bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artesunate versus quinine in the treatment of severe imported malaria: comparative analysis of adverse events focussing on delayed haemolysis
Authors: Rolling Thierry , Wichmann Dominic , Schmiedel Stefan , Burchard Gerd D , Kluge Stefan , Cramer Jakob P 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Severe malaria is a potentially life-threatening infectious disease. It has been conclusively shown that artesunate compared to quinine is superior in antiparasitic efficacy and in lowering mortality showing a better short-term safety profile. Regarding longer-term effects, reports of delayed haemolysis after parenteral artesunate for severe malaria in returning travellers have been published recently. So far, delayed haemolysis has not been described after the use of parenteral quinine.

Methods
In this retrospective study, all patients treated for severe malaria at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf were included between 2006 and 2012. The primary endpoint was the proportion of delayed haemolysis in patients treated with quinine versus those who received artesunate. As secondary endpoint, the proportion of any adverse event was assessed.

Results
A total of 36 patients with severe malaria were included in the analysis. Of these, 16 patients contributed sufficient data to assess the endpoint delayed haemolysis. Twelve were treated primarily with intravenous quinine – with four patients having received intrarectal artesunate as an adjunct treatment – and five patients were treated primarily with artesunate. Five cases of delayed haemolysis could be detected – two in patients treated with quinine and intrarectal artesunate and three in patients treated with artesunate. No case of delayed haemolysis was detected in patients treated with quinine alone.
While adverse events observed in patients treated with artesunate were limited to delayed haemolysis (three patients, 60%) and temporary deterioration in renal function (three patients, 60%), patients treated with quinine showed a more diverse picture of side effects with 22 patients (71%) experiencing at least one adverse event. The most common adverse events after quinine were hearing disturbances (12 patients, 37%), hypoglycaemia (10 patients, 32%) and cardiotoxicity (three patients, 14%).

Conclusions
This study provides further evidence on delayed haemolysis after artesunate and underlines the importance of a standardized follow-up of patients treated with artesunate for severe malaria.
Role of moesin in hyaluronan induced cell migration in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: DeSouza Leroi V , Matta Ajay , Karim Zia , Mukherjee Joydeep , Wang X Simon , Krakovska Olga , Zadeh Gelareh , Guha Abhijit , Siu KW Michael 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
A major barrier to effective treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the invasion of glioma cells into the brain parenchyma rendering local therapies such as surgery and radiation therapy ineffective. GBM patients with such highly invasive and infiltrative tumors have poor prognosis with a median survival time of only about a year. However, the mechanisms leading to increased cell migration, invasion and diffused behavior of glioma cells are still poorly understood.

Methods
In the current study, we applied quantitative proteomics for the identification of differentially expressed proteins in GBMs as compared to non-malignant brain tissues.

