bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperinsulinemia may have a protective role in the early stages of atherosclerosis in rabbit model of hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Javanmard Shaghayegh Haghjooy , Nematbakhsh Mehdi , Feghhi Azam , Dana Nasim 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Background
Hypercholesterolemia causes inflammation and insulin resistance in the vasculature. Previous data suggest that vascular endothelium is a physiological target of insulin. Dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis are disorders with endothelial dysfunction that are associated with an increased production of superoxide anion, and early deficit of nitric oxide (NO) production. We examined alteration of plasma levels of insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and total NO metabolites (NOx), as well as fatty streak formation in the rabbit model of hypercholesterolemia.

Methods
White male rabbits were fed either a high-cholesterol diet (HC; 1% cholesterol, n = 6) or control diet (c, n = 6) for one month. The serum levels of Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, NOx, insulin and CRP were measured before and after study. By the end of study, rabbits' aorta was explored for fatty streak formation.

Results
The cholesterol-rich diet induced a significant increase in total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL as well as fatty streak lesions in HC group while there were no significant changes of these parameters in control group (p <0.05). There was significant difference in plasma levels of CRP, insulin and total NO metabolite between two groups of experiment. Negative significant correlation of CRP and insulin also was observed in HC rabbits (r = −0.99, p <0.05).

Conclusion
Parallel NOx and insulin increment and negative correlation of CRP and insulin in HC rabbits may be suggestive a protective role of hyperinsulinemia in early atherosclerosis.
Impact of surveillance of hospital-acquired infections on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Bénet Thomas , Allaouchiche Bernard , Argaud Laurent , Vanhems Philippe 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The preventive impact of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) surveillance is difficult to assess. Our objective was to investigate the effect of HAI surveillance disruption on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) incidence.

Methods
A quasi-experimental study with an intervention group and a control group was conducted between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2010 in two intensive care units (ICUs) of a university hospital that participated in a national HAI surveillance network. Surveillance was interrupted during the year 2007 in unit A (intervention group) and was continuous in unit B (control group). Period 1 (pre-test period) comprised patients hospitalized during 2004 to 2006, and period 2 (post-test period) involved patients hospitalized during 2008 to 2010. Patients hospitalized ≥48 hours and intubated during their stay were included. Multivariate Poisson regression was fitted to ascertain the influence of surveillance disruption.

Results
A total of 2,771 patients, accounting for 19,848 intubation-days at risk, were studied; 307 had VAP. The VAP attack rate increased in unit A from 7.8% during period 1 to 17.1% during period 2 (P <0.001); in unit B, it was 7.2% and 11.2% for the two periods respectively (P = 0.17). Adjusted VAP incidence rose in unit A after surveillance disruption (incidence rate ratio = 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 4.47, P = 0.036), independently of VAP trend; no change was observed in unit B. All-cause mortality and length of stay increased (P = 0.028 and P = 0.038, respectively) in unit A between periods 1 and 2. In unit B, no change in mortality was observed (P = 0.22), while length of stay decreased between periods 1 and 2 (P = 0.002).

Conclusions
VAP incidence, length of stay and all-cause mortality rose after HAI surveillance disruption in ICU, which suggests a specific effect of HAI surveillance on VAP prevention and reinforces the role of data feedback and counselling as a mechanism to facilitate performance improvement.
Prevention of Delayed Nausea: A University of Rochester Cancer Center Community Clinical Oncology Program Study of Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Roscoe Joseph A. , Heckler Charles E. , Morrow Gary R. , Mohile Supriya G. , Dakhil Shaker R. , Wade James L. , Kuebler J. Philip 
Published: August 2012

