bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent introduction of Gracilaria parvispora (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) in Baja California, Mexico
Authors: García-Rodríguez Luis Daniel , Riosmena-Rodríguez Rafael , Kim Su Yeon , López-Meyer Melina , Orduña-Rojas Javier , López-Vivas Juan Manuel , Boo Sung Min 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Gracilaria parvispora is reported for the first time as an invasive species in northwestern Mexico based on morphological, anatomical and molecular data. The species is widely distributed in the region, where it colonizes sandy and rocky habitats from intertidal areas down to a depth of 1.5 m. The morphological and anatomical data from the Mexican specimens matched the circumscription of the species in Hawaiian waters. Two molecular markers (rbcL and cox1) showed that the Mexican populations were closer to the Hawaiian populations than the Korean populations, which may relate to a similarity in seawater temperatures between Hawaii and Baja California. Gracilaria parvispora formed extensive mats together with Gracilaria vermiculophylla. It was found in stomach samples from a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the coastal lagoons of Baja California Sur. The ecological impacts of the two alien Gracialria species on other native species and communities have yet to be determined. This is the first demonstration of a second invasive Gracilaria species, following the introduction of G. vermiculophylla into the northwestern Mexico region.
Biological variation and reference change values of common clinical chemistry and haematologic laboratory analytes in the elderly population
Authors: Pineda-Tenor Daniel , Laserna-Mendieta Emilio José , Timón-Zapata Jesús , Rodelgo-Jiménez Laura , Ramos-Corral Raquel , Recio-Montealegre Antonio , Reus Manuel Gómez-Serranillos 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background: Biological variation (BV) and reference change values (RCVs) have been widely described for the general population, but the use of these data derived from adults in the elderly population is a controversial issue. We determined the within- and between-subject BV and RCV in both elderly and young people and compared them with previously published analyses.

Methods: Samples were collected from 135 volunteers over 80 years of age at weekly intervals over 4 weeks. Eighteen biochemical and eight haematological analytes were measured. The Fraser and Harris methods were used to calculate the components of BV and RCV. To perform a comparative analysis, a reference group of 118 young subjects was studied under the same conditions.

Results: The obtained coefficients of BV showed statistical differences in many cases, but in general, both the elderly and young patient data fall within the ranges previously described for the general population. The indexes of individuality for the analytes investigated did not exceed 1.4 in any case and were <0.6 for some analytes. The RCVs derived from elderly subjects were similar to those published in the young population, both in healthy and diseased individuals.

Conclusions: The strong individuality observed supports the preferential use of RCVs rather than population-based reference intervals in elderly people. For most of the analytes studied, data from the young population can be applied to elderly people, but the specific elderly coefficients of BV and RCVs are a recommended option.
Can current analytical quality performance of UK clinical laboratories support evidence-based guidelines for diabetes and ischaemic heart disease? – A pilot study and a proposal
Authors: Jassam Nuthar , Yundt-Pacheco John , Jansen Rob , Thomas Annette , Barth Julian H. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background: The implementation of national and international guidelines is beginning to standardise clinical practice. However, since many guidelines have decision limits based on laboratory tests, there is an urgent need to ensure that different laboratories obtain the same analytical result on any sample. A scientifically-based quality control process will be a pre-requisite to provide this level of analytical performance which will support evidence-based guidelines and movement of patients across boundaries while maintaining standardised outcomes. We discuss the finding of a pilot study performed to assess UK clinical laboratories readiness to work to a higher grade quality specifications such as biological variation-based quality specifications.

Methods: Internal quality control (IQC) data for HbA1c, glucose, creatinine, cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol were collected from UK laboratories participating in the Bio-Rad Unity QC programme. The median of the coefficient of variation (CV%) of the participating laboratories was evaluated against the CV% based on biological variation.

Results: Except creatinine, the other four analytes had a variable degree of compliance with the biological variation-based quality specifications. More than 75% of the laboratories met the biological variation-based quality specifications for glucose, cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. Slightly over 50% of the laboratories met the analytical goal for HBA1c. Only one analyte (cholesterol) had a performance achieving the higher quality specifications consistent with 5σ.

