose To evaluate radiation dose and image quality at 80-kVp CT to diagnose acute pulmonary embolism (PE) compared with a previous study at 100 and 120 kVp with all other scanning parameters unchanged. Material and Methods A custom-made chest phantom with a 12 mg I/mL-syringe was scanned at 80/100/ 120 kVp to evaluate relative changes in computed tomographic dose index (CTDIvol), attenuation, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Fifty patients underwent 80 kVp 16-row detector CT at 100 ‘Quality reference’ mAs. A total of 350 mg I/kg were injected to compensate for increased CNR at 80 kVp, while 300 mg I/kg had been used at 100/120 kVp. CTDIvol, dose-length product (DLP), and estimated effective dose were evaluated including Monte Carlo simulations. Pulmonary artery attenuation and noise were measured and CNR calculated. Two radiologists evaluated subjective image quality using a four-grade scale. Results Switching from 120 to 80 kVp in the phantom study decreased radiation dose by 67% while attenuation and noise increased 1.6 and 2.0 times, respectively, and CNR decreased by 16%. Switching from 120 to 80 kVp in the patient studies decreased estimated effective dose from 4.0 to 1.2 mSv (70% decrease) in median while pulmonary artery attenuation and noise roughly doubled from 332 to 653 HU and from 22 to 49 HU, respectively, resulting in similar CNR (13 vs. 12). At 80 kVp all examinations were regarded as adequate (8%) or excellent (92%). Conclusion Switching from 120 to 80 kVp CT without increased mAs but slightly increased iodine dose may be of special benefit to diagnose PE in younger individuals with preserved renal function where the primary aim is to minimize radiation dose and reaching levels below that of scintigraphy.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt stent-graft placement: mean optimal portal venous projection view determined by three-dimensional portography
Authors: Maleux Geert , Jiang X , Heye S , Mariën I , Nevens F , Grünhagen T 
Published: September 2012

