bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Handling low hemoglobin and iron deficiency in a blood donor population: 2 years' experience
Authors: Magnussen Karin , Ladelund Steen 
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUNDIron deficiency and blood donors with low hemoglobin (Hb) concentration are well‐known challenges in any blood bank setting. In the Capital Region of Denmark, a new approach was adopted that centralized measurement of Hb, initiated ferritin (F) measurement, and established a center for donor Hb and iron. An algorithm was created based on Hb and F levels, which drove decisions on outreach by the donor Hb and iron resource team to the donor, including whether to provide iron supplementation or, on rare occasions, a referral to the donor's general practitioner.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe change in Hb for repeat donors was followed during the first 2 years of the intervention strategy, which included measurements of F and offering intermittent iron supplementation to some of the donors.RESULTSIn 2 years, 62,663 blood donors donated 193,288 units of blood and 318 donors gave 754 complete blood count blood samples. Over time in the repeat donors, the Hb increased from 15.39 to 15.60 g/dL and 13.85 to 14.06 g/dL in male and female donors, respectively, and the proportion of donors with low Hb decreased from 0.9% to 0.3% and 3.9% to 2.7% for the male and female donors, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe program with goal‐directed iron supplementation only to those that would benefit has led to an increase in Hb concentration and a reduction in the proportion of donors with low Hb concentration.
Sitagliptin: Is It Effective in Routine Clinical Practice?
Authors: Mohan Dallumal Rita , Chua Siew Siang , Wu David Bin-Chia , Vethakkan Shireene Ratna 
Published: May 2015

Aim. The present study was conducted to determine the glycaemic effects of sitagliptin in type 2 diabetes patients.Methods. Data was collected from patient medical records of a major teaching hospital in Malaysia, from 2009 to 2012. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values prior to and up to 12 months after the initiation of sitagliptin were analysed. The change inHbA1cvalues was accounted for based on a generalized linear model generated using the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) method.Results and Discussion. Of the 457 patients, 53.6% were elderly and 81.4% were overweight. The meanHbA1c(standard deviation) before initiation of sitagliptin was 8.5 (1.4)%. This dropped to 7.7 (1.4)%, 3 to 6 months after initiation of sitagliptin, with a mean difference of 0.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7–1.0; P<0.001). However, this value increased to 8.0 (1.7)% after 7 to 12 months on sitagliptin (P=0.002) with a mean difference from baseline of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.4–0.7;P < 0.001).Conclusion. In routine clinical practice, sitagliptin produces a significant reduction in meanHbA1c(0.8%) within the first 6 months of use which corresponds to efficacy data obtained in controlled clinical trials. However, this reduction was lesser, 7 to 12 month later.
A Unique Approach to Generate Self-Aligned SiO2/Ge/SiO2/SiGe Gate-Stacking Heterostructures in a Single Fabrication Step
Authors: Lai Wei-Ting , Yang Kuo-Ching , Hsu Ting-Chia , Liao Po-Hsiang , George Thomas , Li Pei-Wen 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
We report a first-of-its-kind, unique approach for generating a self-aligned, gate-stacking heterostructure of Ge quantum dot (QD)/SiO2/SiGe shell on Si in a single fabrication step. The 4-nm-thick SiO2 layer between the Ge QD and SiGe shell fabricated during the single-step process is the result of an exquisitely controlled dynamic balance between the fluxes of oxygen and silicon interstitials. The high-quality interface properties of our “designer” heterostructure are evidenced by the low interface trap density of as low as 2–4 × 1011 cm−2 eV−1 and superior transfer characteristics measured for Ge-based metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Thanks to the very thin interfacial SiO2 layer, carrier storage within the Ge QDs with good memory endurance was established under relatively low-voltage programming/erasing conditions. We hope that our unique self-aligned, gate-stacking heterostructure provides an effective approach for the production of next-generation, high-performance Ge gate/SiO2/SiGe channel MOSFETs.
Flexible conducting polymer/reduced graphene oxide films: synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical performance
Authors: Yang Wenyao , Zhao Yuetao , He Xin , Chen Yan , Xu Jianhua , Li Shibin , Yang Yajie , Jiang Yadong 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this paper, we demonstrate the preparation of a flexible poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) -poly (styrenesulfonate)/reduced graphene oxide (PEDOT-PSS/RGO) film with a layered structure via a simple vacuum filtered method as a high performance electrochemical electrode. The PEDOT-PSS/RGO films are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry. The results indicate that a layer-ordered structure is constructed in this nanocomposite during the vacuum filtering process. The electrochemical performances of the flexible films are characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge/discharge. The results reveal that a 193.7 F/g highly specific capacitance of nanocomposite film is achieved at a current density of 500 mA/g. This flexible and self-supporting nanocomposite film exhibits excellent cycling stability, and the capacity retention is 90.6 % after 1000 cycles, which shows promising application as high-performance electrode materials for flexible energy-storage devices.
Synthesis and antitubercular evaluation of 7-chloro-4-alkoxyquinoline derivatives
Authors: Bispo Marcelle de Lima Ferreira , Cardoso Laura Nogueira de Faria , LourenÃ§o Maria C. S. , Bezerra FlÃ¡vio Augusto Ferreira Martins , Pinto Soares Rodrigo Pedro Pinto Soares , Bertollo Caryne Margotto , De Souza Marcus VinÃ­cius Nora 
Published: May 2015

