bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of coagulation factors on discrepancies in International Normalized Ratio results between instruments
Authors: Sølvik Una Ørvim , Røraas Thomas Helge , Petersen Per Hyltoft , Stavelin Anne Vegard , Monsen Grete , Sandberg Sverre 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe reasons for discrepancies between International Normalized Ratio (INR) results determined by point-of-care-instruments and laboratory measurements are not fully understood. In this study we investigated whether different levels of coagulation factors in the plasma of patients can explain some of the systematic and/or random parts of the difference in INR between the instruments.Blood samples were collected at four different patient visits from each of 34 outpatients on warfarin treatment. INR was determined on a laboratory instrument (STA CompactThe coagulation factors, especially fibrinogen, factors II and VII, could explain between 16% and 45% of the total variance of the differences in INR between instruments dependent on instruments compared. After correction for factors no systematic difference was seen for four of the six comparisons and the between- and within-subject variation of the differences were reduced by up to 69% and 52%, respectively.By correcting for the appropriate coagulation factors, especially the systematic differences, but also the between- and within-subject variation of the differences between instruments, were reduced. This indicates that different levels of coagulation factors in the plasma of the patients play an important role in explaining discrepancies between INR instruments.
Analytical performance, reference values and decision limits. A need to differentiate between reference intervals and decision limits and to define analytical quality specifications
Authors: Petersen Per Hyltoft , Jensen Esther A. , Brandslund Ivan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWith the increasing use of decision limits (action limits, cut-off points) specified for a number of analytical components in diagnosis and for action in critical situations, formulated in national or international recommendations, the traditional interpretation of reference intervals has been uncertain, and sometimes the two concepts are being mixed up by incorporating risk calculations in the reference intervals. There is, therefore, a need to clarify the two concepts and to keep them definitely separated. Reference intervals are the 95% limits for the descriptions of the distributions of the values of analytical components measured on reference samples from reference individuals. Decision limits are based on guidelines from national and international expert groups defining specific concentrations of certain components as limits for decision about diagnosis or well-defined specific actions. Analytical quality specifications for reference intervals have been defined for bias since the 1990s, but in the recommendations specified in the clinical guidelines analytical quality specifications are only scarcely defined. The demands for negligible biases are, however, even more essential for decision limits, as the choice is no longer left to the clinician, but emerge directly from the concentration. Even a small bias will change the number of diseased individuals, so the demands for negligible biases are obvious. A view over the analytical quality as published gives a variable picture of bias for many components, but with many examples of considerable bias which must be critical – yet no specifications have been stipulated until now.
Aberrant lamellar body counts noted on the Beckman Coulter Unicel DxH 800
Authors: Kyle Patrick B. , Lawrence Thomas J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe lamellar body count (LBC) plays a crucial role in fetal lung maturity testing. Lamellar bodies are often counted in the platelet channel of routine hematology analyzers, resulting in a rapid and inexpensive assay for fetal lung maturity. Recently, significant imprecision was noted during LBC validation on the Beckman Coulter Unicel DxH 800.The results of two Beckman Coulter Unicel DxH 800 instruments were compared to those of a Coulter LH 750 and Coulter LH 500. Three pools of amniotic fluid, commercial quality control materials, and proficiency test specimens were analyzed on all four instruments. Fifty patient specimens were also analyzed using the Coulter LH 500 and the Unicel DxH 800.The mean values and precision obtained from commercial quality control materials and proficiency test samples were comparable on all four instruments. However, many erroneously low LBC results were produced from amniotic fluid pools using both DxH 800 instruments. The erroneous values were approximately 50% lower than respective target values, occurred randomly, and affected the low, medium, and high LBC results. Inter-assay precision of the three pools ranged from 24.7 to 39.0 CV% on the DxH 800 instruments.The source of LBC errors likely involves the exclusion of smaller lamellar bodies from the counts. The DxH 800 combines new data fusion technology and mathematical algorithms to produce increased accuracy and flagging efficiency. Laboratorians should be aware that the improved specificity of the DxH 800 may preclude its use for this laboratory-developed test.