Conclusions: Our data from IQC do not consistently demonstrate that the results from clinical laboratories meet evidence-based quality specifications. Therefore, we propose that a graded scale of quality specifications may be needed at this stage.
Isolated IgE reactivity to native walnut vicilin-like protein (nJug r 2) on ISAC™ microarray is due to cross-reactive carbohydrate epitopes
Authors: Villalta Danilo , Conte Mariaelisabetta , Asero Riccardo , Da Re Mirella , Stella Sergio , Martelli Paola 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background: The last version of the microarray-based testing ImmunoCAP ISAC 112TM includes the native walnut (Junglans regia) molecules 2S albumin (nJug r 1), vicilin (nJug r 2) and lipid transfer protein (nJug r 3). In view of the many unexpected cases of isolated positivity to nJug r 2 occurring in daily practice, we evaluated the association of these reactivities with clinical symptoms, as well as the relationship between sIgE and nJug r 2 and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs).

Methods: Sera from 320 consecutive allergic outpatients tested by ImmuoCAP ISAC™ 112 were considered. The medical records of all nJug r 2 positive patients were reviewed to assess clinical symptoms related to walnut allergy. A linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between nJug r 2 and CCDs (nMUXF3) sIgE values, and a CAP inhibition assay was carried out to confirm the possible cross-reactivity between CCDs and nJug r 2.

Results: Thirty-seven out of 320 sera tested (11.6%) were positive to nJug r 2. Among them three (8.1%) and eight (21.6%) scored positive for nJug r 1 and nJug r 3 as well, respectively. Twenty-seven (73%) sera showed isolated nJug r 2 positivity. Only nJug r 1 reactors had symptoms referred to walnut allergy. Twenty-five/37 nJug r 2-positive sera (67.6%) showed a simultaneous positivity to nMUXF3 and a significant correlation (p<0.0001) between the IgE levels to nJug r2 and nMUXF3 (r2=0.787). After incubation with nMUXF3 a complete inhibition of sIgE reactivity to both nMUXF3 and nJug r 2 was shown.

Conclusions: The unexpected isolated sIgE reactivity to nJug r 2 found by ImmunoCAP ISAC™ 112 is frequently related to reactivity to cross-reactive carbohydrate epitopes and it is lacking clinical significance.
Relationship between coffee consumption, oxidant status, and antioxidant potential in the Japanese general population
Authors: Ishizaka Yuko , Yamakado Minoru , Toda Akiko , Tani Mizuki , Ishizaka Nobukazu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackground:Several previous studies have demonstrated an association between habitual coffee intake and reduced risk of diabetes, cardiovascular morbidity and total mortality. Although the cause and effect relationship could not be determined through epidemiological data, antioxidant properties of coffee ingredients are presumed.Methods:In the current study, by analyzing the data from 9877 subjects (mean age 59.2±10.4 years) who underwent general health screening, we evaluated the extent of in vivo oxidative stress by measuring derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP).Results:The mean levels of d-ROM and BAP were significantly lower in women than in men. By univariate analysis (ANOVA), coffee consumption showed a graded negative association with d-ROM value in men, but not in women. Coffee consumption was unrelated to BAP levels in men and women. Smoking was significantly associated with increased d-ROM and decreased BAP values in men. Multivariate-adjusted analysis showed that coffee intake of three or more cups per day was an independent negative correlate of d-ROM value in men. Sugar use was negatively associated with d-ROM and BAP values in women.Conclusions:Among an essentially healthy population, coffee intake was negatively associated with d-ROMs in men, but not in women. Whether the favorable effect of coffee, if present, is related to lower oxidative stress levels needs further investigation.
Prenatal diagnosis of inherited diseases: 20 years’ experience of an Italian Regional Reference Centre
Authors: Maruotti Giuseppe Maria , Frisso Giulia , Calcagno Giuseppe , Fortunato Giuliana , Castaldo Giuseppe , Martinelli Pasquale , Sacchetti Lucia , Salvatore Francesco 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background: The demand for molecular prenatal diagnosis (PD) of inherited diseases to help high-risk couples make informed reproductive decisions has increased in the past decade.

