bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) mutations and haemoglobinuria syndrome in the Vietnamese population
Authors: Hue Nguyen Thi , Charlieu Jean Paul , Chau Tran Thi Hong , Day Nick , Farrar Jeremy J , Hien Tran Tinh , Dunstan Sarah J 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
In Vietnam the blackwater fever syndrome (BWF) has been associated with malaria infection, quinine ingestion and G6PD deficiency. The G6PD variants within the Vietnamese Kinh contributing to the disease risk in this population, and more generally to haemoglobinuria, are currently unknown.

Method
Eighty-two haemoglobinuria patients and 524 healthy controls were screened for G6PD deficiency using either the methylene blue reduction test, the G-6-PDH kit or the micro-methaemoglobin reduction test. The G6PD gene variants were screened using SSCP combined with DNA sequencing in 82 patients with haemoglobinuria, and in 59 healthy controls found to be G6PD deficient.

Results
This study confirmed that G6PD deficiency is strongly associated with haemoglobinuria (OR = 15, 95% CI [7.7 to 28.9], P < 0.0001). Six G6PD variants were identified in the Vietnamese population, of which two are novel (Vietnam1 [Glu3Lys] and Vietnam2 [Phe66Cys]). G6PD Viangchan [Val291Met], common throughout south-east Asia, accounted for 77% of the variants detected and was significantly associated with haemoglobinuria within G6PD-deficient ethnic Kinh Vietnamese (OR = 5.8 95% CI [114-55.4], P = 0.022).

Conclusion
The primary frequency of several G6PD mutations, including novel mutations, in the Vietnamese Kinh population are reported and the contribution of G6PD mutations to the development of haemoglobinuria are investigated.
A functional difficulty and functional pain instrument for hip and knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Jette Alan M , McDonough Christine M , Ni Pengsheng , Haley Stephen M , Hambleton Ronald K , Olarsch Sippy , Hunter David J , Kim Young-jo , Felson David T 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Introduction
The objectives of this study were to develop a functional outcome instrument for hip and knee osteoarthritis research (OA-FUNCTION-CAT) using item response theory (IRT) and computer adaptive test (CAT) methods and to assess its psychometric performance compared to the current standard in the field.

Methods
We conducted an extensive literature review, focus groups, and cognitive testing to guide the construction of an item bank consisting of 125 functional activities commonly affected by hip and knee osteoarthritis. We recruited a convenience sample of 328 adults with confirmed hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. Subjects reported their degree of functional difficulty and functional pain in performing each activity in the item bank and completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess scale uni-dimensionality, and IRT methods were used to calibrate the items and examine the fit of the data. We assessed the performance of OA-FUNCTION-CATs of different lengths relative to the full item bank and WOMAC using CAT simulation analyses.

Results
Confirmatory factor analyses revealed distinct functional difficulty and functional pain domains. Descriptive statistics for scores from 5-, 10-, and 15-item CATs were similar to those for the full item bank. The 10-item OA-FUNCTION-CAT scales demonstrated a high degree of accuracy compared with the item bank (r = 0.96 and 0.89, respectively). Compared to the WOMAC, both scales covered a broader score range and demonstrated a higher degree of precision at the ceiling and reliability across the range of scores.

Conclusions
The OA-FUNCTION-CAT provided superior reliability throughout the score range and improved breadth and precision at the ceiling compared with the WOMAC. Further research is needed to assess whether these improvements carry over into superior ability to measure change.
Comparison of cardiac, hepatic, and renal effects of arginine vasopressin and noradrenaline during porcine fecal peritonitis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Simon Florian , Giudici Ricardo , Scheuerle Angelika , Gröger Michael , Asfar Pierre , Vogt Josef A , Wachter Ulrich , Ploner Franz , Georgieff Michael , Möller Peter , Laporte Régent , Radermacher Peter , Calzia Enrico , Hauser Balázs 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Infusing arginine vasopressin (AVP) in vasodilatory shock usually decreases cardiac output and thus systemic oxygen transport. It is still a matter of debate whether this vasoconstriction impedes visceral organ blood flow and thereby causes organ dysfunction and injury. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis whether low-dose AVP is safe with respect to liver, kidney, and heart function and organ injury during resuscitated septic shock.