Evaluation of NGAL Test™, a fully-automated neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) immunoassay on Beckman Coulter AU 5822
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Aloe Rosalia , Storelli Antonietta , Cervellin Gianfranco , Trenti Tommaso 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been identified as the most promising biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI). This study was aimed to evaluate a NGAL immunoassay on Beckman Coulter AU 5822.NGAL Test™ (BioPorto Diagnostics A/S) is a particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay. The within-and between-run imprecision were assessed on three urine samples. The linearity was assessed by serially diluting two urine samples with low and high NGAL concentration. The comparison study was performed with Abbott ARCHITECT NGAL, on 70 urine samples.The within-run imprecision was comprised between 1.0% and 2.3%, whereas the between-run imprecision was between 1.2% and 2.0%. The linearity was excellent in the range between 18 ng/mL and 790 ng/mL (r=1.000; p<0.001). A highly significant agreement was observed between NGAL Test™ on Beckman Coulter AU5822 and Abbott ARCHITECT NGAL (r=0.925; p<0.001), although the method exhibited a bias of +65%. Excellent sensitivity and specificity against the ARCHITECT values were found at 200 ng/mL.This analytical evaluation attests that the NGAL Test™ has several technical and analytical advantages, including no manual pretreatment, low volume of sample (i.e., 3 μL), fast turnaround time (approx. 10 min), low imprecision, wide dynamic range, optimal linearity.
Inhibition of Aeromonas sobria serine protease (ASP) by α2-macroglobulin
Authors: Murakami Yoji , Wada Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Hidetomo , Irie Atsushi , Hasegawa Makoto , Yamanaka Hiroyasu , Okamoto Keinosuke , Eto Masatoshi , Imamura Takahisa 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
ASP is a serine protease secreted by Aeromonas sobria. ASP cleaves various plasma proteins, which is associated with onset of sepsis complications, such as shock and blood coagulation disorder. To investigate a host defense mechanism against this virulence factor, we examined the plasma for ASP inhibitor(s). Human plasma inhibited ASP activity for azocasein, which was almost completely abolished by treating plasma with methylamine, which inactivates α2-macroglobulin (α2-MG). The ASP-inhibitor complex in ASP-added plasma was not detected by immunoblotting using anti-ASP antibody; however, using gel filtration of the plasma ASP activity for an oligopeptide, the ASP substrate was eluted in the void fraction (M
w>200 000), suggesting ASP trapping by α2-MG. Indeed, human α2-MG inhibited ASP azocaseinolytic activity in a dose-dependent manner, rapidly forming a complex with the ASP. Fibrinogen degradation by ASP was completely inhibited in the presence of α2-MG. α1-Protease inhibitor, antithrombin, and α2-plasmin inhibitor neither inhibited ASP activity nor formed a complex with ASP. Surprisingly, ASP degraded these plasma serine protease inhibitors. Thus, α2-MG is the major ASP inhibitor in the human plasma and can limit ASP virulence activities in A. sobria infection sites. However, as shown by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, slow ASP inhibition by α2-MG in plasma may indicate insufficient ASP control in vivo.