Results
Our study led to the identification of 23 proteins showing overexpression in GBM; these include membrane proteins, moesin and CD44. The results were verified using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry in independent set of GBM and non-malignant brain tissues. Both GBM tissues and glioma cell lines (U87 / U373) demonstrated membranous expression of moesin and CD44, as revealed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, respectively. Notably, glioma cells transfected with moesin siRNA displayed reduced migration and invasion on treatment with hyaluronan (HA), an important component of the extracellular matrix in GBM. CD44, a transmembrane glycoprotein, acts as a major receptor for hyaluronan (HA). Using co-immunoprecipitation assays, we further demonstrated that moesin interacts with CD44 in glioma cells only after treatment with HA; this implicates a novel role of moesin in HA-CD44 signaling in gliomas.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that development of inhibitors which interfere with CD44-moesin interactions may open a new avenue in the future to mitigate cellular migration in gliomas.
Effect of chain architecture on the compression behavior of nanoscale polyethylene particles
Authors: Wu Jianyang , He Jianying , Odegard Gregory M , Zhang Zhiliang 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Polymeric particles with controlled internal molecular architectures play an important role as constituents in many composite materials for a number of emerging applications. In this study, classical molecular dynamics techniques are employed to predict the effect of chain architecture on the compression behavior of nanoscale polyethylene particles subjected to simulated flat-punch testing. Cross-linked, branched, and linear polyethylene chain architectures are each studied in the simulations. Results indicate that chain architecture has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of polyethylene nanoparticles, with the network configuration exhibiting higher compressive strengths than the branched and linear architectures. These findings are verified with simulations of bulk polyethylene. The compressive stress versus strain profiles of particles show four distinct regimes, differing with that of experimental micron-sized particles. The results of this study indicate that the mechanical response of polyethylene nanoparticles can be custom-tailored for specific applications by changing the molecular architecture.
Selective reporting - a half signalling load algorithm for distributed sensing
Authors: Gameiro Atílio , Ribeiro Carlos , Quaresma José 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Spectrum sensing is a powerful tool of the cognitive cycle to help circumvent the apparent spectrum scarcity faced by wireless transmission systems. To overcome the challenging issues faced by the localized sensing, multiple cognitive radios can cooperate to explore the multiuser diversity and generate a more reliable decision on the presence of a signal in the frequencies of interest. In such a cooperative sensing scenario, a common reporting channel is needed for the transmission of the information of each element. As the number of elements that participate in the sensing operation increases, so does the bandwidth demanded for the reporting channel, quickly becoming the limiting factor in this scenario. To tackle the issue of reducing the sensing report overhead, this paper introduces a new cooperative sensing scheme that introduces silence periods in the reporting and, relying on information theory principles, explores the information present in these periods to reduce by 50% the sensing reporting overhead while maintaining the same performance of standard reporting schemes. Numerical and experimental results confirm the theoretical analysis and show the predicted reduction in reporting overhead and performance preservation.
Physiological adaptations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae evolved for improved butanol tolerance
Authors: Ghiaci Payam , Norbeck Joakim , Larsson Christer 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundButanol is a chemical with potential uses as biofuel and solvent, which can be produced by microbial fermentation. However, the end product toxicity is one of the main obstacles for developing the production process irrespective of the choice of production organism. The long-term goal of the present project is to produce 2-butanol inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Therefore, unraveling the toxicity mechanisms of solvents such as butanol and understanding the mechanisms by which tolerant strains ofS. cerevisiaeadapt to them would be an important contribution to the development of a bio-based butanol production process.ResultsA butanol tolerantS. cerevisiaewas achieved through a series of sequential batch cultures with gradual increase of 2-butanol concentration. The final mutant (JBA-mut) tolerates all different alcohols tested at higher concentrations compared to the wild type (JBA-wt). Proteomics analysis of the two strains grown under mild butanol-stress revealed 46 proteins changing their expression by more than 1.5-fold inJBA-mut, 34 of which were upregulated. Strikingly, 21 out of the 34 upregulated proteins were predicted constituents of mitochondria. Among the non-mitochondrial up-regulated proteins, the minor isoform of Glycerol-3-phosphatase (Gpp2) was the most notable, since it was the only tested protein whose overexpression was found to confer butanol tolerance.ConclusionThe study demonstrates several differences between the butanol tolerant mutant and the wild type. Upregulation of proteins involved in the mitochondrial ATP synthesizing machinery constituents and glycerol biosynthesis seem to be beneficial for a successful adaptation of yeast cells to butanol stress.
