bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of Influence of Salt Additives on Mixed Reverse Micelles via Reverse Microemulsion Chromatography and UV–visible Spectroscopy
Authors: Chaladze Rusudan , Gvaramia Manuchar , Kurtanidze Manoni , Bezarashvili George , Rukhadze Marina 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Reverse micellar mobile phases based on poly(oxyethylene) (4) lauryl ether (Brij 30) and sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) were used as mobile phases in HPLC. The chromatographic behavior of the model compounds was studied on the basis of reverse micellar mobile phases modified by salt additives. The binding of o-nitroaniline (o-NA) to the micelles of Brij 30 was determined by UV–visible spectroscopy. The different influences of kosmotropic and chaotropic anions on the binding constant Kb was revealed. This may be controlled by the different arrangement of kosmotropic and chaotropic ions in the water core of reverse micelles.
Spontaneous Motion of a Belousov–Zhabotinsky Reaction Droplet Coupled with a Spiral Wave
Authors: Kitahata Hiroyuki , Yoshinaga Natsuhiko , Nagai Ken H , Sumino Yutaka 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In our previous work, we reported that a droplet of a Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction medium moves in one direction and then in the opposite direction, when a chemical wave propagates spherically inside the droplet. In the present study, we report our new results on the continuous motion of the BZ droplet, i.e., on the rotational and repeated back-and-forth motion when a spiral wave and a scroll ring propagated inside the droplet, respectively.
Social Interactions of Students with Disabilities Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Chung Yun-Ching , Carter Erik W. , Sisco Lynn G. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the naturally occurring social interactions for students with disabilities who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in general education classrooms. We observed 16 students who used AAC and received services under the categories of autism or intellectual disability. Participants primarily interacted with their support personnel and infrequently conversed with peers despite often being in close proximity. Few interaction episodes were initiated by students who used AAC, and initiations to peers and adults appeared to serve somewhat different functions. Students with disabilities relied more heavily on facial expressions and gestures than on the use of their AAC devices. Recommendations for promoting interaction opportunities among students are offered, and future research directions are suggested.
Clinical and Genetic Correlates of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in the Community
Authors: Ho Jennifer E , Mahajan Anubha , Chen Ming-Huei , Larson Martin G , McCabe Elizabeth L , Ghorbani Anahita , Cheng Susan , Johnson Andrew D , Lindgren Cecilia M , Kempf Tibor , Lind Lars , Ingelsson Erik , Vasan Ramachandran S , Januzzi James , Wollert Kai C , Morris Andrew P , Wang Thomas J 
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), a stress-responsive cytokine produced in cardiovascular cells under conditions of inflammation and oxidative stress, is emerging as an important prognostic marker in individuals with and without existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). We therefore examined the clinical and genetic correlates of circulating GDF15 concentrations, which have not been investigated collectively.

METHODS
Plasma GDF15 concentrations were measured in 2991 participants in the Framingham Offspring Study who were free of clinically overt CVD (mean age, 59 years; 56% women). Clinical correlates of GDF15 were examined in multivariable analyses. We then conducted a genomewide association study of the GDF15 concentration that included participants in the Framingham Offspring Study and participants in the PIVUS (Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors) study.

RESULTS
GDF15 was positively associated with age, smoking, antihypertensive treatment, diabetes, worse kidney function, and use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but it was negatively associated with total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Clinical correlates accounted for 38% of interindividual variation in the circulating GDF15 concentration, whereas genetic factors accounted for up to 38% of the residual variability (h2 = 0.38; P = 2.5 × 10−11). We identified 1 locus of genomewide significance. This locus, which is on chromosome 19p13.11 and includes the GDF15 gene, is associated with GDF15 concentration (smallest P = 2.74 × 10−32 for rs888663). Conditional analyses revealed 2 independent association signals at this locus (rs888663 and rs1054564), which were associated with altered cis gene expression in blood cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS
In ambulatory individuals, both cardiometabolic risk factors and genetic factors play important roles in determining circulating GDF15 concentrations and contribute similarly to the overall variation.
Troponin I Measured by a High-Sensitivity Assay in Patients with Suspected Reversible Myocardial Ischemia: Data from the Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 1 Study
Authors: Røsjø Helge , Kravdal Gunnhild , Høiseth Arne Didrik , Jørgensen Marit , Badr Pirouz , Røysland Ragnhild , Omland Torbjørn 
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND
Whether cardiac troponin concentrations are increased by reversible myocardial ischemia is controversial. Differences in the structure of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cTnT may have implications for diagnostic utility.