PurposeWe conducted a double-blind randomized clinical trial of the following four regimens for controlling delayed nausea (DN): group 1: palonosetron + dexamethasone on day 1 with prochlorperazine on days 2 and 3; group 2: granisetron + dexamethasone on day 1 with prochlorperazine on days 2 and 3; group 3: aprepitant + palonosetron + dexamethasone on day 1 with aprepitant + dexamethasone on days 2 and 3; and group 4: palonosetron + dexamethasone on day 1 with prochlorperazine + dexamethasone on days 2 and 3.Patients and MethodsChemotherapy-naive patients received doxorubicin, epirubicin, cisplatin, carboplatin, or oxaliplatin. The primary end point was average nausea assessed four times daily on days 2 and 3. Primary analyses were whether nausea control would be improved by using palonosetron versus granisetron on day 1 (group 1 v group 2); by adding dexamethasone on days 2 and 3 (group 1 v group 4); and by using aprepitant versus prochlorperazine (group 3 v group 4). Statistical significance was set at P = .017.ResultsTwo hundred thirty-four, 234, 241, and 235 evaluable patients were accrued to groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Adjusted mean differences for the three planned analyses were as follows: palonosetron versus granisetron: −0.01 (95% CI, −0.23 to 0.20; P = .72); adding dexamethasone on days 2 and 3: 0.20 (95% CI, −0.02 to 0.41; P = .01); and using aprepitant versus prochlorperazine: −0.03 (95% CI, −0.24 to 0.19; P = .56).ConclusionThe addition of dexamethasone on days 2 and 3 reduced DN. Palonosetron and granisetron have similar effects on DN. The beneficial effect of adding aprepitant for control of DN was the same as adding prochlorperazine.
Interleukin-21 Has Activity in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma: A Phase II Study
Authors: Petrella Teresa M. , Tozer Richard , Belanger Karl , Savage Kerry J. , Wong Ralph , Smylie Michael , Kamel-Reid Suzanne , Tron Victor , Chen Bingshu E. , Hunder Naomi N. , Hagerman Linda , Walsh Wendy , Eisenhauer Elizabeth A. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeWe report a multicenter phase II study of patients with metastatic melanoma (MM), evaluating the efficacy, toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), immunogenicity, and biomarker profile of interleukin-21 (IL-21).Patients and MethodsPatients with no prior systemic therapy and with limited-disease MM were treated with IL-21 by using three different dosing regimens. Cohort 1 received 50 μg/kg per day by outpatient intravenous bolus injection for 5 days of each week during weeks 1, 3, and 5 of an 8-week cycle. Cohort 2 received 30 μg/kg per day on the same schedule, and cohort 3 received 50 μg/kg per day for 5 days of each week during weeks 1 and 3 of a 6-week cycle.ResultsForty patients were enrolled: three in cohort 1, 30 in cohort 2, and seven in cohort 3. Two patients in cohort 1 and four in cohort 3 had dose-limiting toxicities; all other patients were treated with a dose of 30 μg/kg per day. Common adverse events were fatigue, rash, diarrhea, nausea, and myalgia. Overall response rate (ORR) was 22.5%, with nine confirmed partial responses (median response duration, 5.3 months); 16 had stable disease (median response duration, 5.3 months). ORR did not appear to depended on IL-21 receptor expression or BRAF mutation status. The median PFS was 4.3 months and median overall survival (OS) was 12.4 months (95% CI, 10.09 to 17.81 months).ConclusionThe ORR to IL-21 is 22.5% for first-line MM and warrants further investigation. The favorable PFS and OS suggest that this is an active agent in comparison to both historical NCIC Clinical Trials Group data and data from meta-analysis of Cooperative Group phase II trials.
Intertemporal CAPM with Conditioning Variables
Authors: Maio Paulo 
Published: August 2012

This paper derives and tests an intertemporal capital asset pricing model (ICAPM) based on a conditional version of the Campbell–Vuolteenaho two-beta ICAPM (bad beta, good beta (BBGB)). The novel factor is a scaled cash-flow factor that results from the interaction between cash-flow news and a lagged state variable (market dividend yield or consumer price index inflation). The cross-sectional tests over 10 portfolios sorted on size, 10 portfolios sorted on book-to-market, and 10 portfolios sorted on momentum show that the scaled ICAPM explains relatively well the dispersion in excess returns on the 30 portfolios. The results for an alternative set of equity portfolios (25 portfolios sorted on size and momentum) show that the scaled ICAPM prices particularly well the momentum portfolios. Moreover, the scaled ICAPM compares favorably with alternative asset pricing models in pricing both sets of equity portfolios. The scaled factor is decisive to account for the dispersion in average excess returns between past winner and past loser stocks. More specifically, past winners are riskier than past losers in times of high price of risk. Therefore, a time-varying cash-flow beta/price of risk provides a rational explanation for momentum. This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
GUB Covers and Power-Indexed Formulations for Wireless Network Design
Authors: D'Andreagiovanni Fabio , Mannino Carlo , Sassano Antonio 
Published: August 2012

We propose a pure 0-1 formulation for the wireless network design problem, i.e., the problem of configuring a set of transmitters to provide service coverage to a set of receivers. In contrast with classical mixed-integer formulations, where power emissions are represented by continuous variables, we consider only a finite set of power values. This has two major advantages: it better fits the usual practice and eliminates the sources of numerical problems that heavily affect continuous models. A crucial ingredient of our approach is an effective basic formulation for the single knapsack problem representing the coverage condition of a receiver. This formulation is based on the generalized upper bound (GUB) cover inequalities introduced by Wolsey [Wolsey L (1990) Valid inequalities for 0-1 knapsacks and mips with generalised upper bound constraints. Discrete Appl. Math. 29(2–3):251–261]; and its core is an extension of the exact formulation of the GUB knapsack polytope with two GUB constraints. This special case corresponds to the very common practical situation where only one major interferer is present. We assess the effectiveness of our formulation by comprehensive computational results over realistic instances of two typical technologies, namely, WiMAX and DVB-T. This paper was accepted by Dimitris Bertsimas, optimization.
The Advertising Mix for a Search Good
Authors: Anderson Simon P. , Renault Régis 
Published: August 2012

