bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Astronomical Basis of Egyptian Chronology of the Second Millennium BC
Authors: Huber Peter J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Egyptian dates are widely used for fixing the chronologies of surrounding countries in the Ancient Near East. But the astronomical basis of Egyptian chronology is shakier than generally assumed. The moon dates of the Middle and New Kingdom are here re-examined with the help of experiences gained from Babylonian astronomical observations. The astronomical basis of the chronology of the New Kingdom is at best ambiguous. The conventional date of Thutmose III’s year 1 in 1479 BC agrees with the raw moon dates, but it has been argued by several Egyptologists that those dates should be amended by one day, and then the unique match is 1504 BC. The widely accepted identification of a moon date in year 52 of Ramesses II, which leads to an accession of Ramesses II in 1279 BC, is by no means certain. In my opinion that accession year remains nothing more than one of several possibilities. If one opts for a shortened Horemhab reign, dating Ramesses II to 1290 BC gives a better compromise chronology. But the most convincing astronomical chronology is a long one: Ramesses II in 1315 BC, Thutmose III in 1504 BC. It is favored by Amarna-Hittite synchronisms and a solar eclipse in the time of Muršili II. The main counter-argument is that this chronology is at least 10–15 years higher than what one calculates from the Assyrian King List and the Kassite synchronisms. For the Middle Kingdom on the other hand, among the disputed dates of Sesostris III and Amenemhet III one combination turns out to be reasonably secure: Sesostris III’s year 1 in 1873/72 BC and Amenemhet III’s 30 years later.
Solar Cycle Signals in the Pacific and the Issue of Timings
Authors: Roy Indrani , Haigh Joanna D. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The solar cycle signal in sea level pressure during 1856–2007 is analyzed. Using composites of data from January–February in solar cycle peak years the strong positive signal in the region of the Aleutian low, found by previous authors, is confirmed. It is found, however, that signals in other regions of the globe, particularly in the South Pacific, are very sensitive to the choice of reference climatology. Also investigated is the relationship between solar activity and sea surface temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific. A marked overall association of higher solar activity with colder temperatures in the tropical Pacific that is not restricted to years of peak sunspot number is noted. The ENSO-like variation following peak years that has been suggested by other authors is not found as a consistent signal. Both the SLP and SST signals vary coherently with the solar cycle and neither evolves on an ENSO-like time scale. The solar signals are weaker during the period spanning approximately 1956–97, which may be due to masking by a stronger innate ENSO variability at that time.
Relationships between the Raindrop Size Distribution and Properties of the Environment and Clouds Inferred from TRMM
Authors: Munchak S. Joseph , Kummerow Christian D. , Elsaesser Gregory 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Raindrop size distribution (DSD) retrievals from two years of data gathered by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite and processed with a combined radar–radiometer algorithm over the oceans equatorward of 35° are examined for relationships with variables describing properties of the vertical precipitation profile, mesoscale organization, and background environment. In general, higher freezing levels and relative humidities (tropical environments) are associated with smaller reflectivity-normalized median drop size (εDSD) than in the extratropics. Within the tropics, the smallest εDSD values are found in large, shallow convective systems where warm rain formation processes are thought to be predominant, whereas larger sizes are found in the stratiform regions of organized deep convection. In the extratropics, the largest εDSD values are found in the scattered convection that occurs when cold, dry continental air moves over the much warmer ocean after the passage of a cold front. These relationships are formally attributed to variables describing the large-scale environment, mesoscale organization, and profile characteristics via principal component (PC) analysis. The leading three PCs account for 23% of the variance in εDSD at the individual profile level and 45% of the variance in 1°-gridded mean values. The geographical distribution of εDSD is consistent with many of the observed regional reflectivity–rainfall (Z–R) relationships found in the literature as well as discrepancies between the TRMM radar-only and radiometer-only precipitation products. In particular, midlatitude and tropical regions near land tend to have larger drops for a given reflectivity, whereas the smallest drops are found in the eastern Pacific Ocean intertropical convergence zone.