Experimental investigation on the ultimate strength of partially infilled and steel-braced reinforced concrete frames
Authors: Damodar Dubey Shailendra Kumar , Kute Sunil Y 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Infilled walls are normally considered as nonstructural elements. However, these walls are effective in carrying lateral loads. In this regard, an experimental investigation was planned and conducted to study the effect of braced and partially concrete-infilled, reinforced concrete (RC) frames in comparison to the bare frames. All these frames were tested up to collapse and subjected to only horizontal loads to obtain an effective and possible solution for soft story. In comparison to bare RC frames, partially infilled frames have more lateral load capacity. Central bracing is more effective than that of corner bracing. For the same load, braced and partially infilled frames deflected significantly less than that of the bare frames. Based on experimental observations, a mathematical model has been proposed to calculate theoretical ultimate load for braced and partially infilled RC frames.
Abdominal vascular emergencies: US and CT assessment
Authors: Genovese Eugenio Annibale , Fonio Paolo , Floridi Chiara , Macchi Monica , Maccaferri Anna , Ianora Antonio Amato Stabile , Cagini Lucio , Carrafiello Gianpaolo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAcute vascular emergencies can arise from direct traumatic injury to the vessel or be spontaneous (non-traumatic).The vascular injuries can also be divided into two categories: arteial injury and venous injury.Most of them are life-treatening emergencies, sice they may cause an important ipovolemic shock or severe ischemia in their end organ and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.In the different clinical scenarios, the correct diagnostic approach to vascular injuries isn’t firmly established and advantages of one imaging technique over the other are not obvious.Ultrasound (US) is an easy accessible, safe and non-invasive diagnostic modality but Computed Tomography (CT) with multiphasic imaging study is an accurate modality to evaluate the abdominal vascular injuries therefore can be considered the primary imaging modality in vascular emergencies.The aim of this review article is to illustrate the different imaging options for the diagnosis of abdominal vascular emergencies, including traumatic and non traumatic vessel injuries, focusing of US and CT modalities.
Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in blunt abdominal trauma
Authors: Cagini Lucio , Gravante Sabrina , Malaspina Corrado Maria , Cesarano Elviro , Giganti Melchiorre , Rebonato Alberto , Fonio Paolo , Scialpi Michele 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In the assessment of polytrauma patient, an accurate diagnostic study protocol with high sensitivity and specificity is necessary. Computed Tomography (CT) is the standard reference in the emergency for evaluating the patients with abdominal trauma. Ultrasonography (US) has a high sensitivity in detecting free fluid in the peritoneum, but it does not show as much sensitivity for traumatic parenchymal lesions. The use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) improves the accuracy of the method in the diagnosis and assessment of the extent of parenchymal lesions. Although the CEUS is not feasible as a method of first level in the diagnosis and management of the polytrauma patient, it can be used in the follow-up of traumatic injuries of abdominal parenchymal organs (liver, spleen and kidneys), especially in young people or children.
Effects of surface energies of biomimetic materials for stone conservation on reinforcement properties
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liu Qingju , Zhang Jin , Zhu Zhongqi , Zhang Bingjian 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The conservation of historic stone buildings and sculptures is recently receiving growing attention and becoming a focus of research. However, it is difficult to estimate the effects of stone conservation, especially consolidating treatments. In this work, some biomimetic materials for stone conservation were prepared. The interaction between the protective materials and stone substrate was researched by testing their surface energy. Some thermodynamic parameters, including interfacial tension (γ

