bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution and Effect of apo E Genotype on Plasma Lipid and Apolipoprotein Profiles in Overweight/Obese and Nonobese Chinese Subjects
Authors: Zhang Juan , Xuemei Zhang  , Fan Ping , Liu Rui , Huang Yi , Liang Shanshan , Liu Yu , Wu Yin , Bai Huai 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundApolipoprotein E (apo E) polymorphism has been reported to influence some lipid profile abnormalities in some ethnic groups. This study was conducted mainly to examine the possible association of apo E polymorphism with overweight/obesity in a South West Chinese population.MethodsFour hundred and fifty‐four Han Chinese (282 overweight/obese and 172 normal weight control subjects) in Chengdu area were studied using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis.ResultsThe genotype and allele frequencies of apo E polymorphism in cases of overweight/obesity showed no significant statistical difference compared to those of controls. In the control group, both apo E4 and E3 allele carriers had the higher serum LDL‐C and lower triglycerides (TGs) and apo E concentrations than those with apo E2 carriers, while apo E2 allele carriers had higher serum apo C‐II levels than apo E3 carriers (P < 0.05). In overweight/obese group, genotype‐related low density Lipoprotein‐Cholesterol (LDL‐C) variations were also evident, with the changes being in a same direction as the effect in the controls, and apo B100 levels were decreased and apo E increased in apo E2 allele carriers when compared with respective apo E4 and apo E4/apo E3 allele carriers (all P < 0.05).ConclusionPolymorphism of the apo E gene is associated with altered plasma LDL‐C and TG, as well as apo B, apo C‐II, and apo E concentrations. The effects on TG, apo B, and apo C‐II levels are BMI dependent in Chinese population of Chengdu area. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:200‐205, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optical and Mechanical Clot Detection Methodologies: A Comparison Study for Routine Coagulation Testing
Authors: Tekkesin Nilgun , Kılınc Cumhur 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundAutomated coagulation analyzers are preferred to meet increasing coagulation test volume. Two distinct technological families exist based on optical and mechanical clot detection methodologies. Which one is superior to the other is still a conflict and needs new studies.MethodsWe have compared prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin results obtained with mechanical method with those obtained by photo‐optical method used routinely in our specialized laboratory.ResultsThe instrumental results showed good precision ranging between 0.7% and 1.8% coefficient of variation. Statistical analysis demonstrated an excellent correlation between the photo‐optical and mechanical analyzers for PT (R2 0.97), and aPTT (R2 0.85).ConclusionCorrelation between the two clot‐detection systems was maintained even when measuring turbid samples (R2 ≥ 0.97 for two tests). J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:125‐129, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New Sandwich‐Type Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Human MxA Protein in a Whole Blood Using Monoclonal Antibodies Against GTP‐Binding Domain for Recognition of Viral Infection
Authors: Kawamura Mizuho , Kusano Akira , Furuya Akiko , Hanai Nobuo , Tanigaki Hideki , Tomita Akihito , Horiguchi Akira , Nagata Kyosuke , Itazawa Toshiko , Adachi Yuichi , Okabe Yoshie , Miyawaki Toshio , Kohno Hiroaki 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesTo develop a clinically significant and practical enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of MxA protein in human whole blood, a biological marker of viral infection.Design and MethodsA sandwich ELISA suitable for the measurement of human MxA protein in whole blood was developed using mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against the GTP‐binding domain of human MxA protein. Prior to the assay, the whole blood sample was treated with special buffer to extract the MxA protein, improve its stability, and avoid interference from hemoglobin.ResultsThis ELISA meets all the requirements for use in routine clinical assays, especially in terms of sensitivity (detection limit: 1.3 ng/ml whole blood), accuracy (recovery: 93.0–100.0%), and rapidity (<1.5 h). The present ELISA had a sensitivity of100% and a specificity of 100% for viral infection when compared to samples from healthy control and 87.1% and 90.9% when compared to samples from the bacterial infection group.ConclusionWe have developed a new ELISA for measuring MxA protein in human whole blood using mAbs specific for the GTP‐binding domain of MxA. This ELISA has analytical performance enough for routine clinical assay and can be used in detecting the possibility of viral infection. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:174‐183, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Signals of tree volume and temperature in a high‐resolution record of pollen accumulation rates in northern Finland
Authors: Mazier F. , Nielsen A. B. , Broström A. , Sugita S. , Hicks S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPollen accumulation rates (PARs) provide a potential proxy for quantitative tree volume (m3 ha−1) reconstruction with reliable absolute pollen productivity estimates (APPEs). We obtained APPEs for pine, spruce and birch at their range limits in northern Finland under two temperature periods (‘warm’ and ‘cold’) based on long‐term pollen trap and tree volume records within a 14‐km radius of each trap. APPEs (mean ± SE; × 108 grains m−3 a−1) tend to be higher for the ‘warm’ periods (pine 123.8 ± 24.4, birch 528.0 ± 398.4, spruce 434.3 ± 113.7) compared with the ‘cold’ periods (pine 95.5 ± 37.3, birch 317.3 ± 282.6, spruce 119.6 ± 37.6), although the difference is only significant for spruce. Using an independent temperature record and the APPEs obtained, we reconstruct a low‐frequency record of pine volume changes over the last 1000 years at Palomaa mire, where a high‐resolution record of Pinus PARs is available. Five phases are distinguished in the reconstruction: moderate pine volume, AD 1080–1170; high volume, AD 1170–1340; low volume, AD 1340–1630; very low volume, AD 1630–1810; and rising pine volume, AD 1810–1950. These phases do not coincide with periods of high or low June–July–August temperatures, and thus appear to reflect regional variations in tree volume, while high‐frequency changes within each time‐period block show variations in PARs in response to temperature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laryngeal stenosis in a patient with severe congenital neutropenia
Authors: Bando Hideki , Nagao Hikaru , Nishio Takeshi , Hirota Ryuichi , Sakaguchi Hirofumi , Imamura Toshihiko , Hisa Yasuo 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:We report the first case of laryngeal stenosis with granuloma in a patient with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN).Study Design:Case report and retrospective review.Methods:Review of medical records.Results:A 6‐year‐old female who was diagnosed with SCN presented with a cough and wheezing. An endoscopic study revealed laryngeal stenosis with granuloma. Tracheotomy and direct laryngoscopy were performed under general anesthesia, and administration of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor was started. The laryngeal granuloma disappeared 3 weeks later, and the tracheal stoma was closed.Conclusions:Presence of a laryngeal lesion should be considered in SCN patients with persistent airway symptoms.
Thiol‐Ene Click Chemistry as a Tool for a Novel Family of Polymeric Ionic Liquids
Authors: Shaplov Alexander S. , Vlasov Petr S. , Lozinskaya Elena I. , Shishkan Olga A. , Ponkratov Denis O. , Malyshkina Inna A. , Vidal Frédéric , Wandrey Christine , Godovikov Ivan A. , Vygodskii Yakov S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractFunctionalized pyrrolidinium compounds, 3‐((2‐hydroxyethylthio)methyl)‐1,1,4‐trimethylpyrrolidinium and 3‐((2‐carboxyethylthio)methyl)‐1,1,4‐trimethylpyrrolidinium chlorides, are prepared from N,N‐diallyl‐N,N‐dimethylammonium chloride by radical thiol‐ene addition and are utilized as building blocks in the synthesis of “ionic liquid‐like monomers.” “Polymeric ionic liquids” with highest molecular weights are obtained in water from chloride monomers followed by ionic exchange with lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Synthesized polymers demonstrate negligible water absorption (<0.1 wt%). Copolymerization with polyethyleneglycol di‐ and monomethacrylates leads to the conductive self‐standing tough films with ionic conductivity up to 2.8 × 10−7/1.3 × 10−6 S cm−1 at 25 °C.
