bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical factors associated with weight loss outcomes after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Still Christopher D. , Wood G. Craig , Chu Xin , Manney Christina , Strodel William , Petrick Anthony , Gabrielsen Jon , Mirshahi Tooraj , Argyropoulos George , Seiler Jamie , Yung Marco , Benotti Peter , Gerhard Glenn S. 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveGastric bypass surgery is an effective therapy for extreme obesity. However, substantial variability in weight loss outcomes exists that remains largely unexplained. Our objective was to determine whether any commonly collected preoperative clinical variables were associated with weight loss following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.MethodsThe analysis was based on a prospectively recruited observational cohort of 2,365 patients who underwent Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery from 2004 to 2009. Weight loss was stratified into three major phases, early (0‐6 months), nadir, and long‐term (>36 months). Multivariate regression models were constructed using a database of over 350 variables.ResultsA total of 12‐14 preoperative variables were independently associated (P < 0.05) with each of the temporal weight loss phases. Preoperative variables associated with poorer nadir and long‐term weight loss included higher baseline BMI, higher preoperative weight loss, iron deficiency, use of any diabetes medication, nonuse of bupropion medication, no history of smoking, age >50 years, and the presence of fibrosis on liver biopsy.ConclusionsSeveral variables previously associated with poorer weight loss after RYGB surgery including age, baseline BMI, and type 2 diabetes were replicated. Several others suggest possible clinical interventions for postoperative management of RYGB patients to improve weight loss outcomes.
Impaired HDL function in obese adolescents: Impact of lifestyle intervention and bariatric surgery
Authors: Matsuo Yae , Oberbach Andreas , Till Holger , Inge Thomas H. , Wabitsch Martin , Moss Anja , Jehmlich Nico , Völker Uwe , Müller Ulrike , Siegfried Wolfgang , Kanesawa Norio , Kurabayashi Masahiko , Schuler Gerhard , Linke Axel , Adams Volker 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveHDL regulates endothelial function via stimulation of nitric oxide production. It is documented that endothelial function is impaired in obese adolescents, and improved by lifestyle interventions (LI).Design and MethodsHDL function in obese adolescents and the impact of LI or Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) was assessed. HDL was isolated from 14 adolescents with normal body mass index (HDLcontrol), 10 obese (HDLobese) before and after 6 month LI, and five severe obese adolescents before and one year after RYGB. HDL‐mediated phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)‐Ser1177, eNOS‐Thr495, and PKC‐ßII was evaluated. In addition the HDL proteome was analyzed.ResultsHDLobese‐mediated eNOS‐Ser1177 phosphorylation was reduced, whereas eNOS‐Thr495 phosphorylation increased significantly when compared to HDLcontrol. No impact of obesity was observed on PKC‐ßII phosphorylation. LI and RYGB had no impact on HDL‐mediated phosphorylation of eNOS and PKC‐ßII. A principle component plot analysis of the HDL particle separated controls and severe obese, whereas the interventions did not trigger sufficient differences to the HDL proteome to permit distinction.ConclusionThese results demonstrated that HDL‐function is impaired in obese adolescents, and that LI or RYGB did not correct this dysfunction. This might be an argument for developing earlier prevention strategies in obese adolescents to avoid HDL dysfunction.
Relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and subclinical coronary artery disease in patients with extra‐cardiac arterial disease
Authors: den Dekker M. A. M. , Takashima R. , van den Heuvel E. R. , van den Dungen J. J. A. M. , Tio R. A. , Oudkerk M. , Vliegenthart R. 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and mediastinal adipose tissue (MAT) are linked to coronary artery disease (CAD). The association between EAT, MAT, and severity of CAD in known extra‐cardiac arterial disease was investigated.Design and MethodsSixty‐five cardiac asymptomatic patients (mean age 65 ± 8 years, 69% male) with peripheral arterial disease, carotid stenosis, or aortic aneurysm underwent coronary computed tomography angiography. Patients were divided into non‐significant (<50% stenosis, N = 35), single vessel (N = 15) and multi‐vessel CAD (N = 15). EAT and MAT were quantified on computed tomography images using volumetric software.ResultsSubgroups did not significantly differ by age, gender, or cardiovascular risk factors. Median EAT was 99.5, 98.0, and 112.0 cm3 (P = 0.38) and median MAT was 66.0, 90.0, and 81.0 cm3 (P = 0.53) for non‐significant, single vessel, and multi‐vessel CAD, respectively. In age‐ and gender‐adjusted analysis, only EAT was significantly associated with CAD (odds ratio [OR] 1.12 [95% confidence interval, 1.01‐1.25] per 10 cm3 increase in EAT; P = 0.04). This remained in multivariate‐adjusted analysis (OR 1.21 [1.04‐1.39]; P = 0.01).ConclusionsIn patients with known extra‐cardiac arterial disease, CAD is correlated with EAT, but not with MAT. These results suggest that EAT has a local effect on coronary atherosclerosis, apart from the endocrine effect of visceral fat.
BALANCING RESEARCH AND ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING IN FRONT‐END PROJECT DESIGN: EXPERIENCES FROM DANIDA'S ENRECA PROGRAMME
Authors: Hjortsø Carsten Nico , Meilby Henrik 
Published: June 2013

SUMMARYNorth–South research capacity building (RCB) partnerships have attracted considerable academic attention during the last two decades, especially with regard to issues related to partnership governance. Less attention has been given to the management aspects of partnership implementation, but in order for partnerships to comply with general governance‐level recommendations, a better understanding is needed of how specific context‐dependent factors influence the development and execution of projects. In this article, we aim to contribute to the understanding of factors influencing the design phase of RCB partnerships and examine how they influence the balance between performing collaborative research and developing general organizational capacity. Data collection was based on a survey (n = 25), and individual interviews and focus group discussions with 17 Danish project managers from the Danish Bilateral Programme for Enhancement of Research Capacity in Developing Countries. Our results lead to rejection of the proposition that RCB projects are either focused on building capacity for research or conducting merit‐based research. Because of the ‘politics’ of the front‐end process, reality is more complex. We identify 11 specific factors influencing front‐end project management related to structure, process and relationship, and we theorize about how these factors influence the choice between research and more general capacity development activities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The emerging utility of ketenes in polymer chemistry
Authors: Leibfarth Frank A. , Hawker Craig J. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTThe continued evolution of functional materials that contribute to pressing societal challenges requires the development of powerful synthetic methodologies in polymer systems. Since their discovery by Staudinger in the early 20th century, the unique chemistry of ketenes have fascinated synthetic chemists and been the driver of revolutionary applications in photolithography, medicinal chemistry, and commodity materials. The versatile chemistry of ketenes, specifically their ability to act as an electrophile and/or undergo cycloaddition reactions, has recently been shown to provide a powerful platform for the design of next‐generation materials. This Highlight focuses on the history of ketenes in materials science and their recent renaissance in polymer chemistry, with specific focus being given to methodologies that provide reliable access to this important functional group in polymer systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3769–3782
Assimilation of surface‐sensitive infrared radiances over land: Estimation of land surface temperature and emissivity
Authors: Pavelin E. G. , Candy B. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWhilst the assimilation of radiances from infrared sounding spectrometers such as the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) and the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) over the sea is well established, observations over land have, until recently, only been assimilated at wavelengths insensitive to the surface. This was due to uncertainties in the infrared emissivity and skin temperature of the land. A method is described for analyzing the land surface emissivity spectrum in terms of its principal components in order to allow the assimilation of land‐sensitive IASI channels and the results of the implementation of this scheme in an operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) system are presented. The use of additional IASI data over land resulted in small improvements in global NWP skill, mainly affecting near‐surface temperature and mid‐tropospheric water vapour fields.
