bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Porcine Pancreas: A Superior Source of Cholesterol Esterase for Total Serum Cholesterol Assay by the Enzymatic Kinetic Method
Authors: Srisawasdi Pornpen , Prasertsincharoen Noppadol , Kroll Martin H. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundAccurate determination of cholesterol requires complete hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters and must be very fast for the kinetic cholesterol assay. We investigated the properties of cholesterol esterase derived from Pseudomonas fluorescens, Candida cylindracea, bovine pancreas, and porcine pancreas for cholesterol determination in human serum.MethodsOptimization of four enzymes and effect of sodium cholate concentration were performed. We evaluated and compared their performances in enzymatic kinetic cholesterol determination.ResultsThe optimal sodium cholate concentration was 3, 5, 15, and 12 mmol/l with the enzyme activities at 200, 100, 100, and 100 U/l for P. fluorescens, C. cylindracea, bovine pancreas, and porcine pancreas, respectively. Linearity obtained from all enzymes was up to 16.3 mmol/l. All assays were compared favorably with standardized endpoint method. Only the cholesterol esterase derived from porcine pancreas demonstrated acceptable precision within the acceptable criteria (%CV < 3.0). Also, this esterase was least affected by interfering substances and showed longer stability than that of C. cylindracea and bovine pancreas.ConclusionPorcine pancreas cholesterol esterase is superior to that obtained from P. fluorescens, C. cylindracea, and bovine pancreas for total serum cholesterol determination by the kinetic method because of its lower cost, better accuracy and precision, less interference, and longer stability.
Etiology and Survival of Aplastic Anemia: A Study Based on Clinical Investigation
Authors: Jain Dharmendra , Kumar Ritesh , Tyagi Neetu , Negi Avinash , Pande Amit , Mahajan Amita , Pandey Prashant K. , Malik Radhika , Raina Vimarsh , Malik Balwant K. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundManagement of aplastic anemia is etiology driven, whether constitutional or acquired. Age, gender, and severity of disease also play crucial role in the survival of aplastic anemia. Since, inadequate data are available from India, the present study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the etiology and survival of aplastic anemia.MethodsThree hundred patients were enrolled between May 2007 and April 2010. Severity analysis and chromosomal breakage study was performed and patients were followed up to calculate the survival rate.ResultsOnly 9.4% of the cases demonstrated the evidence of constitutional disease. Patients with acquired disease showed a significantly higher odd ratio for hepatitis. Overall survival was found to be independent of the gender and inherited etiology. Phenotype resembling to constitutional disease was present in only 22.22% (6/27) of patients. Similar ratio of the constitutional and acquired disease in both the age groups was observed.ConclusionIrrespective of the age and phenotype, chromosomal breakage study should be mandatory for all patients with aplastic anemia. Hepatitis as a preceding event may be associated with the cause of aplastic anemia. Young age and less severe disease were strongly associated with better survival. Lack of tertiary care facility in the country, time lag between diagnosis and treatment, and unaffordability to abide the treatment cost could be the major contributory factors for poorer survival.
Detection of buffalo mozzarella adulteration by an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methodology
Authors: Russo Rosita , Severino Valeria , Mendez Alberto , Lliberia Josep , Parente Augusto , Chambery Angela 
Published: November 2012

Over the past years, LC–MS‐based approaches have gained a growing interest in food analysis by using different platforms and methodologies. In particular, enhanced selectivity and sensitivity of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan function offer powerful capabilities in detecting and quantifying specific analytes within complex mixtures such as food matrices. The MRM approach, traditionally applied in biomedical research, is particularly suitable for the detection of food adulteration and for the verification of authenticity to assure food safety and quality, both recognized as top priorities by the European Union Commission.Increasingly stringent legislation ensure products safety along every step ‘from farm to fork’, especially for traditional foods designed with the Protected Designation of Origin certification. Therefore, there is a growing demand of new methodologies for defining food authenticity in order to preserve their unique traits against frauds.In this work, an ultra performance liquid chromatopgraphy‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) methodology based on MRM has been developed for the sensitive and selective detection of buffalo mozzarella adulteration. The targeted quantitative analysis was performed by monitoring specific transitions of the phosphorylated β‐casein f33‐48 peptide, identified as a novel species‐specific proteotypic marker. The high sensitivity of MRM‐based MS and the wide dynamic range of triple quadrupole spectrometers have proved to be a valuable tool for the analysis of food matrices such as dairy products, thus offering new opportunities for monitoring food quality and adulterations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Transformation of N,N′‐Methylene Bisacrylamide Self‐Assembled Fibers Into Polymer Microtubes via RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Li Qi , Tang Liming , Xia Yu , Li Botian 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA novel fabrication method of polymer tubes with simple operation process and high yield is presented. N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) polymer microtubes are fabricated via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using MBA self‐assembled fibers as both the template and monomer source. The resulting products are characterized by SEM, TEM, FTIR, and element analysis. The mechanical properties of the gel‐like product and the MBA organogel are measured by rheometer. The morphology of the polymer tubes obtained via RAFT polymerization is compared with the sample obtained via conventional radical polymerization. Based on the current investigations, the fabrication mechanism of this method is initially proposed.