A series of eight 7-chloro-4-alkoxyquinoline derivatives (2a-h) have been synthesized and their in vitro (antimycobacterial) activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis was evaluated. Â Furthermore, all the active compounds were selected for evaluation of their cytotoxicities against the human hepatoma (HepG2) and the relative selectivity (selective index) of these compounds against M. tuberculosis compared to HepG2 was calculated based on MLD50/MIC ratios. Â These biological results have been compared to a series of 7-chloro-4-aminoquinoline derivatives 1a-i, previously identified by our research group with the aim to provide important information about the structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives.
Changes in cell death of peripheral blood lymphocytes isolated from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia upon stimulation with 7 Hz, 30 mT pulsed electromagnetic field
Authors: Kaszuba-Zwoińska Jolanta , Ćwiklińska Magdalena , Balwierz Walentyna , Chorobik Paulina , Nowak Bernadeta , Wójcik-Piotrowicz Karolina , Ziomber Agata , Malina-Novak Kinga , Zaraska Wiesław , Thor Piotr J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) influenced the viability of proliferating in vitro peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from Crohn’s disease patients as well as acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) patients by induction of cell death, but did not cause any vital changes in cells from healthy donors. Experiments with lymphoid U937 and monocytic MonoMac6 cell lines have shown a protective effect of PEMF on the death process in cells treated with death inducers.The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of PEMF on native proliferating leukocytes originating from newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients.The effects of exposure to PEMF were studied in PBMCs from 20 children with ALL. PBMCs were stimulated with three doses of PEMF (7 Hz, 30 mT) for 4 h each with 24 h intervals. After the last stimulation, the cells were double stained with annexin V and propidium iodide dye to estimate viability by flow cytometric analysis.The results indicated an increase of annexin V positive as well as double stained annexin V and propidium iodide positive cells after exposure to threefold PEMF stimulation.A low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field induces cell death in native proliferating cells isolated from ALL patients. The increased vulnerability of proliferating PBMCs to PEMF-induced interactions may be potentially applied in the therapy of ALL.The analysis of expression of apoptosis-related genes revealed changes in mRNA of some genes engaged in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway belonging to the Bcl-2 family and the pathway with apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) abundance upon PEMF stimulation of PBMCs.
Antioxidant effect of a fermented powder of Lady Joy bean in primary rat hepatocytes
Authors: Marca Margherita La , Pucci Laura , Bollini Roberto , Russo Rossella , Sparvoli Francesca , Gabriele Morena , Longo Vincenzo 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe role and beneficial effects of plant and food extracts against various diseases induced by oxidative stress have received much attention in recent years. Legumes are rich in bioactive compounds, and some studies suggest a correlation between their consumption and a reduced incidence of diseases. Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were used to investigate whether and how an extract obtained from a fermented powder of bean named Lady Joy (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is able to regulate antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes through the NRF2 pathway, inhibit NF-kB activation, and reduce H
GGeneration of an efficient artificial promoter of bovine skeletal muscle alpha-actin gene (ACTA1) through addition of cis-acting element
Authors: Hu Qian , Tong Huili , Zhao Dandan , Cao Yunkao , Zhang Weiwei , Chang Shuwei , Yang Yu , Yan Yunqin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe promoter of skeletal muscle α-actin gene (ACTA1) is highly muscle specific. The core of the bovine ACTA1 promoter extends from +29 to −233, about 262 base pairs (bp), which is sufficient to activate transcription in bovine muscle satellite cells. In this study, analysis by PCR site-specific mutagenesis showed that the cis-acting element SRE (serum response element binding factor) was processed as a transcriptional activator. In order to enhance the bovine ACTA1 promoter’s activity, we used a strategy to modify it. We cloned a fragment containing three SREs from the promoter of ACTA1, and then one or two clones were linked upstream of the core promoter (262 bp) of ACTA1. One and two clones increased the activity of the ACTA1 promoter 3-fold and 10-fold, respectively, and maintained muscle tissue specificity. The modified promoter with two clones could increase the level of ACTA1 mRNA and protein 4-fold and 1.1-fold, respectively. Immunofluorescence results showed that green fluorescence of ACTA1 increased. Additionally, the number of total muscle microfilaments increased. These genetically engineered promoters might be useful for regulating gene expression in muscle cells and improving muscle mass in livestock.
Determination of Enthalpy of Pyrolysis from DSC and Industrial Reactor Data: Case of Tires
Authors: Lanteigne Jean-Remi , Laviolette Jean-Philippe , Chaouki Jamal 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This study was motivated by the fact that differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)/differential thermal analysis (DTA) results in literature showed significant exothermic peaks while in overall, pyrolysis is an endothermic phenomenon. The specific heat of the decomposing tires has been determined with a new methodology: instead of assuming constant char properties throughout pyrolysis, the specific heat of evolving solids (char) was evaluated with increasing temperature and conversion. Measured specific heat values were observed to increase until pyrolysis was triggered at 250°C. Then, the specific heat of the solids decreased continuously until 400°C at which point they started to increase. This unexpected trend pointed out that the exothermic peak observed with DSC is an artefact generated by the control system of the apparatus. To overcome this limitation, the energy balance was performed over industrial data and the newly found heat capacity values. The enthalpy of pyrolysis was found to have a term dependent on the weight loss derivative, with a constant value of 410 kJ/kg tires. Two other terms for the enthalpy of pyrolysis have been identified, which were independent of weight loss. The first one is believed to correspond to the sulphur cross-link breakage at low temperature (65 kJ/kg), while the second one, at the final stage of pyrolysis, should correspond to charring reactions approaching the thermodynamic equilibrium (75 kJ/kg). Ultimately, this work proposes a new methodology to determine the enthalpy of pyrolysis with larger scale experimental data.
Xyngráphein – Historiographie und das Problem der Zeit. Überlegungen zum Muster der ‚Verdichtung’ in der europäischen Historiographie
Authors: Meier Mischa 
Published: May 2015

