bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive L
p inversion for simultaneous recovery of both blocky and smooth features in a geophysical model
Authors: Sun Jiajia , Li Yaoguo 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Minimum-structure inversions using L 2-norm measures have been widely applied to geophysical exploration problems. However, the smeared-out models resulting from L 2-norm inversions are not always consistent with the real or expected geological structures, especially in regions where distinct interfaces between different rock units exist. To obtain sharp boundaries and blocky features, non-L 2 inversions have been used successfully in geophysical imaging problems. In reality, however, both smooth and blocky features can be present in the subsurface physical properties or interfaces to be recovered. To deal with this situation, we develop a new method for adaptively recovering both smooth and blocky features in the constructed model from geophysical inversions. This method first detects different regions of the smoothness or blockiness in a model based on a sequence of inversions and then adaptively applies appropriate L p model norm with different p values at different locations to complete the final inversion. We present two synthetic examples from basement inversion using gravity data and crosswell seismic traveltime tomography before demonstrating our method on a field data example at the U.S. Geological Survey Fractured Rock Research Site in central New Hampshire.
Continuous Glucose Monitors
Authors: Walker Tomas C. , Yucha Carolyn B. 
Published: March 2014

Background: How patients are benefitting from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) remains poorly understood. The focus on numerical glucose values persists, even though access to the glucose waveform and rate of change may contribute more to improved control. This pilot study compared outcomes of patients using CGMs with or without access to the numerical values on their CGM. Methods: Ten persons with type 1 diabetes, naïve to CGM use, enrolled in a 12-week study. Subjects were randomly assigned to either unmodified CGM receivers, or to CGM receivers that had their numerical values obscured but otherwise functioned normally. HbA1c, quality of life (QLI-D), and fear of hypoglycemia (HFS) were assessed, at baseline and at week 12. Baseline HbA1c for the entire group was 7.46 ± 1.27%. At week 12 the experimental group HbA1c reduction was 1.5 ± 0.9% ( p < .05), the control group’s reduction was 0.06 ± 0.61% ( p > .05). Repeated measures testing revealed no significant difference in HbA1c reduction between groups. Both groups had reductions in HFS; these reductions were statistically significant within groups ( p < .05), but not between groups. QLI-D indices demonstrated improvements ( p < .05) in QLI-D total and the health and family subscales, but not between groups. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that benefits of CGM extend beyond reductions in HbA1c to reductions in fear of hypoglycemia and improvements in quality of life. The display of a numerical glucose value did not improve control when compared to numerically blinded units.
Urban Adolescents Readily Comply with a Complicated Asthma Research Protocol
Authors: Lovinsky-Desir Stephanie , Folch Candace , Jung Kyung Hwa , Torrone David , Gil Eric , Perera Frederica , Miller Rachel L. , Chillrud Steven N. 
Published: March 2014

Purpose Adolescents are often cited as having poor rates of compliance with medical regimens and research protocols. We quantified compliance in a cohort of urban adolescents participating in a complex research protocol in which measures were obtained without direct supervision by research personnel. Methods A total of 54 early adolescents ages 10-13 were asked to wear a vest containing a personal air pollutant exposure monitor for two 24-hour periods and to perform daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) for six consecutive days. Compliance with wearing the vest was measured by comparing accelerometer data from a device within the vest to one worn continuously on the child's wrist. Daily PEF data were recorded using an electronic meter. Results A priori definition of compliance was met by 85% of the adolescents by wearing the exposure monitoring vest and 72% by performing PEF. Conclusions These findings suggest that early adolescents can be compliant with complex research protocols that are needed to help bridge gaps in pediatric asthma research.
The five stable noble gases are sensitive unambiguous tracers of glacial meltwater
Authors: Loose B. , Jenkins W. J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe five inert noble gases—He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe—exhibit a unique dissolved gas saturation pattern resulting from the formation and addition of glacial meltwater to seawater. He and Ne become oversaturated, and Ar, Kr, and Xe become undersaturated to varying percentages. For example, addition of 10‰ glacial meltwater to seawater results in a saturation anomaly of ΔHe = 12.8%, ΔNe = 8.9%, ΔAr = −0.5%, ΔKr = −2.2%, and ΔXe = −3.3%. This pattern in noble gas saturation reflects a unique meltwater signature that is distinct from the other major physical processes that modify the gas concentration and saturation, namely, seasonal changes in temperature at the ocean surface and bubble mediated gas exchange. We use Optimum Multiparameter analysis to illustrate how all five noble gases can help distinguish glacial meltwater from wind‐driven bubble injection, making them a potentially valuable suite of tracers for glacial melt and its concentration in the deep waters of the world ocean.