Associations of polymorphisms in the genes of FGFR2, FGF1, and RBFOX2 with breast cancer risk by estrogen/progesterone receptor status
Authors: Cen Yu‐Ling , Qi Mei‐Ling , Li Hai‐Gang , Su Yi , Chen Li‐Juan , Lin Ying , Chen Wei‐Qing , Xie Xiao‐Ming , Tang Lu‐Ying , Ren Ze‐Fang 
Published: November 2012

AbstractGenetic polymorphisms of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) have been demonstrated to be associated with breast cancer risk, presumably through elevation of FGFR2 expression. Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) and RNA binding protein fox‐1 homolog 2 (RBFOX2), which are functionally related to FGFR2, may also associate with breast cancer risk. We investigated the associations between breast cancer risk and the polymorphisms of FGFR2 rs2981582, FGF1 rs250108, and RBFOX2 rs2051579 among 839 incident breast cancer cases and 863 age‐matched controls in the Guangzhou Breast Cancer Study. Stratified odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) status using multivariate logistic regression. FGFR2 rs2981582 was confirmed to be significantly associated with the risk of ER‐positive but not ER‐negative breast cancer. In contrast, FGF1 rs250108 was significantly associated with the risk of ER‐negative breast cancer (OR (95% CI) = 1.68 (1.20–2.35) for CT + TT vs. CC genotype) but not ER‐positive breast cancer. CA + AA genotypes at RBFOX2 rs2051579 were associated with a reduced risk of ER‐negative (0.71 (0.52–0.97)) but not ER‐positive breast cancer compared to the CC genotype. Similar results were observed when differentiating breast cancer cases by PR status. Neither of the pairs between the three SNPs had a significant interaction on breast cancer risk. Our findings show a suggestively stronger association between FGFR2 rs2981582 and ER‐positive breast cancer risk and suggest a greater association of FGF1 rs250108 and RBFOX2 rs2051579 with ER‐negative compared to ER‐positive breast cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rezeptur‐Ringversuche des Zentrallaboratoriums Deutscher Apotheker (ZL). Qualitätssicherung in der Apotheke
Authors: Latsch Holger 
Published: November 2012

AbstractDie ZL‐Rezeptur‐Ringversuche sind ein wirksames Instrument zur Qualitätssicherung der Herstellung von Rezepturen in Apotheken. Anhand ausgewählter Ringversuchs‐Rezepturen konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Zubereitung jeder Rezeptur im Vorhinein gut überdacht und auf Besonderheiten geprüft werden muss, um letztlich das selbst gesteckte Ziel zu erreichen: Die Herstellung eines qualitativ hochwertigen Produktes. Die ZL‐Rezeptur‐Ringversuche leisten hierzu einen wichtigen Beitrag, denn die individuellen Untersuchungsergebnisse ermöglichen es jeder einzelnen Apotheke, ihre Stärken und Schwächen zu erkennen und im Alltag umzusetzen. Häufig sind es Fehlerquellen, deren Vorhandensein und Relevanz für die Qualität der Rezeptur dem Rezeptar zunächst gar nicht bewusst sind und die erst durch die Teilnahme am Ringversuch zu Tage treten. Die kontinuierliche Teilnahme an den Ringversuchen stärkt das Bewusstsein für diese versteckten Fehlermöglichkeiten und hilft letztlich diese langfristig zu vermeiden.