METHODS
cTnI was measured with a prototype high-sensitivity (hs) assay in 198 patients referred for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) before exercise stress testing, immediately after, and 1.5 and 4.5 h later. We categorized patients according to MPI results and compared hs-cTnI concentrations with hs-cTnT concentrations.

RESULTS
Baseline hs-cTnI was higher in patients with reversible myocardial ischemia (n = 19) vs the other patients (n = 179): median 4.4 (quartiles 1–3: 2.3–7.1) vs 2.5 (1.4–4.3) ng/L, P = 0.003. Baseline hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT concentrations were correlated (r = 0.46, P &lt; 0.001) and the areas under the ROC curve for hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT in diagnosing reversible ischemia were similar: 0.71 vs 0.69, P = 0.77. Whereas hs-cTnI increased immediately after exercise (P &lt; 0.001 vs baseline measurements) in patients without ischemia, it increased after 4.5 h in patients with reversible ischemia (P = 0.01). The increment in hs-cTnI concentrations was comparable between groups; thus, measuring hs-cTnI after exercise stress testing did not improve diagnostic accuracy over baseline measurements, and hs-cTnI concentrations were not found to be associated with reversible myocardial ischemia in multivariate analysis. By linear regression analysis, age, male sex, history of hypertension, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction were associated with higher baseline hs-cTnI concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS
In patients referred to MPI, hs-cTnI concentrations were not closely associated with reversible myocardial ischemia, but rather were influenced by variables associated with structural alterations of the myocardium.
Experimental Determination of Kinetic Parameters for the Removal of Ethylacetate and Xylene in a Biofilter
Authors: Viswanathan Saravanan , Rajasimman Manivasagan , Natarajan Rajamohan 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The biofilter packed with pressmud and inoculated with activated sludge obtained from pharmaceutical industry wastewater treatment plant was employed for the removal of ethyl acetate and xylene in this study. The effect of process variables like gas flow rates (0.03, 0.06, 0.09 and 0.12 m3 h-1), inlet concentration of ethyl acetate (1.75, 3.0, 7.0 and 10.5 g.m-3) and xylene (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 1.2. g.m-3) on the performance of biofilters was validated. The removal efficiency exceeded 97% for ethyl acetate at inlet concentrations up to 3.0 g.m-3 and 95% for xylene at inlet concentrations up to 0.4 g m-3. The maximum elimination capacity of 165 g m-3 h-1 and 66 g m-3 h-1 for the mixture of ethyl acetate and xylene were obtained. A steady state mathematical model was tested and proved to adequately describe the experimental results at the two operating regimes for both ethyl acetate and xylene.
Between Safety and Security: The Policy Challenges of Transporting Toxic Inhalation Hazards
Authors: Branscomb Lewis M. , Ellis Ryan N. , Fagan Mark 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The transportation of hazardous materials is vital to the U.S. economy and inherently dangerous. In the decade since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, policymakers have struggled to confront the distinct safety and security challenges associated with hazardous materials transportation. Reducing the risks of “toxic inhalation hazards,” a dangerous subset of hazardous materials, from both accidents and intentional disruptions is an ongoing source of controversy. In this paper, we examine proposed risk mitigation measures and outline a policy program designed to reduce the risks associated with hazardous materials transportation. The analysis highlights the limitations and counterproductive nature of narrowly-targeted strategies exclusively designed to confront either safety or security, and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive risk-mitigation strategies.
Medical Response Capabilities to a Catastrophic Disaster: "House" or House of Cards?
Authors: Donahue Donald A. , Godwin Evelyn A. , Cunnion Stephen O. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Planning for a disaster is often influenced by the dual factors of perception of probabilities and current technology. Response design is built upon assumptions on the size, scope, and severity of the catastrophe. Yet, history documents myriad disasters that far surpassed even the direst predictions. Similarly, response mechanisms build upon what is in use at the time in terms of equipment, transportation, and employment. Current planning factors may prove inadequate to address a disaster of historical proportion. The authors offer a review of significant disasters as a measure of the potential scope of needed medical response and the inherent shortcomings therein. They call for a more comprehensive approach to medical response planning.
Aid-effectiveness and Donor Coordination from Paris to Busan: A Cambodian Case Study
Authors: Cameron Camille , Low Sally 
Published: September 2012

