bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PETRORISK: A risk assessment framework for petroleum substances
Authors: Redman Aaron D , Parkerton Thomas F , Comber Mike HI , Paumen Miriam Leon , Eadsforth Charles V , Dmytrasz Bhodan , King Duncan , Warren Christopher S , den Haan Klaas , Djemel Nadia 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
PETRORISK is a modeling framework used to evaluate environmental risk of petroleum substances and human exposure through these routes due to emissions under typical use conditions as required by the European regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Petroleum substances are often complex substances comprised of hundreds to thousands of individual hydrocarbons. The physicochemical, fate, and effects properties of the individual constituents within a petroleum substance can vary over several orders of magnitude, complicating risk assessment. PETRORISK combines the risk assessment strategies used on single chemicals with the hydrocarbon block approach to model complex substances. Blocks are usually defined by available analytical characterization data on substances that are expressed in terms of mass fractions for different structural chemical classes that are specified as a function of C number or boiling point range. The physicochemical and degradation properties of the blocks are determined by the properties of representative constituents in that block. Emissions and predicted exposure concentrations (PEC) are then modeled using mass-weighted individual representative constituents. Overall risk for various environmental compartments at the regional and local level is evaluated by comparing the PECs for individual representative constituents to corresponding predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC) derived using the Target Lipid Model. Risks to human health are evaluated using the overall predicted human dose resulting from multimedia environmental exposure to a substance-specific derived no-effect level (DNEL). A case study is provided to illustrate how this modeling approach has been applied to assess the risks of kerosene manufacture and use as a fuel. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:437–448. © 2014 SETAC
Key Points
This manuscript documents the development and function of PETRORISK, a model for performing screening level risk assessment of UVCBs. The model accommodates the widely variable composition of various petroleum substances by modeling the fate, effects, and risks, of this class of UVCBs using a library of representative constituents which span the range of physicochemical properties of constituents that are found in petroleum substances. The systematic and consistent treatment of a wide range of petroleum substances with PETRORISK is the major advancement to the field of UVCB risk assessment.
Fracture Risk Predictions Based on Statistical Shape and Density Modeling of the Proximal Femur
Authors: Bredbenner Todd L , Mason Robert L , Havill Lorena M , Orwoll Eric S , Nicolella Daniel P ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT Increased risk of skeletal fractures due to bone mass loss is a major public health problem resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in the case of hip fractures. Current clinical methods based on two-dimensional measures of bone mineral density (areal BMD or aBMD) are often unable to identify individuals at risk of fracture. We investigated predictions of fracture risk based on statistical shape and density modeling (SSDM) methods using a case-cohort sample of individuals from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study. Baseline quantitative computed tomography (QCT) data of the right femur were obtained for 513 individuals, including 45 who fractured a hip during follow-up (mean 6.9 year observation, validated by physician review). QCT data were processed for 450 individuals (including 40 fracture cases) to develop individual models describing three-dimensional bone geometry and density distribution. Comparison of mean fracture and non-case models indicated complex structural differences that appear to be responsible for resistance to hip fracture. Logistic regressions were used to model the relation of baseline hip BMD and SSDM weighting factors to the occurrence of hip fracture. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for a prediction model based on weighting factors and adjusted by age was significantly greater than AUC for a prediction model based on aBMD and age (0.94 versus 0.83, respectively). The SSDM-based prediction model adjusted by age correctly identified 55% of the fracture cases (and 94.7% of the non-cases), whereas the clinical standard aBMD correctly identified 10% of the fracture cases (and 91.3% of the non-cases). SSDM identifies subtle changes in combinations of structural bone traits (eg, geometric and BMD distribution traits) that appear to indicate fracture risk. Investigation of important structural differences in the proximal femur between fracture and no-fracture cases may lead to improved prediction of those at risk for future hip fracture. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comparison of Prothrombin Time Derived From CoaguChek XS and Laboratory Test According to Fibrinogen Level
