bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum testosterone bioassay evaluation in a large male cohort
Authors: Need Eleanor F. , O’Loughlin Peter D. , Armstrong David T. , Haren Matthew T. , Martin Sean A. , Tilley Wayne D. ,   the Florey Adelaide Male Aging Study, Wittert Gary A. , Buchanan Grant 
Published: March 2009

SummaryObjective  To assess if a cell‐based readout of androgen action in serum demonstrates a closer association with recognized classical parameters of androgen action in men than current measures of serum testosterone (T).Design  To develop, validate and utilize a mammalian cell‐based assay to measure specifically bioactive T and determine if this measure is a physiologically relevant fraction of serum T.Measurements and participants  We have developed a specific serum T bioassay using human prostate cancer cells. A rapid 5‐min exposure to 100% serum followed by serum withdrawal confers specificity of the assay to serum T and provides sufficient sensitivity to measure T in male serum samples. Matrix effects were experimentally discounted as a confounding issue. A total of 960 male serum samples from the Florey Adelaide Male Ageing Study (FAMAS) with previous comprehensive cohort data and serum measurements were utilized.Results  Bioassay T measurement in the 960 FAMAS serum samples returned a median of 10·7 nmol/l (1·7–45·4), and was most closely related to immunoassayed total T, but not immunoassayed bioavailable T or calculated free T. Immunoassayed total T demonstrated a positive association with isometric grip‐strength (R2 = 0·127, P < 0·001), self‐reported sexual desire (R2 = 0·113, P < 0·001) and erectile function (R2 = 0·085, P < 0·05) while bioassay T did not.Conclusions  While cellular bioassays offer a rapid and sensitive means of identifying the androgenic potential of complex environmental compounds, the utility of such assays in defining a clinically relevant fraction of serum T distinct from total T needs further investigation.
Femoral artery blood flow and its relationship to spontaneous fluctuations in rhythmic thigh muscle workload
Authors: Osada Takuya , Rådegran Göran 
Published: March 2009

SummaryBackground and aim:  Limb femoral arterial blood flow (LBF) is known to increase linearly with increasing workload under steady‐state conditions, suggesting a close link between LBF and metabolic activity. We, however, hypothesized that sudden physiological and spontaneous changes in exercise rhythm, and consequently workload temporarily alter blood flow to the working muscle. LBF and its relation to fluctuations in the contraction rhythm and workload were therefore investigated.Methods:  LBF, measured by Doppler ultrasound, and the achieved workload, were continuously measured in nine subjects, aiming to perform steady‐state, one‐legged, dynamic knee‐extensor exercise at 30 and 60 contractions per minute (cpm), at incremental target workloads of 10, 20, 30 and 40 W.Results:  In agreement with previous findings, LBF increased positively and linearly (P<0·05) with increasing target workload. However, LBF was inversely and linearly related (P<0·05) to the actually achieved workload, when measured over 60 consecutive contraction–relaxation cycle bouts, for each target intensity at 30 and 60 cpm respectively. Thus any sudden spontaneous increase or decrease in the achieved workload transiently altered the relationship between LBF and the achieved workload. The influence upon the magnitude of LBF, due to fluctuations in the achieved workload from the target workload, was furthermore similar between target workload sessions at 30 and 60 cpm respectively. LBF was, however, not associated with variations in the contraction frequencies.Conclusions:  These findings indicate that a transient sudden increase in the workload more rapidly impedes LBF and that vasodilatation may be elicited to restore the intensity related steady‐state LBF response in relation to the average metabolic activity.
Anxiety Disorders in Patients with Idiopathic Priapism: Risk Factor and Pathophysiologic Link?
Authors: Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A scientific explanation remains elusive for many presentations of recurrent ischemic priapism.

Aim
The aim of this article was to evaluate the possible clinical association between idiopathic priapism and anxiety disorders.

Methods
Twenty-one patients without identifiable, presumed etiologies for their priapism disorders presented consecutively to a single practitioner’s clinical practice and underwent clinical history evaluation and management over a 2½-year interval.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome is the documentation of patient demographics and clinical profiles relating to medical history and priapism presentations.