Polysulfone Functionalized With Phosphonated Poly(pentafluorostyrene) Grafts for Potential Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Dimitrov Ivaylo , Takamuku Shogo , Jankova Katja , Jannasch Patric , Hvilsted Søren 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA multi‐step synthetic strategy to polysulfone (PSU) grafted with phosphonated poly(pentafluorostyrene) (PFS) is developed. It involves controlled radical polymerization resulting in alkyne‐end functional PFS. The next step is the modification of PSU with a number of azide side groups. The grafting of PFS onto PSU backbone is performed via the “click”‐chemistry approach. In a final step, the PFS‐grafts are subjected to the post phosphonation. The copolymers are evaluated as membranes for potential fuel cell applications through thermal analyses, water uptake, and conductivity measurements. The proposed synthetic route opens the possibility to tune copolymers’ hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance to obtain membranes with an optimal balance between proton conductivity and mechanical properties.
The Chicago Parent Program: Comparing 1‐year outcomes for African American and Latino parents of young children
Authors: Breitenstein Susan M. , Gross Deborah , Fogg Louis , Ridge Alison , Garvey Christine , Julion Wrenetha , Tucker Sharon 
Published: May 2012

AbstractData were merged from two prevention randomized trials testing 1‐year outcomes of a parenting skills program, the Chicago Parent Program (CPP) and comparing its effects for African‐American (n = 291) versus Latino (n = 213) parents and their preschool children. Compared to controls, intervention parents had improved self‐efficacy, used less corporal punishment and more consistent discipline, and demonstrated more positive parenting. Intervention children had greater reductions in behavior problems based on parent‐report, teacher‐report, and observation. Although improvements from the CPP were evident for parents in both racial/ethnic groups, Latino parents reported greater improvements in their children's behavior and in parenting self‐efficacy but exhibited greater decreases in praise. Findings support the efficacy of the CPP for African American and Latino parents and young children from low‐income urban communities. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:475–489, 2012
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes‐reinforced isotactic polypropylene nanocomposites: Enhancement of crystallization and mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties
Authors: Haque Md. Akramul , Mina Md. Forhad , Moshiul Alam A.K.M. , Rahman Md. Jellur , Bhuiyan Md. Abu Hashan , Asano Tsutomu 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMultiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)‐reinforced isotactic polypropylene (iPP) nanocomposites with low‐content of MWCNTs were fabricated using the melt‐cast techniques. The reinforced plastics were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical test, differential thermal analyses (DTA), and electrical tests. XRD studies exhibit the α‐crystal in the injection‐molded neat iPP with lamellar stacks having a long period of 150Å. Both the intensity of lamellar reflection and the thickness of long period increase with increasing the MWCNTs contents, indicating an enhancement of iPP crystallization by MWCNTs addition. This increase of lamellar thickness is analyzed to be consistent with that evaluated by DTA. SEM micrographs display larger MWCNTs aggregates with increasing amount of reinforcements and show a good adhesion between nanoparticles and iPP matrix. FTIR spectra reveal distinct chemical textures for the samples and confirm the existence of α‐crystal. Mechanical strengths, electrical conductivity, and dielectric constants are found to increase with increasing MWCNTs content, representing an improved performance of the nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interlaminar behavior of infrared welded joints of carbon fabric–reinforced polyphenylene sulfide
Authors: De Baere I. , Allaer K. , Jacques S. , Van Paepegem W. , Degrieck J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe use of fiber‐reinforced thermoplastics for structural applications is continuously increasing and therefore load‐bearing joints cannot be avoided. Because most well‐established joining techniques for metallic structures are not directly applicable to composites, and because thermoplastics are difficult to bond adhesively because of their chemical inertness, another solution is found, namely fusion bonding. This study assesses the use of infrared welding for a carbon fabric–reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). After a short description of the welding setup, the welding parameters such as heating time, contact pressure, and consolidation time are optimized using lapshear experiments. Two welding procedures are considered, one with and one without prior consolidation of PPS on the specimens. It can be concluded that the infrared process proves interesting for the material under study and that the process with prior consolidation of PPS yields reproducible results. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Water absorption and hygrothermal ageing of ultraviolet cured glass‐fiber reinforced acrylate composites
