bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Drying of a plasmid containing formulation: chitosan as a protecting agent
Authors: Mohajel Nasir , Najafabadi Abdolhossein R , Azadmanesh Kayhan , Vatanara Alireza , Amini Mohsen , Moazeni Esmail , Rahimi Amirabbas , Gilani Kambiz 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The purpose of the study. Along with research on development of more efficient gene delivery systems, it is necessary to search on stabilization processes to extend their active life span. Chitosan is a nontoxic, biocompatible and available gene delivery carrier. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of this polymer to preserve transfection efficiency during spray-drying and a modified freeze-drying process in the presence of commonly used excipients.

Method
Molecular weight of chitosan was reduced by a chemical reaction and achieved low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) was complexed with pDNA. Obtained nanocomplex suspensions were diluted by solutions of lactose and leucine, and these formulations were spray dried or freeze dried using a modified technique. Size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, intensity of supercoiled DNA band on gel electrophoresis, and transfection efficiency of reconstituted nanocomplexes were compared with freshly prepared ones.

Results and major conclusion
Size distribution profiles of both freeze dried, and 13 out of 16 spray-dried nanocomplexes remained identical to freshly prepared ones. LMWC protected up to 100% of supercoiled structure of pDNA in both processes, although DNA degradation was higher in spray-drying of the nanocomplexes prepared with low N/P ratios. Both techniques preserved transfection efficiency similarly even in lower N/P ratios, where supercoiled DNA content of spray dried formulations was lower than freeze-dried ones. Leucine did not show a significant effect on properties of the processed nanocomplexes. It can be concluded that LMWC can protect DNA structure and transfection efficiency in both processes even in the presence of leucine.
Calcium oxide from Pomacea sp. shell as a catalyst for biodiesel production
Authors: Margaretha Yosephine Yulia , Prastyo Henry Sanaga , Ayucitra Aning , Ismadji Suryadi 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Heterogeneous catalysts are promising catalyst for the transesterification reaction of vegetable oils to produce biodiesel. In this study, the Pomacea sp. shell was used as the raw material for CaO catalyst. The calcination of Pomacea sp. shell was conducted at 900°C for 2 h. The raw material and the resulting CaO catalyst were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescense spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. From the experimental results, it was found that the maximum yield of fatty acid methyl esters was 95.61% at the following reaction conditions: reaction temperature of 60°C, a reaction period of 4 h, a ratio of methanol-oil at 7:1, and amount of catalyst at 4% w/w. The physical and chemical properties of biodiesel were determined based on ASTM standard, and the values obtained were confirmed with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI-04-7182-2006) and (B100)-ASTM D6751-07b.
A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled phase III trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in Japanese patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Ohta Hiroyoshi , Oka Hiroshi , Usui Chie , Ohkura Masayuki , Suzuki Makoto , Nishioka Kusuki 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain and tenderness. Prior trials have demonstrated the efficacy of pregabalin for the relief of fibromyalgia symptoms, and it is approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia in the United States. However, prior to this study, there has not been a large-scale efficacy trial in patients with fibromyalgia in Japan.

Methods
This randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at 44 centers in Japan to assess the efficacy and safety of pregabalin for the symptomatic relief of pain in fibromyalgia patients. Patients aged ≥18 years who had met the criteria for fibromyalgia were randomized to receive either pregabalin, starting at 150 mg/day and increasing to a maintenance dose of 300 or 450 mg/day, or placebo, for 15 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean pain score at final assessment. Secondary endpoints included Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) together with measures of sleep, physical functioning and quality of life.

Results
A total of 498 patients (89% female) were randomized to receive either pregabalin (n = 250) or placebo (n = 248). Pregabalin significantly reduced mean pain score at final assessment (difference in mean change from baseline, compared with placebo -0.44; P = 0.0046) and at every week during the study (P <0.025). Key secondary endpoints were also significantly improved with pregabalin treatment compared with placebo, including PGIC (percentage reporting symptoms "very much improved" or "much improved", 38.6% vs 26.7% with placebo; P = 0.0078); pain visual analog scale (difference in mean change from baseline, compared with placebo -6.19; P = 0.0013); Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire total score (-3.33; P = 0.0144); and quality of sleep score (-0.73; P <0.0001). Treatment was generally well tolerated, with somnolence and dizziness the most frequently reported adverse events.