Authors: Kim Sue Jung , Lee Eun Young , Park Rojin , Kim Juwon , Song Jaewoo 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundCoaguChek XS is one of the most widely used point‐of‐care (POC) devices to evaluate prothrombin time for monitoring oral anticoagulant therapy. Unlike laboratory methods, it detects electrical signals produced by thrombin activity to derive the international normalized ratio (INR). Therefore, we hypothesized that laboratory methods and CoaguChek XS could produce different results according to fibrinogen level.MethodsWe compared INR values obtained from the CoaguChek XS and conventional laboratory method with 91 plasma samples covering a wide range of fibrinogen levels.ResultsThe samples were stratified into low, mid, and high fibrinogen groups by fibrinogen levels of <130 mg/dl, 130–450 mg/dl, and >450 mg/dl, respectively. The mean INR difference of the low fibrinogen group was significantly different from that of the mid or high fibrinogen group (P < 0.001). In the low fibrinogen group, CoaguChek XS INR showed a negative bias compared with the laboratory INR, while the mid and high fibrinogen groups had positive bias.ConclusionOur results suggest that patient selection according to fibrinogen status should precede the implementation of POC testing using CoaguChek XS. Also, periodic comparisons between CoaguChek XS and laboratory INR results should be continued during the use of CoaguChek XS.
Evaluation of the HerpeSelect Express Rapid Test in the Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Antibodies in Patients With Genital Ulcer Disease
Authors: Al‐Shobaili Hani , Hassanein Khaled M. , Mostafa Marwa Salah , Duways Ali Saleh Al 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundA rapid point‐of‐care test with high sensitivity and specificity is required in order to fulfill the need for early detection and screening of Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) infection among patients with genital ulcer disease (GUD), for better management and control of virus transmission.MethodsThe goal of this study is to evaluate the performance of the commercially available HerpeSelect Express rapid test in comparison with three ELISA assays: HerpeSelect ELISA, Kalon HSV‐2 glycoprotein G2 assay, and monoclonal antibody blocking enzyme immunoassay, which was used as the gold standard for the detection of HSV‐2 antibodies.ResultsThis study showed high sensitivity (ranging from 82.6 to 100%) and specificity (100%) of the HerpeSelect Express rapid test when compared to the three ELISA assays. The agreement between the HerpeSelect Express rapid test with the three ELISAs ranged from 93.3 to 100%.ConclusionThe HerpeSelect Express rapid test has adequate sensitivity and specificity for confirming HSV‐2 infection in patients with GUD, indicating its suitability for epidemiological studies.
Performances of Capillary Electrophoresis and HPLC Methods in HbA1c Determination: Diagnostic Accuracy in HbS and HbD‐Iran Variants' Presence
Authors: Dessi Mariarita , Pieri Massimo , Pignalosa Stefano , Martino Francesca Gabriela , Zenobi Rossella 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundGlycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) provides a useful estimate of mean glycemia in patients with diabetes and is directly related to risks for diabetes complications. The aim of this study is to compare a capillary electrophoresis method and two high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) cation‐exchange analyzers (Variant II (Bio‐Rad Laboratories, Inc., Hercules, CA) and G8 (Tosoh Biosciences, San Francisco, CA)) to identify the most reliable method in Hb variants' presence.MethodsMeasurements of HbA1c were carried out in blood samples from 200 Tor Vergata Hospital patients, using G8 Tosoh, and from 107 San Filippo Neri Hospital patients, using Variant II Bio‐Rad methods. All samples were analyzed by Capillarys 2 Flex Piercing (FP; Sebia, Lisses, France).ResultsThere was a good concordance between the results of capillary electrophoresis and HPLC methods (R2 = 0.99, P < 0.0001 for G8 HPLC; R2 = 0.99, P < 0.0001 for Variant II HPLC). During the study, we observed that some Hb variants, HbS and HbD‐Iran, can alter the HbA1c level.ConclusionsSince the HbA1c test is now recommended for diagnosing diabetes, and minimal variation of the concentration affects the clinical therapy, it is very important that the results are reliable and interference‐free. Capillarys 2‐FP analyzer is suitable for this purpose and sometimes it showed some advantages with respect to the HPLC analyzers tested, especially when Hb variants are present.