Methods
After intraperitoneal inoculation of autologous feces, 24 anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and instrumented pigs were randomly assigned to noradrenaline alone (increments of 0.05 μg/kg/min until maximal heart rate of 160 beats/min; n = 12) or AVP (1 to 5 ng/kg/min; supplemented by noradrenaline if the maximal AVP dosage failed to maintain mean blood pressure; n = 12) to treat sepsis-associated hypotension. Parameters of systemic and regional hemodynamics (ultrasound flow probes on the portal vein and hepatic artery), oxygen transport, metabolism (endogenous glucose production and whole body glucose oxidation derived from blood glucose isotope and expiratory 13CO2/12CO2 enrichment during 1,2,3,4,5,6-13C6-glucose infusion), visceral organ function (blood transaminase activities, bilirubin and creatinine concentrations, creatinine clearance, fractional Na+ excretion), nitric oxide (exhaled NO and blood nitrate + nitrite levels) and cytokine production (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α blood levels), and myocardial function (left ventricular dp/dtmax and dp/dtmin) and injury (troponin I blood levels) were measured before and 12, 18, and 24 hours after peritonitis induction. Immediate post mortem liver and kidney biopsies were analysed for histomorphology (hematoxylin eosin staining) and apoptosis (TUNEL staining).

Results
AVP decreased heart rate and cardiac output without otherwise affecting heart function and significantly decreased troponin I blood levels. AVP increased the rate of direct, aerobic glucose oxidation and reduced hyperlactatemia, which coincided with less severe kidney dysfunction and liver injury, attenuated systemic inflammation, and decreased kidney tubular apoptosis.

Conclusions
During well-resuscitated septic shock low-dose AVP appears to be safe with respect to myocardial function and heart injury and reduces kidney and liver damage. It remains to be elucidated whether this is due to the treatment per se and/or to the decreased exogenous catecholamine requirements.
Hyperactivated B cells in human inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Noronha Ansu Mammen , Liang YanMei , Hetzel Jeremy T , Hasturk Hatice , Kantarci Alpdogan , Stucchi Arthur , Zhang Yue , Nikolajczyk Barbara S , Farraye Francis A , Ganley-Leal Lisa M 
Published: July 2009

AbstractB cells from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients have the potential to influence inflammation through elevated expression of Toll-like receptor 2 and IL-8.IBD is characterized by a chronic, dysregulated immune response to intestinal bacteria. Past work has focused on the role of T cells and myeloid cells in mediating chronic gastrointestinal and systemic inflammation. Here, we show that circulating and tissue B cells from CD patients demonstrate elevated basal levels of activation. CD patient B cells express surface TLR2, spontaneously secrete high levels of IL-8, and contain increased ex vivo levels of phosphorylated signaling proteins. CD clinical activity correlates directly with B cell expression of IL-8 and TLR2, suggesting a positive relationship between these B cell inflammatory mediators and disease pathogenesis. In contrast, B cells from UC patients express TLR2 but generally do not demonstrate spontaneous IL-8 secretion; however, significant IL-8 production is inducible via TLR2 stimulation. Furthermore, UC clinical activity correlates inversely with levels of circulating TLR2+ B cells, which is opposite to the association observed in CD. In conclusion, TLR2+ B cells are associated with clinical measures of disease activity and differentially associated with CD- and UC-specific patterns of inflammatory mediators, suggesting a formerly unappreciated role of B cells in the pathogenesis of IBD
Technique of simultaneous synchronized evaluation of the tribological components of an engine under realistic conditions
Authors: Mufti R A , Priest M 
Published: July 2009