Conclusions
This trial demonstrated that pregabalin, at doses of up to 450 mg/day, was effective for the symptomatic relief of pain in Japanese patients with fibromyalgia. Pregabalin also improved measures of sleep and functioning and was well tolerated. These data indicate that pregabalin is an effective treatment option for the relief of pain and sleep problems in Japanese patients with fibromyalgia.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00830167
Call for Papers—Special Issue of Operations Research: Information and Decisions in Social and Economic Networks
Authors: Anderson Eddie , Gamarnik David , Kleywegt Anton , Ozdaglar Asuman 
Published: December 2012

Networks have become increasingly pervasive in our lives: social networks not only have a defining impact on consumer choice but are also central in social and political decisions, ranging from political discourse in the blogosphere to the organization and coordination of protests in the Arab Spring. Economic and financial transactions also increasingly occur over large, complex, dynamically changing networks, not only contributing to the efficient allocation of resources, but also occasionally creating large, systemic, and poorly understood risks. Similarly, network effects are now seen as major elements in healthcare, smart power grids, urban transportation, and more. We invite high-quality submissions in social and economic networks, construed broadly to include any system in which human action and control play a major role. We welcome contributions based on rigorous mathematical models, as well as empirical and simulation studies, that contribute to the understanding of network formation, cascades, reliability, information and action propagation, decision making, inference, measurement, and efficient optimization algorithms over networks. We seek papers that apply tools from operations research, statistics, computer science, applied mathematics, and physics to offer novel insights, build new models, and possibly provide recommendations to policy makers. To submit your paper, go to the Operations Research ScholarOne Manuscripts site at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/opre.manuscriptcentral.com/opre and follow the instructions provided. July/August 2015: Expected issue publication date.
Complexation of rhenium with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid: studies of technetium analogue using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Corkhill C.L. , Chapman P.M. , Romero-González M.E. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The complexation of rhenium, to the polyamino-polycarboxylate EDTA was investigated using Raman spectroscopy. Complexation occurred when ReVIIO4
- was placed in the presence of a Sn(II) reducing agent and EDTA. Rhenium complexation was confirmed by the Raman and UV/Vis spectra of the solution samples. Binding modes were assigned using the Raman spectra of a solid-phase sample. Three complexes are proposed, a six-coordinate dimer H4[Re2(μO)2(EDTA)2], a seven-coordinate monomer H2[ReO(EDTA)(OH2)2] and a mono-oxorhenium [ReO(EDTA)]
2-
. The solubility of Re(IV)-EDTA complexes is greater than that of ReO4. If this behaviour is analogous to Tc, it is proposed that complexation to EDTA by Tc(IV) may increase the solubility and enhance the environmental transport of 99Tc from geological repositories.
Thymidine kinase enzyme selective imaging radiopharmaceutical: 99mTc(CO)3-Ganciclovir
Authors: Gedik Buket , Teksöz Serap , İçhedef Çigdem , Kilçar Ayfer Yurt , Medine E. İlker , Uçar Eser 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The aim of this study is to radiolabel ganciclovir, known as having selective antiviral properties against thymidine kinase, with technetium tricarbonylcore (99mTc(CO)3
+) and to investigate the biological behavior of this complex in vitro and in vivo. Commercially provided Ganciclovir (GCV) was radiolabeled with 99mTc(CO)3
+. Initially, optimum radiolabeling conditions were determined by analyzing factors such as temperature, pH and time. Quality control of the radiolabeled compound was performed. The radiolabeling yield was found to be 97%. The 99mTc(CO)3-GCV complex also displayed good in vitro stability during the 24 h period. In vitro cell uptake studies showed that the 99mTc(CO)3-GCV complex is highly uptaken in A-549, PC-3, HeLa cell lines according to the control group 99mTc(I)-tricarbonyl core. The knowledge gained from in vivo and in vitro studies of 99mTc(CO)3-GCV could contribute to the development of a new HSV1-tk gene imaging agent.
Stability studies ofN,N,N´,N´-tetra-(2-ethylhexyl) dithiodiglycolamide (DTDGA)
Authors: Ruhela R. , Tomar B. S. , Singh K. K. , Sharma J. N. , Kumar M. , Bajaj P. N. , Adya V. C. , Seshagiri T. K. , Hubli R. C. , Suri A. K. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDTDGA solvent system was evaluated for hydrolytic and radiolytic stabilities to ascertain its application in separation and recovery of palladium from High Level Liquid Waste (HLW) solutions. Hydrolysis of DTDGA solvent system was not observed when it was kept in contact with 3.0 M nitric acid solution for two weeks. Moreover, contrary to other ‘S’ donor extractants used for the said purpose, the oxidation of thioetheric sulphur to sulphoxide or sulphones was also not observed. On the other hand, radiolysis of DTDGA solvent system was notably observed, which was found to increase with increase in absorbed dose. At gamma radiation dose of 0.2 MGy, no significant loss of DTDGA was observed. Aliphatic diluent namelyn-dodecane was found to have sensitization effect on degradation of DTDGA. The degradation products were identified by GC-MS, the major ones were found to be formed by cleavage of thioetheric and amidic bonds of DTDGA molecule. The liquid–liquid extraction studies of palladium with irradiated solvent indicate that there was no significant change inDPdup to an absorbed dose of 0.2 MGy above which it decreases gradually. Further, the radiolysis does not affect the stripping behavior of palladium. Extraction studies of Simulated High Level Liquid Waste (SHLW) elements with irradiated solvent system showed that, except palladium, any other element is hardly extracted thus retaining its remarkable selectivity.