Results
Anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder were self-reported in 10 patients.

Conclusions
The possible association between idiopathic priapism and anxiety disorders lends support for a central neurobiologic pathophysiology for the erectile disorder. Further neuropsychiatric studies of this clinical population is required to confirm the hypothesis.
Characterization of microsatellite loci for the pitcher plant midge, Metriocnemus knabi Coq. (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: RASIC GORDANA , MAXWELL SHERI A. , KEYGHOBADI NUSHA 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAs a component of the inquiline community of the purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea), the pitcher plant midge Metriocneus knabi has been the subject of various ecological studies. However, very little is known about its characteristics beyond the larval stage, in particular the dispersal ability of adults. This study presents new molecular tools developed for testing of evolutionary and ecological questions in natural populations of this species. We describe a set of 12 microsatellite loci specific to M. knabi that are sufficiently polymorphic to provide insight into population genetic structure and dispersal patterns.
Human leucocyte antigen‐B27 subtypes in Korean patients with ankylosing spondylitis: higher B*2705 in the patient group
Authors: PARK Sung‐Hoon , KIM JiHun , KIM Sang‐Gyung , KIM Seong‐Kyu , CHUNG Won Tae , CHOE Jung‐Yoon 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAim:  To investigate the distribution of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigens and B27 subtypings in a group of B27(+) ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and a group of B27(+) control individuals, and to compare differences in their clinical features using subtyping.Methods:  At otal of 143 B27(+) AS samples and 32 B27(+) control samples were collected consecutively from two rheumatology centres in South Korea. All patients were diagnosed according to the modified New York criteria for AS. Medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed for demographic information, Bath disease activity index (BASDAI) scores, laboratory parameters at diagnosis and extra‐articular manifestations. Polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primer typing for the B27 subtypes was performed using the Dynal HLA‐B27 high resolution kit.Results:  Whereas subtypes in Korean AS patients include B*2704 (n = 11, 7.7%) B*2705 (n = 130, 90.9%), and B*2710 (n = 2, 1.4%), those of the control groups include B*2704 (n = 11, 34.4%), B*2705 (n = 19, 59.4%), B*2710 (n = 1, 3.1%), and B*2715 (n = 1, 3.1%). The proportion of B*2705 subtypes were significantly higher in the AS group than the control group (P < 0.01). There were no differences in clinical features (peripheral arthritis, uveitis, BASDAI scores) or laboratory parameters between the two groups.Conclusion:  In Korean AS patients, not in the control group, the HLA‐B*2705 subtype was higher than other subtypes, in contrast to AS patients from Japan and China. B27 subtypes in AS patients were not associated with clinical features or laboratory parameters.
An exploratory study of long‐term health outcomes following an in‐patient multidisciplinary program for people with fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: WHITE Douglas H. N. , FAULL Kieren , JONES Peter B. B. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective:  To examine the health status of people with fibromyalgia syndrome approximately 10 years after an intensive rehabilitation intervention to identify biopsychosocial factors for further research.Methods:  Baseline data, collected upon admission to the rehabilitation intervention was compared to follow‐up data collected by telephone interview. Data was evaluated for differences and relationships using the appropriate parametric or non‐parametric tests.Results:  The 29 participants were interviewed an average of 9.4 years after their admissions. All participants reported the persistence of fibromyalgia and use of related medication. Differences between baseline and follow‐up were: increased paid employment (P < 0.001), social networks (P < 0.05) and decreased stress levels (P < 0.05). Correlations with paid employment were: younger age (rs = –0.66, P < 0.01); larger social networks (rs = –0.40, P < 0.05) and transformation rehabilitation intervention experience (rs = .46, P < 0.05). Follow‐up stress and sleep status were also related (rs = 0.46, P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Fibromyalgia symptoms and medication use persist over time. The wider issues concerning social integration and participation appear to be worthy of further investigation.
Leukocyte counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from normal and Maedi–Visna‐infected sheep
Authors: Katsoulos Panagiotis D. , Christodoulopoulos Georgios , Kontopidis Georgios , Minas Anastasios , Tzivara Athanasia , Kritas Spyridon K. 
Published: March 2009

Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage has proven helpful for the diagnosis of certain ovine diseases of the lungs. There is insufficient data concerning the leukocyte profile of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from MaediVisna infected sheep.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the differential leukocyte profile of BALF associated with Maedi virus infection in sheep and to determine whether cytologic examination of BALF is an effective way to diagnose Maedi or determine the severity of lung lesions.Methods: BALF and serum samples were analyzed from 400 sheep. Sediment smears of bronchoalveolar lavage were stained with Diff‐Quik and examined microscopically to obtain a 200‐cell differential cell count. Serum was tested using a commercial kit for Maedi–Visna virus antibodies. Lung samples obtained at the time of slaughter were weighed and examined histologically.Results: Maedi‐infected sheep (n=267; seropositive with lung lesions) had a significantly higher percentage of lymphocytes and lower percentage of macrophages in BALF than normal sheep (n=133; seronegative and no lung lesions). These differences were significantly more severe in animals with advanced vs moderate lung lesions. Using classification trees, a cut‐off of 13.5% lymphocytes was predictive of Maedi infection and a cut‐off of 24.5% lymphocytes was predictive of advanced lung lesions.Conclusions: Cytologic examination of BALF is useful for the clinical diagnosis of Maedi in sheep and provides important information about the severity of the lung lesions.
Picasso Paintings, Moon Rocks, and Hand-Written Beatles Lyrics: Adults' Evaluations of Authentic Objects
Authors: Frazier Brandy , Gelman Susan , Wilson Alice , Hood Bruce 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Authentic objects are those that have a historical link to a person, event, time, or place of some significance (e.g., original Picasso painting; gown worn by Princess Diana; your favorite baby blanket). The current study examines everyday beliefs about authentic objects, with three primary goals: to determine the scope of adults' evaluation of authentic objects, to examine such evaluation in two distinct cultural settings, and to determine whether a person's attachment history (i.e., whether or not they owned an attachment object as a child) predicts evaluation of authentic objects. We found that college students in the UK (N=125) and the USA (N=119) consistently evaluate a broad range of authentic items as more valuable than matched control (inauthentic) objects, more desirable to keep, and more desirable to touch, though only non-personal authentic items were judged to be more appropriate for display in a museum. These patterns were remarkably similar across the two cultural contexts. Additionally, those who had an attachment object as a child evaluated objects more favorably, and in particular judged authentic objects to be more valuable. Altogether, these results demonstrate broad endorsement of "positive contagion" among college-educated adults.
Preparation of Free-standing Bamboo-like Ni Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Zheng Wen Jun , Fei Guang Tao , Wang Biao , Zhang Li De 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Free-standing bamboo-like Ni nanowire arrays with periodic branches have been produced by electrochemical deposition in the pores of layer-by-layer anodic alumina membrane. This method could provide a possible approach to prepare free-standing nanostructures of various functional materials with great self-support ability and large surface area in practical applications.
Novel N-Doped Carbon Cathode Catalyst for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells Formed on Carbon Black
Authors: Kobayashi Rieko , Ozaki Jun-ichi 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Carbonization of Co–[poly(4-vinylpyridine)] (Co–PVP) complex on carbon black gave rise to oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. Surface analysis revealed that the activity was caused by the introduction of nitrogen on to the surface of the carbon black but not by the presence of residual cobalt.
Chemical Degelation of Polysilane Organogel by Selective Scission of Silicon Main Chain by Fluoride Anion
Authors: Naito Masanobu , Kawabe Takuma , Nakamura Masashi , Wakayama Keiji , Chung Woojung , Yasui Ken-ichiro , Fujiki Michiya 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Selective scission of the positively charged main chain of polydialkylsilane using tetrabutylammonium fluoride was utilized for facile chemical degelation of polymer-based organogel. The degelation mechanism was characterized by combinational analyses with photodiode array-equipped size exclusion chromatography, GC/MS, and FTIR measurements.
New n-Type Field-effect Transistors Based on Pyrimidine-containing Compounds with (Trifluoromethyl)phenyl Groups
Authors: Kojima Takahiro , Nishida Jun-ichi , Tokito Shizuo , Yamashita Yoshiro 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
New co-oligomers containing pyrimidine units were prepared. The planar molecular and π-stacking structures were revealed by X-ray structure analysis. The FET devices based on them showed good n-type performance.
Hydrogen Production from Water Catalyzed by an Air-stable Di-iron Complex with a Bio-relevant Fe2(μ-S)2 Core
Authors: Yamaguchi Toshiki , Masaoka Shigeyuki , Sakai Ken 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
An air-stable dinuclear iron–dithiolene complex with an Fe2(μ-S)2 core, [FeIII(mnt)2]22− (mnt = maleonitriledithiolate), has been found to serve as an electrode catalyst toward the reduction of water into molecular hydrogen with an overpotential of 560 mV. The acid form of a buffer reagent, such as CH3CO2H, has been found to serve as a major proton mediator during the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Investigation on the Occurrence of Ochratoxin A in Maize in Bangladesh
Authors: Dawlatana M , Shahida S , Rahim Matiur , Hassan M Tariqul 
Published: March 2009