fm
) and work of adhesion (W

a
), were calculated. The effects of interaction between the materials and substrate on reinforcement properties were investigated. The results show that the strength of materials’ adhesion to a solid surface could be better estimated from the value of W

a
/γ

fm
. It is helpful not only to indirectly determine the mechanical properties of the reinforcing agent but also to design some materials for stone conservation on a purpose not on a rather hit-or-miss basis.
Optimization of macroelement concentrations, pH and osmolarity for triacylglycerol accumulation in Rhodococcus opacus strain PD630
Authors: Janßen Helge Jans , Ibrahim Mohammad H A , Bröker Daniel , Steinbüchel Alexander 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The refinement of biodiesel or renewable diesel from bacterial lipids has a great potential to make a contribution for energy production in the future. This study provides new data concerning suitable nutrient concentrations for cultivation of the Gram-positive Rhodococcus opacus PD630, which is able to accumulate large amounts of lipids during nitrogen limitation. Enhanced concentrations of magnesium have been shown to increase the final optical density and the lipid content of the cells. Elevated phosphate concentrations slowed down the onset of the accumulation phase, without a clear effect on the final optical density and the cell’s lipid content. A robust growth of R. opacus was possible in the presence of ammonium concentrations of up to 1.4 g l-1 and sucrose concentrations of up to 240 g l-1, with an optimum regarding growth and lipid storage observed in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 g l-1 ammonium and 20 to 40 g l-1 sucrose, respectively. Moreover, R. opacus showed tolerance to high salt concentrations.
Controlled root targeted delivery of fertilizer using an ionically crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel matrix
Authors: Davidson Drew W , Verma Mohit S , Gu Frank X 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Aims
The recent increases in food prices caused by the corresponding increases in fertilizer costs have highlighted the demand for reducing the overuse of fertilizers in industrial agriculture. There has been increasing interest in developing plant root-targeted delivery (RTD) of fertilizers in order to address the problem of inefficient fertilizer use. The aim of this study is to develop a low cost controlled release device to deliver fertilizers to plant roots and thereby increase fertilizer use efficiency.

Methods
The Root Targeted Delivery Vehicle (RTDV) is formed by dissolving Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) chains in water, mixing it with liquid fertilizer and crosslinking using iron and calcium salts. Basic measurements quantifying nutrient release and green house growth trials were carried out to evaluate fertilizer use efficiency on wheat growing in nutrient depleted soil media.

Results
Growing wheat in nutrient depleted media showed that the RTDV permits a 78% reduction in the amount of fertilizer needed to achieve similar levels of plant yield in these conditions. Quantifying the losses associated with the RTDV synthesis showed that optimizing manufacturing could possibly increase this value as high as 94%. Furthermore, the delivery device showed a similar lifetime in soil to the plant’s growth cycle, delivering fertilizer over the course of the plant’s growth before removal from soil by degradation.

Conclusions
These results illustrate the importance of fertilizer delivery in facilitating absorption and may have potential to vastly increase the use efficiency of fertilizers in soil, resulting in a significant reduction of costs and environmental damage. With more in depth study to quantify the fertilizer release and refine the device, there is great potential for the use of the RTDV as an effective means to increase fertilizer use efficiency in agriculture.
Stochastic extension of cellular manufacturing systems: a queuing-based analysis
Authors: Fardis Fatemeh , Zandi Afagh , Ghezavati Vahidreza 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Clustering parts and machines into part families and machine cells is a major decision in the design of cellular manufacturing systems which is defined as cell formation. This paper presents a non-linear mixed integer programming model to design cellular manufacturing systems which assumes that the arrival rate of parts into cells and machine service rate are stochastic parameters and described by exponential distribution. Uncertain situations may create a queue behind each machine; therefore, we will consider the average waiting time of parts behind each machine in order to have an efficient system. The objective function will minimize summation of idleness cost of machines, sub-contracting cost for exceptional parts, non-utilizing machine cost, and holding cost of parts in the cells. Finally, the linearized model will be solved by the Cplex solver of GAMS, and sensitivity analysis will be performed to illustrate the effectiveness of the parameters.
Hypoxia preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promote liver regeneration in a rat massive hepatectomy model
Authors: Yu Jun , Yin Shengyong , Zhang Wu , Gao Feng , Liu Yuanxing , Chen Zhiyun , Zhang Min , He Jiangjuan , Zheng Shusen 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have been reported to facilitate liver regeneration after toxic injuries. However, the effect of BMMSCs on liver regeneration after massive hepatectomy is barely studied. Here we explored whether infusion of BMMSCs promotes liver regeneration in a rat massive hepatectomy model.

Methods
Hypoxia preconditioning was achieved by culturing BMMSCs under a hypoxia environment. Then 85% hepatectomy was performed and hypoxia or normoxia preconditioned BMMSCs were infused into the portal vein. A group of rats received vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) neutralizing antibody perioperatively, and underwent 85% hepatectomy and a subsequent infusion of hypoxia preconditioned BMMSCs to verify the role of VEGF in the effects of BMMSCs on liver regeneration. Liver samples were collected and liver regeneration was evaluated postoperatively.