Authors: Xian Guijun , Li Hui , Su Xiansheng 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn this article, an ultraviolet curable glass fiber reinforced polymer (UV‐GFRP) composite developed for fast repair or strengthening of concrete structures, was investigated on its water absorption and hygrothermal ageing behaviors. Cured UV‐GFRP coupons were subjected to immersion in distilled water or concrete pore solution (pH value around 13) for 4–8 months at room temperature and elevated temperatures (40 and 60°C), respectively. Water absorption and thermomechanical properties of the samples were tested as a function of immersion time. Water uptake curves of UV‐GFRP exposed to elevated temperatures and/or alkaline solutions show serious mass loss. Debonding of fibers from resin matrix brought in increased coefficient of diffusion along fiber directions, due to the capillary effect. After 4 months of immersion in both media, the tensile strength of UV‐GFRP was deteriorated remarkably, while the tensile modulus was less affected. According to Arrhenius equation, the tensile strength of UV‐GFRP is predicted to remain 77.6% of its original value after50 years when immersed in water at 20°C, but only 24.5% left in the case of alkaline solution. This suggests that the present UV‐GFRP system does not suit for the application in strong alkaline environments. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
PES/SiO2 nanocomposite by in situ polymerization: Synthesis, structure, properties, and new applications
Authors: Shariatmadar F.S. , Mohsen‐Nia M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSiO2 nanoparticles of a quantum size (15 nm or less) were prepared via sol–gel method using tetraethylorthosilicate as a precursor. SiO2 nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyses. Polyethersulfone/silica (PES/SiO2) crystal structure nanocomposite was prepared by in situ polymerization using silica nanoparticles as reinforcement filler. The polymerization reaction was done at 160°C in paraffin bath in the presence of diphenolic monomers. XRD and FESEM analyses were used to study the morphology of the synthesized nanocomposite. The purity and thermal property of the PES/SiO2 nanocomposite were studied by energy dispersion of X‐ray analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The effect of silica particles on the hydrophilicity of PES/SiO2 nanocomposite was also investigated. It was showed that the PES/SiO2 nanocomposite had a higher swelling degree when compared with the pure PES. The synthesized PES/SiO2 powder was used to remove Cu(II) ions from its aqueous solution. The effect of experimental conditions such as pH, shaking time, and sorbent mass on adsorption capacity of PES/SiO2 nanocomposite were investigated. It was found that incorporation of a low amount of silica (2 wt%) into the polymer matrix caused the increase of the Cu(II) ions adsorption capacity of PES. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of natural fibers on the mechanical properties and biodegradation of poly(lactic acid) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) composites: A review
Authors: Wahit Mat Uzir , Akos Noel Ibrahim , Laftah Waham Ashaier 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis article highlights developments in viable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) ecofriendly products with enhanced mechanical properties and biodegradation based on natural resources for both reinforcements and matrices. In recent times, several techniques have emerged with emphasis on enhancing mechanical, biological, and chemical properties equivalent to or superior to conventional polymers in use. Chemical and physical modifications of the fibers and in some cases polymer matrix or both are used to obtain properties suitable for the intended application. The mechanical properties and biodegradation of PLA and PCL natural fiber composites were enhanced by the treated fibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Temperature‐dependent Hall‐effect measurements of p‐type multicrystalline compensated solar grade silicon