Knudsen effusion mass spectrometric determination of the complex vapor composition of samarium, europium, and ytterbium bromides
Authors: Sergeev D. N. , Butman M. F. , Motalov V. B. , Kudin L. S. , Krämer K. W. 
Published: June 2013

RATIONALEThe vaporization of Sm, Eu, and Yb tri‐ and dibromides is accompanied by decomposition and disproportionation reactions. These result in complex vapor compositions whose analysis is an intricate problem for experimentalists. Approaches have been developed to interpret mass spectra and accurately determine the vapor composition of thermally unstable compounds.METHODSA sector type magnet instrument was used. A combined ion source allowed the study of both the molecular and ionic vapor compositions in the electron ionization (EI) and the thermionic emission (TE) modes. The methodological approaches were based on a joint analysis of the ionization efficiency functions, the temperature and time dependences of the ion currents, and special mathematical data evaluation.RESULTSThe vaporization of SmBr3, YbBr3, SmBr2, EuBr2, and YbBr2 was studied in the temperature range of 850–1300 K. An initial stage of incongruent vaporization was observed in the case of the tribromides, SmBr2, and YbBr2. This eventually changed to a congruent vaporization stage. Various neutral (Ln, Br, Br2, LnBr, LnBr2, LnBr3, Ln2Br4, Ln2Br5, and Ln2Br6) and charged (Br–, LnBr3–, LnBr4–) species were detected at different vaporization stages.CONCLUSIONSThe quantitative vapor composition of Sm, Eu, and Yb tri‐ and dibromides was determined. It was found that only EuBr2 was stable in the studied temperature range. The developed approaches can be useful in the case of other thermally unstable compounds. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ambient laser ablation sampling for capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry
Authors: Park Sung‐Gun , Murray Kermit K. 
Published: June 2013

RATIONALEAmbient laser ablation with mass spectrometric detection is a powerful method for direct analysis of biological samples in their native environment. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) can separate complex mixtures of biological molecules prior to mass spectrometry (MS) analysis and an ambient sampling interface for CE/MS will allow the detection of minor components.METHODSAn infrared (IR) laser ablated and transferred sample materials under ambient conditions for direct loading onto the CE separation column. Samples were deposited on a transparent target and ablated in transmission geometry using a pulsed mid‐IR laser. The ablated materials were captured in the exposed sampling solvent and then loaded into a capillary by electrokinetic injection for separation and analysis by electrospray ionization (ESI)‐MS.RESULTSThe system was tested using mixtures of peptide and protein standards. It is estimated that tens of fmol of material was transferred from the ablation target for injection into the CE system and the theoretical plate number was between 1000 and 3000.CONCLUSIONSA novel interface for ambient sampling to CE/MS was developed. The interface is generally applicable and has potential utility for mass spectrometry imaging as well as the loading of microfluidic devices from untreated ambient samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simplified and accurate method for the analysis of urinary metabolites of testosterone‐related steroids using gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Ouellet Alexandre , LeBerre Nicolas , Ayotte Christiane 
Published: June 2013

RATIONALEThe analysis of urinary metabolites of testosterone‐related steroids through the measurement of their carbon isotopic signature (δ13C) by gas chromatography/combustion/mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) is a confirmation method employed in doping control analyses. Stringent analytical conditions are essential to an accurate and precise analysis as well as the proper selection of the metabolites, which forms the basis of the refined method presented in this paper.METHODSIn a simplified approach, following enzymatic hydrolysis and extraction from a relatively low volume of urine sample, a one‐step high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification was developed for seven diagnostic urinary metabolites (TS) including testosterone itself, dehydroepiandrosterone, 5α‐ and 5β‐androstanediol, epitestosterone, androsterone, etiocholanolone and two endogenous reference compounds (ERC), 5β‐pregnanediol and 5α‐androst‐16‐en‐3β‐ol. These steroids were pooled in three fractions and analyzed as such. With regards to the GC/C/IRMS analysis, a multi‐level isotopic calibration using the 'identical treatment' principle was created.RESULTSThe proposed isotopic calibration yielded results for purified reference steroids with a precision ≤0.15 and accuracy of ≤0.30 ‰ (between‐assay, n = 26). Compared to other common endogenous reference compounds, those selected in this study had δ13C values close to the target metabolites which, along with the proposed isotopic calibration, produced narrow reference intervals within ± 3‰ for most diagnostic TS‐ERC pairs, in compliance with the requirements of the World Anti‐Doping Agency.CONCLUSIONSThese carefully controlled analytical conditions are compatible with routine operations, affording accurate and precise results for the more diagnostically relevant metabolites such as testosterone itself and the 5α‐ and 5β‐androstanediols. The values of the TS‐ERC pairs measured in reference populations are described and the results from the routine testing of several hundreds of athletes' samples are discussed. Robust, this technique permitted the detection of adverse findings that would have been missed had these low level metabolites not been analyzed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of high‐resolution and tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of nerve agent metabolites in urine