Das Neue Rezeptur‐Formularium (NRF®) im DAC. Gestern – Heute – Morgen
Authors: Reimann Holger 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAm Wandel der Rezepturen des NRF innerhalb der letzten Jahrzehnte lassen sich die Erwartungen an die Rezeptur in der Apotheke verfolgen. Nicht nur die monographierten Arzneimittel ändern sich und machen neue Untersuchungen erforderlich, auch die der Apotheke zur Verfügung gestellten Angaben müssen sich an der jeweiligen Praxis in den Apotheken und zeitgemäßen Qualitätsvorgaben orientieren. Deshalb stehen zwar die Rezepturen immer noch im Zentrum des NRF, das Angebot an die Apotheke und die verschreibenden Ärzte kann aber nur ein Gesamtkonzept sein, dessen wichtigste Elemente neben den Rezepturmonographien die allgemeinen Teile des NRF, die Bereitstellung von elektronischen Arbeits‐ und Dokumentationsvorlagen sowie die Service‐Angebote der NRF‐Rezeptur‐Informationsstelle und der NRF‐Rezeptur‐Hinweise im Internet sind. Maßnahmen zur Erhöhung des Anteils der NRF‐Rezepturen an den ärztlichen Rezepturverschreibungen sind dringend erforderlich.
Study of polypropylene/ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer blends reinforced with sisal fibers
Authors: Pigatto Caroline , Santos Almeida José Humberto , Luiz Ornaghi Heitor , Rodríguez Adriane Lawisch , Mählmann Cláudia Mendes , Amico Sandro Campos 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThermoplastics reinforced with natural fibers have attracted much attention from researchers because of their advantages, especially regarding environmental aspects. However, poor impact strength, particularly at low temperatures, limits the application of some thermoplastics, such as polypropylene (PP). To minimize this drawback, impact modifiers have been used, including the terpolymer of ethylene‐propylene‐diene (EPDM). In this work, PP/EPDM/sisal composites of distinct compositions were investigated focusing on the effect of the alkali (NaOH) treatment of the vegetable fiber on the composites properties regarding physical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological behavior. The results indicated that flow rate decreases at higher fiber content due to flow hindering by the presence of the fibers. The addition of the fiber, in general, increased Young's modulus and strength (tensile and flexural), whereas impact strength increased for higher EPDM content. The alkali treatment was considered generally efficient in terms of mechanical properties, even though this was not found in the dynamic mechanical analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Generic alendronate use among medicare beneficiaries: are part d data complete?
Authors: Yun Huifeng , Curtis Jeffrey R , Saag Kenneth , Kilgore Meredith , Muntner Paul , Smith Wilson , Matthews Robert , Wright Nicole , Morrisey Michael A. , Delzell Elizabeth 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTBackgroundGeneric alendronate was approved in the United States on February 6, 2008. Medicare beneficiaries might pay for generic alendronate out‐of‐pocket without having claims submitted, resulting in misclassification of generic alendronate use in Medicare data.ObjectivesTo estimate the completeness of generic alendronate use in 2008 Medicare Part D data; to identify factors associated with staying on branded alendronate versus switching to a generic product.MethodsWe identified Medicare beneficiaries highly adherent (medication possession ratio ≥80%) with branded alendronate during 1/1/06–2/6/07 (“2007 cohort”) and during 1/1/07–2/6/08 (“2008 cohort”). The outcome was medication status at the end of follow‐up (12/31/2007 or 12/31/2008), classified as continued branded alendronate, switched to generic alendronate, switched to another bisphosphonate or presumed discontinued bisphosphonate therapy. Cox regression estimated the hazard ratio (HR) for discontinuation in 2008 compared to 2007. Multinomial logistic regression identified factors associated with medication status for the 2008 cohort.ResultsAmong 15 310 subjects using branded alendronate in the 2008 cohort, 81% switched to generic alendronate. The proportion presumably discontinuing bisphosphonate therapy was 8.9% in 2008 compared to 7.7% in the 2007 cohort (adjusted HR, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.05, 1.26). Factors associated with staying on branded alendronate in 2008 were higher income, eligibility for a low income subsidy and use of Fosamax® plus vitamin D.ConclusionEvaluation of Medicare prescription drug data suggests that the amount of missing claims for generic alendronate in 2008 was not substantial, and misclassification of exposure in studies examining alendronate use post‐generic product availability should be minimal. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Foil spintrusion” of high‐performance polymer films
