bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Properties of a Hollow Fiber Consisting Mainly of Natural Mordenite
Authors: Nagase Takako , Abe Chie , Kiyozumi Yoshimichi , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Hanaoka Takaaki , Mizukami Fujio 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
A hollow fiber consisting mainly of a natural mordenite was spun for the first time by mixing natural mordenite with polysulfone using dry–wet spinning. The obtained hollow fiber was stable and flexible in water. The dried fiber has a pore distribution of the microfiltration membrane. The fiber can be used as a substrate for a zeolite membrane for pervaporation.
Submillimeter-scale Graphene Patterning through Ink-jet Printing of Graphene Oxide Ink
Authors: Jo Yong Min , Yoon Seyoung , Lee Ji-Hoon , Park Sung-Jun , Kim Sung Ryong , In Insik 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Patterning of reduced graphene is successfully demonstrated through ink-jet printing of graphene oxide (GO) ink and subsequent reduction with hydrazine vapor in submillimeter scale. GO plate size is the most critical parameter for the success of facile ink-jet printing of GO ink. Prepared graphene lines show conductivity of 1.1 S m−1, which is a fifth of typical conductivity of graphene film, which might result from decreased percolation of graphene plates in ink-jet printing.
Synthesis and Solid-state Optical Properties of 2,3-Dialkyl- and 2,3,8,9-Tetraalkyltetracenes
Authors: Kitamura Chitoshi , Ohara Takuya , Yoneda Akio , Kawase Takeshi , Kobayashi Takashi , Naito Hiroyoshi 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
We prepared 2,3-dialkyl- and 2,3,8,9-tetraalkyltetracenes by way of Diels–Alder reactions between 1,4-anthraquinones and 3,4-dialkylthiophene-1,1-dioxides and obtained mainly orange and yellow solids, respectively. The differences in optical properties in the solid state were probably due to different intermolecular interactions.
Cystatin C is a reliable marker for estimation of glomerular filtration rate in renal transplantation: validation of a new turbidimetric assay using monospecific sheep antibodies
Authors: Bargnoux Anne-Sophie , Cavalier Etienne , Cristol Jean-Paul , Simon Noémie , Dupuy Anne-Marie , Garrigue Valérie , Badiou Stéphanie , Delanaye Pierre , Mourad Georges 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background: The potential use of cystatin C was recently assessed in kidney transplantation. A new particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (PETIA) that uses sheep antibodies (Binding Site human cystatin C immunoassay) has been developed. Analytical performance of this new assay was evaluated. Clinical relevance was determined by comparison with a reference method in a cohort of kidney transplant patients.

Methods: First, the analytical performance of the Binding Site cystatin C kit was tested on SPAPLUS
® and Hitachi® analyzers. Second, a comparison study was performed using SPAPLUS
® analyzer against two other cystatin C methods (the Siemens-PENIA method on BNII® and the Dako-PETIA application on Olympus AU640®). Third, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using several predictive cystatin C- and creatinine-based equations and compared to GFR measured by an isotopic method (99mTc-DTPA). These predictive algorithms were analyzed with respect to bias, precision and accuracy.

Results: Total intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation were below 5%. Values obtained with the SPAPLUS
® correlated with the Siemens-PENIA and the Dako-PETIA methods. The creatinine and cystatin C-based equation allowed reliable assessment of GFR in our population of renal transplantation.

Conclusions: The use of algorithms based on cystatin C and creatinine could provide a reliable estimate of GFR in kidney transplantation.
Linezolid interaction with serotonin reuptake inhibitors: report of two cases and incidence assessment
Authors: Go Amy C. , Golightly Larry K. , Barber Gerard R. , Barron Michelle A. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background: Prompted by the advent of potentially life-threatening neuromuscular symptoms following initiation of linezolid therapy in two patients receiving treatment with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, an evaluation was conducted to determine the incidence and characteristics of symptomatic serotonin toxicity among hospitalized patients receiving combined treatment with these medications.

