bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CrypticIBDcheck: an R package for checking cryptic relatedness in nominally unrelated individuals
Authors: Nembot-Simo Annick , Graham Jinko , McNeney Brad 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
In population association studies, standard methods of statistical inference assume that study subjects are independent samples. In genetic association studies, it is therefore of interest to diagnose undocumented close relationships in nominally unrelated study samples.

Results
We describe the R package CrypticIBDcheck to identify pairs of closely-related subjects based on genetic marker data from single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The package is able to accommodate SNPs in linkage disequibrium (LD), without the need to thin the markers so that they are approximately independent in the population. Sample pairs are identified by superposing their estimated identity-by-descent (IBD) coefficients on plots of IBD coefficients for pairs of simulated subjects from one of several common close relationships.

Conclusions
The methods implemented in CrypticIBDcheck are particularly relevant to candidate-gene association studies, in which dependent SNPs cluster in a relatively small number of genes spread throughout the genome. The accommodation of LD allows the use of all available genetic data, a desirable property when working with a modest number of dependent SNPs within candidate genes. CrypticIBDcheck is available from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN).
Alleviating effects of morin against experimentally-induced diabetic osteopenia
Authors: Abuohashish Hatem M , Al-Rejaie Salim S , Al-Hosaini Khaled A , Parmar Mihir Y , Ahmed Mohammed M 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Plant flavonoids are emerging as potent therapeutic drugs effective against a wide range of aging diseases particularly bone metabolic disorders. Morin (3,5,7,20,40-pentahydroxyflavone), a member of flavonols, is an important bioactive compound by interacting with nucleic acids, enzymes and protein. The present study was designed to investigate the putative beneficial effect of morin on diabetic osteopenia in rats.

Methods
Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model was used by considering 300 mg/dl fasting glucose level as diabetic. Morin (15 and 30 mg/kg) was treated for five consecutive weeks to diabetic rats. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, deoxypyridinoline cross links (DPD), osteocalcin (OC), bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), telopeptides of collagen type I (CTX), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated. Femoral bones were taken for micro CT scan to measure trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) and other morphometric parameters.

Results
Significant bone loss was documented as the level of bone turnover parameters including DPD, OC, BALP and CTX were increased in serum of diabetic rats. Morin treatment significantly attenuated these elevated levels. Bone micro-CT scan of diabetic rats showed a significant impairment in trabecular bone microarchitecture, density and other morphometric parameters. These impairments were significantly ameliorated by morin administration. Serum levels of glucose, TBARS, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly elevated, while the level of insulin and GSH was decreased in diabetic rats. These serum changes in diabetic rats were bring back to normal values after 5 weeks morin treatment.

Conclusion
These findings revealed the protective effect of morin against diabetic induced osteopenia. We believed that this effect is through its both the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Complex roles of filamin-A mediated cytoskeleton network in cancer progression
Authors: Yue Jingyin , Huhn Steven , Shen Zhiyuan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractFilamin-A (FLNA), also called actin-binding protein 280 (ABP-280), was originally identified as a non-muscle actin binding protein, which organizes filamentous actin into orthogonal networks and stress fibers. Filamin-A also anchors various transmembrane proteins to the actin cytoskeleton and provides a scaffold for a wide range of cytoplasmic and nuclear signaling proteins. Intriguingly, several studies have revealed that filamin-A associates with multiple non-cytoskeletal proteins of diverse function and is involved in several unrelated pathways. Mutations and aberrant expression of filamin-A have been reported in human genetic diseases and several types of cancer. In this review, we discuss the implications of filamin-A in cancer progression, including metastasis and DNA damage response.
Pharmacy-Based Medication Reconciliation Program Utilizing Pharmacists and Technicians: A Process Improvement Initiative
Authors: Smith Stephanie B. , Mango Michael D. 