Methods: We provided multidisciplinary pre-test counselling to 1248 couples at high risk of having a child affected by an inherited disease.

Results: After multidisciplinary counselling, 1171 couples requested PD for one of 73 inherited diseases. Of these, 995 (85.0%) were performed on DNA from chorionic villi (CV) and 176 (15.0%) on samples from amniocentesis. The occurrence of pregnancy loss (0.6%) and major complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. We made a diagnosis in all cases (including 8 twin pregnancies) except in 4/995 cases of CV sampling (0.4%) and in 3/176 of amniocentesis (1.7%) due to insufficient DNA. In 15 cases, molecular analysis revealed non-paternity.

Conclusions: PD by analysis of foetal DNA from CV is a reliable aid in reproduction decision-making for couples at high risk of inherited diseases. The complexity of experimental procedures and the specific expertise required for the pre- and post-test multidisciplinary counselling suggest that PD be performed in reference centres also within the framework of supranational networks.
Central sequence C*
-algebras and tensorial absorption of the Jiang–Su algebra
Authors: Kirchberg Eberhard , Rørdam Mikael 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

We study properties of the central sequence algebra

A
ω

∩

A
'

${A_\omega \cap A^{\prime }}$

of a C*
-algebra A, and we present an alternative approach to a recent result of Matui and Sato. They prove that every unital separable simple nuclear C*
-algebra, whose trace simplex is finite-dimensional, tensorially absorbs the Jiang–Su algebra if and only if it has the strict comparison property. We extend their result to the case where the extreme boundary of the trace simplex is closed and of finite topological dimension. We are also able to relax the assumption on the C*
-algebra of having the strict comparison property to a weaker property that we call local weak comparison. Namely, we prove that a unital separable simple nuclear C*
-algebra, whose trace simplex has finite-dimensional closed extreme boundary, tensorially absorbs the Jiang–Su algebra if and only if it has the local weak comparison property.

We can also eliminate the nuclearity assumption if instead we assume the (SI) property of Matui and Sato, and, moreover, that each II
1
-factor representation of the C*
-algebra is a McDuff factor.
Double solid twistor spaces II: General case
Authors: Honda Nobuhiro 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

In this paper we investigate Moishezon twistor spaces
which have a structure of double covering over
a very simple rational threefold.
These spaces can be regarded as a direct generalization of
the twistor spaces studied
in [J. Differential Geom. 36 (1992), 451–491]
and [Compos. Math. 82 (1992), 25–55] to the case of arbitrary signature.
In particular, the branch divisor of the double covering is a cut of the rational threefold by
a single quartic hypersurface.
We determine a defining equation of the hypersurface in an explicit form.
We also show that these twistor spaces interpolate
LeBrun twistor spaces and the twistor spaces constructed
in [J. Differential Geom. 82 (2009), 411–444].
On the Kähler–Ricci flow near a Kähler–Einstein metric
Authors: Sun Song , Wang Yuanqi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

On a Fano manifold, we prove that the Kähler–Ricci flow starting from a Kähler metric in the anti-canonical class which is sufficiently close to a Kähler–Einstein metric
must converge in a polynomial rate to a Kähler–Einstein metric. The convergence cannot happen in general if we study the flow on the level of Kähler potentials. Instead we exploit the interpretation of the Ricci flow as the gradient flow of Perelman's μ functional. This involves modifying the Ricci flow by a canonical family of gauges. In particular, the complex structure of the limit could be different in general. The main technical ingredient is a Lojasiewicz type inequality for Perelman's μ functional near a critical point.
Energy inequalities for cutoff functions and some applications
Authors: Andres Sebastian , Barlow Martin T. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Let (𝒳,d,m) be a metric measure space with a local regular Dirichlet form. We establish necessary and sufficient conditions for upper heat kernel
bounds with sub-diffusive space-time exponent to hold. This characterization is
stable under rough isometries, that is it is preserved under bounded perturbations
of the Dirichlet form. Further, we give a criterion for stochastic completeness in terms of a Sobolev
inequality for cutoff functions. As an example we show that this criterion applies
to an anomalous diffusion on a geodesically incomplete fractal space, where the
well-established criterion in terms of volume growth fails.
Splitting theorems for Finsler manifolds of nonnegative Ricci curvature
Authors: Ohta Shin-ichi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