Methods: Patients admitted between January 1, 2006 and August 30, 2008 who received linezolid concurrently with citalopram or escitalopram were identified and their medical records were examined. Patients were judged to have serotonin toxicity if their records contained documentation of clinical evidence adequate to fulfill requisites of the Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria. Severity of serotonin-related symptoms was graded according to previously established criteria.

Results: During the period of observation, 24 patients received concurrent treatment with linezolid and citalopram or escitalopram. Of these, one patient (4%) treated with citalopram met evidentiary requirements for diagnosis of serotonin toxicity. The severity of symptoms in this patient was graded as mild. No evidence of serious harm related to a possible drug interaction was identified.

Conclusions: Severe symptoms associated with serotonin toxicity were shown to be uncommon in patients receiving linezolid and selected serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Nonetheless, serious interaction-related toxicity has been observed at our institution and reported in detail by others. Accordingly, concurrent use of these medications is categorized as contraindicated. Alternative antimicrobial therapy should be instituted in most cases. If no suitable alternative is available, recipient patients should be hospitalized for expectant observation and rigorous monitoring.
Prediction of drug clearance in children 3 months and younger: an allometric approach
Authors: Mahmood Iftekhar 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background: Sometimes it might not be possible to conduct a pharmacokinetic (PK) study in neonates and infants. Under these circumstances, one would like to predict PK parameters in this age group. Because drug clearance is the most important PK parameter, the objective of this study was to describe an allometric method to predict drug clearance in children ≤3 months.

Methods: In total, 43 drugs (107 observations) were randomly selected for this study. The age of the children ranged from 0 to 1 year. Children were divided into two groups: ≤3 months and ≥3 months to 1 year. Drug clearance (CL) in children was predicted using the following equation: CL in the child=adult CL×(weight of the child/70)0.75 or 1.0 or 1.2.

Results: The results of the study indicated that the exponent 1.2 performs better in the prediction of drug clearance than exponent 1.0 or 0.75 for children ≤3 months. By contrast, exponent 1.0 provided better prediction for children ≥3 months to 1 year than exponent 1.2. Exponent 0.75 provided the worst results leading to substantial prediction error in children 0–1 year (in many instances more than 1000% prediction error).

Conclusions: Overall, it appears that exponent 1.2 is the best method out of three methods for reasonably accurate prediction of drug clearance in children ≤3 months old. However, exponent 1.2 will underpredict drug clearance in children older than 3 months. The suggested approach could be used to support the choice of the initial dose in clinical trials for children ≤3 months old.
Measurements of Thermal Conduction in Partially Saturated Specimens Using the Transient Hot-Disk Technique
Authors: Suleiman Bashir M. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
The hot-disk, also known as the transient plane source technique, is used to measure the thermal conductivity of construction materials. The measurements were done at room temperature and under both dry and partially wet conditions. The technique is a transient one, which uses a flat thin sensor (hot-disk), and it has a dual advantage of short measuring time and low temperature rise (around 1°) across the specimen. This advantage prevents a non-uniform moisture distribution that may arise when the temperature difference across a wet test specimen is maintained for a relatively long time. In addition, the flat thin shape of the hot-disk substantially reduces the contact resistance between the specimen and the sensor. More details about this technique will be discussed. The materials consisted of one specimen of common (sand and cement) plaster, one specimen of ground soft soil, and two specimens of soft and hard bricks. A remarkable increase in the mean conductivity values due to the presence of water has been observed, particularly in the soft specimens. The increase is attributed to the increase in water content within the micro-voids (cavities) of the specimens. In other words, the higher the moisture content is, the greater the thermal conductivity will be.
Aus der Forschung zum Industrieprodukt: Die Entwicklung des KUKA Leichtbauroboters
Authors: Bischoff Rainer , Kurth Johannes , Schreiber Günter , Koeppe Ralf , Stemmer Andreas , Albu-Schäffer Alin , Eiberger Oliver , Beyer Alexander , Grunwald Gerhard , Hirzinger Gerd 
Published: November 2010

