bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Initial Perturbations in the Ensemble Prediction System of the Korea Meteorological Administration
Authors: Kay Jun Kyung , Kim Hyun Mee 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this study, the initial ensemble perturbation characteristics of the new Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) ensemble prediction system (EPS), a version of the Met Office Global and Regional Ensemble Prediction System, were analyzed over two periods: from 1 June to 31 August 2011, and from 1 December 2011 to 29 February 2012. The KMA EPS generated the initial perturbations using the ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF). The observation effect was reflected in both the transform matrix and the inflation factor of the ETKF; it reduced (increased) uncertainties in the initial perturbations in regions with dense observations via the transform matrix (inflation factor). The reduction in uncertainties is generally governed by the transform matrix but locally modulated by the inflation factor. The sea ice significantly affects the initial perturbations near the lower boundary layer. The large perturbation energy in the lower stratosphere of the tropics was related to the dominant zonal wind, whereas the perturbation energy in the upper stratosphere of the winter hemispheres was related to the dominant polar night jet. In the early time-integration stage, the initial perturbations decayed in the lower troposphere but grew rapidly in the mid- to upper troposphere. In the meridional direction, the initial perturbations grew greatest in the northern polar region and smallest in the tropics. The initial perturbations maintained a hydrostatic balance, especially during the summer in both hemispheres and during both the summer and winter in the tropics, associated with the smallest growth rates of the initial perturbations. The initial perturbations in the KMA EPS appropriately describe the uncertainties associated with atmospheric features.
Phylogenic Study of Denaturation of Lactate Dehydrogenase Isoenzymes from Different Species by High and Low Temperature
Authors: Yoshikuni Keiko , Matsuda Takashi , Poracova Janka , Sakai Akemi , Shimada Keiko , Tabuchi Noriko , Tanishima Kiyoh 
Published: February 2014

We studied the influence of storage at different temperatures on lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27; LD) isoenzymes from different tissues and different species, and analysed biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of denaturation during storage. Isoenzymes obtained from tissue extracts of mammals, poultry, reptiles, amphibians and fish were shown to have their own denaturation ranges at low temperatures by post-treatment assays and transition temperature analysis. These ranges were between − 10 and − 20°C for most vertebrate LD isoenzymes. Circular dichroism analysis indicated that the denaturation of LD isoenzymes was probably caused by a change in the hydrophobic interactions in the molecule. At higher temperatures, LD-1 isoenzyme was more thermostable than LD-5 from the same animal species, except for rats, the LD-5 activity of which was more thermostable than the LD-1 activity. These findings indicate that variable effects of storage of samples and reference materials at low temperatures should be considered, and that it is necessary to establish LD isoenzyme standards for animal clinical laboratory investigations.
Early Experience with a Highly Sensitive Bioassay for A.C.T.H.
Authors: Daly J. R. , Loveridge N. , Bitensky Lucille , Chayen J. 
Published: February 2014

A new bioassay for A.C.T.H. has been devised utilising non-proliferative organ culture of segments of guinea pig adrenal. The cultured adrenal is exposed to standard or unknown A.C.T.H. and sections stained for the presence of reducing groups. The intensity of staining in the zona reticularis is measured by scanning and integrating microdensitometry and is inversely proportional to the logarithm of the concentration of A.C.T.H. in the culture medium over the range 0.0027–27 pg/ml. Preliminary results using the assay, which greatly exceeds others in sensitivity, on human plasma are similar to those obtained with standard techniques.
Group Determination of Urinary Adrenal Steroids by Gas Chromatography
Authors: Craig A. , Chamberlain J. 
Published: February 2014

Routine colorimetric methods for the determination of urinary metabolites of the adrenal cortex tend to be unspecific. The separation of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) into 11-oxy and 11-deoxy fractions has usually entailed the use of column chromatography (Morris, 1959) or differential solvent extraction (Few, 1968). Gas liquid chromatography for the group separation of 17-OHCS was described by Murphy and West in 1966 and in 1970 Makin examined various derivatives for the separation of adrenal steroids using a column of SE-30. He found formate esters suitable and in 1972 published details of a qualitative profile of 17-oxosteroids and 17-OHCS as an aid in the diagnosis of adrenal pituitary disorders. We have used acetate esters for the quantitative assessment of 11-oxy and 11-deoxy 17-OHCS and some of our experiences are described in this paper.
Blood Glucose Assay Using Dextrostix and a Reflectance Meter
Authors: Percy-Robb I. W. , McMaster R. S. , Harrower A. D. B. , Duncan L. J. P. 
Published: February 2014