Zusammenfassung
Der Beitrag geht der Hypothese nach, dass narrative Geschichtswerke seit Thukydides (um 400 v. Chr.) in den Fällen, in denen die Autoren aus der Erfahrung einer existenziellen Bedrohungssituation heraus (z. B. durch Kriege) und mit besonderem affektiven Ausdruck schreiben, spezifische kompositionelle Muster erkennen lassen, die immer wiederkehren und den Historiographen mitunter auch unbewusst oder gar gegen ihre jeweilige Intention unterlaufen. Speziell für das Muster der zeitlichen Verdichtung wird diese Hypothese an exemplarischen Autoren der Vormoderne und der Moderne nachverfolgt: Thukydides, Orosius, Eduard Schwartz und Reinhart Koselleck.
Preparation and Characterization of Genipin-Crosslinked Chitosan Microspheres for the Sustained Release of Salidroside
Authors: Luo Mei , Peng Hailong , Deng Zhonghua , Yin Zhonghua , Zhao Qiang , Xiong Hua 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Chitosan microspheres (CsMs) that encapsulate salidroside (Sal) were prepared by the emulsion crosslinking method with naturally occurring genipin (Gp) and then examined for their in vitro release. Sal-loaded CsMs (Sal-CsMs) showed nearly spherical and smooth surfaces with internal voids. The particle size of Sal-CsMs ranged within 0.56–5.01 μm, and their encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were beyond 77.58% and 23.29%, respectively. The stability of Sal improved after entrapment into the CsMs. The release rate of Sal from CsMs was initially rapid, followed by sustained release. The release behavior depended on the pH of the release medium. The main release mechanisms underlying the release procedure were anomalous behavior and Fickian diffusion. These results indicated that CsMs with a novel crosslinker of Gp was a potential carrier system for producing functional foods containing Sal.
Inner harbour wave agitation using boussinesq wave model
Authors: Panigrahi Jitendra K. , Padhy C.P. , Murty A.S.N. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTShort crested waves play an important role for planning and design of harbours. In this context a numerical simulation is carried out to evaluate wave tranquility inside a real harbour located in east coast of India. The annual offshore wave climate proximity- to harbour site is established using Wave Model (WAM) hindcast wave data. The deep water waves are transformed to harbour front using a Near Shore spectral Wave model (NSW). A directional analysis is carried out to determine the probable incident wave directions towards the harbour. Most critical threshold wave height and wave period is chosen for normal operating conditions using exceedence probability analysis. Irregular random waves from various directions are generated confirming to Pierson Moskowitz spectrum at 20m water depth. Wave incident into inner harbor through harbor entrance is performed using Boussinesq Wave model (BW). Wave disturbance experienced inside the harbour and at various berths are analysed. The paper discusses the progresses took place in short wave modeling and it demonstrates application of wave climate for the evaluation of harbor tranquility using various types of wave models.
Propensity Score Analysis with Survey Weighted Data
Authors: Ridgeway Greg , Kovalchik Stephanie Ann , Griffin Beth Ann , Kabeto Mohammed U. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Propensity score analysis (PSA) is a common method for estimating treatment effects, but researchers dealing with data from survey designs are generally not properly accounting for the sampling weights in their analyses. Moreover, recommendations given in the few existing methodological articles on this subject are susceptible to bias. We show in this article through derivation, simulation, and a real data example that using sampling weights in the propensity score estimation stage and the outcome model stage results in an estimator that is robust to a variety of conditions that lead to bias for estimators currently recommended in the statistical literature. We highly recommend researchers use the more robust approach described here. This article provides much needed rigorous statistical guidance for researchers working with survey designs involving sampling weights and using PSAs.
Was wir für Public Health haben und was uns noch fehlt
Authors: Räbiger Jutta , Borde Theda 
Published: May 2015