One of the main drivers in developing advanced engines and formulating new lubricants is fuel economy. The direct relationship of frictional loss to fuel economy in an internal combustion engine has resulted in an increased interest in understanding engine performance at the component level. With the advances in data acquisition systems and sensor technology, extensive study of the main engine components, i.e. valve train, piston assembly, and engine bearings, have been possible, resulting in the development of a versatile engine friction measurement system. Total engine and component friction measurements were carried out on a single-cylinder Ricardo Hydra gasoline engine under fired conditions. For such measurements, the engine is fitted with more than 50 different sensors and to sample/log data from such a large number of transducers, an advanced high-speed synchronized data acquisition system was designed. This paper explains the experimental techniques used to measure simultaneously total and component friction under fired conditions. This system can be used as a powerful tool for screening lubricants, validating complex mathematical models at system level, and studying the effect of different additives and materials on the performance of each engine component under realistic engine operating conditions.
Substituent Effect of Imino-O-arenesulfonates, a Coupling Partner in Suzuki–Miyaura Reaction for Substitution of the Pyrazine Ring: A Study for the Synthesis of Coelenterazine Analogs
Authors: Makarasen Arthit , Kuse Masaki , Nishikawa Toshio , Isobe Minoru 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Amino(aryl)pyrazines, a key intermediate in the synthesis of coelenterazine and its analogs, can be prepared in excellent yields by utilizing imino-O-tosylates in the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. These imino-O-tosylates serve as a substitute for the corresponding imino-O-triflates, which are sometimes too unstable to be stored during the optimization of the reaction conditions. Aryltrifluoroborates, a coupling partner, worked well when arylboronic acids or arylboronate esters were less reactive. Aryltrifluoroborates also worked well when containing an electron-donating group attached to the aromatic ring. The study of the substituent effect of imino-O-arenesulfonates demonstrated a major difference in the rate of the reactions when changing from electron-donating groups to electron-withdrawing groups at the para position of arenesulfonates. Imino-O-arenesulfonate containing a para-bromo substituent only gave the desired coupling product leaving the para substituent of arenesulfonate untouched.
Aptamer-Based Regionally Protected PCR for Protein Detection
Authors: Lin Jun Sheng , McNatty Kenneth P 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground: DNA aptamers are single-stranded nucleotide sequences that bind specifically to target molecules. By combining the advantages of PCR for amplifying specific DNA sequences and aptamer technology, we have developed a new strategy to detect target molecules such as proteins.Methods: Ovine follicle-stimulating hormone α subunit (oFSHα) was used as the model protein to generate a specific DNA aptamer via an in vitro evolutionary process. A targeted regional-mapping approach and a target-capturing assay were used to identify the binding region on the aptamer molecule. In the detection assay, referred to as “aptamer-based regionally protected PCR” (ARP-PCR), the aptamer was allowed to bind to the target protein in solution before digestion with DNase I. The region of the aptamer bound to the target was protected from DNase I cleavage. The target-binding region of the aptamer protected from the enzymatic treatment was then amplified by the PCR.Results: Aptamers against oFSHα were generated. Six sequences of 20 selected aptamer clones were identical. This aptamer sequence was divided into 4 regions according to the aptamer’s secondary structure. From examination of the target-binding ability of each region, we determined the specific binding region, for which primers were designed. With the aptamer and primers to detect oFSHα by means of the ARP-PCR method, we were able to detect the target protein at concentrations as low as 10−14 mol/L.Conclusions: Combining the use of a DNA aptamer with the PCR is a potentially useful analytic tool for detection of proteins at low concentrations. .
The effect of maternal obesity on the course of labor
Authors: Verdiales Maribelle , Pacheco Carlos , Cohen Wayne R. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether maternal obesity is associated with dysfunctional labor patterns.

Methods: In a case-control design we compared the graphic labor patterns of a group of 105 very obese subjects [body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2] with those of 113 lean controls (BMI<26 kg/m2). All entered spontaneous labor at term. Cases with birth weights >4 kg, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and prior cesarean delivery were excluded.

Results: The obese group had a significantly higher frequency of arrest of dilatation (17.6 vs. 5.2%; P=0.005).

Conclusions: Maternal obesity is associated with active phase labor dysfunction, specifically arrest of dilatation.
Disparity in circulating adiponectin multimers between term and preterm infants
Authors: Siahanidou Tania , Margeli Alexandra , Garatzioti Maria , Davradou Maria , Apostolakou Filia , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Mandyla Helen 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Aims: To study circulating levels and distribution of adiponectin multimers [low molecular weight (LMW)-, medium molecular weight (MMW)- and high molecular weight (HMW)-adiponectin] in preterm and full-term infants.