The ‘Dextrostix’-reflectance meter system for blood glucose analysis has been evaluated using a blood glucose reference method. A high degree of concordance between the two methods was obtained when analyses were performed by skilled laboratory staff on venous blood samples containing fluoride, with a 75 s contact time. Skilled laboratory staff performed significantly better than unskilled staff. Capillary blood glucose concentrations correlated poorly with concentrations in venous blood samples taken at the same time as the capillary blood.
Body Composition in Alcoholic as Compared to Control Individuals
Authors: Shaw D. M. , Tidmarsh S. F. , MacSweeney D. A. , Johnson A. L. , Godfrey B. E. , Allan D. J. , Merry Julius 
Published: February 2014

Height, weight, total body potassium, exchangeable sodium, bromide space, total body water, and concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride in plasma were measured in control subjects and individuals suffering from alcoholism, with techniques which included body counting and a multiple isotope method using 24Na, 82Br and 3HzO. No differences were found between control and alcoholic subjects so there was no evidence that chronic alcoholism altered body composition. In particular, there was no evidence of cellular damage or loss which would have been reflected in changes in KT or KIN. The data were combined and were analysed to give information on the relationships of the variates.
Factors Affecting the Release of Haemoglobin and Enzymes from Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Wilkinson J. H. , Robinson Jean M. , Johnson K. P. 
Published: February 2014

The efflux of lactate dehydrogenase and haemoglobin from human erythrocytes during prolonged incubation at 37° was significantly reduced by ATP, ADP, AMP, UTP, creatine phosphate, or phosphoenolpyruvate and to a lesser extent by fructose, glucose 6-phosphate or fructose 6-phosphate, but not by glucose. Iodoacetate, however, markedly increased the loss of haemoglobin and slightly increased that of lactate dehydrogenase. Phospholipase C greatly accelerated the relase of haemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, hexokinase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase from human erythrocytes, but this effect was also reduced in the presence of ATP or ADP. The loss of lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate kinase from the cells treated with phospholipase C increased as their ATP content fell. In a series of experiments in which the action of phospholipase C was stopped by the subsequent addition of trypsin, ATP and ADP (1 mmol/l) significantly reduced the efflux of haemoglobin, but AMP had no such effect. The results are consistent with the conclusion from our previous work that enzyme leakage is related to diminution in the energy content of the cells. The protective action of AMP on cells not treated with phospholipase C, however, differs from earlier findings with rat lymphocytes and it is suggested that in red cells it might be converted into ATP or that it has a direct effect on the permeability of the cell membrane.
Glycosaminoglycan Fractions in Normal Human Urine
Authors: Pennock C. A. , Charles R. G. , Stansbie D. 
Published: February 2014

A study has been made of glycosaminoglycans in normal urine to determine which are non-dialysable, which are ultrafilterable, and which are precipitable with cetypyridinium chloride or alcohol. The main fractions present in human urine are: (1) High molecular weight material which is non-dialysable and precipitated by alcohol and by cetylpyridinium chloride. (2) High molecular weight material which is non-dialysable and precipitated by alcohol but not by cetylpyridinium chloride. (3) Low molecular weight material which is ultrafilterable and precipitated by alcohol and by cetylpyridinium chloride. (4) Low molecular weight material which is ultrafilterable and precipitated by alcohol but not by cetylpyridinium chloride. The heavy losses of glycosaminoglycans on dialysis have led us to conclude that this method should not be used to study the excretion of these polymers and that direct precipitation with cetylpyridinium chloride, which can be used to isolate both non-dialysable and ultrafilterable macromolecular fractions relevant to the diagnosis of the mucopolysaccharidoses, is the method of choice.
How to Pass Examinations: A Personal View on Good Technique in Clinical Biochemistry Examinations
Authors: Bold Alan M. 
Published: February 2014

Elementary faults in examination technique are commonly displayed by candidates who have worked hard for the examination. Advice is offered on answering multiple-choice questions and “essay” questions and on how to tackle oral and practical examinations. A candidate's preparation for an examination should include the submission of written work and the taking of a mock oral examination for critical assessment by a supervisor. Careful writing up of practical work in the home laboratory is important, so that faulty technique can be corrected early in training. Above all, stress is laid on the importance of mastering the technique of effective communication for success both in examinations and in later professional life.
An Optimised Radioimmunoassay for mAternal Serum α1-Fetoprotein using Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Khadempour M. H. , Laing I. , Gowenlock A. H. 
Published: February 2014

Summary A radioimmunoassay for α1-fetoprotein in human maternal serum at 15–20 weeks' gestation using polyethylene glycol to separate bound and free antigen is described. A number of variables has been investigated to define optimal conditions for use at this gestation. The method gives results which agree with those from a double-antibody technique. It has good precision in the critical concentration range, and recoveries are satisfactory. The importance of including sufficient serum protein in the analytical system is stressed. There were systematic differences between three standard preparations of α1-fetoprotein, but three out of four antisera tested gave very similar results. The implications for screening for neural tube defects in early pregnancy are discussed.
Some Laboratory Correlates of Drinking Habits
Authors: Whitfield J. B. , Hensley W. J. , Bryden D. , Gallagher H. 
Published: February 2014