Authors: Lefèvre Jérôme , Feldman Kirill , Giesbrecht Jan , Smith Paul , Tervoort Theo A. , Meijer Han E. H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis article describes the development of high‐performance polymer foils by direct orientation in the liquid‐crystalline phase of a thermotropic copolyester, based on p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) and 2‐hydroxy‐6‐naphthoic acid (HNA), better known under the trade name Vectra®. Application of a simple air‐gap‐filament‐fusion‐extrusion process (“foil spintrusion”) with the use of a newly developed die, results in highly oriented free‐standing foils, as thin as 3 μm. These foils have a mechanical performance that is comparable with those of commercially produced fibers of the same material. These uniaxially oriented foils could be laminated upon hot‐compacting without, or with as little as 5 wt % of an adhesive, yielding planar foils as thin as 18 μm, which feature excellent isotropic, in‐plane mechanical properties, that is, a Young's modulus E = 20 GPa and a tensile strength σ = 0.5 GPa. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Interactions between Seasonal Snow Cover, Ground Surface Temperature and Topography (Andes of Santiago, Chile, 33.5°S)
Authors: Apaloo Jotham , Brenning Alexander , Bodin Xavier 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThe spatial variables which affect the surface thermal regime are explored in a valley in a high‐altitude catchment of the Andes of Santiago. Two one‐year (2009–10 and 2010–11) ground surface temperature (GST) time series are analysed separately and linear mixed‐effects models are used to quantify the effects of site characteristics on mean GST (MGST) and ground surface thermal regimes. The effect of snow cover onset and disappearance dates on MGST is further examined in a sensitivity analysis. Elevation has the strongest effect on MGST (1°C/100 m), 30 additional days of snow cover suppress MGST by an estimated 0.1 to 0.6°C and openwork boulder surfaces are cooler by an estimated 0.6 to 0.8°C. The sensitivity analysis corroborates the effect of late snow cover in the linear models, which can overwhelm the spatial differences in radiative effects. A positive MGST found on active rock glaciers would suggest negative thermal offsets probably related to the presence of coarse blocky material at the surface, and which may also be present outside rock glaciers. We suggest that spatial patterns of MGST can serve as a proxy for spatial patterns in the lower limit of permafrost occurrence. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Respiratory muscle function in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Dassios Theodore , Katelari Anna , Doudounakis Stavros , Mantagos Stefanos , Dimitriou Gabriel 
Published: November 2012

AbstractRespiratory muscle function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) can be assessed by measurement of maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax), maximal expiratory pressure (Pemax), and pressure–time index of the respiratory muscles (PTImus). We investigated the differences in maximal respiratory pressures and PTImus between CF patients with no gross hyperinflation and healthy controls and described the effects of pulmonary function and nutrition impairment on respiratory muscle function in this group of CF patients. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and maximal expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of VC (MEF25–75), body mass index (BMI), upper arm muscle area (UAMA), Pimax, Pemax, and PTImus were assessed in 140 CF patients and in a control group of 140 healthy subjects matched for age and gender. Median Pimax and Pemax were significantly lower in CF patients compared to the controls [Pimax = 74 (57–94) in CF vs. 84 (66–102) in controls, P = 0.009], [Pemax = 71 (50–95) in CF vs. 84 (66–102) in controls, P < 0.001]. Median PTImus in CF patients compared to controls was significantly increased [PTImus = 0.110 (0.076–0.160) in CF vs. 0.094 (0.070–0.137) in controls, P = 0.049] and it was significantly higher in CF patients with impaired pulmonary function. In CF patients, PTImus was significantly negatively related to upper arm muscle area (r = 0.184, P = 0.031). These findings suggest that CF patients with no severe lung disease compared to healthy subjects exhibit impaired respiratory muscle function, while CF patients with impaired pulmonary function and nutrition indices exhibit higher PTImus values. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:865–873. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Negative regulation of NEP expression by hypoxia