Background Suboptimal stent-graft placement at the lower anastomosis during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may result in early shunt stenosis and occlusion owing to incomplete covering of the parenchymal tract by the covered part of the stent-graft. Purpose To determine the optimal portal venous projection view for stent-graft placement during TIPS and the potential influence of the portal vein anatomy. Material and Methods On 76 cirrhotic patients (48 men and 28 women) selected for TIPS, rotational, three-dimensional (3D), catheter-directed angiography of the portal vein was performed. The 3D portograms were reviewed by two independent interventional radiologists to determine the optimal angiographic projection views for stent-graft placement. Intra-observer and inter-observer reliabilities were tested and subgroups of patient portal vein anatomy were categorized. Results Among all patients, the optimal portal venous projection views for stent-graft placement during TIPS centered around 27° (±14°) right oblique and 3° (±7°) craniocaudal. Of these, 56% were within the standard deviations. Intra-observer reliabilities were 0.60 and 0.62 for the two radiologists, respectively. Inter-observer reliability was 0.48. Anatomical variations in the patient population were: normal portal vein (67%), trifurcation at main portal vein (16%), right posterior portal vein as the first branch of main portal vein (3%), no right posterior portal vein (1%), and other variations (13%). Anatomical subgroups did not influence the best angiographic projection view significantly (F4,295 = 0.91, P = 0.457). Conclusion The mean optimal angiographic projection view for TIPS stent-graft placement was 27° right oblique and 3° craniocaudal. Patient anatomic variations do not play a significant role in determining the optimal angiographic view for TIPS stent-graft placement.
The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Breast Cancer Initiation and Progression: Potential Cancer Stem Cell-Directed Therapies
Authors: Economopoulou Panagiota , Kaklamani Virginia G. , Siziopikou Kalliopi 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Recent studies have identified a small population of highly tumorigenic cells with stem cell properties in human breast and other solid tumors that are considered to be the source of tumor initiation and maintenance; these cells are referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Preclinical data suggest that current breast cancer treatment strategies lead to CSC enrichment, contributing to chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance, although a strong correlation with clinical parameters and prognosis is yet to be established. Importantly, overcoming treatment failure by effective targeting of CSCs may be an appealing approach, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes for patients with breast cancer. Several preclinical studies provide promising results that support this hypothesis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of CSCs in breast cancer recurrence and resistance and to discuss current attempts of CSC targeting.
Simple scheme for multiqubit quantum controlled phase-flip gate with singlet-triplet spin qubits in nanowire double quantum dots
Authors: Fu Cheng-Zhi , Song Ming-Yu 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We propose an alternative scheme for one-step implementing three-qubit controlled phase-flip gate of spin qubits in spatially separated double quantum dots with a superconducting stripline resonator (SSR). Due to the switchable coupling effect between the double quantum dots and SSR, the present scheme could be easily generalized for multi-qubits. The feasibility of the present scheme is characterized by exact numerical simulations that incorporate various sources of experimental noise. Our results show the possibility to realize this proposed scheme within current experimental technologies.
Probing the QCD chiral cross-over transition in heavy ion collisions
Authors: Redlich Krzysztof 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We argue that by measuring higher moments of the net proton number fluctuations in heavy ion collisions (HIC) one can probe the QCD chiral cross-over transition experimentally. We discuss the properties of fluctuations of the net baryon number in the vicinity of the chiral cross-over transition within the Polyakov loop extended quark-meson model at finite temperature and baryon density. The calculation includes non-perturbative dynamics implemented within the functional renormalization group approach. We find a clear signal for the chiral cross-over transition in the fluctuations of the net baryon number. We address our theoretical findings to experimental data of the STAR Collaboration on energy and centrality dependence of the net proton number fluctuations and their probability distributions in HIC.
Urban morbidity in summer: ambulance dispatch data, periodicity and weather
Authors: Petralli Martina , Morabito Marco , Cecchi Lorenzo , Crisci Alfonso , Orlandini Simone 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Over recent years the impact of weather on human health has become more severe, especially for people living in urban areas. Even though many studies have analysed the impact of weather on human mortality, few have quantified the impact of heat on morbidity, including ambulance response calls. In this study, 13,354 calls collected in the city of Florence (Italy) during summer were analyzed by month, day of the week, hour, and time slot of the day. An objective air mass classification was used to classify days and time slots with similar weather characteristics and a multiple variable analysis was applied to evaluate the relationship between emergency calls and weather. A positive trend was observed in the morning and a negative one during the night for all emergency calls, but only for food poisoning and alcoholic diseases. Calls for cardiovascular events increased in the morning and on hot days. Calls for psychiatric disorders rose significantly with temperature during the afternoon. The total number of calls and those for alcoholic diseases rose during the hottest nights. Our results, which show a clear relationship between ambulance response calls, periodicity, and weather, could contribute to an understanding the impact of weather on morbidity.
Unrecognized acute lithium toxicity: a case report
Authors: Ristic Dragana , Siapera Marianna , Jovic Jelena , Marjanovic Vesna , Radovanovic Milan , Fountoulakis Konstantinos 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We report a case of a 63-year-old male who has been admitted to the Emergency department with nonspecific symptoms. Lithium toxicity was not at first recognized. When we obtained sufficient information about previous medication and medical history, we measured lithium levels found to be 1.46 mmol/L. Although the value of lithium was mildly elevated, nephrotoxicity was produced leading to severe renal insufficiency and neurological symptoms. Hemodialysis was started, and we succeed to treat the patient without squeals. This case illustrates some of the factors that lead to lithium toxicity as well as the need to consider lithium toxicity to the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with renal insufficiency with or without change in mental status and neurologic symptom.
Effects of β-1.3/1.6 glucan on cytokines production by leukocytes in vitro
Authors: Sakalauskiene Jurgina , Akramas Laimis , Gleiznys Alvydas , Kubilius Ricardas , Vitkauskiene Astra , Surna Algimantas , Junevicius Jonas 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Effects of lead chloride on human erythrocyte membranes and on kinetic anion sulphate and glutathione concentrations
Authors: Gugliotta Tiziana , Luca Grazia , Romano Pietro , Rigano Caterina , Scuteri Adriana , Romano Leonardo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractOur study concerns the effects of exposure to lead chloride on the morphology, K+ efflux, SO4 − influx and GSH levels of the human erythrocyte. Blood was collected in heparinized tubes and washed three times. The cells were suspended at 3% hematocrit and incubated for 1 h at 25°C in a medium containing increasing concentrations of lead chloride (0, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 μM). After incubation, the suspensions were centrifuged and the erythrocyte pellets were divided into three aliquots for testing. The results show: an increase in the permeability of erythrocytes treated with lead chloride with consequent damage and cellular death, especially in the presence of high concentrations; an increase in potassium ion efflux; alterations in the morphology and membrane structure of the red blood cells; and a decrease in sulphate uptake, due either to the oxidative effect of this compound on the band 3 protein, which loses its biological valence as a carrier of sulphate ions, or to a decrease in the ATP erythrocyte concentration. In conclusion, the exposure of erythrocytes to Pb2+ ions leads to a reduction in the average lifetime of the erythrocytes and the subsequent development of anemia. These data are discussed in terms of the possible effect of lead on the reduction-oxidation systems of the cell. Oxidant agents, such as lead, are known to cross-link integral membrane proteins, leading to K/Cl-cotransport. The increased K+ efflux affects the altered redox state.
Cloning of the human activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule promoter and identification of its tissue-independent transcriptional activation by Sp1
Authors: Tan Fang , Mbunkui Flaubert , Ofori-Acquah Solomon 
Published: September 2012