Vershina, a Polish village in Siberia, as a language (dialect) island
Authors: Głuszkowski Michał 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The problems of language island situation have been present in humanities for over 160 years. However, in spite of the changing world, this question remains valid. The Polish community near Irkutsk – the village of Vershina is a 100-year-old language island. With the flow of time its social, economic, political and language situation has been evolving. The article is an attempt to analyse changes in Vershina’s dialect against the criteria of language island description. The present analysis is based on the results of research so far as well as on the material gathered during field research.
Ein Adliger als Revolutionär. Alexander Herzens frühe Prosa im literarischen und kulturellen Kontext der „natural’naja škola“
Authors: Peters Jochen-Ulrich 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The article shows, how Alexander Herzen, following Heine’s “Reisebilder”, develops a new poetic and journalistic style of writing, which specifically corresponds to the literary and cultural norms of the “Natural School”. At the same time, his early prose works demonstrate the difficulties which a young noble and radical intellectual had in reconciling his revolutionary mind-set with his convictions about the individual’s right to liberty and material independence. Herzen defended these convictions above all, not only against the Czarist autocracy and Western Europe’s civil society, but also against the peasants’ communal organization in a future socialist Russia.
Glorious Sounds for a Holy Warrior: New Light on Codex Turin J.II.9
Authors: Kügle Karl 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The origins of codex Turin, Biblioteca Nazionale Universitaria J.II.9 are contested territory. While there can be little dispute that the repertory, a monumental collection of plainchant, polyphonic Mass settings, motets, and songs, is linked to the (Bourbon-)Lusignan court of Cyprus, this articles argues the north Italian origins of the manuscript. The key to solving the puzzle is the coat of arms prominently displayed on fol. 1r of the codex. Once its Brescian provenance is recognized and the relevant family's cultural, political, and religious history and patronage elucidated, the “Avogadro codex” emerges as part of a complex of “ars subtilior” sources including Chantilly, ModA, and Oxford 213, all now believed to have originated in Lombardy, Veneto, Romagna, perhaps Tuscany, or Rome, and either copied or still in use in the 1420–30s. The symbolic make-up of the manuscript reveals connections not only to the Avogadro but also to the cult of the Holy Cross in Brescia. Historical and paleographic evidence points to the possible involvement of Jean Hanelle, chapel master to the King of Cyprus, in the genesis of the manuscript around 1435. Hanelle may also have been responsible for taking the codex from Brescia to Savoy as early as 1436.
The Relationship Between Cow’s Milk and Stores of Vitamin D and Iron in Early Childhood
Authors: Maguire Jonathon L. , Lebovic Gerald , Kandasamy Sharmilaa , Khovratovich Marina , Mamdani Muhammad , Birken Catherine S. , Parkin Patricia C. ,   on behalf of the TARGet Kids!,   Collaboration
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE:To examine the association between cow’s milk intake on both vitamin D and iron stores in healthy urban preschoolers.METHODS:Healthy children 2 to 5 years of age were recruited from December 2008 through December 2010 through the TARGet Kids! practice-based research network. Cow’s milk intake was measured by parental report. Vitamin D and iron stores were measured by using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and ferritin. Bivariate multivariable linear regression was used to examine the effect of cow’s milk intake simultaneously on 25-hydroxyvitamin D and serum ferritin. Analyses were stratified by important clinical variables including skin pigmentation, bottle feeding, vitamin D supplementation, and season.RESULTS:Among 1311 children, increasing cow’s milk consumption was associated with decreasing serum ferritin (P &lt; .0001) and increasing 25-hydroxyvitamin D (P ≤ .0001). Two cups (500 mL) of cow’s milk per day maintained 25-hydroxyvitamin D &gt;75 nmol/L with minimal negative effect on serum ferritin for most children. Children with darker skin pigmentation not receiving vitamin D supplementation during the winter required 3 to 4 cups of cow’s milk per day to maintain 25-hydroxyvitamin D &gt;75 nmol/L. Cow’s milk intake among children using a bottle did not increase 25-hydroxyvitamin D and resulted in more dramatic decreases in serum ferritin.CONCLUSIONS:There is a trade-off between increasing 25-hydroxyvitamin D and decreasing serum ferritin with increasing milk intake. Two cups of cow’s milk per day appears sufficient to maintain healthy vitamin D and iron stores for most children. Wintertime vitamin D supplementation was particularly important among children with darker skin pigmentation.
Sero-epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Gomwalk Nenfort Edward , Nimzing Lohya , Mawak John Danjuma , Ladep Nimzing G. , Dapiap Stephen B. , Damshak Demas , Kim Esther , Barau Christiana , Jinung John K. , Rumtong Bala M. , Agabi Yusuf A. 
Published: December 2012