An acetylation site in lectin domain modulates the biological activity of polypeptide GalNAc-transferase-2
Authors: Zlocowski Natacha , Lorenz Virginia , Bennett Eric P. , Clausen Henrik , Nores Gustavo A. , Irazoqui Fernando J. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Polypeptide GalNAc-transferases (ppGalNAc-Ts) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the initiation of mucin-type O-glycosylation. All ppGalNAc-T family members contain a common (QXW)3 motif, which is present in the R-type lectin group. The acetylation site K521 is part of the QKW motif of β-trefoil in the lectin domain of ppGalNAc-T2. We used a combination of acetylation and site-directed mutagenesis approaches to examine the functional role of K521 in ppGalNAc-T2. Binding assays of non-acetylated and acetylated forms of the mutant ppGalNAc-T2K521Q to various naked and αGalNAc-glycosylated mucin peptides indicated that the degree of interaction of lectin domain with αGalNAc depends on the peptide sequence of mucin. Studies of the inhibitory effect of various carbohydrates on the interactions of ppGalNAc-T2 with MUC1αGalNAc indicate that point K521Q mutation enhance the carbohydrate specificity of lectin domain for αGalNAc. K521Q mutation resulted in an enzyme activity lower than that of the wild-type ppGalNAc-T2, similar to the acetylation of ppGalNAc-T2. We conclude that an acetylation site in the QKW motif of the lectin domain modulates carbohydrate recognition specificity and catalytic activity of ppGalNAc-T2 for partially preglycosylated acceptors and a certain naked peptide. Posttranslational modifications of ppGalNAc-Ts, such as acetylation, may play key roles in modulating the functions of the R-type lectin domains in cellular homeostasis.
Covalent and non-covalent reversible proteasome inhibition
Authors: Beck Philipp , Dubiella Christian , Groll Michael 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The 20S proteasome core particle (CP) is the proteolytically active key element of the ubiquitin proteasome system that directs the majority of intracellular protein degradation in eukaryotic cells. Over the past decade, the CP has emerged as an anticancer therapy target after approval of the first-in-class drug bortezomib (Velcade®) by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, bortezomib and all second-generation CP inhibitors that are currently explored in clinical phase studies react covalently and most often irreversibly with the proteolytic sites of the CP, hereby causing permanent CP blockage. Furthermore, reactive head groups result in unspecific binding to proteasomal active centers and in substantial enzymatic off-target activities that translate to severe side effects. Thus, reversible proteasome inhibitors might be a promising alternative, overcoming these drawbacks, but are challenging with respect to their urge for thorough enthalpic and entropic optimization. This review describes developments in the hitherto neglected field of reversible proteasome inhibitors focusing on insights gained from crystal structures, which provide valuable knowledge and strategies for future directions in drug development.
PhoB transcriptional activator binds hierarchically to pho box promoters
Authors: Blanco Alexandre G. , Canals Albert , Coll Miquel 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The PhoR-PhoB phosphorelay is a bacterial two-component system that activates the transcription of several genes involved in phosphate uptake and assimilation. The response begins with the autophosphorylation of the sensor kinase PhoR, which activates the response regulator PhoB. Upon binding to the pho box DNA sequence, PhoB recruits the RNA polymerase and thereby activates the transcription of specific genes. To unveil hitherto unknown molecular mechanisms along the activation pathway, we report biochemical data characterizing the PhoB binding to promoters containing multiple pho boxes and describe the crystal structure of two PhoB DNA-binding domains bound in tandem to a 26-mer DNA.
Structural origins of AGC protein kinase inhibitor selectivities: PKA as a drug discovery tool
Authors: Åberg Espen , Lund Bjarte , Pflug Alexander , Gani Osman A.B.S.M. , Rothweiler Ulli , de Oliveira Taianà M. , Engh Richard A. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The era of structure-based protein kinase inhibitor design began in the early 1990s with the determination of crystal structures of protein kinase A (PKA, or cyclic AMP-dependent kinase). Although many other protein kinases have since been extensively characterized, PKA remains a prototype for studies of protein kinase active conformations. It serves well as a model for the structural properties of AGC subfamily protein kinases, clarifying inhibitor selectivity profiles. Its reliable expression, constitutive activity, simple domain structure, and reproducible crystallizability have also made it a useful surrogate for the discovery of inhibitors of both established and emerging AGC kinase targets.