Large‐scale impact of the island mass effect through nitrogen fixation in the western South Pacific Ocean
Authors: Shiozaki Takuhei , Kodama Taketoshi , Furuya Ken 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe describe a new mechanism for the island mass effect fueled by nitrogen fixation. The nitrogen fixation activities and δ15N of suspended particles in the surface water in the South Pacific were examined. Active nitrogen fixation and abundant Trichodesmium spp. were observed near islands in the western subtropical region, which was attributable to the material supplied by land runoff. High primary production was extensively centered around the islands and was characterized by low δ15N of suspended particles and a reduction in phosphate concentrations at the surface compared with the subtropical gyre and eastern equatorial upwelling. This suggested that Trichodesmium spp. were advected to areas remote from these islands, and consequently, the elevated primary production fueled by nitrogen fixation extended over a large area around them. Because the proposed island mass effect is triggered by a terrigenous nutrient supply, this ecosystem is potentially vulnerable to human activity on small islands.
A case report on the significance of clinical pharmacy services in India
Authors: Dhingra Sameer , Kumria Rachna 
Published: March 2014

Key Clinical MessageA clinical pharmacist offers invaluable support in the development of a final prescription with better patient management and enhanced safety. Increasingly, medical practice is becoming a team effort with a specialized skill matrix, concentrating on multifaceted support for patient management. A physician undoubtedly leads the team, comprised of a specialist and skilled clinical pharmacist, among others, with skill sets to detect drug interactions, adverse effects, and therapeutic incompatibilities to enable the health‐care team to achieve therapeutic outcomes on a case‐by‐case basis.
High‐Resolution Melt as a Screening Method in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
Authors: Virzì Grazia Maria , Bruson Alice , Corradi Valentina , Gastaldon Fiorella , de Cal Massimo , Donà Marta , Cruz Dinna N. , Clementi Maurizio , Ronco Claudio 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundAutosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited condition caused by PKD1 and PKD2 mutations. Complete analysis of both genes is typically required in each patient. In this study, we explored the utility of High‐Resolution Melt (HRM) as a tool for mutation analysis of the PKD2 gene in ADPKD families.MethodsHRM is a mismatch‐detection method based on the difference of fluorescence absorbance behavior during the melting of the DNA double strand to denatured single strands in a mutant sample as compared to a reference control. Our families were previously screened by linkage analysis. Subsequently, HRM was used to characterize PKD2‐linked families. Amplicons that produced an overlapping profile sample versus wild‐type control were not further evaluated, while those amplicons with profile deviated from the control were consequently sequenced.ResultsWe analyzed 16 PKD2‐linked families by HRM analysis. We observed ten different variations: six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and four mutations. The mutations detected by HRM and confirmed by sequencing were as follows: 1158T>A, 2159delA, 2224C>T, and 2533C>T. In particular, the same haplotype block and nonsense mutation 2533C>T was found in 8 of 16 families, so we suggested the presence of a founder effect in our province.ConclusionsWe have developed a strategy for rapid mutation analysis of the PKD2 gene in ADPKD families, which utilizes an HRM‐based prescreening followed by direct sequencing of amplicons with abnormal profiles. This is a simple and good technique for PKD2 genotyping and may significantly reduce the time and cost for diagnosis in ADPKD.
Association of Promoter Genetic Variants in Interleukin‐10 and Kawasaki Disease With Coronary Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Lin Ying‐Ju , Lan Yu‐Ching , Lai Chih‐Ho , Lin Ting‐Hsu , Huang Shao‐Mei , Liao Chiu‐Chu , Lin Cheng‐Wen , Hung Chien‐Hui , Tien Ni , Liu Xiang , Chien Wen‐Kuei , Chen Jin‐Hua , Tsai Fuu‐Jen 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundKawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self‐limited vasculitis in infants and young children. Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is a potent cytokine that exerts pleiotropic effects on immunoregulation and inflammation. Elevated IL‐10 serum levels have been reported in the KD patients.MethodsIn this study, we investigated whether IL‐10 genetic polymorphisms contribute to coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) development among KD patients in Taiwan. A total of 58 KD patients with CAA and 277 unrelated healthy children matched for sex and age were enrolled for this study.ResultsHigher G allele frequencies of IL‐10 at ‐1082 position were observed in KD patients with CAA compared to the controls (P = 0.016, OR: 2.86, 95% CI, 1.17–6.98). In addition, higher IL‐10 GCC haplotype frequencies were also observed in KD patients with CAA (P = 0.016, OR: 2.85, 95% CI, 1.17–6.98).ConclusionOur data support the possibility that IL‐10 gene polymorphisms may be related with CAA development of KD in Taiwanese population.