Serum Level of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) in Egyptians With Alopecia Areata and Its Relation to the Clinical Severity of the Disease
Authors: Younan Doreen Nazeih Assaad , Agamia Naglaa , Elshafei Adel , Ebeid Nancy 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundAlopecia areata (AA) is a common dermatological problem that manifests as sudden loss of hair without any inflammation or scarring. Various cytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is located at an upstream position in the events leading to the possible dysregulated immuno‐inflammatory responses, and the high level of this cytokine in AA may suggest a role of MIF in the pathogenesis of AA.MethodsThis case–control study was carried out on 31 AA patients with different grades of severity and 15 apparently healthy subjects. Serum MIF level was measured by ELISA, and was correlated with the clinical severity of the disease using SALT (severity of alopecia tool) scoring system.ResultsIn this study, there was a significant elevation in serum MIF levels in AA patients in comparison with controls. There was also a positive correlation between MIF levels and clinical severity and disease duration.ConclusionMIF seems to have an essential role in the etiopathogenesis of AA. So, it is considered to be a promising target in the therapy of autoimmune diseases and as a future predictor of alopecia activity. Anti‐MIF therapy might be added as one of the new biological treatments for AA.
Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients With Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Celikbilek Mehmet , Dogan Serkan , Akyol Lutfi , Borekci Elif , Zararsiz Gokmen , Kozan Mustafa , Gunaydin Ilhan 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundBlood neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte (N/L) ratio is an indicator of the overall inflammatory status of the body, and an alteration in N/L ratio may be found in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between N/L ratio and FMF.MethodsOne hundred and fifteen patients and controls were enrolled in the study. The cases in the study were categorized as FMF with attack, FMF with attack‐free period, and controls. The neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were recorded, and the N/L ratio was calculated from these parameters. All patients were diagnosed according to Tel Hashomer criteria.ResultsA total of 79 FMF patients were included in the study and all subjects were receiving colchicine treatment at the time. The serum N/L ratios of active patients were significantly higher than those of attack‐free FMF patients and controls (P < 0.001). The optimum N/L ratio cut‐off point for active FMF was 2.63 with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 0.62 (0.41–0.80), 0.85 (0.72–0.93), 0.67 (0.44–0.85), and 0.82 (0.69–0.91), respectively. The overall accuracy of the N/L ratio in determination of FMF patients during attack was 71%.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that N/L ratio is higher in patients with active FMF compared with FMF patients in remission and controls, and a cut‐off value of 2.63 can be used to identify patients with active FMF.
Greenland precipitation trends in a long‐term instrumental climate context (1890–2012): evaluation of coastal and ice core records
Authors: Mernild Sebastian H. , Hanna Edward , McConnell Joseph R. , Sigl Michael , Beckerman Andrew P. , Yde Jacob C. , Cappelen John , Malmros Jeppe K. , Steffen Konrad 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTHere, we present an analysis of monthly, seasonal, and annual long‐term precipitation time‐series compiled from coastal meteorological stations in Greenland and Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) ice cores (including three new ice core records from ACT11D, Tunu2013, and Summit2010). The dataset covers the period from 1890 to 2012, a period of climate warming. For approximately the first decade of the new millennium (2001–2012) minimum and maximum mean annual precipitation conditions are found in Northeast Greenland (Tunu2013 c. 120 mm water equivalent (w.e.) year−1) and South Greenland (Ikerasassuaq: c. 2300 mm w.e. year−1), respectively. The coastal meteorological stations showed on average increasing trends for 1890–2012 (3.5 mm w.e. year−2) and 1961–2012 (1.3 mm w.e. year−2). Years with high coastal annual precipitation also had a: (1) significant high number of precipitation days (r2 = 0.59); and (2) high precipitation intensity measured as 24‐h precipitation (r2 = 0.54). For the GrIS the precipitation estimated from ice cores increased on average by 0.1 mm w.e. year−2 (1890–2000), showing an antiphase variability in precipitation trends between the GrIS and the coastal regions. Around 1960 a major shift occurred in the precipitation pattern towards wetter precipitation conditions for coastal Greenland, while drier conditions became more prevalent on the GrIS. Differences in precipitation trends indicate a heterogeneous spatial distribution of precipitation in Greenland. An Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis reveals a spatiotemporal cycle of precipitation that is linked instantaneously to the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and with an ∼6 years lag time response to the Greenland Blocking Index.