Effects of Amlodipine on the Oral Bioavailability of Cephalexin and Cefuroxime Axetil in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Ding Yi , Liu WenXing , Yan Jia Yan , Lu ChengTao , Jin Xin , Yang Jing , Zhu YanRong , Yang Lin , Song Ying , Ding LiKun , Wen AiDong 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this study, the authors compared the effects of amlodipine (AML) on the bioavailability of cephalexin (LEX) and cefuroxime axetil (CXM). Twenty‐four healthy men were randomized to 4 treatments according to a crossover design with a 14‐day washout. After an overnight fast, they were administered orally LEX 500 mg alone, LEX 500 mg 2 hours after oral administration of AML 5 mg, CXM 500 mg alone, and CXM 500 mg 2 hours after oral administration of AML 5 mg. All participants completed the whole study without side effects being observed. Pharmacokinetic data were analyzed by noncompartmental modeling with WinNonlin software. The geometric mean (GM) ratios were 1.38 (90% confidence interval [CI], 1.32‐1.45) for the area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) for LEX and 1.27 (1.18‐1.36) for the maximum concentration of drug in serum (Cmax) for LEX followed by AML versus alone. In contrast, no significant differences were found in the pharmacokinetic parameters of CXM between treatments (P < .05). They authors conclude that AML possesses an enhancement effect in β‐lactam antibiotic bioavailability (in this case, LEX), and this interaction may be specific to the peptidomimetic β‐lactam antibiotics.
Human Papillomavirus–Positive Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients Do Not Have Better Quality‐of‐Life Trajectories
Authors: Sharma Arun , Méndez Eduardo , Yueh Bevan , Lohavanichbutr Pawadee , Houck John , Doody David R. , Futran Neal D. , Upton Melissa P. , Schwartz Stephen M. , Chen Chu 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) status on quality of life (QOL) in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Since OSCC that are associated with high‐risk HPV have an improved response to treatment and survival, we hypothesized that patients with these tumors would have better QOL trajectories.Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary care academic medical center and 2 affiliated hospitals.Subjects and MethodsHead and neck–specific QOL was determined using the University of Washington Quality of Life scale version 4 in patients with newly diagnosed invasive OSSC (N = 228).ResultsPretreatment QOL was higher in patients with high‐risk HPV‐associated tumors compared with patients with HPV‐negative or low‐risk HPV‐associated tumors (P =. 015). Patients with high‐risk HPV‐associated tumors had larger decreases in QOL from pretreatment to immediate posttreatment compared with patients with HPV‐negative or low‐risk HPV‐associated tumors (P =. 041). There was no association between HPV status and 1‐year posttreatment QOL.ConclusionAmong OSCC patients, high‐risk HPV‐associated tumors were associated with higher pretreatment QOL and a larger decrease in QOL from pretreatment to immediate posttreatment, suggesting that treatment intensity in this unique population may adversely affect QOL.
A multidisciplinary and multidimensional intervention for patients with hand osteoarthritis
Authors: Stukstette MJPM , Hoogeboom TJ , de Ruiter R , Koelmans P , Veerman E , den Broeder AA , Cats H , Bijlsma JW , Dekker J , van den Ende CHM 
Published: January 2012

Background: Although several guidelines recommend that treatment programmes in patients with hand osteoarthritis should be both multidisciplinary and multidimensional, currently no such treatment programme for hand osteoarthritis has been described. Therefore the aim of this study was to systematically develop a multidisciplinary and multidimensional non-pharmacological treatment programme and to give a detailed description on the content of this treatment programme. Development of the treatment programme: The programme was developed in phases. In a preclinical theoretical phase, disease-specific problems, current evidence and the influence of patient characteristics on the benefit of interventions were explored. In a modelling phase, the treatment programme was designed. Treatment programme: The programme contains an individual intake, four weekly nurse and occupational therapist-led group sessions and a booster session after six months. Treatment components of the programme are self-management, daily home exercises to enhance joint mobility and grip strength and education about ergonomic principles. The treatment programme is tailored to the needs of individual patients with hand osteoarthritis. Conclusions: A non-pharmacological multidisciplinary and multidimensional treatment programme for patients with hand osteoarthritis was developed. Further research is necessary to investigate the effectiveness of this treatment programme. Currently, the programme is being evaluated in an ongoing randomized clinical trial.