Maize was collected from different markets of Bangladesh for the determination of ochratoxin A. Simultaneously controlled maize samples were analyzed to assess the ochratoxin A level of market samples and that of controlled samples. A total of 120 samples were analyzed to determine ochratoxin A including 70 market samples and 50 controlled samples. Market samples were found containing a high contamination level of ochratoxin A ranged from 1 to 117 Î¼g/kg and incidence rate was 40% whereas in the controlled samples the contamination rate was found very low ranged from 3 to 9 Î¼g/kg and the incidence rate was found 10% only. Key words: Maize, Ochratoxin A, Occurrence, Bangladesh, HPTLC Â doi: 10.3329/bjsir.v43i4.2239 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 43(4), 495-500, 2008
Synthesis of Luminescent ZrO2:Eu3+ Nanoparticles and Their Holographic Sub‐Micrometer Patterning in Polymer Composites
Authors: Ninjbadgar Tsedev , Garnweitner Georg , Börger Alexander , Goldenberg Leonid M. , Sakhno Oksana V. , Stumpe Joachim 
Published: March 2009

AbstractHere, the facile synthesis of fluorescent ZrO2:Eu3+ nanoparticles with luminescence quantum yield of up to 8.7% that can be easily dispersed in organic solvents and utilized for the preparation of organic/inorganic volume holographic gratings is presented. The nanoparticles are prepared through a one‐step solvothermal process resulting in spherical particles with a mean size of 4 nm that were highly crystalline directly after the synthesis, without any need for calcination treatment. Detailed luminescence studies of the nanoparticles as a function of Eu3+ content demonstrate that the dopant concentration and its site symmetry play an important role in the emissive properties and lifetime of the luminescent centers. It is shown that the luminescence quantum yield of the colloidal ZrO2:Eu3+ nanoparticles increases with dopant concentration up to a critical concentration of 11 mol% while the luminescence lifetime is shortened from 1.8 to 1.4 ms. Holographic photopolymerization of suitable monomer mixtures containing the luminescent nanoparticles demonstrated the ability to inscribe volume Bragg gratings (refractive index contrast n1 up to 0.011) with light‐emissive properties, evidencing the high suitability of this approach for the fabrication of tailored nanomaterials for elaborate and demanding applications.
COL4A1 mutation in two preterm siblings with antenatal onset of parenchymal hemorrhage
Authors: de Vries Linda S. , Koopman Corine , Groenendaal Floris , Van Schooneveld Mary , Verheijen Frans W. , Verbeek Elly , Witkamp Theo D. , van der Worp H. Bart , Mancini Grazia 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo report the presence of intracerebral hemorrhage and porencephaly, both present at birth, in two preterm infants with a mutation in the collagen 4 A1 gene.MethodsTwo preterm infants with antenatal intracerebral hemorrhage and established porencephaly, as well as their affected mother and grandfather, underwent neurological and ophthalmological examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Mutation analysis of the COL4A1 gene was performed in the infants and in their mother.ResultsBoth infants had a novel G1580R mutation in the COL4A1 gene, encoding procollagen type IV α1. A history of mild antenatal trauma was present in the first but not in the second infant. Both preterm infants were asymptomatic at birth. The intracerebral hemorrhage and porencephaly were diagnosed with cranial ultrasound examination and were subsequently confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. Leukoencephalopathy was present in the mother and in her father.InterpretationMutation of the COL4A1 gene appears to be a risk factor of antenatal intracerebral hemorrhage followed by porencephaly in the preterm newborn. Ann Neurol 2009;65:12–18