AbstractDiscussions of aid effectiveness have, since 2005, been dominated by the Paris Declaration process. The Paris principles were revisited in Accra in 2008 and, most recently, in Busan in December 2011 at the fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness. While it is too early to say what Busan’s significance will be, it is timely to take stock of the progress and shortcomings of the entire Paris Declaration process, of which Busan is a part. This paper contributes to that inquiry by considering aid-effectiveness principles and processes in a specific context: the law and justice sector in Cambodia. The evidence for our analysis comes from interviews with Cambodians and non-Cambodians - donors, government officials, aid workers, academics, and private citizens - conducted from 2008 to 2011. We find very limited success in the Paris Declaration process, confined mainly to a lessening of duplication and ‘donor chaos’. We explore the reasons for these modest results, including the fundamental flaw in aid-effectiveness discourse and activity of a too polite, if not naïve or even cynical assumption that donors and developing country governments are speaking the same political language. We identify and explore two challenges for the law and justice sector in Cambodia. The first is for donors to think about how to change the way they ‘do business’ and the second is how to achieve this in circumstances of weak local governance, institutions and political will. We conclude that, as donors regard the law and justice sector as high risk, most will be sorely challenged to live up to their Busan commitment to try to manage risk rather than avoid it.
Unusual and Typical Features of a NovelRestorer-of-FertilityGene of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgarisL.)
Authors: Matsuhira Hiroaki , Kagami Hiroyo , Kurata Masayuki , Kitazaki Kazuyoshi , Matsunaga Muneyuki , Hamaguchi Yuko , Hagihara Eiki , Ueda Minoru , Harada Michiyo , Muramatsu Aki , Yui-Kurino Rika , Taguchi Kazunori , Tamagake Hideto , Mikami Tetsuo , Kubo Tomohiko 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMale gametogenesis in plants can be impaired by an incompatibility between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, termed cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). A sterilizing factor resides in mitochondria, whereas a nuclear factor, Restorer-of-fertility (Rf), restores male fertility. Although a majority of plant Rf genes are thought to encode a family of RNA-binding proteins called pentatrico-peptide repeat (PPR) proteins, we isolated a novel type of Rf from sugar beet. Two BACs and one cosmid clone that constituted a 383-kbp contig covering the sugar beet Rf1 locus were sequenced. Of 41 genes borne by the contig, quadruplicated genes were found to be associated with specific transcripts in Rf1 flower buds. The quadruplicated genes encoded a protein resembling OMA1, a protein known from yeast and mammals to be involved in mitochondrial protein quality control. Construction of transgenic plants revealed that one of the four genes (bvORF20) was capable of restoring partial pollen fertility to CMS sugar beet; the level of restoration was comparable to that evaluated by a crossing experiment. However, the other genes lacked such a capability. A GFP-fusion experiment showed that bvORF20 encoded a mitochondrial protein. The corresponding gene was cloned from rf1rf1 sugar beet and sequenced, and a solitary gene that was similar but not identical to bvORF20 was found. Genetic features exhibited by sugar beet Rf1, such as gene clustering and copy-number variation between Rf1 and rf, were reminiscent of PPR-type Rf, suggesting that a common evolutionary mechanism(s) operates on plant Rfs irrespective of the translation product.
Outcomes of Male Patients with Alport Syndrome Undergoing Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Temme Johanna , Kramer Anneke , Jager Kitty J. , Lange Katharina , Peters Frederick , Müller Gerhard-Anton , Kramar Reinhard , Heaf James G. , Finne Patrik , Palsson Runolfur , Reisæter Anna V. , Hoitsma Andries J. , Metcalfe Wendy , Postorino Maurizio , Zurriaga Oscar , Santos Julio P. , Ravani Pietro , Jarraya Faical , Verrina Enrico , Dekker Friedo W. , Gross Oliver 
Published: September 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Patients with the hereditary disease Alport syndrome commonly require renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the second or third decade of life. This study compared age at onset of RRT, renal allograft, and patient survival in men with Alport syndrome receiving various forms of RRT (peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, or transplantation) with those of men with other renal diseases.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Patients with Alport syndrome receiving RRT identified from 14 registries in Europe were matched to patients with other renal diseases. A linear spline model was used to detect changes in the age at start of RRT over time. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to examine patient and graft survival.