The role of program, people, process, policy and place (5Ps) in the implementation of a positive youth development program
Authors: Wu Florence K.Y. , Shek Daniel T.L. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
There is scant literature about identifying factors contributing to the success of the implementation of programs to help understand the interrelationships among multiple facets of implementation. In this paper, a front-line implementer reviewed the execution practice of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) in her former school in terms of program, people, process, policy and place (5Ps). By examining the factors contributing to the success of the implementation, the authors intend to fill the gap between the research and the practical school-based front-line implementation. Although the program implementation process was examined in researchers’ “expert” perspective, it would be helpful if more research employed front-line workers as collaborators and participants in the implementation process to understand what actually happen in the program implementation process.
Program implementers’ evaluation of Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong: a study based on different cohorts
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Tsui Pik Fong 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
A total of 216 schools participated in the Tier 1 Program (Secondary 1, 2 and 3 levels) of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) in the 2008/09 school year. Based on the subjective outcome evaluation findings collected from students and instructors in each grade, the program implementers wrote down five conclusions in their reports. Utilizing secondary data analysis, the conclusions in the reports were further analyzed. Results showed that most of the conclusions concerning perceptions of the program, instructors and effectiveness of the program were positive in nature. There were also conclusions indicating difficulties encountered and recommendations for improvement. The result of the present study is consistent with previous studies using the same method as well as using other evaluation means for the same grades. The findings suggest that the Tier 1 Program is well received by the stakeholders and the program is effective in promoting the holistic development of adolescents.
Implementation of the Secondary 3 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S.: observations based on the co-walker scheme
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Ma Cecilia M.S. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The present study was conducted to explore the implementation quality of the Secondary 3 Program of the Tier 1 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) in the third year of the Full Implementation Phase. Classroom observations of 182 units in 129 schools were conducted. Results showed that the overall level of program adherence was 73.9%. Thirteen aspects concerning program delivery were significantly correlated. Multiple regression analyses revealed that overall implementation quality was significantly predicted by student participation and involvement, strategies to enhance student motivation, use of positive and supportive feedback, degree of achievement of the objectives, and lesson preparation. Success of implementation was significantly predicted by student participation and involvement, classroom control, use of positive and supportive feedback, opportunity for reflection, degree of achievement of the objectives and time management. The present findings generally suggest that the implementation quality of Project P.A.T.H.S. was high.
No changes in cochlear implant mapping and audiometric parameters in adolescence
Authors: Geal-Dor Miriam , Adelman Cahtia , Adler Miriam , Fostick Leah , Levi Haya 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background: Audiologists mapping in the clinic report that many cochlear-implanted teenagers and their parents complain of deterioration in hearing capabilities. The aim of this study was to compare the mapping parameters measured over the years and determine whether more changes occurred throughout adolescence than during childhood.

Methods: The files of 23 cochlear-implanted teenagers were studied retrospectively. Data were collected for each individual at several time points between the ages of 6.5 and 18.25 years. Typical data collected from the mapping sessions included behaviorally measured T values, impedance results, audiogram thresholds in the free field with the implant, speech reception threshold, and speech perception of vowel-consonant-vowel syllables.

Results: No changes were found in either the behavioral or the objective parameters over the years.

Conclusions: The stability in mapping and audiometric measurements found in adolescence do not support an explanation based on hormonal and growth effects on implant function. Perhaps a more likely cause of the subjective sense of hearing deterioration is related to changes in social and educational requirements.
Value of Doppler sonography near term: can umbilical and uterine artery indices in low-risk pregnancies predict perinatal outcome?
Authors: Bolz Nora , Kalache Karim D. , Fotopoulou Christina , Proquitte Hans , Slowinski Torsten , Hartung John P. , Henrich Wolfgang , Bamberg Christian 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Aim: The goal of this study was to evaluate the umbilical and uterine Doppler velocimetry waveforms for predicting the perinatal outcome of low-risk pregnancies at term.