Authors: Hamelin Elizabeth I. , Bragg William , Shaner Rebecca L. , Swaim Leigh L. , Johnson Rudolph C. 
Published: June 2013

RATIONALEAlthough use is prohibited, concerns remain for human exposure to nerve agents during decommissioning, research, and warfare. High‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was compared to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis for the quantitation of five urinary metabolites specific to VX, Russian VX, soman, sarin and cyclosarin nerve agents. The HRMS method was further evaluated for qualitative screening of metabolites not included in the test panel.METHODSNerve agent metabolites were extracted from urine using solid‐phase extraction, separated using hydrophilic interaction chromatography and analyzed using both tandem and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. MS/MS results were obtained using selected reaction monitoring with unit resolution; HRMS results were obtained using a mass extraction window of 10 ppm at a mass resolution of 50 000. The benchtop Orbitrap HRMS instrument was operated in full scan mode, to measure the presence of unexpected nerve agent metabolites.RESULTSThe assessment of two quality control samples demonstrated high accuracy (99.5–104%) and high precision (2–9%) for both HRMS and MS/MS. Sensitivity, as described by the limit of detection, was overlapping for both detectors (0.2–0.7 ng/mL). Additionally, the HRMS method positively confirmed the presence of a nerve agent metabolite, not included in the test panel, using the accurate mass and relative retention time.CONCLUSIONSThe precision, accuracy, and sensitivity were comparable between the current MS/MS method and this newly developed HRMS analysis for five nerve agent metabolites. HRMS showed additional capabilities beyond the current method by confirming the presence of a metabolite not included in the test panel. Published in 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Embracing the C preprocessor during refactoring
Authors: Garrido Alejandra , Johnson Ralph 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTC preprocessor directives are heavily used in C programs because they provide useful and even necessary additions to the C language. However, they are usually executed and discarded before any analysis is applied on C programs. In refactoring, preprocessor directives must be preserved through the whole process of parsing, analysis and transformation to retain editable yet correct source code. We propose a new preprocessing approach and special program representations that allow a program to be analyzed and transformed without losing its preprocessor directives, but treating them as first‐class program entities. These representations are essential for a correct refactoring tool. We also describe the challenges that preprocessor directives bring to refactoring and how the program representations that we propose solve those challenges. Finally, we give details of two refactorings and present some case studies with our successfully applied solution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced constitutive invasion activity in human nontumorigenic keratinocytes exposed to a low level of barium for a long time
Authors: Thang Nguyen D. , Yajima Ichiro , Ohnuma Shoko , Ohgami Nobutaka , Kumasaka Mayuko Y. , Ichihara Gaku , Kato Masashi 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTWe have recently demonstrated that exposure to barium for a short time (≤4 days) and at a low level (5 µM = 687 µg/L) promotes invasion of human nontumorigenic HaCaT cells, which have characteristics similar to those of normal keratinocytes, suggesting that exposure to barium for a short time enhances malignant characteristics. Here we examined the effect of exposure to low level of barium for a long time, a condition mimicking the exposure to barium through well water, on malignant characteristics of HaCaT keratinocytes. Constitutive invasion activity, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein expression and activity, and matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) protein expression in primary cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes, HaCaT keratinocytes, and HSC5 and A431 human squamous cell carcinoma cells were augmented following an increase in malignancy grade of the cells. Constitutive invasion activity, FAK phosphorylation, and MMP14 expression levels of HaCaT keratinocytes after treatment with 5 µM barium for 4 months were significantly higher than those of control untreated HaCaT keratinocytes. Taken together, our results suggest that exposure to a low level of barium for a long time enhances constitutive malignant characteristics of HaCaT keratinocytes via regulatory molecules (FAK and MMP14) for invasion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 161–167, 2015.