Introduction: Previous sentinel surveys of HIV in Nigeria studied pregnant women attending antenatal care, thereby omitting other important high-risk groups. We therefore investigated the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in low- and high-risk populations in the state of Plateau, Nigeria. Methodology: Blood samples were collected by venepuncture from 5,021 adults aged ≥15 years between August and October 2008. At least one major town and one rural community were selected in each Local Government Area (LGA). Samples were initially screened with a rapid HIV testing kit; reactive samples were further tested using Stat Pak. Discordant samples were confirmed using Genie-II. Results: Of 5,021 subjects screened, 245 (4.88%) were seropositive. Local Government prevalence ranged from 0.68% in Bassa to 16.07% in Jos North. On average, LGAs in the Southern Senatorial Zone had higher rates. Most (over 80%) positive cases were younger than 40 years. Females had a significantly higher (6.85%) prevalence than males (2.72%). Age-specific prevalence was higher among females aged 25 to 29 years (2.09%). Risk factors identified for acquisition of HIV infection were previous history of STDs (6, 16.28%); men having sex with men (2, 11.76%); having multiple sexual partners (97; 10.49%); intravenous drug use (10, 7.58%); sharing of sharp objects (20, 4.82%); and history of blood transfusion (21, 3.65%). Conclusion: The seemingly higher prevalence recorded in this survey could be attributed to the inclusion of high- and low-risk groups in the general population, unlike previous reports which studied only antenatal care attendees. This survey provides useful baseline information for further studies.
Clinical Profile, Management, and Outcome of Retinoblastoma in Singapore
Authors: Lim Fiona Pin Miao , Soh Shui Yen , Iyer Jayant Venkatramani , Tan Ah Moy , Swati Handa , Quah Boon Long 
Published: December 2012

Purpose:
To analyze the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes for patients with retinoblastoma in Singapore from 1997 to 2010.

Methods:
Medical records of 51 patients (67 eyes) diagnosed as having retinoblastoma were analyzed. Data on laterality, genetics, presentation, disease severity, treatment, and prognosis were collected.