Methods: We prospectively recruited 514 women with low-risk pregnancies and performed umbilical and uterine artery Doppler assessments between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound measurements (completed in 365 patients) were correlated with the perinatal outcome.

Results: The velocimetry waveforms of the umbilical artery were significantly associated with birthweight, placental weight, and postpartal umbilical artery pH. Low pH, placental weight, and birthweight were correlated with increasing pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI). An umbilical artery PI>1.2 and a uterine artery RI>0.5 were associated with statistically higher rates of infants that were small for gestational age (SGA). Also, high cesarean delivery rates were correlated with an umbilical artery PI>1.2.

Conclusions: In our low-risk pregnancies population, the elevated umbilical artery indices at term appeared to be associated with the higher rates of infants that were SGA and cesarean deliveries. The Doppler waveforms at term had low prognostic value for predicting neonatal acidosis or decreased Apgar scores.
Simulation und Evaluation von Echtzeit-Ethernet in
Fahrzeugnetzen
Authors: Steinbach Till , Korf Franz , Schmidt Thomas C. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Die Zunahme von elektronischen Systemen insbesondere im Fahrerassistenz- und
Komfortbereich der Fahrzeuge drängt die etablierten
Automotive-Kommunikations\-technologien an die Grenze ihrer
Leistungsfähigkeit. Ein neuer Ansatz für die Kommunikation zwischen
Steuergeräten ist Ethernet im Automobil. Echtzeiterweiterungen haben den
Einsatzbereich von Standard-Switched-Ethernet auf zeitkritische Anwendungen
ausgedehnt. Diese Arbeit stellt eine simulationsbasierte Evaluationsstrategie
für Echtzeit-Ethernet-basierte Vermittlungsinfrastrukturen im Fahrzeug vor.
Wir führen eine gründliche Analyse des zugrundeliegenden
Simulationsmodells durch, welche die Simulationsergebnisse mit Berechnungen
eines mathematischen Modells und Messungen auf echter Hardware vergleicht. Sehr
präzise Übereinstimmungen belegen die Gültigkeit der Implementierung
und der mit ihr ermittelten Kenngrößen.
Modeling the Behavior of IPTV Users with Application to Call Blocking
Probability Analysis
Authors: Abdollahpouri Alireza , Wolfinger Bernd E. , Lai Junyu , Vinti Catalin 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In traditional TV delivery systems, all the channels are pushed toward the
subscribers. Therefore, user activities like channel switching have no effect on
the provider network. Consequently, TV providers have felt no strong need to
analyze and investigate the behavior of their subscribers. In IPTV networks,
however, the situation is quite different. Channel switching activity of users
imposes extra load on the network and therefore is worth to be investigated and
analyzed. In this paper we elaborate the requirements of IPTV user modeling and
propose a model taking into account the requirements. The model is implemented
using the LoadSpec tool. Our proposed model can produce, in a realistic manner,
the workload of switching events of a typical IPTV client during an active
session. The application of the proposed model for the IPTV analysis,
specifically, for the evaluation of the call blocking probability is shown by
two case studies.
Preparation and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/carbon nanotube (PVA/CNT) conductive nanofibers
Authors: Koysuren Ozcan 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The aim of this study was to prepare polyvinyl alcohol/carbon nanotube (PVA/CNT) conductive nanofibers by the electrospinning process. Prior to composite preparation, carbon nanotubes are dispersed homogeneously in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and mixed with a PVA solution. A series of PVA/CNT films and nanofibers with various CNT compositions are prepared. Electrical conductivity and specific capacitance of spin-coated PVA/CNT films and electrospun PVA/CNT fibers increase with an increase in CNT content. Electrospun PVA/CNT nanofibers with a larger electrode surface result in a higher specific capacitance when compared with spin-coated PVA/CNT films. According to the morphology analysis, homogeneous and highly porous PVA/CNT mats containing 50–300 nm diameter nanofibers are obtained by the electrospinning process.