Results
Age at start of RRT among patients with Alport syndrome remained stable during the 1990s but increased by 6 years between 2000–2004 and 2005–2009. Survival of patients with Alport syndrome requiring dialysis or transplantation did not change between 1990 and 2009. However, patients with Alport syndrome had better renal graft and patient survival than matched controls. Numbers of living-donor transplantations were lower in patients with Alport syndrome than in matched controls.

Conclusions
These data suggest that kidney failure in patients with Alport syndrome is now being delayed compared with previous decades. These patients appear to have superior patient survival while undergoing dialysis and superior patient and graft survival after deceased-donor kidney transplantation compared with patients receiving RRT because of other causes of kidney failure.
Association of Modality with Mortality among Canadian Aboriginals
Authors: Sood Manish M. , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Rigatto Claudio , Komenda Paul , Yeates Karen , Promislow Steven , Mojica Julie , Tangri Navdeep 
Published: September 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Previous studies have shown that Aboriginals and Caucasians experience similar outcome on dialysis in Canada. Using the Canadian Organ Replacement Registry, this study examined whether dialysis modality (peritoneal or hemodialysis) impacted mortality in Aboriginal patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study identified 31,576 adult patients (hemodialysis: Aboriginal=1839, Caucasian=21,430; peritoneal dialysis: Aboriginal=554, Caucasian=6769) who initiated dialysis between January of 2000 and December of 2009. Aboriginal status was identified by self-report. Dialysis modality was determined 90 days after dialysis initiation. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards and competing risk models were constructed to determine the association between race and mortality by dialysis modality.

Results
During the study period, 939 (51.1%) Aboriginals and 12,798 (53.3%) Caucasians initiating hemodialysis died, whereas 166 (30.0%) and 2037 (30.1%), respectively, initiating peritoneal dialysis died. Compared with Caucasians, Aboriginals on hemodialysis had a comparable risk of mortality (adjusted hazards ratio=1.04, 95% confidence interval=0.96–1.11, P=0.37). However, on peritoneal dialysis, Aboriginals experienced a higher risk of mortality (adjusted hazards ratio=1.36, 95% confidence interval=1.13–1.62, P=0.001) and technique failure (adjusted hazards ratio=1.29, 95% confidence interval=1.03–1.60, P=0.03) than Caucasians. The risk of technique failure varied by patient age, with younger Aboriginals (<50 years old) more likely to develop technique failure than Caucasians (adjusted hazards ratio=1.76, 95% confidence interval=1.23–2.52, P=0.002).