We investigate the structure of a Finsler manifold
of nonnegative weighted Ricci curvature including a straight line,
and extend the classical Cheeger–Gromoll–Lichnerowicz Splitting Theorem. Such a space admits a diffeomorphic, measure-preserving splitting in general. As for a special class of Berwald spaces, we can perform the isometric splitting
in the sense that there is a one-parameter family of isometries
generated from the gradient vector field of the Busemann function. A Betti number estimate is also given for Berwald spaces.
Silibinin hemisuccinate binding to proteins in plasma and blood cell/plasma partitioning in mouse, rat, dog and man in vitro
Authors: Persiani Stefano , Sala Federica , Cole Richard , Webber Guy , Caselli Gianfranco , Vaghi Paola , Rovati Lucio C. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background: The determination of plasma protein binding and blood cell/plasma partitioning is important when prescribing silibinin hemisuccinate to patients concomitantly receiving other drugs and to estimate the safety margins of exposure at the no observed adverse events levels determined from toxicity studies conducted in rats and dogs.

Methods: Protein binding of [3′-14C]silibinin hemisuccinate (1, 10, 100, 1000 and 4000 μM) was evaluated in human, dog, rat and mouse plasma by ultrafiltration. Blood cell/plasma partitioning in all these species was also determined.

Results: Silibinin hemisuccinate is highly bound to plasma proteins with percentage binding ranging from 94.3% to 97.8%. Its association with blood cells was negligible (<7%) in all species. The degree of protein binding was concentration independent up to the pharmacologically effective concentration of 100 μM. The blood cell/plasma partitioning indicates that distribution into blood cells is not an important feature for the disposition of silibinin hemisuccinate.