Zusammenfassung
Forschungsergebnisse in marktfähige Produkte zu verwandeln erfordert ein beträchtliches Maß an Ausdauer und starkes Unternehmertum. Der KUKA Leichtbauroboter (LBR) ist das jüngste Ergebnis einer langjährigen Forschungs- und Entwicklungskooperation zwischen der KUKA Roboter GmbH in Augsburg und dem Institut für Robotik und Mechatronik des DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen. Dieser Beitrag schildert den Weg der Produktentstehung, den innovativen Charakter des LBR und zeigt erste Anwendungsbeispiele.
Comparison of Bivalirudin and Argatroban for the Management of Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Skrupky Lee P. , Smith Jennifer R. , Deal Eli N. , Arnold Heather , Hollands James M. , Martinez Emily J. , Micek Scott T. 
Published: November 2010

Study Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of bivalirudin and argatroban in achieving anticoagulation goals and to compare clinical outcomes assessing the safety and efficacy in patients with known or suspected heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).Design. Single‐center, retrospective analysis.Setting. Large tertiary care academic medical center.Patients. A total of 138 adults who received either bivalirudin (92 patients) or argatroban (46 patients) for at least 24 hours for known or suspected HIT between January 2007 and July 2008.Measurements and Main Results. Data regarding demographics, direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) dosing and monitoring, and related clinical outcomes were collected; statistical analysis was performed to compare results for patients receiving bivalirudin versus those receiving argatroban. Duration of DTI use ranged from 24–658 hours. At the time of DTI initiation, 108 patients (78%) were in an intensive care unit, with the highest proportion (61/138 [44%]) in the cardiothoracic surgery intensive care unit. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) DTI doses at the time of first reaching therapeutic goal were bivalirudin 0.06 mg/kg/hour (0.04–0.08 mg/kg/hr) and argatroban 1.0 μg/kg/minute (0.5–2.0 μg/kg/min). The median percentage of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values within therapeutic range while patients were receiving DTI therapy were similar for bivalirudin and argatroban (75% and 70%, respectively, p=0.238). A greater percentage of aPTT values were supratherapeutic with argatroban versus bivalirudin treatment (18% vs 8%, p=0.046). Median time to therapeutic goal was similar for bivalirudin (5.50 hrs [IQR 4–14.5 hrs]) and argatroban (5.75 hrs [IQR 3–17.7 hrs], p=0.499). New thromboembolic events occurred in seven patients (8%) receiving bivalirudin and two (4%) receiving argatroban (p=0.718). Bleeding events occurred at similar rates in both groups (9% for bivalirudin vs 11% for argatroban, p>0.999).Conclusions. Bivalirudin and argatroban were similar in achieving and maintaining therapeutic anticoagulation goals, clinical outcomes, and safety. This study suggests that bivalirudin represents an alternative in the management of HIT, but prospective studies are needed.
Presence of Adequate Intravitreal Concentrations of Daptomycin After Systemic Intravenous Administration in a Patient with Endogenous Endophthalmitis
Authors: Sheridan Kathleen R. , Potoski Brian A. , Shields Ryan K. , Nau Gerard J. 
Published: November 2010