AbstractActivated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) belongs to the immunoglobulin cell adhesion molecule super family. ALCAM is implicated in tumor progression, inflammation, and the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. Hitherto, the identity of regulatory DNA elements and cognate transcription factors responsible for ALCAM gene expression remained unknown. In this report, the human ALCAM promoter was cloned and its transcriptional mechanisms elucidated. The promoter is TATA-less and contains multiple GC-boxes. A proximal 650-bp promoter fragment conferred tissue-independent activation, whereas two contiguous regions upstream of this region negatively influenced promoter activity in a tissue-specific manner. The positive regulatory promoter region was mapped to a core 50 base pair sequence containing a conical Sp1 element. Mutation analysis revealed that this element alone or in tandem with elements immediately upstream was required for maximal promoter activity. Chromatin analysis revealed that Sp1 binds exclusively to the canonical binding sequence in vivo, but not to DNA sequence immediately upstream. Finally, we showed that over-expression of Sp1 significantly increased the basal promoter activity. Thus, Sp1 activated the ALCAM promoter in most cells. These findings have important ramifications for unraveling the roles of ALCAM in inflammation and tumorigenesis.
Modulation bandwidth of planar waveguide laser with 1D photonic crystal mirrors
Authors: Mossakowska-Wyszyńska A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAn analysis of the 3-dB modulation bandwidth in planar waveguide laser based on 1D photonic crystal structures is presented. The theoretical model takes into account the gain saturation effect, transverse and longitudinal field distribution. A small-signal perturbation solution of the coupled laser rate equation is used to obtain relations describing the dynamic operation. In paper, the distributed Bragg resonator DBR created as 1D photonic crystal is considered. The active waveguide is surrounded by 1D photonic crystal mirrors consisting of alternately placed stripes with different refractive indices. In particular, the influence of the photonic crystal parameters on the 3-dB modulation bandwidth is investigated.
Er-doped fibre laser mode-locked by mechanically exfoliated graphene saturable absorber
Authors: Sotor J. , Sobon G. , Abramski K. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractErbium-doped fibre laser mode-locked by a graphene saturable absorber is presented. Pulses with 630-fs duration and 41.9-MHz repetition frequency were achieved at the centre wavelength of 1562 nm and 9-nm FWHM bandwidth. Multilayer graphene was obtained by mechanical exfoliation from a pure graphite block by using the scotch-tape method and deposited on a fibre ferrule to form a saturable absorber. The laser operated in a mode-locked regime with 37-mW pumping and 4-mW output power.
An update on unilateral sporadic small vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Thakur Jai Deep , Banerjee Anirban Deep , Khan Imad Saeed , Sonig Ashish , Shorter Cedric D. , Gardner Gale L. , Nanda Anil , Guthikonda Bharat 
Published: September 2012