Published: February 2013

Background Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have an opportunity to impact the quality of the medication histories and improve patient safety by ensuring accurate medication lists are obtained and complete reconciliation has occurred with the admission medication orders by owning the admission medication reconciliation process. Objective To compare the quality of a pharmacy-based medication reconciliation program on admission utilizing pharmacists and technicians to the usual multidisciplinary process. Methods This was a retrospective chart review process improvement study at a 186-bed tertiary care inpatient facility. Primary outcomes included both the accuracy of pre-admission medications listed and the reconciliation of those medications with admission inpatient orders. Technicians obtained patient medication histories. Pharmacists checked the technician-obtained medication histories and ensured reconciliation of those medications with admission orders. Results Medication accuracy increased from 45.8% to 95% per patient ( P < .001) and medication reconciliation increased from 44.2% to 92.8% ( P < .001) and remained above benchmark. Conclusion A pharmacy-based medication reconciliation program utilizing both pharmacists and technicians significantly increased the accuracy and reconciliation of medications on admission. These gains were maintained for the duration of the 6-month period studied and beyond per continued process improvement data collection.
Crizotinib: A New Treatment Option for ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: O'Bryant Cindy L , Wenger Sarah D , Kim Miryoung , Thompson Lisa A 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE: To review the characteristics and clinical trial data of crizotinib in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). DATA SOURCE: A literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE (up to December 2012) was performed using the terms crizotinib, ALK-positive, non-small cell lung cancer, and PF-02341066. STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION: Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of crizotinib in a cohort of patients with ALK rearrangements and advanced NSCLC were evaluated. All peer-reviewed articles with clinically relevant information were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: ALK rearrangement results in an aberrant EML4-ALK fusion oncogene that constitutively activates ALK tyrosine kinase, resulting in inhibition of apoptosis and promotion of tumor cell proliferation. Approximately 3–5% of NSCLC exhibit this rearrangement. Crizotinib is an oral selective inhibitor of ALK and mesenchymal epithelial growth factor tyrosine kinases. Early phase trials with crizotinib showed improved response rates of 50–57% and extended duration of response of 6–10 months. Results of these studies led to accelerated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of crizotinib. Further clinical trial results confirmed improvement in response rates, duration of response, as well as progression-free survival in ALK-positive patients with NSCLC receiving crizotinib. The drug undergoes hepatic metabolism by CYP3A4 and demonstrates autoinhibition of CY3A4, thus predisposing it to drug interactions. The most frequent toxicities with crizotinib include mild visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, edema, and generally reversible, sometimes severe, elevations in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. CONCLUSIONS: Crizotinib is a novel targeted anticancer agent that appears to be a favorable treatment option for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC that is ALK-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test.
Targeted Immunotherapy for High-Risk Neuroblastoma—The Role of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Parsons Kerry , Bernhardt Brooke , Strickland Brandy 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review clinical trials evaluating anti-disialoganglioside (GD2) antibodies in treating high-risk neuroblastoma in children. DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (all searches 1990-August 2012) using the terms neuroblastoma, immunotherapy, 3F8, ch14.18, and hu14.18. Meeting abstracts presented between 1990 and 2012 from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society for Medical Oncology, the American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Society of Surgical Oncology, and the American Society of Hematology were also evaluated. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All completed and ongoing clinical trials of anti-GD2 antibodies in neuroblastoma were included. References from selected articles were also reviewed to identify additional citations. DATA SYNTHESIS: In 1999, the results of a Children's Cancer Group trial established that consolidation therapy after induction, surgery, and radiation should include purged autologous stem cell rescue followed by maintenance with isotretinoin. Overall survival at 7 years with this regimen remains below 30%. Over the following decade, antibodies targeting GD2, a surface antigen found on the surface of neuroblastoma cells, have emerged as a major therapeutic development for high-risk neuroblastoma. Anti-GD2 antibodies incite immune-mediated cytotoxicity toward neuroblastoma cells when given as monotherapy or in combination with cytokines such as sargramostim (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) or aldesleukin (interleukin-2). Responses to anti-GD2 agents appear most notable in patients with minimal residual disease following standard therapy. A chimeric preparation, ch14.18, is the only anti-GD2 antibody to be evaluated in a large controlled clinical trial, in which it demonstrated overall survival of 86% at 2 years in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. Older nonrandomized studies of ch14.18 monotherapy and 3F8, a murine antibody, suggest this survival rate remains between 50 and 85% at 5 years posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple GD2-specific monoclonal antibodies have been researched over the last decade in patients diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma. One anti-GD2 antibody, ch14.18, was found to significantly improve event-free and overall survival of high-risk neuroblastoma. Therefore, the standard approach to treating high-risk neuroblastoma is likely to undergo a major shift once an anti-GD2 antibody becomes commercially available.