Results
Hypoxia preconditioning enhanced the expression of VEGF in BMMSCs in vitro. Infusion of BMMSCs promoted proliferation of hepatocytes, reflected by elevated cyclin D1 expression and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive hepatocytes. However, BMMSC infusion did not improve the serum albumin level, liver weight/body weight ratio, and survival after operation. Infusion of hypoxia preconditioned BMMSCs significantly elevated cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive hepatocytes, liver weight/body weight ratio, and survival compared with normoxia preconditioned BMMSCs, accompanied by an increased serum albumin level. The level of VEGF in liver homogenate was much higher in hypoxia preconditioned BMMSC-treated animals than in other groups. In addition, the perioperative injection of VEGF neutralizing antibody significantly blocked the therapeutic effects of hypoxia preconditioned BMMSCs on liver injury and regeneration in this model.

Conclusion
Hypoxia preconditioned BMMSCs enhanced liver regeneration after massive hepatectomy in rats, possibly by upregulating the level of VEGF.
Quantification of a Proteotypic Peptide from Protein C Inhibitor by Liquid Chromatography–Free SISCAPA-MALDI Mass Spectrometry: Application to Identification of Recurrence of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Razavi Morteza , Johnson Lisa DS , Lum Julian J , Kruppa Gary , Anderson N Leigh , Pearson Terry W 
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND
Biomarker validation remains one of the most challenging constraints to the development of new diagnostic assays. To facilitate biomarker validation, we previously developed a chromatography-free stable isotope standards and capture by antipeptide antibodies (SISCAPA)-MALDI assay allowing rapid, high-throughput quantification of protein analytes in large sample sets. Here we applied this assay to the measurement of a surrogate proteotypic peptide from protein C inhibitor (PCI) in sera from patients with prostate cancer.

METHODS
A 2-plex SISCAPA-MALDI assay for quantification of proteotypic peptides from PCI and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) was used to measure these peptides in 159 trypsin-digested sera collected from 51 patients with prostate cancer. These patients had been treated with radiation with or without neoadjuvant androgen deprivation.

RESULTS
Patients who experienced biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer showed decreased serum concentrations of the PCI peptide analyte within 18 months of treatment. The PCI peptide concentrations remained increased in the sera of patients who did not experience cancer recurrence. Prostate-specific antigen concentrations had no predictive value during the same time period.

CONCLUSIONS
The high-throughput, liquid chromatography–free SISCAPA-MALDI assay is capable of rapid quantification of proteotypic PCI and sTfR peptide analytes in complex serum samples. Decreased serum concentrations of the PCI peptide were found to be related to recurrence of prostate cancer in patients treated with radiation with or without hormone therapy. However, a larger cohort of patients will be required for unequivocal validation of the PCI peptide as a biomarker for clinical use.
Healthy ageing: The Get a Life Marching Band
Authors: Frerich Jessica Bentley 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This article features the Get a Life Marching Band, an American adult marching band in Portland, Oregon formed in 1994. My study began during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans in 2010 and involved observations, interviews and a survey of members. The primary themes that emerged from my investigation were that band members strive to have fun, spread the joy of music and share their energy with the audience. In this report I discuss the organization’s history, mission, purpose, activities, people and impact.
The Effects of Transactions Costs and Social Distance: Evidence from a Field Experiment
Authors: Meer Jonathan , Rigbi Oren 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
We use data from a field experiment at Kiva, the online microfinance platform, to examine the role of transactions costs and social distance in decision-making. Requests for loans are either written in English or another language, and our treatment consists of posting requests in the latter category with or without translation. We find evidence that relatively small transactions costs have a large effect on the share of funding coming from speakers of languages other than that in which the request was written. Social distance plays a smaller role in funding decisions.