Authors: Mitra Ranjana , Chao Olivia S. , Nanus David M. , Goodman Oscar B. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDNeutral endopeptidase (NEP) is a transmembrane cell surface peptidase present on prostatic epithelial cells that catalytically inactivates small peptide substrates. Neutral endopeptidase loss is associated with prostate cancer growth, progression, and increased angiogenesis. We examined whether NEP expression is regulated by hypoxia, frequently encountered in the tumor microenvironment.METHODSNEP expression was compared in prostate cancer cell lines cultured in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The NEP activity, protein levels, and mRNA levels were determined using enzyme assay, Western blotting and q‐PCR analysis, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) was used to confirm the negative regulation of NEP at the transcriptional level by hypoxia responsive elements (HREs).RESULTSThe results indicate that NEP expression was inhibited under hypoxic conditions in the NEP positive LNCaP, C4‐2, and 22RV1 cells and human umbilical vascular endothelial (HUVEC) cells. NEP regulation appeared to be predominantly at the transcriptional level as NEP mRNA expression significantly reduced with hypoxia, concordant with the kinetics of protein levels, and NEP enzyme activity. A search of the NEP gene sequence revealed three putative HREs upstream of the NEP promoter. Two of the HREs demonstrated a specific reduction of shift in the presence of cobalt chloride; specificity of the binding sites was confirmed by ChIP.CONCLUSIONSOur data indicate a novel mechanism where hypoxia negatively regulates the tumor suppressor function of NEP in prostate cancer. The negative regulation of NEP is mediated by binding of the HIF1‐α protein binding to the HREs present upstream of the NEP promoter. Prostate 73: 706–714, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Superconductivity in metal‐coated graphene
Authors: Calandra Matteo , Profeta Gianni , Mauri Francesco 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn this work we explore, by first‐principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the possibility of inducing electron–phonon mediated superconductivity in a graphene sheet by doping its surface with alkaline metal adatoms. We demonstrate that, contrary to what could be naively believed, simple exfoliation to one layer of superconducting graphite intercalated compounds (GICs) does not necessarily lead to superconducting graphene, as it is the case in CaC6. On the contrary, it is meaningful to look for superconductivity in monolayers obtained by exfoliating non‐superconducting GICs. In particular, we demonstrate that Li coating and double‐coating of graphene leads to superconductivity in graphene with Tc that could be as large as 18 K.
Resonant Raman profiles and µ‐photoluminescence of atomically thin layers of molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Scheuschner Nils , Ochedowski Oliver , Schleberger Marika , Maultzsch Janina 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe present photoluminescence and resonant Raman measurements of atomically thin layers of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) in the energy range of the A and B optical transitions. We found a Stokes shift of the transition energies in the resonant Raman measurements compared to the photoluminescence. The Stokes shift increases for the bilayer compared to the single layer. Furthermore, in resonance with the A transition, the Raman intensity of the A1g mode of the bilayer is six times larger than that of the single layer. magnified imageSchematic crystal structure of molybdenum disulfide. (a) Top view (slightly tilted). (b) Side view.
Ab initio calculations for the electronic and optical properties of Y‐doped anatase TiO2
Authors: Khan Matiullah , Cao Wenbin , Ullah Mishkat 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe yttrium (Y)‐doping effects on the electronic and optical properties of anatase TiO2 have been studied based on density functional theory calculations. Y substitution at Ti sites induces effective reduction in the band gap of anatase TiO2 and the Fermi level is shifted up in the band gap, this will be helpful in enhancing visible light absorption and electron‐hole pair separation, respectively. Optical properties show that Y doping shifts absorption edge of the TiO2 towards visible region and Y doping concentration of 4.16% have best visible light absorption among all models attributed to the optimal doping concentration. Our results may provide reasonable explanation for the experimental result. magnified imageOptical absorption spectra of pure TiO2 and Y‐doped TiO2 with different Yttrium (Y) doping concentration.
Optical properties and radiation response of Ce3+‐doped GdScO3 crystals
Authors: Yamaji Akihiro , Kochurikhin Vladimir , Fujimoto Yutaka , Futami Yoshisuke , Yanagida Takayuki , Yokota Yuui , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Yoshikawa Akira 
Published: November 2012

Abstract10%‐Ce doped GdScO3 perovskite type single crystal was grown by the Czochralski process. The Ce concentration in the crystal was measured. No impurity phases were observed by powder X‐ray diffraction analysis. We evaluated the optical and radiation properties of the grown crystal. Ce:GdScO3 crystal showed photo‐ and radio‐luminescence peaks due to Ce3+ of 5d‐4f transition and colour centre. The photoluminescence decay time was sub‐ns order. The relative light yield under 5.5 MeV alpha‐ray excitation was calculated to be approximately 9% of BGO. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)