Advances in neuroimaging have increased the detection rate of small vestibular schwannomas (VSs, maximum diameter < 25 mm). Current management modalities include observation with serial imaging, stereotactic radiosurgery, and microsurgical resection. Selecting one approach over another invites speculation, and no standard management consensus has been established. Moreover, there is a distinct clinical heterogeneity among patients harboring small VSs, making standardization of management difficult. The aim of this article is to guide treating physicians toward the most plausible therapeutic option based on etiopathogenesis and the highest level of existing evidence specific to the different cohorts of hypothetical case scenarios.
Hypothetical cases were created to represent 5 commonly encountered scenarios involving patients with sporadic unilateral small VSs, and the literature was reviewed with a focus on small VS. The authors extrapolated from the data to the hypothetical case scenarios, and based on the level of evidence, they discuss the most suitable patient-specific treatment strategies. They conclude that observation and imaging, stereotactic radiosurgery, and microsurgery are all important components of the management strategy. Each has unique advantages and disadvantages best suited to certain clinical scenarios. The treatment of small VS should always be tailored to the clinical, personal, and social requirements of an individual patient, and a rigid treatment protocol is not practical.
Cognitive functioning early after surgery of gliomas in eloquent areas
Authors: Satoer Djaina , Vork Judith , Visch-Brink Evy , Smits Marion , Dirven Clemens , Vincent Arnaud 
Published: September 2012

Object
Patients with gliomas frequently have cognitive deficits, and surgery can exacerbate these deficits. Preoperative assessment is therefore crucial in patients undergoing surgery for glioma in eloquent areas, because the proximity of functional areas increases the risk of permanent postoperative cognitive disturbances. Although pre- and postoperative language and motor function in patients with glioma have been investigated frequently, data on good cognition studies are scarce. Most studies have focused on clinical neurological functioning or have only used brief neurological instruments. The authors investigated whether surgery for glioma in eloquent areas influences cognition early after surgery, by using an elaborate test protocol.

Methods
Twenty-eight patients with gliomas of the left hemisphere in language and nonlanguage areas were assessed before and 3 months after surgery with a comprehensive neuropsychological test protocol. The authors performed a correlation analysis between change in cognitive performance and tumor characteristics (that is, location, volume, pathological features, and histological grade) and between cognitive change and treatment-related factors (the extent of the resection and postoperative treatment with chemo- and radiotherapy).

Results
Both pre- and postoperatively, the mean performance of the patients was worse than the performance of the normal population in the language domain, the memory domain, and the executive functions (p < 0.05). Postoperatively, a decline was found in the language domain (t = 2.34, p = 0.027) and in the executive functions (t = 2.45, p = 0.022). However, cognitive change postsurgery was influenced by the location of the tumor; the decrease of cognitive score in the language domain was only observed in patients with tumors in or close to language areas (t = 2.33, p = 0.029). No effect on cognitive change was found for the other tumor characteristics and treatment-related factors.

Conclusions
This study underlines the importance of the use of a neuropsychological test protocol before and after surgery in patients with glioma, because several tasks in the domains of language, memory, and executive functions appeared to deteriorate after surgery. Tumor resection in language areas increases the risk of cognitive deficits in the language domain postoperatively.