Results:
The mean age of presentation was 25.7 ± 19.9 months. Sixteen (31.4%) of the patients had bilateral disease, of whom 2 had an associated pineal tumor. Leukocoria was the most common sign. Two had metastasis at diagnosis. Only 3 patients (5.9%) had a family history. Using the International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification, 6.0% were Group A, 6.0% were Group B, 3.0% were Group C, 38.8% were Group D, and 49.2% were Group E. Chemotherapy and focal therapy were administered for 4 of 35 (12.9%) patients with unilateral retinoblastoma (50% had successful globe preservation) and 13 of 16 (81.3%) patients with bilateral retinoblastoma (42.3% had successful globe preservation). Overall, globe preservation was achieved in 100% of Groups A, B, and C, and 23.1% of Group D cases. The 5-year survival rate overall, for unilateral retinoblastoma, and for bilateral retinoblastoma was 91%, 97%, and 76% respectively.

Conclusion:
The overall 5-year survival rate is comparable to international data in most developed countries. However, most patients presented with advanced disease, making the rate of globe preservation lower than in some developed countries. Better education of the public and healthcare professionals may increase awareness and enable early detection of the disease.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50:106–112.]
O ensino de história - algumas reflexões do Reino Unido: entrevista com Peter J. Lee
Authors: Silva Cristiani Bereta da 
Published: December 2012

O interesse em publicar uma entrevista com o professor Peter Lee vem ao encontro do desejo de fazer circular ainda mais suas pesquisas e reflexões sobre como as crianças e jovens elaboram ideias sobre a história, no Brasil. Tal desejo parte do pressuposto de que o ensino de História na Educação Básica pouco ou nada avançará sem que os professores e pesquisadores da área considerem seriamente a questão da aprendizagem, ou melhor, os processos cognitivos envolvidos na construção do pensamento histórico. Processos que implicam compreender como os sujeitos elaboram as ideias históricas e como constroem percepções sobre o passado. Com esta entrevista espera-se também contribuir com o debate sobre as formas e funções da história na vida cotidiana, pois se postula aqui - e a discussão de Peter Lee também atenta para isso - que a história é uma forma de pensar e interpretar a existência humana, no tempo.
Liquid Phases for Gas ChromatographyUpdate based on the original article by Nicholas H. Snow,Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry, © 2000, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Authors: Snow Nicholas H. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn gas chromatography (GC), the liquid phase, also called the stationary phase, provides the medium in which the separation occurs. The magnitude of separation is given by the relative strengths of intermolecular interactions between analyte and stationary phase molecules, thus numerous liquids have been used over the years. The stationary phase can be coated onto a solid support and packed into a tube (packed column GC), or coated onto the wall of a capillary (capillary GC). Today, most GC analyses are performed using capillary columns.
Sample Preparation for Gas ChromatographyUpdate based on the original article by Kornél Torkos,
Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry
, © 2000, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Authors: Eke Zsuzsanna , Torkos Kornél 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The success of a gas chromatographic analysis mostly depends on the sample preparation procedure. Biological and environmental samples are not suitable for direct analysis. Organic analytes can be separated from matrixes by extraction methods such as gas–solid, liquid–liquid, solid–liquid, purge‐and‐trap, headspace, solid‐phase (SPE), solid‐phase micro‐ (SPME), stir bar sorptive (SBSE), membrane assisted (MAE), supercritical fluid (SFE), and Soxhlet extractions. These extraction methods are called phase separation methods. Matrix solid‐phase dispersion (MSPD) is a special highly efficient phase separation procedure for biological matrixes such as meat, liver, muscle, and vegetables. QuEChERS is a widely used standardized procedure for the sample preparation of fruits and vegetables for the determination of pesticide content. The aim of the extraction procedure is not only separation of organic analytes from matrixes but also concentration in another phase. If the organic analytes contain protic (active) hydrogen (alcohols, carboxylic acids, amines, oxo compounds, etc.) some derivatization reactions, such as acylation, alkylation, and silylation, might be needed. The aim of the derivatization is to increase the sensitivity of detection and thermal stability of the organic analytes. The other aspect of derivatization is to reduce the polarity of the compounds.