Methods: Total serum adiponectin and its multimers were measured in 40 healthy infants at the age of one month and associations with anthropometric parameters [body weight and length, body mass index (BMI)], weight gain and metabolic indices (glucose, insulin) were examined. Twenty of the infants were born preterm (gestational age 33.2±1.6 weeks).

Results: LMW-adiponectin level and its fractional ratio to total adiponectin were significantly higher in full-term than in preterm infants (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively), whereas, MMW-adiponectin level and its ratio were significantly lower (P=0.03 and P=0.01, respectively). HMW-adiponectin did not differ significantly between full-term and preterm infants and accounted for almost 60% of total adiponectin levels in both groups. HMW-adiponectin, but not MMW adiponectin or LMW adiponectin, correlated significantly with anthropometric measurements, similarly to total adiponectin; in addition, HMW adiponectin correlated significantly with weight gain.

Conclusions: HMW adiponectin is the most prevalent form in infants. Circulating levels and distribution of MMW- and LMW-adiponectin differ between full-term and preterm infants, but the role of these adiponectin multimers needs to be studied further.
Survival and major disability rate in infant born at 22–25 weeks of gestation
Authors: Dani Carlo , Poggi Chiara , Romagnoli Costantino , Bertini Giovanna 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate the literature on survival and major disability rate in preterm infants born at 22– 25 weeks of gestational age (GA). Thirty-three studies were identified and reviewed. Survival was lower in population-based studies (2% at 22, 13% at 23, 35% at 24, and 56% at 25 weeks) than in center-based study (15% at 22, 41% at 23, 58% at 24, and 74% at 25 weeks). The severe disability rate was slightly higher in population-based studies than in center-based studies at 23 (29 vs. 32%) and at 24 (30 vs. 27%) week of GA, whereas it was similar in population and center-based studies at 25 (21 vs. 22%) weeks of GA. Survival rate seems to improve with time, whereas the change of severe disability rate cannot be adequately evaluated due to the paucity of available data. We conclude that the survival of infants born at 22 weeks is still an uncommon event, whereas the survival of infants born at 23, and mostly at 24 and 25 weeks of GA is significant in the majority of studies.
The clinical outcomes of late preterm infants: a multi-center survey of Zhejiang, China
Authors: Ma Xiaolu , Huang Chunxiang , Lou Shouzeng , Lv Qin , Su Weidong , Tan Jiarong , Wang Youcheng , Wang Xinxin , Wu Mingyuan , Xu Ting , Zhuang Manli , Du Lizhong , the Provincial Collaborative Study Group for Late-preterm In  
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Objective: To explore birth rate, delivery mode, medical problems, requirement of respiratory support, and acute outcomes of late preterm infants in Zhejiang province in eastern China.

Methods: Eleven tertiary hospitals were recruited. Clinical data of every nursery admission from January to December 2007 were collected and analyzed.

Results: During the study period, 44,362 infants were born with an overall preterm birth rate of 8.9%, and late preterm birth rate of 6.2%. Late preterm infants had higher cesarean section rate than the whole population (64.9% vs. 58.2%). One-fifth of the nursery admissions were late preterm infants, of whom, 63.8% were delivered by cesarean section. Respiratory distress (42.1%) was the most common medical problem of late preterm infants. Hyperbilirubinemia (17.6%), hypoglycemia (8.7%) and sepsis (5.9%) were also common. The first three primary diagnoses of respiratory distress included pneumonia (39.5%), transient tachypnea of newborn (TTN) (22.5%) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (19.0%). Compared with term infants, late preterm infants with respiratory distress needed more respiratory support with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) (21.4% vs. 11.6%) or with a mechanical ventilator (15.4% vs. 11.0%), and also had higher in-hospital mortality (0.8% vs. 0.4%).