We extend the persuasion game to bring it squarely into the economics of advertising. We model advertising as exciting consumer interest into learning more about the product, and determine a firm's equilibrium choice of advertising content over quality information, price information, and horizontal match information. Equilibrium is unique whenever advertising is necessary. The outcome is a separating equilibrium with quality unravelling. Lower-quality firms need to provide more information. For a given quality level, as a function of consumer visit costs, first quality information is disclosed, then price information and then horizontal product information are added to the advertising mix. Some suggestive evidence is provided from airline ads in newspapers. This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
Residence Time Distribution Determination of a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor using Computational Fluid Dynamics and its Application on the Mathematical Modeling of Styrene Polymerization
Authors: Gamba Ignacio L. , Marquez Damian Santiago , Estenoz Diana A. , Nigro Norberto , Storti Mario A. , Knoeppel David 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The continuous operation of a stirred tank reactor for styrene polymerization was modeled. The proposed approach consists of an iterative procedure between two modules that considers the fluid-dynamics and kinetics respectively. The kinetic module considers a complex kinetic mechanism and is used to predict the time evolution of global variables, such as conversion and species concentrations, physicochemical properties and molecular structure characteristics of the final product. In order to obtain a 3D representation of the flow field, the simulation of the hydrodynamics of the reactor was carried out with the aid of a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package. Because CFD is capable to predict the complete velocity distribution in a tank, it provided a good alternative to carry out residence time distribution (RTD) studies. It was found that the stimulus-response tracer method is reasonably accurate to obtain a complete RTD compared to the particle tracking method. The obtained RTD results showed a good agreement when validated with experimental data and literature information.From the estimates of the kinetic module and the RTD predictions, a statistical calculus allows the determination of the average properties at the reactor outlet. The convergence of the iterative procedure was tested and reasonable predictions were achieved for an industrial reactor.
Synthesis and Characterization of Different γ-Al2O3 Nanocatalysts for Methanol Dehydration to Dimethyl Ether
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Ya'ghoob , Khosravi Nikou Mohammad Reza 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A simple co-precipitation method was utilized to synthesize γ-Al2O3 catalysts using aluminum nitrate nonahydrate as the source of aluminum cations for methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether (DME). Different precipitating agents comprising ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate and ammonia solutions were used for preparation of the samples. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, NH3-TPD and N2 adsorption-desorption techniques. The sample prepared by ammonia solution had the highest acidity among the synthesized catalysts. Also, N2 adsorption-desorption results showed suitable textural properties for all of the synthesized samples. Vapor phase dehydration of methanol to DME was performed in the fixed bed micro reactor over the synthesized catalysts and commercial one for comparison purposes. The effects of different characteristics of catalysts such as surface area, acidity, sintering factor and temperature as an operating parameter on performance of catalysts were investigated. The catalyst prepared by ammonia solution showed best catalytic activity due to the suitable textural properties and high amount of acidic sites. Also, the results showed that only high acid strength can’t result high yield of DME for a solid acid catalyst.
A Preliminary Study of the Mechanism of Hypoglycaemic Activity of Nauclea latifolia Leaf Ethanolic Extract
Authors: Gidado Abubakar , Ameh Danladi A. , Atawodi Sunday E. , Ibrahim Sani 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the possible underlying mechanism of the hypoglycaemic activity of the ethanolic extract of Nauclea latifolia leaves in rats. The extract, glibenclamide or water was administered orally in a glucose, sucrose and maltose tolerance tests. In addition, the effect of the extract on α-glucosidase enzymes was also studied. The ethanolic extract at 200mg/kg body weight inhibited the increase in glucose level after both oral and intraperitoneal glucose loads as did glibenclamide. The extract also dose dependently inhibited both maltase and sucrase activities in vitro but not in vivo. The hypoglycaemic effect of N. latifolia leaf ethanolic extract thus appears to be most probably exerted through a mechanism similar to that of glibenclamide which is related to increased insulin release from pancreatic β-cells.
Flavonoids Purified from Parsley Inhibit Human Blood Platelet Aggregation and Adhesion to Collagen under Flow