Serum Sialic Acids Levels According to the Severity of Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Chrostek Lech , Supronowicz Lukasz , Panasiuk Anatol , Cylwik Bogdan , Gruszewska Ewa , Szmitkowski Maciej 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe sialylation of serum proteins and lipids changes in liver diseases of different etiologies and could change the total sialic acid (TSA), lipid‐bound SA (LSA), and free SA (FSA) levels in the sera. However, little is known of the relationship of serum SAs concentrations and the severity of liver disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the SAs concentrations (TSA, LSA, and FSA) in liver cirrhosis in relation with the severity of liver disease.MethodsTested group consisted of 91 consecutive patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. For each patient, the Child‐Pugh score was calculated. TSA and LSA were determined by the enzymatic method on microplate reader, and FSA using the thiobarbituric method.ResultsAmong the SA forms, only the serum FSA level in liver cirrhosis appears to be different according to the severity of liver damage evaluated by the Child‐Pugh score. It was the highest in score C, and was higher than that in scores B and A. The elevated levels of FSA significantly positively correlated with the Child‐Pugh score.ConclusionIn conclusion, the sialylation of serum proteins and lipids changes in liver cirrhosis, but only the serum concentrations of FSA are stage‐related and reflect the severity of liver disease.
Improvement and Validation of d‐Xylose Determination in Urine and Serum as a New Tool for the Noninvasive Evaluation of Lactase Activity in Humans
Authors: Hermida Carmen , Martínez‐Costa Oscar H. , Corrales Guillermo , Teruel Cristina , Sánchez Valentina , Sánchez José J. , Sarrión Dolores , Ariza María J. , Codoceo Rosa , Calvo Idoya , Fernández‐Mayoralas Alfonso , Aragón Juan J. 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe phloroglucinol assay is the current method for d‐xylose determination in urine/plasma/serum. However, its sensitivity is limited when low amounts of d‐xylose are to be measured, such as in the noninvasive evaluation of intestinal lactase with 4‐galactosylxylose (gaxilose). An improved assay was therefore needed.MethodsWe developed and validated a modified version of the phloroglucinol‐based assay for quantification of d‐xylose in urine/serum samples. A method for gaxilose determination by gas chromatography (GC) was also optimized.ResultsLinearity ranged from 0.125 to 5.0 mg/l (5–200 mg/l in original sample). Accuracy at LOQ (0.125 mg/l) was 0.97/2.49% in spiked urine/serum; for other quality controls (QC), it was <1.27%. Intra‐ and interassay precision at LOQ were 6.02% and 6.45% for urine, and 8.86% and 10.00%, respectively, for serum; for other QC, precision was <2.15%. Linearity of gaxilose determination by GC was 3.90–195.17 for urine and 9.75–195.17 mg/l for serum with acceptable sensitivity and reproducibility. The method proved adequate for the d‐xylose determination in healthy and hypolactasic subjects after oral administration of gaxilose.ConclusionsThe modified method provides high sensitivity and robustness for d‐xylose quantification in urine/serum for routine clinical use especially in the noninvasive diagnosis of intestinal lactase deficiency with the gaxilose test.
Immunoassay‐Based Serum Hepcidin Reference Range Measurements in Healthy Children: Differences Among Age Groups
Authors: Sdogou Triantafyllia , Tsentidis Charalampos , Gourgiotis Dimitrios , Marmarinos Antonios , Gkourogianni Alexandra , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Anastasiou Theodora , Kossiva Lydia 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundHepcidin is a peptide hormone that plays a key role in regulating iron absorption from the small intestine and body iron distribution. Alterations in hepcidin concentrations have been associated with chronic inflammatory conditions or inherited diseases of iron metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate healthy children in order to define normal reference range of serum hepcidin concentrations. The universal use of a reliable commercial ELISA kit gives the ability to compare our results with those from previous studies.MethodsWe evaluated 180 healthy children (88 boys, mean age: 67.55 ± 39.26 months, median: 60, range: 24–156 months) aged 2–12 years, using an immunoassay kit.ResultsHepcidin median values were 46.94 ng/ml for boys and 46.79 ng/ml for girls. No significant differences were observed between boys and girls. There seem to be significantly higher values of hepcidin in older children (10–12 years old). This trend was constant and statistically significant in boys after gender and age group stratification. Although this trend was more prominent in girls, it was not statistically significant.ConclusionsThis study aims at setting up reference values for serum hepcidin concentrations in healthy pediatric population by using a well‐established laboratory kit. The difference in hepcidin concentrations in older children could be attributed to different growth rates. Additionally, differences between values in adults and children could reflect alterations in iron metabolism between those two age groups.