Subclinical hypothyroidism and dyslipidemia in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Denzer Christian , Karges Beate , Näke Andrea , Rosenbauer Joachim , Schober Edith , Schwab Karl Otfried , Holl Reinhard W , _ _ 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveRecent epidemiological evidence suggests that subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), defined as elevated TSH concentrations with normal circulating levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), is associated with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease in adult populations. As currently no data are available on the prevalence of SCH and its potential association with lipoprotein profile in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), we investigated the prevalence of SCH and associated lipid levels in young diabetic patients.Design and methodsCross-sectional analysis of 22 747 children, adolescents, and young adults (age <25 years) with T1DM with normal T3and T4and either normal TSH (≥0.5 to <4.0 mIU/l, euthyroid group) or elevated TSH (≥4.0 to <25.0 mIU/l, SCH group) and simultaneous measurement of serum lipid and lipoprotein status.ResultsThe prevalence rate of SCH in the study population was 7.2%. Adjusted for age, gender, diabetes duration, current insulin dose, HbA1c, and BMIz-score, patients with SCH had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (178.7 vs 175.3 mg/dl,P<0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (97.0 vs 93.7 mg/dl,P<0.001) compared with euthyroid patients.ConclusionsSCH is a common finding in children, adolescents, and young adults with T1DM. SCH is associated with increased levels of total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol adjusted for potential confounders. SCH-associated increases in lipid and lipoprotein levels may therefore add to an increased long-term cardiovascular risk in young patients with T1DM.
A man with a DAX1/NR0B1 mutation, normal puberty, and an intact hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis but deteriorating oligospermia during long-term follow-up
Authors: Raffin-Sanson Marie-Laure , Oudet Bérénice , Salenave Sylvie , Brailly-Tabard Sylvie , Pehuet Martine , Christin-Maitre Sophie , Morel Yves , Young Jacques 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveDAX1/NR0B1 mutations cause primary adrenal insufficiency in early childhood and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HHG), leading to absent or incomplete sexual maturation. The aim of the study was to prospectively investigate gonadotrope and testicular functions in a patient carrying a DAX1 mutation, who had spontaneous puberty and normal virilization but oligospermia.Case reportThe proband was referred for infertility at the age of 32 years. He reported adrenal insufficiency diagnosed at the age of 19 years. Puberty started at the age of 13 years, with spontaneous virilization, growth spurt, and testicular growth. He reported normal libido and sexual function. Physical examination showed normal virilization, penile length, and testicular volume. However, semen samples showed severe oligospermia. Hormonal measurements confirmed adrenal insufficiency but showed a preserved hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis with normal testosterone and inhibin B; basal and GNRH-stimulated gonadotropin levels and LH pulsatility were also normal. He fathered a first boy by in vitro fertilization and a second boy without medical assistance. As a nephew also had early adrenal insufficiency, the possibility of DAX1 mutation was raised. The same recurrent hemizygous nonsense mutation W39X was found in the proband, his nephew, and in an apparently asymptomatic brother who was found to have adrenal insufficiency, mild HHG, and azoospermia. Several evaluations of the proband over 20 years showed preserved testosterone levels and LH secretion but deteriorating oligospermia.ConclusionLong-term preservation of normal hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal function in this patient, contrasting with his severe oligospermia, strongly suggests that DAX1 is required for human spermatogenesis, independently of its known role in gonadotropin secretion.