The effect of drinking habits on the frequency distributions of eight biochemical or haematological test results was studied in 7915 patients attending a multiphasic health testing centre. Increasing incidences of abnormal results with increasing alcohol intake, at levels of alcohol intake habitual for a large proportion of the population, were found for plasma gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, triglycerides and uric acid, and for erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume. Of four frequently used liver function tests, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and albumin, only aspartate aminotransferase was strongly affected by drinking habits. These findings have relevance for the detection of individuals whose drinking habits are harmful to them, and for the interpretation of ‘profile’ results.
Detection and Incidence of B and C Vitamin Deficiency in Alcohol-Related Illness
Authors: Baines M. 
Published: February 2014

The activity of the red blood cell enzymes transketolase, glutathione reductase, and aspartate transaminase, and their activation by the coenzymes thiamine, riboflavin, and pyridoxine, the pyruvate tolerance test, the leucocyte vitamin C concentration, and the activity in serum of γ-glutamyl transferase were measured in a series of 35 patients with alcohol-related illness. The incidence of thiamine deficiency was 31 % as assessed by the activation of transketolase, and 55 % as assessed by the pyruvate tolerance test. The incidence of riboflavin deficiency was 23 % and of ascorbic acid deficiency 91 %. No cases of pyridoxine deficiency were detected. The pyruvate tolerance test was found to be a more sensitive test of thiamine deficiency than the transketolase activation, and the activation of red blood cell aspartate transaminase was found to be a poor indicator of pyridoxine deficiency. There was a poor correlation of the γ-glutamyl transferase activity with the degree of vitamin deficiency, suggesting that alcohol exposure is only partly responsible for the observed vitamin deficiency.
Inappropriate Methods for the Emergency Determination of Plasma Paracetamol
Authors: Stewart M. J. , Adriaenssens P. I. , Jarvie D. R. , Prescott L. F. 
Published: February 2014

Methods for the estimation of plasma paracetamol which depend on acid hydrolysis to p-aminophenol without a prior extraction step also measure inactive metabolites which are present in high concentrations. The extent of the overestimate obtained with such methods was determined using 24 samples from patients after paracetamol overdosage. There was a positive error of between 40 and 700 % compared with a high-performance liquid chromatographic reference method which measured only unchanged paracetamol. These non-specific methods should not be used to determine the need for specific therapy in patients with paracetamol poisoning.
Paracetamol: A Report of a Regional Quality Control Scheme
Authors: Epton J. 
Published: February 2014

The results from an external quality control scheme for the assay of paracetamol in serum are reported. A preferential method of assay has not become evident, but, as a result of the scheme, some laboratories have changed or modified their techniques or have re-established the limits of detection. The majority of laboratories were able to estimate paracetamol satisfactorily at those levels which are of clinical importance. The overall group performance has shown little change. The programme has had considerable impact in so far as it has led to a mutually useful interchange of information and trouble shooting.
Accuracy and Linearity of Spectrophotometers in Clinical Chemistry Laboratories
Authors: Stevens John F 
Published: February 2014

Solutions of cobalt nitrate sealed in vials were circulated to all clinical chemistry laboratories in the United Kingdom. Participants reported wavelengths of maximum absorbance together with the actual absorbances obtained. The results were compared with values obtained from the National Physical Laboratory. The results show a wide scatter, and several instruments were extensively repaired or replaced as a result of the survey. The most recently marketed machines had the best performance, and it is suggested that regular quality control and maintenance of the machines is vital. It is intended to set up a scheme for regular monitoring of spectrophotometer performance.
Evaluation of the Kodak Ektachem Glucose and Urea Methods
Authors: Clark Penelope M S , Kricka Larry J , Whitehead Thomas P 
Published: February 2014

An evaluation of the Kodak Ektachem glucose and urea methods is described. Aspects evaluated included precision, linearity, accuracy, correlation with routine methods, interferences (haemoglobin, bilirubin, protein, dextran, lipaemia, ethylene-diamine tetraacetic acid, fluoride/oxalate, and heparin), and carryover. Stability and batch-to-batch variation in glucose and urea reagents were also investigated. The performance of the Ektachem glucose and urea methods was shown to be as satisfactory as conventional analytical methods. The requirement to reconstitute control serum samples in a bicarbonate diluent in order to obtain accurate results presents problems for the analysis of lyophilised specimens circulated by external quality assessment schemes. The complex calibration model and the significance of variation in the calibration parameters need further explanation. The Ektachem methods are designed specifically for use with human serum. However, the methods performed satisfactorily with cerebrospinal fluid, pleural effusions, and animal serum but not with urine.
Partial Characterisation of an Oncofetal Pancreatic Antigen
Authors: Knapp M L 
Published: February 2014