Alzheimer's Disease: From Pathology to Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Jakob‐Roetne Roland , Jacobsen Helmut 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMind how you go: The current strategies for the development of therapies for Alzheimer's disease are very diverse. Particular attention is given to the search for inhibitors (see picture for two examples) of the proteolytic enzyme β‐ and γ‐secretase, which inhibits the cleavage of the amyloid precursor proteins into amyloid β peptides, from which the disease‐defining deposits of plaque in the brains of Alzheimer's patients originates.magnified imageResearch on senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease covers an extremely broad range of scientific activities. At the recent international meeting of the Alzheimer's Association (ICAD 2008, Chicago) more than 2200 individual scientific contributions were presented. The aim of this Review is to give an overview of the field and to outline its main areas, starting from behavioral abnormalities and visible pathological findings and then focusing on the molecular details of the pathology. The “amyloid hypothesis” of Alzheimer's disease is given particular attention, since the majority of the ongoing therapeutic approaches are based on its theoretical framework.
Functionalization of ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber with maleic anhydride in the melt state through high‐shear stress‐induced initiation
Authors: Zhang Ling , Zhang Yuncan , Yao Huqing 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe functionalization reactions of ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber (EPDM) with maleic anhydride (MAH) in melt state through high‐shear‐stress‐induced initiation by an increase in the screw rotation speed of the twin‐screw extruder and through compounded initiation by the addition of some initiator and an increase in the screw rotation speed were investigated. The results show that, with increasing screw rotation speed and reaction temperature, the percentage grafting and melt flow rate of the functionalized products (EPDM‐g‐MAH) were noticeably increased, and the viscosity‐average molecular weight decreased, which implied that the grafting reaction consisted of the chain scission and grafting reaction of the produced macroradicals with MAH. In the presence of a certain peroxide initiator, the crosslinking reaction during melt extrusion was suppressed by an increase in the screw rotation speed. The percentage grafting of EPDM‐g‐MAH amounted to 1.1%, its melt flow rate was between 0.3 and 4.0 g/10 min, and its gel content was less than 1.0%, depending on the screw rotation speed and reaction temperature. Impact testing and scanning electron microscopy showed that the functionalized product prepared through the high shear stress‐induced initiation had a higher blocking activity with the amide terminated of PA66 than that prepared through the peroxide initiation or through the compound initiation, and the impact strength of the PA66/EPDM blends, improved by the high‐shear‐stress‐induced product was noticeably higher than those of the peroxide‐initiated product or the compound‐initiated one. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis, characterization, and anticorrosive coating properties of waterborne interpenetrating polymer network based on epoxy‐acrylic‐oleic acid with butylated melamine formaldehyde
Authors: Zafar Sarvat , Zafar Fahmina , Riaz Ufana , Ahmad Sharif 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe present study reports the synthesis and characterization of waterborne interpenetrating network (IPN) of epoxy‐acrylic‐oleic acid (EpAcO) with butylated melamine formaldehyde (BMF). The effect of BMF on the formation of IPN was investigated in terms of physicochemical, spectral, morphological, and thermal analyses. The coating properties of the IPN were investigated for their physicomechanical, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial activity. The formation of the IPN was confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR analyses as well as physicochemical properties. The EpAcO‐BMF IPN coatings were found to exhibit far superior corrosion resistance performance and good thermal stability when compared with the reported waterborne epoxy acrylic‐melamine formaldehyde systems [EpAc‐MF]. The preliminary antimicrobial investigations of the IPNs were carried out by agar diffusion method against some bacteria and fungi. The results revealed that antimicrobial activities were enhanced upon the formation of IPN. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009