Variation of Hardness and Modulus across the Thickness of Zr-Cu-Al Metallic Glass Ribbons
Authors: Melgarejo Z. Humberto , Jakes J.E. , Hwang J. , Kalay Y.E. , Kramer M.J. , Voyles P.M. , Stone D.S. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTWe investigate through-thickness hardness and modulus of Zr50Cu45Al5 metallic glass melt-spun ribbon. Because of their thinness, the ribbons are challenging to measure, so we employ a novel nanoindentation based-method to remove artifacts caused by ribbon flexing and edge effects. Hardness and modulus vary approximately linearly across the thickness but, unlike bulk ingots, the side of the ribbon that cooled most quickly had the highest hardness and modulus. This “inverse” variation may be caused by the fast-moving solidification front, which might conceivably, for instance, push free volume in advance of it. Annealing near Tg causes both hardness and modulus to increase and become more uniform across the thickness.
Effects of Ga doping and nitridation on ZnO films prepared by RF Sputtering
Authors: Araki Takumi , Iwata Jun-ichi , Katsumata Hiroshi 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTGaZnO and GaZnON thin films were deposited on both Si (100) and c-axis oriented sapphire substratesby RF co-sputtering of ZnO target and Ga2O3tablets in Ar/O2 and Ar/N2, respectively, by changing the number of Ga2O3tablets (NGa2O3) placed on the ZnO target in the range of 0 to 16.They were subsequently annealed in N2 at 800 °C and then, some of the samples formed by Ar/O2-sputtering were subjected to NH3 treatment at 650 °C for nitridation. XRD measurements revealed that the c-axis lattice parameter calculated from the ZnO (002) peak for GaZnON film son Si (100) was remarkably larger than for GaZnO films on Si (100). Moreover, ZnO (002) was observed up to NGa2O3=16 for GaZnON films formed on sapphire, while no XRD peaks were observed above NGa2O3=8 for GaZnON films on Si(100). Optical band-gap ofGaZnO and GaZnON films became wider from 3.34to 3.67 eVand from 3.21to 3.40 eV, respectively, with increasing NGa2O3 from 0 to 16. Photoluminescence spectra of GaZnO films showed band-to-band emission at 380nm, while those of GaZnON films exhibited broad and weak peaks centered at 550 nm and 647nm.
Atomic Layer Deposition of SrO: Substrate and Temperature Effects
Authors: Wang Han , Jiang Xiaoqiang , Willis Brian G. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe atomic layer deposition (ALD) of SrO was conducted on various oxide surfaces by using strontium bis(tri-isopropylcyclopentadienyl) and water at deposition temperatures of 200 and 250°C. The initial and steady growth behaviors were studied by in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry and ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For initial growth, the growth per cycle (GPC) of SrO not only depends on the concentration of hydroxyl groups but also the formation of interfacial Sr-O-Si bonds. For the steady growth, in-situ annealing was used to enhance the growth rate and multiple growth regions were identified.
Band Structure and Effective Masses of Zn1-xMgxO
Authors: Franz Christian , Giar Marcel , Heinemann Markus , Czerner Michael , Heiliger Christian 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTWe analyze the influence of the Mg concentration on several important properties of the band structure of Zn1-xMgxO alloys in wurtzite structure using ab initio calculations. For this purpose, the band structure for finite concentrations is defined in terms of the Bloch spectral density, which can be calculated within the coherent potential approximation. We investigate the concentration dependence of the band gap and the crystal-field splitting of the valence bands. The effective electron and hole masses are determined by extending the effective mass model to finite concentrations. We compare our results with experimental results and other calculations.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of High-Surface-Area Mesoporous TiO2Nanoparticle Assemblies
Authors: Tamiolakis Ioannis , Lykakis Ioannis N. , Armatas Gerasimos S. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTMesoporous TiO2 nanoparticle assemblies have been synthesized via a surfactant-assisted aggregating process. The products feature a three-dimensional network of interconnected anatase-TiO2 NPs with large internal BET surface area (ca. 142–152 m2g-1) and uniform pores (ca. 7–8 nm). Preliminary catalytic experiments indicated that these mesophases exhibit excellent catalytic activity in UV-visible light oxidation of 1-phenylethanol with molecular oxygen.