Study Objective. To determine whether daptomycin has the potential to be an effective alternative treatment to vancomycin for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endogenous endophthalmitis by measuring daptomycin penetration into the vitreous humor.Design. Laboratory analysis of serum and intravitreal fluids to quantify the ratio between vitreous humor and serum daptomycin concentrations.Setting. Critical care unit in a university‐affiliated tertiary care medical center.Patient. A 53‐year‐old woman treated with intravenous daptomycin for MRSA bacteremia, endophthalmitis, and pericarditis.Measurements and Main Results. After the first dose of intravenous daptomycin 10 mg/kg was administered to the patient, serum and intravitreal fluids were analyzed by using high‐performance liquid chromatography to determine daptomycin concentrations; pericardial fluid was also analyzed to determine whether adequate levels were present in actively infected tissue. A vitreous concentration of approximately 28% of the serum concentration was achieved. Although therapeutic efficacy could not be assessed in the absence of intraocular cultures, the presence of adequate drug concentrations in the vitreous humor is promising. Ophthalmic infections caused by resistant isolates continue to increase, and effective alternatives to vancomycin, the standard of care, are needed. For endogenous endophthalmitis, these alternative therapies will need to reach therapeutic concentrations in the vitreous humor and adequately penetrate the terminal source of infection. In this analysis, the intravitreal concentration of daptomycin was comparable to concentrations previously reported with vancomycin; thus daptomcyin may be an attractive option when vancomycin therapy fails or is contraindicated. To our knowledge, this is the first report of intravitreal daptomycin concentrations measured in a patient receiving intravenous daptomycin.Conclusion. Adequate concentrations of daptomycin were achieved in the vitreous fluid after a single systemic dose of the drug. Daptomycin may be an effective alternative to vancomycin in patients with ophthalmic infections. Future clinical studies comparing daptomycin with vancomycin in this clinical setting are warranted.
Current Approaches to the Treatment of Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ye Sheng-Long , Takayama Tadatoshi , Geschwind Jeff , Marrero Jorge A. , Bronowicki Jean-Pierre 
Published: November 2010

AbstractFor patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), potentially curative treatment options exist, including liver transplantation, surgical resection, and ablation therapy. These treatments are associated with survival benefits, and outcomes are optimized by identification of appropriate patients. However, further studies are needed to definitively confirm optimal treatment approaches for all patients.Treatment patterns vary in different parts of the world as a result of geographic differences in the incidence and presentation of the disease. In particular, because of successful screening programs, a high proportion of tumors that are identified in Japan are amenable to curative treatments, which are appropriate in a smaller proportion of patients in the west, although screening is now widely carried out in industrialized countries. Differences in the applicability of transplantation are also evident between the west and Asia.Although existing treatments for early-stage HCC are supported by considerable evidence, there remain significant data gaps. For example, further data, ideally from randomized controlled trials, are needed regarding: the use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy to decrease the rate of recurrence after resection or ablation, further investigation of the role of chemoprevention following resection, and prospective analysis of outcomes of living donor compared with deceased donor liver transplantation.
Fasting and 2-Hour Plasma Glucose and Insulin
Authors: Libman Ingrid M. , Barinas-Mitchell Emma , Bartucci Andrea , Chaves-Gnecco Diego , Robertson Robert , Arslanian Silva 
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether elevated fasting or 2-h plasma glucose and/or insulin better reflects the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers in an overweight pediatric population with normal glucose tolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 151 overweight youths (8–17 years old) were evaluated with oral glucose tolerance tests and measurement of CVD risk factors. The study population was categorized according to quartiles of fasting and 2-h glucose and insulin levels. ANCOVA, adjusted for age, sex, race, Tanner stage, and percent body fat (measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), was used to compare metabolic variables between the quartiles of glucose and insulin groups.

RESULTS
Increasing quartiles of fasting and 2-h insulin were associated with increasing CVD risk factors. Glucose quartiles on the other hand, either fasting or at 2 h, were not.

CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that hyperinsulinemia may be the earliest and/or primary metabolic alteration in childhood associated with risk markers for CVD. Prospective studies are needed.
Utilizing the Second-Meal Effect in Type 2 Diabetes: Practical Use of a Soya-Yogurt Snack
Authors: Chen Mei Jun , Jovanovic Ana , Taylor Roy 
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of a prebreakfast high-protein snack upon postbreakfast hyperglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We studied 10 men and women with diet- and/or metformin-controlled type 2 diabetes. Metabolic changes after breakfast were compared between 2 days: breakfast taken only and soya-yogurt snack taken prior to breakfast.