Biocompatibility properties of surface-modified poly(dimethylsiloxane) for urinary applications
Authors: Lippens Evi , De Smet Nele , Schauvliege Stijn , Martens Ann , Gasthuys Frank , Schacht Etienne , Cornelissen Ria 
Published: January 2012

An electronic sensor system for urinary bladder pressure monitoring requires an imbedding into a biocompatible, flexible, and liquid-impermeable material. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) was selected in the present set-up as packaging material because it fulfills the abovementioned requirements. However, the surface of PDMS is hydrophobic and causes undesired interactions with salts, proteins, and cells present in urine. To reduce possible interactions of urine salts in the urinary bladder, monomers, [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]-dimethyl-3-sulfopropyl-ammonium hydroxide (sulfobetaine) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropyl sulfonic acid, were grafted onto the surface through oxygen plasma treatment. A reduction in salt deposition between the pure PDMS and the modified PDMS was observed both in vitro (artificial urine flow over the surface) and in vivo (implants into the urinary bladder of experimental pigs). Additionally, a 10-fold reduction in salt deposition was observed in vitro due to grafting of the monomers onto the surface. These modified PDMS materials proved also to be biocompatible in cell cultures, which was further confirmed by histological screening of the bladder tissue after implantation in an in vivo pig model.
In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of curcumin-loaded Pluronic/Polycaprolactone micelles in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Raveendran Radhika , Bhuvaneshwar GS , Sharma Chandra P 
Published: January 2012

Clinical application of curcumin has been limited due to poor aqueous solubility and consequently minimal systemic bioavailability. We investigated the preparation of curcumin-loaded micelles based on amphiphilic Pluronic/Polycaprolactone (Pluronic/PCL) block copolymer, which proved to be efficient in enhancing curcumin’s aqueous solubility. Curcumin-loaded micelles of size below 200 nm was characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the amphiphilic polymer was determined using pyrene as a fluorescent probe. Hemolysis and aggregation studies were investigated to evaluate the blood compatibility of the micelles. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed to study the stability of the micelles toward plasma proteins. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the curcumin-loaded micelles were demonstrated in colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco2) cells. The results indicated that Pluronic/PCL micelles could be a promising candidate for curcumin delivery to cancer cells.
A model for the design and implementation of a participant recruitment registry for clinical studies of older adults
Authors: Dowling N Maritza , Olson Nevin , Mish Thomas , Kaprakattu Preethy , Gleason Carey 
Published: January 2012

Background The identification and enlistment of suitable participants into clinical studies is often challenging, requiring a large commitment of time and staff resources. The recruitment and retention of populations typically underrepresented in research present additional challenges to enrollment of sufficient numbers of participants in clinical studies. Inadequate participation may undermine the pace and direction of new treatment discoveries. Purpose Registries of potential research participants are powerful tools to support research by providing a framework to streamline screening and recruitment and to maintain a communication history with potential research participants. The authors present a model for the development and implementation of a web-based database system to support recruitment, enrollment, and retention of potential study participants in close alignment with the goals of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). Methods The required data elements and major information domains for the registry were identified using a structured problem-solving and system design approach and the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of stakeholders. The system performance, utility, and usability were assessed through multiple iterations with the users. Results The process-oriented approach culminated in a multifaceted tool that combined contact management and potential research participant registration to assist with the challenges of recruitment and retention in clinical research. A unique feature of the registry design model was its contact management capabilities for efficient tracking of all contacts with registrants. Limitations We have focused on the development and implementation of a system for the recruitment of older adults with specific cognitive and medical characteristics. However, our procedures for identifying data needs and database system utility and functionality can be transferred easily to other populations and settings. As with any multipurpose registry database system, careful management and training are essential to optimize efficiency. Conclusion Adding a contact management element to the registry design significantly improved the efficiency of communication between clinical study coordinators and potential research participants, as well as the communication among coordinators.