Dependence of photoelectrochemical performance on TiO2 nanorod length
Authors: Chou Jen-Chun , Yang Min-Han , Gan Jon-Yiew 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTiO2 is one of the most promising photoanodes for solar-hydrogen conversion by water splitting. Recently, hydrothermally synthetic rutile TiO2 nanorods (NRs) show outstanding photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance in water splitting because of its large surface area, fast carrier transport, and short diffusion length. However, light absorption and carrier transport conflict. Few have investigated the dependence of PEC performance on NR length. This study examines how different TiO2 NR lengths grown on an FTO substrate affects their PEC performance when splitting water. The results show that the optimal absorption length of rutile TiO2 NRs is 3.75 μm. However, under simulated solar illumination (AM1.5 G), the maximum PEC efficiency of these TiO2 NRs is 0.33% at a length of 500 nm. This suggests that carrier transport is the most important variable for improving PEC efficiency.
Alloy design for reducing V content of dual two-phase Ni3Al-Ni3V intermetallic alloys
Authors: Hashimoto Takahiro , Kaneno Yasuyuki , Takasugi Takayuki 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study is to establish alloy designing which can reduce the amount of V for a Ni-base dual two-phase intermetallic alloy, without degenerating the dual two-phase microstructure. It was demonstrated that the favorable dual two-phase microstructure will be maintained as far as the valence electron concentration (e/a) of the alloys added by Cr is not so much different from that of the base alloy (i.e. the alloy without additive elements). Consequently, it was found that the dual two-phase microstructure was maintained even though the amounts of V were reduced by 7 at.%, 7 at.%, and 10at.% by substituting of Cr for V, Cr for both of Ni and V, and Cr for Ni, respectively. The hardness of the alloys with reduced V content was higher than that of the base alloy.
Micropillar Compression Deformation of Fe-Zn Intermetallic Compounds in the Coating Layer of Galvannealed Steel
Authors: Okamoto Norihiko L. , Kashioka Daisuke , Inui Haruyuki 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe deformation behavior of two of the five Fe-Zn intermetallic phases (Γ, Γ1, δ1k, δ1p and ζ), which are formed in the coating layer of galvannealed steel, has been investigated through uniaxial compression tests for single-phase polycrystalline micropillars. The ζ phase is ductile to some extent while the Γ1 phase is brittle. These results are consistent with the Peierls stress estimated from the crystal structures by assuming the primitive Peierls-Nabarro model.
Electronic and Ionic Transport Mechanisms of Stoichiometric Lithium Niobate at High-Temperatures
Authors: Weidenfelder Anke , Schulz Michal , Fielitz Peter , Shi Jianmin , Borchardt Günter , Becker Klaus-Dieter , Fritze Holger 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe electrical and electromechanical properties of lithium niobate single crystals are investigated at high-temperatures. The total electrical conductivity is determined as a function of temperature by impedance spectroscopy for Z-cut crystals with different lithium content. For stoichiometric lithium niobate (sLN) the activation energy is found to be (1.49 ± 0.03) eV in the temperature range from 500 to 900 °C.Further, the piezoelectric properties (resonance frequency, Q-factor) of X-cut lithium niobate crystals are determined at high temperatures for samples with compositions ranging from congruent to stoichiometric and, subsequently, compared to the conductivity data in order to identify loss contributions.In this context, the high-temperature stability is examined for X- and Z-cut samples with compositions ranging from congruent to stoichiometric. Series of samples with and without additional alumina protection layers are annealed in air at 900 °C for approximately 50 h. Subsequently, depth profiles are measured by SNMS. In all cases, no lithium loss is observed and, therefore, a high-temperature stability of sLN for at least 50 h at 900 °C can be assumed in ambient air.Further, the influence of protective layers with different thicknesses and compositions is investigated for X- and Z-cut samples. A lithium loss in the first 300 nm is observed for the Z-cut samples, while the X-cut samples show a behavior dependent on the type of protecting layer.