Conclusions: No corrections for fraction unbound are needed when comparing human and preclinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data at pharmacological doses, and it is appropriate to analyze plasma as opposed to whole blood for the determination of silibinin hemisuccinate concentrations.
On some new model category structures from old,
on the same underlying category
Authors: Stanculescu Alexandru E. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
We make a study of ℓℓ-extensions of
model category structures. We prove an
existence result of ℓℓ-extensions, present some
specific and some rather formal results
about them and give an application
of the existence result to the homotopy
theory of categories enriched over a
monoidal model category.
Synthesis of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines via isocyanide-based four-component reaction
Authors: Aminkhani Ali 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Synthesis of 3-(t-butylimino or cyclohexylimino)-2-aryl-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-1,1(10bH)-dicarbonitriles was developed through a one-pot four- component high-yield reaction of malononitrile, an aldehyde, isoquinoline and t-butylisocyanide or cyclohexylisocyanide. The simple, mild, and efficient reaction is conducted in dichloromethane at room temperature.
Drying of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) timber in oscillation climates: drying time and quality
Authors: Milić Goran , Kolin Branko , Lovrić Aleksandar , Todorović Nebojša , Popadić Ranko 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The influence of oscillating climate conditions during the conventional drying of beech timber on drying time and drying quality has been analyzed. Three conventional drying cycles were carried out as well as nine cycles, in which the oscillations of equilibrium moisture content (EMC), temperature, and their combination were applied. The combinations of two amplitudes (10% or 20%) and two frequencies (3 or 6 h) were used in different test runs. Higher drying quality regarding casehardening was achieved both in runs with oscillations of EMC (gap values 2.2–2.4 mm) and in runs with temperature oscillations (gap values 2.3–2.4 mm) compared with conventional runs (gap values 2.5–2.9 mm). The oscillations of both temperature and EMC did not improve any of the observed parameters.
Chemistry and water-repelling properties of phenyl-incorporating wood composites
Authors: Van Opdenbosch Daniel , Dörrstein Jörg , Klaithong Somruedee , Kornprobst Tobias , Plank Johann , Hietala Sami , Zollfrank Cordt 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The properties of materials are presented, which are resulting from a combined inorganic-organic modification of wood with phenyltrimethoxysilane or phenyltriethoxysilane in a simple one-step impregnation treatment. The permanent swelling of the wood showed that the precursors entered the cell walls. The inclusion of phenyl groups, manifest by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, made the resulting wood composites highly hydrophobic, as evidenced by their low wettability and antishrink efficiencies of up to 44%. Impedance spectroscopy indicated that wood methylol groups took part in the condensation reactions with hydrated siloxanes, contributing to the high hydrophobicity and making the added phase resistant to leaching. The composites exhibited high weight percentage gains of up to 52% and ash contents up to 19%. The thermal properties of precursor solutions and products were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis and compared with the more common silica precursor, tetraethyl orthosilicate.
Potential importance of Maackia amurensis agglutinin in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Mehta Sangeeta , Chhetra Rakhee , Srinivasan Radhika , Sharma Suresh C. , Behera Digambar , Ghosh Sujata 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Maackia amurensis agglutinin is a NeuNAcα (2–3) Galβ (1–4) GlcNAc/Glc-specific lectin, which was shown to have diagnostic potential in cancers of different origin. In a previous report, we demonstrated that GM3 specific IgG from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients interacted with ∼66kDa membrane glycoprotein band of NSCLC cell lines, which was also recognised by this lectin. This observation prompted us to assess the potential of Maackia amurensis agglutinin in NSCLC. Accordingly, we examined the reactivity of this lectin with NSCLC cell lines as well as the tissue biopsies and cells obtained from fine needle aspirations of NSCLC patients. Maackia amurensis agglutinin showed strong reactivity, specifically with cells and biopsy samples of NSCLC origin. Furthermore, this lectin was found to induce apoptosis in NSCLC cells. The mechanism of this lectin-induced apoptosis involved downregulation of Bcl-XL, upregulation of Bax, release of cytochrome c and activation of procaspase-3. Collectively our results have suggested that Maackia amurensis agglutinin may have the potential to serve as a unique probe for detection of NSCLC and also as a specific apoptosis-inducing agent in NSCLC cells.
Kinin B1 receptor gene ablation affects hypothalamic CART productionb
Authors: Torres Hugo A.M. , Louise Motta Fabiana , Sales Vicencia Micheline , Batista Carolina , da Silva Joelcimar M. , Vignoli Thiago , Barnabé Gabriela F. , Goeldner Francine O. , D’Almeida Vânia , Bittencourt Jackson C. , Sinigaglia-Coimbra Rita , Bader Michael , Mello Luiz Eugênio A.M. , Pesquero João Bosco 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
A role for the kinin B1 receptor in energy-homeostatic processes was implicated in previous studies; notably, the studies where kinin B1 receptor knockout mice (B1-/-) were shown to have impaired adiposity, impaired leptin and insulin production, lower feed efficiency, protection from liver steatosis and diet-induced obesity when fed a high fat diet (HFD). In particular, in a model where the B1 receptor is expressed exclusively in the adipose tissue, it rescues the plasma insulin concentration and the weight gain seen in wild type mice. Taking into consideration that leptin participates in the formation of hypothalamic nuclei, which modulate energy expenditure, and feeding behavior, we hypothesized that these brain regions could also be altered in B1-/- mice. We observed for the first time a difference in the gene expression pattern of cocaine and amphetamine related transcript (CART) in the (lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) resulting from the deletion of the kinin B1 receptor gene. The correlation between CART expression in the LHA and the thwarting of diet-induced obesity corroborates independent correlations between CART and obesity. Furthermore, it seems to indicate that the mechanism underlying the ‘lean’ phenotype of B1-/- mice does not stem solely from changes in peripheral tissues but may also receive contributions from changes in the hypothalamic machinery involved in energy homeostasis processes.