Conclusions
Aboriginals on peritoneal dialysis experience higher mortality and technique failure relative to Caucasians. Reasons for this race disparity in peritoneal dialysis outcomes are unclear.
Local capacitance analysis using a modified deep level spectrometer
Authors: Dózsa László , Lányi Štefan 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
A bimorph-based xz scanner and an amplifier, increasing the capacitance and current measurement sensitivities 250-times and 1000-times, respectively, have been built into the cryostat of a deep level transient spectrometer. The setup renders point by point local capacitance-voltage (C–V) at 1 MHz and dc currentvoltage (I–V) measurements using a sharp tip placed into tunnelling distance from the surface of analysed semiconductor sample. The C–V measurements revealed a strong dependence on the probe/sample separation, ranging from MOS-type at small tunnelling currents to Schottky-type at currents exceeding approximately 10 pA. Marked hysteresis was observed, indicating changes of surface state occupancy. These slow states are otherwise hardly detected, since they are absent in semiconductor/metal contacts and in MOS structures they would become mostly passivated interface states. The setup enables calibrated, fixed zero level capacitance measurement. The stray capacitance is the dominant component of the measured capacitance but it can be easily discarded.
Anxiety and social activities in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Leonavičius Rytis , Adomaitienė Virginija 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Despite that the prevalence of depression has been thoroughly analyzed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and affects approximately 15%–20% of the MS population, attention paid to social activities concomitant with anxiety is still too sporadic. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of anxiety and social activities aggraded/aggravated with anxiety in the MS population in Lithuania and to analyze how it correlates with socio-demographic factors, clinical outcomes of MS and depression. Three hundred twelve MS patients took part in this study; anxiety prevalence was pointed in 20.2%. Only 23.4% of the study population was socially active. Our study shows a significant level of anxiety and low level of social activity in people with MS. Anxiety in MS patients was strongly related with younger age, shorter MS duration, prevalence of depression and lower level of social activity. A higher level of social activity was significantly related with older urban MS patients who indicated family status as living together and longer MS duration.
The basis of the discovery process for a new pharmaceutical product
Authors: Dickov Veselin 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The basis of the discovery process for a new pharmaceutical product is in understanding the mechanism of action of a particular disease or processes in the organism related to the disease and/or its symptoms. The essence of a pharmaceutical is in the active ingredient capable of affecting processes within the organism beneficially. The discovery process includes a particular sequence of activities of various profiles of experts, about which various authors agree. The history of pharmaceutical industry (and pharmacy) is measured from one discovery of an innovative drug or approach to treatment of a particular disease to the next one. The cost of pharmaceutical products is one of the key causes of controversy related to this industry. Numerous cultures have proverbs expressing the opinion that health is priceless or that health is the greatest wealth. What if health does have a price? One of the basic premises of marketing is that price should reflect consumer value.
The strongest resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to erythromycin is caused by decreasing uptake of the antibiotic into the cells
Authors: Piątkowska Elżbieta , Piątkowski Jerzy , Przondo-Mordarska Anna 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe consequence of excessive use of macrolides is a high occurrence of mechanisms responsible for resistance to these drugs. Of 97 erythromycin-resistant bacterial strains gathered in the Wrocław area in Poland, 60% exhibited very high resistance, and those with the inducible MLSB (macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B) resistance phenotype predominated. Direct genetic investigation revealed that the erm genes coding for ribosomal methylases are the most frequently occurring erythromycin resistance-determining genes. No genetic resistance determinant was detected in 13% of the erythromycin-resistant strains. The efflux mechanism occurs in strains isolated from the nasopharyngeal cavity twice as often as in those isolated from other material, where the mechanism connected with target site modification predominates. Measurements of radiolabelled antibiotic accumulation inside bacterial cells revealed that in highly resistant strains (MIC > 1024 μg/ml), an important factor responsible for the resistance is the permeability barrier at the cell wall level. This would be a hitherto unknown mechanism of resistance to erythromycin in Staphylococcus aureus.