RESULTS
There was a significant lower rise in plasma glucose on the snack day. The incremental area under the glucose curve was 450 ± 55 mmol · min/l on the snack day compared with 699 ± 99 mmol · min/l on the control day (P = 0.013). The concentration of plasma free fatty acids immediately before breakfast correlated with the increment in plasma glucose (r = 0.50, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS
Consuming a high-protein prebreakfast snack results in almost 40% reduction of postprandial glucose increment. The second-meal effect can be applied simply and practically to improve postbreakfast hyperglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes.
Minor Drug-Resistant HIV Type-1 Variants in Breast Milk and Plasma of HIV Type-1-Infected Ugandan Women after Nevirapine Single-Dose Prophylaxis
Authors: Pilger Daniel , Hauser Andrea , Kuecherer Claudia , Mugenyi Kizito , Kabasinguzi Rose , Somogyi Sybille , Harms Gundel , Kunz Andrea 
Published: November 2010

Background Nevirapine single-dose (NVP-SD) reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV type-1 (HIV-1), but frequently induces resistance mutations in the HIV-1 genome. Little is known about drug-resistant HIV-1 variants in the breast milk of women who have taken NVP-SD. Methods Blood and breast milk samples of 39 HIV-1-infected Ugandan women were taken 6–12 weeks after NVP-SD intake. Samples were analysed by population sequencing and allele-specific real-time PCR (AS-PCR) with detection limits for NVP-resistant HIV-1 variants (K103N and Y181C) of <1% of the total viral population. Results AS-PCR results for both plasma and breast milk were obtained for 19 women who constituted the final study group (HIV-1 subtype frequencies were A1 n=11, D n=5, G n=2 and C n=1). A total of 7 (37%) and 10 (53%) women carried NVP-resistant virus in breast milk and plasma, respectively. Overall, 71% (5/7) women with NVP-resistant HIV-1 in breast milk displayed >1 drug-resistant variant. Resistance in breast milk was higher at week 6 (6/13 samples [46%]) compared with week 12 (1/6 samples [17%]). In total, 10 drug-resistant populations harbouring the K103N and/or Y181C mutation were detected in the 19 breast milk samples; 7 (70%) were caused by resistant minorities (<5% of the total HIV-1 population). In the four women with drug-resistant virus in both plasma and breast milk, the mutation patterns differed between the two compartments. Conclusions Minor populations of drug-resistant HIV-1 were frequently found in breast milk of Ugandan women after exposure to NVP-SD. Further studies need to explore the role of minor drug-resistant variants in the postnatal transmission of (resistant) HIV-1.
Biological Functions of the Genes in the Mammaprint Breast Cancer Profile Reflect the Hallmarks of Cancer
Authors: Tian Sun , Roepman Paul , van't Veer Laura J , Bernards Rene , De Snoo Femke , Glas Annuska M 
Published: November 2010

Background MammaPrint was developed as a diagnostic tool to predict risk of breast cancer metastasis using the expression of 70 genes. To better understand the tumor biology assessed by MammaPrint, we interpreted the biological functions of the 70-genes and showed how the genes reflect the six hallmarks of cancer as defined by Hanahan and Weinberg. Results We used a bottom-up system biology approach to elucidate how the cellular processes reflected by the 70-genes work together to regulate tumor activities and progression. The biological functions of the genes were analyzed using literature research and several bioinformatics tools. Protein-protein interaction network analyses indicated that the 70-genes form highly interconnected networks and that their expression levels are regulated by key tumorigenesis related genes such as TP53, RB1, MYC, JUN and CDKN2A. The biological functions of the genes could be associated with the essential steps necessary for tumor progression and metastasis, and cover the six well-defined hallmarks of cancer, reflecting the acquired malignant characteristics of a cancer cell along with tumor progression and metastasis-related biological activities. Conclusion Genes in the MammaPrint gene signature comprehensively measure the six hallmarks of cancer-related biology. This finding establishes a link between a molecular signature and the underlying molecular mechanisms of tumor cell progression and metastasis.