Authors: Modanese Chiara , Acciarri Maurizio , Binetti Simona , Søiland Anne‐Karin , Di Sabatino Marisa , Arnberg Lars 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTIn this study, we have investigated the Hall majority carrier mobility of p‐type, compensated multicrystalline solar grade silicon (SoG‐Si) wafers for solar cells in the temperature range 70–373 K. At low temperature (~70 K) the difference in the mobilities measured for the compensated and the uncompensated reference samples is the highest, and the measured mobility shows dependence on the compensation ratio. Mobilities decrease with increasing temperature, and towards room temperature, the mobilities of the different samples are in the same range. The measurements show that, for these samples, the contribution from lattice scattering is dominating over ionized impurity scattering at room temperature. In the range of interest for silicon solar cells (above room temperature), the trend in carrier mobility is similar for all the samples, and the measured value for the sample with low compensation ratio and low doping density is comparable to the uncompensated references. A comparison of resistivity and majority carrier density measured by the Hall setup at room temperature and by four‐point probe and glow discharge mass spectroscopy, respectively, is reported as well. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preventing retention: First grade classroom instruction and student characteristics
Authors: Dombek Jennifer Lucas , Connor Carol McDonald 
Published: May 2012

AbstractRetention is a frequently used strategy to support children who are struggling academically. However, the strategy is costly, and research findings with regard to positive outcomes are mixed. This study examined whether efficacious reading instruction might reduce rates of retention in first grade. We also evaluated the reading instruction the students received compared with children with similar reading and vocabulary skills who were not retained. Additionally, we examined the impact students' self‐regulation may have on grade retention. Findings reveal that it was significantly less likely for students to be retained at the end of first grade if their teacher was implementing more efficacious reading instruction. Moreover, there were substantial differences in the literacy instruction provided for children who were and were not retained. Finally, students in the efficacious reading condition who were retained exhibited significantly weaker self‐regulation skills than did their matched‐promoted peers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Allergic rhinitis and non‐allergic rhinitis in children in the tropics: Prevalence and risk associations
Authors: Chiang Wen Chin , Chen Yu Ming , Tan Henry K.K. , Balakrishnan Abhilash , Liew Woei Kang , Lim Hwee Hoon , Goh Si Hui , Loh Wen Yin , Wong Petrina , Teoh Oon Hoe , Goh Anne , Chay Oh Moh 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe age‐related comparative prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and non‐allergic rhinitis (NAR) in children is poorly defined. We aimed to characterize AR and NAR in children.MethodsThis study enrolled children with chronic rhinitis who presented to a tertiary paediatric center for a diagnostic skin prick test (SPT). Parents completed a medical history questionnaire for their child, including disease activity for asthma and rhinitis. Sociodemographic data was obtained and all participants underwent a common inhalant SPT panel. A positive SPT indicated AR.ResultsFrom March 2001 to March 2009, 6,660 children (64% male) were enrolled (aged 6 months to 19 years, mean 7.82 years). Only 3.7% (249) of the children were <2 years old, and almost 30% of these had AR. Most children with AR (73%) presented after age 6.Males were more likely to have AR (vs. NAR) (OR 1.5; CI 1.39–1.77). Antihistamine and salbutamol use did not differ between children with AR and NAR. Children with AR were more likely to require adjunct therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (51.2% vs. 43.2%, P < 0.001), have drug hypersensitivity (especially antipyretic drugs) (2.5% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.384) or an asthma admission (9.1% vs. 6.0%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsAR is more common in male children, is relatively rare below the age of 2 years, and accounts for two‐thirds of all childhood chronic rhinitis and 73.3% of all chronic rhinitis in school‐aged children (≥6 years old). Children with AR have more severe rhinitis symptoms and more often suffer from asthma‐related events and admissions. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:1026–1033. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel approach to coupled proton–phonon macroscopic system in H‐bonded solids with strong low‐barrier hydrogen bonds on the examples of KH2PO4 and KD2PO4
Authors: Dolin S. P. , Levin A. A. , Mikhailova T. Yu. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractTo describe the proton–phonon coupling (PPC) in the materials at hand, the novel pseudospin Ising‐type Hamiltonian is proposed. It is derived by the vibronic theory of heteroligand molecular systems treating the oxygen atoms O(−) and O(···) [linked with hydrogen atoms by covalent (OH) or by hydrogen (O···H) bond] as substituting ligands in PO4 tetrahedra for 3d KH2PO4‐like species. Using the Hamiltonian obtained, we treat several vibrational modes participating in the structural phase transitions, the Ising parameters dependence on vibronic constants, and the PPC influence on the Tc value. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.