Conclusions: Late preterm infants are associated with very high cesarean section rate and have more medical problems and poorer short-term outcomes than term infants in China.
Nanosphere lithography of nanostructured silver films on thin-film silicon solar cells for light trapping
Authors: Ozturk Birol , Schiff Eric A , Zhao Hui , Guha Subhendu , Yan Baojie , Yang Jeff 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSparse arrays of evaporated silver nanodiscs were fabricated with nanosphere lithography (NSL) on glass substrates and on hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon solar cells. The optical transmittance spectra for arrays on glass vary substantially with film thickness, and were reasonably consistent with previous work. The quantum efficiency spectra of hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon solar cells show spectral shifts due to coupling of surface plasmons in the metal nanodiscs to the planar waveguide modes of the cells, with overall photocurrent enhancement up to 10%.
Defects in Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Carbide Alloys using Electron Spin Resonance and Photothermal Deflection Spectroscopy
Authors: Simonds Brian J. , Zhu Feng , Gallon Josh , Hu Jian , Madan Arun , Taylor Craig 
Published: July 2009

AbstractHydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide alloys are being investigated as a possible top photoelectrode in photoelectrochemical cells used for hydrogen production through water splitting. In order to be used as such, it is important that the effects of carbon concentration on bonding, and thus on the electronic and optical properties, is well understood. Electron spin resonance experiments were performed under varying experimental conditions to study the defect concentrations. The dominant defects are silicon dangling bonds. At room temperature, the spin densities varied between 1016 and 1018 spins/cm3 depending on the carbon concentration. Photothermal deflection spectroscopy, which is an extremely sensitive measurement of low levels of absorption in thin films, was performed to investigate the slope of the Urbach tail. These slopes are 78 meV for films containing the lowest carbon concentration and 98 meV for those containing the highest carbon concentration.
Novel Method to Synthesize Ceria Coated Silica particles
Authors: Oh Myoung-hwan , Lee Jae Seok , Gupta Sushant , Kim Tae Kon , Kaanna Aniroddh , Singh Rajiv K 
Published: July 2009

AbstractMonodispersed ceria coated silica particles were prepared by a new type of ceria precursor. The ceria precursor was synthesized by alkoxide method, which employs ethanol as solvent. The synthesized particles were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that well-crystalline ceria coatings were deposited on the surface of the silica particles without post-heat treatment. In addition, the coated particles prepared by a new precursor were uniformly dispersed without the formation of hard aggregate as compared to those obtained by conventional method.
Effects of Ga Compositional Grading on CIGS Electronic Properties Relevant to Solar Cell Performance
Authors: Lee JinWoo , van Duren Jeroen K.J. , Pudov Alex , Contreras Miguel , Cohen David J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTransient photocurrent (TPI) and photocapacitance (TPC) spectroscopy have been applied to a set of compositional graded CuIn1-xGaxSe2 (CIGS) solar cell devices deposited by the vacuum co-evaporation method at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. These measurements provide a spectral map of the optically induced release of carriers for photon energies from below 1 eV to 2 eV. By comparing the two types of spectra one can distinguish majority from minority carrier processes and they clearly reveal a higher degree of minority carrier collection for devices in which the Ga fraction increased monotonically with distance from the junction. This agrees with notions of how compositional grading improves overall cell performance. Minority carrier collection was even more strongly enhanced in sample devices incorporating v-shaped Ga-grading. Spatial profiles of the free hole carrier densities and deep acceptor concentrations were examined using drive-level capacitance profiling (DLCP). In the compositionally graded sample devices we found that the free carrier density decreased and that defect density increased with increasing Ga fraction toward back contact.
Current Transport in Cu(In,Ga)S2 Based Solar Cells with High Open Circuit Voltage - Bulk vs. Interface
Authors: Merdes Saoussen , Johnson Benjamin , Sáez-Araoz Rodrigo , Ennaoui Ahmed , Klaer Joachim , Lauermann Iver , Mainz R. , Meeder Alexander , Klenk Reiner 
Published: July 2009

AbstractCu(In,Ga)S2 thin films prepared by rapid thermal sulfurization of metallic precursors yielded solar cells with efficiencies reaching 12.9% [1]. A good short circuit current density was observed together with open circuit voltages up to 850 mV. However, the fill factor was close to, but typically did not exceed 70%. In this contribution we report on the role of junction formation by chemical bath deposition on these parameters. Concentrations in the bath and deposition times were varied. A comparison is made between CdS and Zn(S,O) buffer layers. The influence of the incorporated gallium on surface properties was investigated by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) for the valence band edge and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) for the conduction band edge. Even in our best cell (13.1%) the activation energy of the saturation current is found to be still smaller than the band gap. High diode ideality factors and voltage dependent current collection prevent higher fill factors.