On the drivers of variability and trend of surface solar radiation in Beijing metropolitan area
Authors: Zhang X. , Xia X. , Xuan C. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTUsing surface meteorological data at 20 sites in Beijing area during 1961–2007, the variability and trend of surface solar radiation (SSR) and their potential drivers were investigated. Cloud cover was an important factor determining the interannual variation of SSR reflected in the linear correlation coefficients (R ranged from −0.65 to −0.89) between interannual variations of SSR and cloud cover. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) also contributed to the interannual variability of SSR, as shown by negative correlations between AOD and SSR (R ranged from −0.44 to −0.81). SSR decreased by 2.29 (winter), 3.63 (spring), 7.45 (summer), and 3.76 W m−2 (fall) per decade during 1961–2007. The observed decrease in cloud cover should have resulted in solar brightening instead of dimming, indicating that cloud cover is not the driver of the long‐term trend of SSR. AOD was observed to increase by 0.02–0.04 per decade, which was consistent with the SSR trend. Therefore, we argue that AOD, instead of cloud cover, is the major driver of the long‐term SSR trend in Beijing metropolitan area. The largest dimming was observed in urban sites as a result of the largest increased AOD trend observed there. SSR trends in rural sites were about 30%–54% of the trends in urban stations, which was mostly due to the smaller decreasing AOD trends that were observed in rural sites.
In‐depth analysis of pH‐dependent mechanisms of electromechanical reshaping of rabbit nasal septal cartilage
Authors: Kuan Edward C. , Hamamoto Ashley A. , Manuel Cyrus T. , Protsenko Dmitriy E. , Wong Brian J. F. 
Published: March 2014

Objectives/HypothesisElectromechanical reshaping (EMR) involves reshaping cartilage by mechanical deformation and delivering electric current to the area around the bend axis, causing local stress relaxation and permanent shape change. The mechanism of EMR is currently unclear, although preliminary studies suggest that voltage and application time are directly related to the concentration and diffusion of acid–base products within the treated tissue with little heat generation. This study aims to characterize local tissue pH changes following EMR and to demonstrate that local tissue pH changes are correlated with tissue damage and shape change.Study DesignEx vivo animal study involving EMR of rabbit nasal septal cartilage and biochemical estimation of tissue pH changes.MethodsThe magnitude and diffusion of acid–base chemical products in control (0V, 2 minutes), shape change (4V, 4 minutes; 6V, 1, 2, 4 minutes; 8V, 1, 2 minutes), and tissue damage (8V, 4, 5 minutes; 10V, 4, 5 minutes) parameters following EMR are approximated by analyzing local pH changes after pH indicator application.ResultsThere is a direct relationship between total charge transfer and extent of acid–base product diffusion (P <0.05). A “pH transition zone” is seen surrounding the bend apex above 8V, 2 minutes. Colorimetric analysis suggests that small local pH changes (10−8 hydrogen ions) are at least partly implicated in clinically efficacious EMR.ConclusionsThese results provide additional insight into the translational applications of EMR, particularly the relationship among pH changes, shape change, and tissue injury, and are integral in optimizing this promising technology for clinical use.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope 124:E405–E410, 2014
Condensed‐Mode Cooling for Ethylene Polymerization: The Influence of Inert Condensing Agent on the Polymerization Rate
Authors: Namkajorn Montree , Alizadeh Arash , Somsook Ekasith , McKenna Timothy F. L. 