Quantitative muscle ultrasound versus quantitative magnetic resonance imaging in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy
Authors: Janssen Barbara H. , Pillen Sigrid , Voet Nicoline B.M. , Heerschap Arend , van Engelen Baziel G.M. , van Alfen Nens 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are non‐invasive methods that can be performed repeatedly and without discomfort. In the assessment of neuromuscular disorders it is unknown if they provide complementary information. In this study we tested this for patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Methods: We performed quantitative muscle ultrasound (QMUS) and quantitative MRI (QMRI) of the legs in 5 men with FSHD. Results: The correlation between QMUS‐determined z‐scores and QMRI‐determined muscle fraction and T1 signal intensity (SI) was very high. QMUS had a wider dynamic range than QMRI, whereas QMRI could detect inhomogeneous distribution of pathology over the length of the muscles. Conclusions: Both QMUS and QMRI are well suited for imaging muscular dystrophy. The wider dynamic range of QMUS can be advantageous in the follow‐up of advanced disease stages, whereas QMRI seems preferable in pathologies such as FSHD that affect deep muscle layers and show inhomogeneous abnormality distributions. Muscle Nerve 50: 968–975, 2014
Control of polythiophene film microstructure and charge carrier dynamics through crystallization temperature
Authors: Marsh Hilary S. , Reid Obadiah G. , Barnes George , Heeney Martin , Stingelin Natalie , Rumbles Garry 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe microstructure of neat conjugated polymers is crucial in determining the ultimate morphology and photovoltaic performance of polymer/fullerene blends, yet until recently, little work has focused on controlling the former. Here, we demonstrate that both the long‐range order along the (100)‐direction and the lamellar crystal thickness along the (001)‐direction in neat poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly[(3,3″‐didecyl[2,2′:5′,2″‐terthiophene]‐5,5″‐diyl)] (PTTT‐10) thin films can be manipulated by varying crystallization temperature. Changes in crystalline domain size impact the yield and dynamics of photogenerated charge carriers. Time‐resolved microwave conductivity measurements show that neat polymer films composed of larger crystalline domains have longer photoconductance lifetimes and charge carrier yield decreases with increasing crystallite size for P3HT. Our results suggest that the classical polymer science description of temperature‐dependent crystallization of polymers from solution can be used to understand thin‐film formation in neat conjugated polymers, and hence, should be considered when discussing the structural evolution of organic bulk heterojunctions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 700–707
Stretching temperature and direction dependency of uniaxial deformation mechanism in overstretched polyethylene
Authors: Fu Lianlian , Jiang Zhiyong , Enderle Hans‐Friedrich , Lilge Dieter , Wu Zhonghua , Funari Sérgio S. , Men Yongfeng 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIn order to elucidate microscopic deformation behavior at different locations in isotropic semicrystalline polymers, the structural evolution of a preoriented high‐density polyethylene sample during tensile deformation at different temperatures and along different directions with respect to the preorientation was investigated by means of combined in situ synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) techniques. For samples stretched along preorientation, two situations were found: (1) at 30 °C, the sample broke after a moderate deformation, which is accomplished by the slippage of the microfibrils; (2) at 80 and 100 °C, fragmentation of original lamellae followed by recrystallization process was observed resulting in new lamellar crystals of different thickness depending on stretching temperature. For samples stretched perpendicular or 45° with respect to the preorientation, the samples always end up with a new oriented lamellar structure with the normal along the stretching direction via a stress‐induced fragmentation and recrystallization route. The thickness of the final achieved lamellae depends only on stretching temperature in this case. Compared to samples stretched along the preorientation direction, samples stretched perpendicular and 45° with respect to the preorientation direction showed at least several times of maxima achievable stress before macroscopic failure possibly due to the favorable occurrence and development of microdefects in those lamellar stacks with their normal parallel to the stretching direction. This result might have significant consequence in designing optimal procedure to produce high performance polyethylene products from solid state. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 716–726
A liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry‐based targeted proteomics approach for the assessment of transferrin receptor levels in breast cancer
Authors: Yang Ting , Xu Feifei , Zhao Yi , Wang Shui , Yang Mi , Chen Yun 
Published: March 2014

PurposeOverexpression of human transferrin receptor (TfR) has been described qualitatively in various cancers, including breast cancer. Since TfR is also expressed to some extent under normal physiological conditions, increase of specificity and reproducibility in TfR quantification could improve the early detection and prognostic evaluation of cancers.Experimental designA LC‐MS/MS‐based targeted proteomics assay was developed for the determination of TfR in human breast cells and tissue samples.ResultsWe selected the tryptic peptide 681VEYHFLSPYVSPK693 as the surrogate peptide for quantification and used a stable isotope‐labeled synthetic peptide with this sequence as an internal standard. Quality control data indicated acceptable accuracy and precision. Finally, this assay was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of TfR in three breast cell lines and 36 matched pairs of breast tissue samples. The experimental values were compared with those obtained from conventional analytical methods, including immunofluorescence microscopy, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry.Conclusions and clinical relevanceNot only is the LC‐MS/MS‐based targeted proteomics assay a more accurate method for the determination of TfR levels, but may afford more reliable quantification of TfR at low concentrations in clinical practice.