The combined effects of DEHP and PCBs on phospholipase in the livers of mice
Authors: Lin Yi , Min Lingli , Huang Qiansheng , Chen Yajie , Fang Chao , Sun Xia , Dong Sijun 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTDi(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are two widely distributed pollutants that are of great concern due to their adverse health effects. However, few studies have investigated the combined effects of DEHP and PCBs. In this study, adult mice were continuously exposed to mixtures of DEHP (15 mg/kg bodyweight/day) and Aroclor 1254 (7.5 mg/kg bodyweight/day) for 12 days to investigate the combined effects of these compounds. The results showed that the ratio of the liver weight to the body weight was higher in the treated group than that in the control group. The effects of combined exposure on three important receptors, the proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR), estrogen receptor (ER), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), were investigated. The mRNA level of PPARγ was significantly up‐regulated after exposure. The expression level of ERα was decreased in the male treated group. In contrast, the expression levels of AHR and related genes (cyp1a1 and cyp1b1) were not markedly affected. The expression level of phospholipase A (PLA) was significantly down‐regulated at both the mRNA and protein levels in male mice after combined treatment. In all, our study demonstrated the combined effects of DEHP and PCBs on the expression levels of key receptors in mice. The combined exposure led to a decrease in phospholipase in male mice. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 197–204, 2015.
Initial Experiences of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol in Esophageal Surgery
Authors: Blom Rachel L. G. M. , van Heijl Mark , Bemelman Willem A. , Hollmann Markus W. , Klinkenbijl Jean H. G. , Busch Olivier R. C. , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundA recent development in gastrointestinal surgery is the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs. Evidence regarding the benefit of these programs in patients undergoing esophageal surgery is scarce. We investigated the feasibility and possible benefit of a perioperative ERAS program in patients undergoing esophagectomy for malignant disease.MethodsThe ERAS program was initiated in 2009. Patients who underwent esophagectomy and were treated according to the ERAS program were included. Items of ERAS included preoperative nutrition, early extubation, early removal of nasogastric tube, and early mobilization. Primary outcome parameters were hospital stay and the incidence of postoperative complications. Outcome parameters in the ERAS cohort were compared to a cohort of patients who underwent surgical resection in the year prior to the implementation of the ERAS protocol. A feasibility analysis was performed among a sample of ERAS patients to determine the number of achieved items per patient.ResultsBetween 2008 and August 2010, 181 patients in our department underwent esophagectomy. Of these, 103 patients were included in the ERAS program (ERAS+ group) and were compared to 78 patients who had undergone an esophagectomy in 2008 (ERAS– group). Overall hospital stay was 14 days versus 15 days (ERAS+ and ERAS–, respectively; p = 0.013). There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative complications in either group. The percentage of achieved items varied between 42 and 93 % per item.ConclusionsThe implementation of an ERAS program in esophageal surgery was feasible and resulted in a small but significant reduction in overall hospital stay, whereas overall morbidity was not affected.