An oncofetal pancreatic antigen (OPA) has been identified and purified from the blood of patients with pancreatic cancer. Characterisation studies on OPA have shown that it is a protein of molecular weight 40 000 with α2 electrophoretic mobility. OPA is clearly different from alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, ferritin, acute phase reactants, and normal serum proteins. A rocket immunoassay has been developed allowing the quantitation of OPA in serum; it has been applied to samples from over 700 individuals with a variety of conditions. Elevated levels of OPA have been found in 42 of 48 (88%) patients with biopsy-proven pancreatic cancer and in a much smaller percentage of patients with other cancers or with other conditions considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The studies indicate that serum OPA measurements may be useful as a preliminary screening test for pancreatic cancer and for monitoring the course of the disease.
Limitations concerning the Use in Children of the Relationship between Plasma Creatinine and Body Height to Derive Glomerular Filtration Rate
Authors: Evans G O , Griffiths P D 
Published: February 2014

The value of the formula, [Formula: see text] was assessed over a two-year period in 314 children aged 1 month to 17 years by comparing simultaneously determined 51Cr EDTA slope clearance and plasma creatinine measurements, and in 225 children aged 1 month to 16 years comparing with duplicate short-term creatinine clearance determinations. The relationship with 51Cr EDTA slope clearance is best in patients over the age of 3 years with clearance rates below 60 ml. min−1/l · 73m2 but even so is subject to doubt over a wide range. The relationship with creatinine clearance shows less scatter at higher levels of clearance but the same doubt exists when it is used as an estimate of glomerular filtration rate.
Monitoring Induction of Ovulation by Rapid Radioimmunoassays of Oestrogen and Pregnanediol Glucuronides
Authors: Maclean A R , Outch K H , Russell J M , Brown J B , Dennis P M 
Published: February 2014

To increase the sample-handling capacity for an induction of ovulation programme, direct urinary radioimmunoassays (RIA) for three steroid glucuronides, pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (Pd-3-G), oestrone-3-glucuronide (E1-3-G), and oestriol-16α-glucuronide (E3-16-G), were established. Results obtained for urinary Pd-3-G measured by direct RIA show an excellent correlation (r = 0·98, N = 46) with those for urinary pregnanediol measured by gas-liquid chromatography. Estrone-3-glucuronide (E1-3-G) and estriol-16α-glucuronide (E3-16-G) values, measured by direct RIA, closely paralleled the total urinary oestrogen measured fluorimetrically. Ovarian response to ovulation induction therapy can be monitored by observing the changes in the levels of E1-3-G in urine. Pre-ovulatory levels of urinary E3-16-G were found to be too low for use in this regard. Direct RIA for E1-3-G and Pd-3-G are recommended as reliable indices of ovarian function in the monitoring of patients receiving treatment for the induction of ovulation.
Thyroxine Radioimmunoassay for Population Surveys Using Dried Blood: Modifications of a Highly Sensitive Method
Authors: Obregón María Jesús 
Published: February 2014

A highly sensitive radioimmunoassay for the determination of thyroxine in blood spotted on filter paper is described. The radioimmunoassay developed by Weeke and Ørskov for determination of serum thyroxine was simplified and shortened, and its cost was decreased, for use in programmes for mass screening of thyroid function. The method permits the use of small (2 mm diameter) dried blood dots, thus avoiding interference by binding proteins. Polyethylene glycol 6000 is used for the final separation of antibody bound labelled thyroxine, instead of the expensive and time-consuming wick chromatography used in the reference method. Serum thyroxine concentrations obtained using dried blood by the modified procedure correlate well with those obtained using serum by the reference method. The distribution of serum thyroxine concentration for a population of 2134 babies is given.
Effect of Recent Food on Estimation of High-Density Lipoprotein and Total Cholesterol in Normal Subjects
Authors: Booth S , Lacey R W 
Published: February 2014

Magnesium/phosphotungstic acid was confirmed as specific for precipitation of chylomicrons, low-density and very low density lipoprotein particles in serum from healthy volunteers who were either fasting or who had eaten egg yolks or a salmon sandwich containing Flora margarine 2 hours previously. In eight subjects who ate salmon sandwiches that contained butter or Flora margarine, neither the total cholesterol nor the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol differed significantly from the fasting level over 7 hours. In eight subjects, egg yolks also did not alter significantly either the total serum cholesterol or the HDL cholesterol at ½, 1, 1½, 2, 5, and 7 hours after eating. Patients may be screened for HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol estimation when not fasting. However, individual subjects showed variation in their total cholesterol and, particularly, HDL cholesterol over a three-month period. Replicate analysis of HDL cholesterol may be required for its complete assessment.