Einleitung
In Forschung und Lehre ist Public Health in Deutschland gut aufgestellt. Auch als Politikberater haben Gesundheitswissenschaftler einen festen Platz erlangt. Was nach Ansicht der Autorinnen in Zukunft verstärkt werden müsste, ist die praktische Umsetzung von Public Health Maßnahmen (Epidemien wie Ebola haben die Defizite deutlich gemacht) und eine medienwirksame Öffentlichkeitsarbeit im weltweiten Verbund.
Die Medizinische Soziologie und Public Health
Authors: Koppelin Frauke , Babitsch Birgit 
Published: May 2015

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag widmet sich anhand der drei Themen, Soziale Ungleichheit und Gesundheit, Geschlecht und Gesundheit sowie Partizipation und Gesundheit, der Frage, welche möglichen Berührungspunkte als auch Unterschiede zwischen den Disziplinen Medizinische Soziologie und Public Health bestehen. Dabei wird deutlich, welchen Erkenntnisbeitrag die Medizinische Soziologie und/oder Public Health für das Verständnis von Gesundheit und der Gesundheitsversorgung geleistet haben bzw. leisten.
Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Gesundheitsökonomie: Wettbewerb
Authors: Greß Stefan 
Published: May 2015

Einleitung
Aus gesundheitsökonomischer Sicht ist der Wettbewerb der Krankenkassen untereinander ein wichtiges Steuerungsinstrument, um die Gesundheit der Bevölkerung zu verbessern. Die Erfolge sind jedoch bisher begrenzt. Krankenkassen haben in einem wettbewerblichen System zudem wenige Anreize, um in langfristig wirksame Maßnahmen von Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung zu investieren. Krankenkassen bieten daher vor allem solche Maßnahmen an, die kurzfristig im Sinne von Marketingmaßnahmen wirksam sind.
Patientenorientierung ernst nehmen
Authors: Braun Bernard , Klemperer David 
Published: May 2015