Authors: Gadi Dounia , Bnouham Mohamed , Aziz Mohammed , Ziyyat Abderrahim , Legssyer Abdelkhaleq , Bruel Arlette , Berrabah Mohamed , Legrand Chantal , Fauvel-Lafeve Françoise , Mekhfi Hassane 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Introduction: Blood platelets are directly involved in both haemostatic and pathologic thrombotic processes, through their adhesion, secretion and aggregation. In this study, we investigated the effect of genins (aglycone flavonoids without sugar group) isolated from parsley (Petroselinum crispum) leaves in vitro on human platelet aggregation and adhesion to a collagen-coated surface under physiologic flow conditions. Materials and Methods: The aggregation and adhesion studies were monitored after pre-incubation of platelets with genins. Results: Genins inhibited dose dependently aggregation induced by thrombin, ADP and collagen. The strongest effect was observed in collagen induced aggregation (IC50 = 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/ml). The HPLC identification of genins compounds revealed the presence of keampferol, apigenin and other not identified compounds. The aggregation tests showed that these compounds have anti-aggregating activity. In addition, adhesion of human platelets to collagen was greatly decreased (over 75 %) by genins (0.3 mg/ml). While the mechanism by which genins act is unclear, we suggest that these compounds may interfere with a multiple target step in the haemostasis process. Conclusion: These results show that genins isolated from parsley has a potent antiplatelet activity. It may be an important source of beneficial antiplatelet compounds that decrease thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases.
A Modified Kennard-Stone Algorithm for Optimal Division of Data for Developing Artificial Neural Network Models
Authors: Saptoro Agus , Tadé Moses O. , Vuthaluru Hari 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This paper proposes a method, namely MDKS (Kennard-Stone algorithm based on Mahalanobis distance), to divide the data into training and testing subsets for developing artificial neural network (ANN) models. This method is a modified version of the Kennard-Stone (KS) algorithm. With this method, better data splitting, in terms of data representation and enhanced performance of developed ANN models, can be achieved. Compared with standard KS algorithm and another improved KS algorithm (data division based on joint x - y distances (SPXY) method), the proposed method has also shown a better performance. Therefore, the proposed technique can be used as an advantageous alternative to other existing methods of data splitting for developing ANN models. Care should be taken when dealing with large amount of dataset since they may increase the computational load for MDKS due to its variance-covariance matrix calculations.
Death Disguised as Life: Blood and Biosecurity
Authors: Floyd Taylor 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The purpose of this Paper is to analyze the question of whether the Department of Health and Human Services should impose greater regulations restricting individuals from donating blood for transfusions in order to prevent transmission of diseases which blood donors may have unknowingly acquired abroad. Discussion of this question requires an analysis of: (1) what types of diseases can be transmitted via blood transfusion; (2) what tests are conducted on donated blood; (3) what is the balance between the desperate need for donated blood and the necessary precautions to be taken; and (4) what impact would regulations have on an individual’s willingness to donate.This Paper proposes implementing regulations and restrictions to act as safeguards against the spread of foreign acquired diseases. Part I discuses the current regulations of the blood donation process. Part II discusses diseases an individual can contract while traveling abroad. Part III proposes a policy that addresses the risk of foreign disease epidemics promulgated through the blood donation system. Finally, Part IV discusses the implications of the implementation of such measures.
Foot and Mouth Disease: Then and Now
Authors: Jackson Evan 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Foot-and-mouth Disease (FMD) is a devastating viral disease that affects all domesticated cloven-hoofed animals and over seventy species of wild cloven-hoofed animals. The virus is highly infectious and extremely communicable. There has been an outbreak in virtually every corner of the world, and it is currently present in every continent besides North America and Australia. FMD has the potential to cause severe economic losses resulting from poor animal yields, bans on livestock exportation, and expenses involved in eradication and control. FMD can also have a distressing social and psychological toll on those affected. This article will discuss the development of the disease, historical outbreaks and threats, and evaluate the infrastructure currently in place to prohibit future outbreaks.
The Mad (and not so Mad) Scientist Next Door: A Holistic Approach to Addressing Do-it-Yourself Biology
Authors: Burr Jared 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Synthetic biology promises to be one of the most exciting developments in bioengineering. Through synthetic biology, scientists can now recreate the genomes of extinct organisms, modify existing organism to give them functions that they previously never possessed, and eventually create novel organisms entirely. Synthetic biology has attracted the attention of both professional scientists as well as the attention of a growing movement of amateur biologists, a testament to the increasing democratization of previously rarefied science. As a result, while this powerful new technology, along with the increased dissemination of its techniques and methods, may lead to greater influence in the future and to substantial benefits for society, it also raises concerns for biosecurity. Consequently, scientists and policy makers have begun to seriously consider the issues posed by this developing science in the context of a world where such knowledge and technology is becoming widely accessible to the general population. Part one of the paper will provide background on synthetic biology and do-it-yourself biology, briefly describing their nature, prospects, and risks to biosecurity. Part two of the paper will shift the focus from description to evaluation. It will summarize some of the existing policy responses to this issue and legal infrastructure within the United States before arguing for a holistic approach to addressing this issue. Then the focus will be upon three separate areas of possible regulation while noting some of the interconnections between these areas.