Published: March 2014

Inert condensing agents (ICAs) are used principally to cool down gas‐phase fluidized bed reactors used to polymerize ethylene over supported catalysts. While these ICAs are chemically inert, it appears that they might nevertheless increase the polymerization rate. n‐Hexane is used as an ICA, and an enhancement in the instantaneous rate of ethylene polymerization in the gas phase is observed. This is attributed to a rise in the local ethylene concentration in the amorphous polymer phase surrounding the active sites, due to increases in both the solubility and diffusivity of ethylene in the amorphous polymer. In addition, the polymer particles have a smoother surface with less formation of fiber‐like substructures as the n‐hexane concentration increases.
image
Solvent‐Vapor‐Induced Rapid Assembly of Block‐Copolymer Film via Prevacuumizing
Authors: Gong Yumei , Li Yuhu , He Yingxin , Wang Lulu , Huang Haiying , He Tianbai 
Published: March 2014

The undesired long time for the self‐assembly of block‐copolymer (BCP) thin films restricts their application as a template in lithography and other technologies. To shorten the assembly time, a facile but versatile strategy of solvent‐vapor‐induced rapid assembly into a uniform ordered morphology of polystyrene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS‐b‐PMMA) thin film via prevacuumizing is reported. Factors such as the prevacuum pressure and the temperature during the solvent‐vapor‐annealing process are investigated for their effects on the assembly time. The morphologies are observed by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and the results indicate that the time for the assembly of PS‐b‐PMMA with a PS‐cylinder‐forming composition into a morphology of hexagonally arranged PS spheres in the film, induced by the solvent vapor at a prevacuum pressure 0.02 atm, is only 4 min at 20 °C and shortens more to 1 min at 60 °C.
image
A Giant Capsule from the Self‐Assembly of a Penta‐Telechelic Hybrid Poly(acrylic acid) Based on Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane
Authors: Zhang Weian , Hong Lizhi , McGowan Patrick C. 
Published: March 2014

An amphiphilic penta‐telechelic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)‐containing inorganic/organic hybrid poly(acrylic acid), (Glu‐PAA‐POSS5), is prepared by hydrolysis of penta‐telechelic poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) (Glu‐PtBA‐POSS5), synthesized by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and a “click” reaction. The self‐assembly behavior of Glu‐PAA‐POSS5 in aqueous solution at pH 8.5 is investigated by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results show that Glu‐PAA‐POSS5, with a long poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) chain, can self‐assemble in water into giant capsules, which provides an optional approach in the construction of capsules.
image
Leukemia inhibitory factor enhances bovine oocyte maturation and early embryo development
Authors: Mo Xianhong , Wu Guoquan , Yuan Dianshuai , Jia Baoyu , Liu Cong , Zhu Shien , Hou Yunpeng 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYThe present study was conducted to examine the effects of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on bovine oocyte maturation and early embryo development in vitro. Results showed that LIF supplementation (25 ng/ml) enhanced nuclear maturation of intact cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) compared to the vehicle control. Similar results were observed in denuded oocytes, indicating that LIF directly influences oocyte development. LIF‐treated oocytes showed a higher cortical‐granule‐migration rate and increased expression of CD9, a tetraspanin transmembrane protein essential for fertilization. After in vitro fertilization, oocytes receiving LIF supplementation exhibited a higher cleavage rate and yielded a significantly higher number of blastocysts. To further dissect the molecular mechanism underlying this LIF‐induced bovine oocyte maturation phenotype, we examined the involvement of two signaling cascades, mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK3/1)‐ and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)‐dependent pathways. Western blot results revealed that LIF phosphorylated MAPK3/1 and STAT3. Inhibition of MAPK3/1 activation with MEK inhibitor U0126 only partially blocked LIF‐induced nuclear maturation, although it attenuated oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. Inhibition of JAK/STAT3 activation with a specific pharmacological inhibitor completely abolished the LIF‐response in bovine oocyte. In summary, these data revealed a novel role for LIF in bovine oocyte maturation subsequent embryonic development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 608–618, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.