Einleitung
Die Orientierung an und auf die Bedarfe, Bedürfnisse und Präferenzen von Patienten gehört seit vielen Jahren zum Basisrepertoire der Gesundheitsrhetorik. Trotz einiger praktischer Schritte in diese Richtung, sieht der Alltag im deutschen Gesundheitswesen aber noch deutlich anders aus. Erst wenn Versorgungsforscher, gesundheitspolitisch Verantwortliche und Versorgungspraktiker Patientenorientierung zum archimedischen Punkt ihrer Sicht- und Handlungsweise machen, wird sich daran etwas ändern.
Die Impfmüdigkeit in Deutschland: Eine potenzielle Bedrohung für uns alle?!
Authors: Hofmann Friedrich 
Published: May 2015

Einleitung
Die Durchführung von Impfungen ist eine erfolgreiche Maßnahme zur Kontrolle von Infektionskrankheiten. In Deutschland werden von der Ständigen Impfkommission am Robert Koch-Institut (STIKO) derzeit 15 Standard- und 7 Indikationsimpfungen empfohlen. Immunisierungslücken können zur Weiterverbreitung gefährlicher Pathogene führen und stellen damit ein Risiko für die Gesellschaft dar, da nicht alle Personen (z.B. Neugeborene) geimpft werden können. Deshalb müssen hohe Durchimpfungsraten erreicht werden, um Infektionserreger kontrollieren und eradizieren zu können.
Inklusion älterer und gesundheitlich eingeschränkter Arbeitnehmer in der Arbeitswelt
Authors: Hodek Lene , Niehaus Mathilde 
Published: May 2015

Einleitung
Mit Unterzeichnung der UN-BRK verpflichtet sich Deutschland, die Rechte von Menschen mit Behinderung zu achten. Der Arbeitsmarkt soll offen und inklusiv gestaltet werden, zudem besteht ein Recht auf sichere und gesunde Arbeitsbedingungen. Bislang wird dies nicht in allen Unternehmen gewährleistet. Durch die verbesserte Zusammenarbeit von Arbeitnehmern, Unternehmen und Sozialversicherungsträgern soll es ermöglicht werden, frühzeitig potenzielle Gefährdungen der Beschäftigungsfähigkeit zu erkennen und die berufliche Inklusion gesundheitlich beeinträchtigter Beschäftigter zu sichern. Dies auch vorrangig mit dem Ziel die Beschäftigungsfähigkeit älterer Arbeitnehmer dauerhaft zu erhalten.
Germany’s global health policy
Authors: Razum Oliver , Karrasch Laura , Zeeb Hajo 
Published: May 2015

Einleitung
2013 veröffentlichten fünf Bundesministerien erstmals ein gemeinsames Konzeptpapier zu Deutschlands internationaler Gesundheitspolitik. Trotz dieses positiven Schritts bleibt Klärungsbedarf: Die Rolle der Pharmaindustrie wird genauso unzureichend spezifiziert wie die Mechanismen der Zusammenarbeit zwischen den beteiligten Ministerien. Globale Gesundheit beginnt im eigenen Land: Das Konzeptpapier sollte sich eingehender mit einer menschenwürdigen Flüchtlingsstrategie für alle EU-Länder beschäftigen.
Impact response characterization of shear CFRP strengthened RC beams by Fourier and wavelet methods: tests and analyses
Authors: Shafei Erfan 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The current experimental study investigates impact response features of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with dominant shear failure mode. Six built nonstrengthened and strengthened RC beams with a shear span-to-depth ratio of 2.5 were subject to repeated low-velocity impacts. Projectile energy is equal to the amount required for collapse. Retrofit consists of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets attached to the exterior surface in vertical-unidirectional and cross-ply orientation. Laser linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers record the resultant deflection and acceleration to inspect the relationship between retrofit and damage. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) extract the response content specimens to monitor the frequency change for each case. According to extracted results, CFRP skin provides notable stiffness on the upward shift of active frequency range and peak spectrum amplitude maintained for impact repeats. The active domain in FFT spectrum is sensitive to failure type (shear or flexural). CWT analysis ridges show a clear difference between failure type samples. CFRP retrofit controls cracking and deflection, which is shown as increased acceleration in records, especially for the cross-ply wrap. Effective stiffness recovers during initial impacts and then starts degrading because of the rupture of horizontal fibers in cross-ply retrofit, but the stiffness is stable for unidirectional retrofit during all impacts.