A Novel Study Using Accelerated Mass Spectrometry to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetics of Total 14C AL‐8309 (Tandospirone) Following Topical Ocular Administration in Healthy Male Subjects
Authors: Iyer Ganesh R. , Patel Yamini , Teuscher Nathan S. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe primary objective of this study is to characterize the pharmacokinetics of total 14C concentrations following bilateral, topical ocular drops of 14C‐AL‐8309B labeled either at the pyrimidyl ring (cohort A) position or at the imido‐carbonyl ring (cohort B) position twice daily from day 1 through day 6 and once in the morning of day 7 in 16 healthy male subjects (8 per cohort). Each drop (approximately 24 μL) of 14C‐AL‐8309B 1.75% ophthalmic solution (equivalent to 420 μg‐equiv AL‐8309) contained approximately 500 nCi of 14C‐AL‐8309. AL‐8309 systemic absorption was relatively slow; the time of maximum observed plasma concentrations ranged from 0.25 to 3 hours. Moderate accumulation (1.48‐ to 1.86‐fold) was observed in the mean systemic total 14C plasma concentrations at steady state (day 7) compared with single dose (day 1). The mean total 14C eliminated was 3.5‐fold and 3.7‐fold greater in the urine than the feces for cohort A and cohort B, indicating that 14C‐AL‐8309 is primarily excreted through renal elimination. Single and multiple topical doses of AL‐8309B were found to be safe and well‐tolerated in healthy subjects. This is the first reported use of accelerator mass spectrometry technology with a topically applied ophthalmic product.
Relative Bioavailability of an Emulsion Formulation for Omega‐3‐Acid Ethyl Esters Compared to the Commercially Available Formulation: A Randomized, Parallel‐Group, Single‐Dose Study Followed by Repeat Dosing in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Hussey Elizabeth K. , Portelli Samm , Fossler Michael J. , Gao Feng , Harris William S. , Blum Robert A. , Lates Christian D. , Gould Elizabeth , Abu‐Baker Omar , Johnson Susan , Reddy Karunakar K. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractLOVAZA (omega‐3‐acid ethyl esters; eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]/docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]), with diet, lowers very high triglycerides (≥500 mg/dL) in adults. This study evaluated whether an emulsion formulation (LEM) increases the bioavailability of EPA/DHA compared to the reference formulation (RF) in healthy volunteers. Following relative bioavailability assessment, LEM, RF, and placebo were dosed for 2 weeks. Exposure measurements included plasma‐free and total fatty acid (EPA/DHA) concentrations and phospholipid and red blood cell (RBC) incorporation. Following single doses, the dose‐normalized EPA plasma‐corrected AUCs were 14‐fold (total) and 12‐fold (free) higher and DHA plasma‐corrected AUCs were 10‐fold (total) and 13‐fold (free) higher for LEM compared to RF. EPA and DHA incorporation into phospholipids increased for all active treatments; the increase was dose dependent for EPA. An 8‐fold increase over baseline was observed in EPA incorporation for LEM (4‐capsule dose) compared to a 4‐fold increase for RF 4 g. DHA incorporation increased to a lesser degree, and RBC incorporation also increased. Pharmacodynamic evaluations revealed slight decreases (−8% to −25%) in the mean fasting triglyceride concentrations in all groups, including placebo, compared to baseline. Following a high‐fat meal, no consistent treatment‐related effect on the triglyceride profiles was observed. Study treatments were safe and tolerated. In conclusion, LEM improves the oral bioavailability of EPA and DHA.
Relative Bioavailability of Liquid and Tablet Formulations of the Antiparasitic Moxidectin
Authors: Korth‐Bradley Joan M. , Parks Virginia , Patat Alain , Matschke Kyle , Mayer Philip , Fleckenstein Lawrence 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe antiparasitic agent moxidectin is under development for the treatment of onchocerciasis. As the first‐in‐human study of moxidectin used a liquid formulation but other trials used tablets, a study was performed to determine the relative bioavailability of the 2 formulations and to gain more information about the pharmacokinetics of moxidectin. Fifty‐eight healthy male participants were randomized to receive open‐label moxidectin (10 mg) as a tablet (n = 29) or liquid (n = 29) formulation. The mean ± SD pharmacokinetic parameters observed following administration of the tablet were peak concentration (Cmax) 67.1 ± 27.4 ng/mL, time to peak concentration (tmax) 3.2 ± 1.4 hours, area under the concentration time curve (AUC) 4403 ± 2360 ng·h/mL, apparent volume of distribution 3635 ± 1720 L, oral clearance 2.83 ± 1.25 L/h, and elimination half‐life 1032 ± 502 hours. The Cmax and AUC observed following administration of the liquid formulation were 28.6% and 28.8% higher, respectively, and tmax 0.9 hours shorter compared with tablets. No serious adverse events (AEs) were observed. The most commonly reported AEs were headache, infection, diarrhea, asthenia, myalgia, and dizziness during the inpatient phase and flu syndrome, headache, and infection during the 6‐month outpatient phase. There was no difference in reporting of these AEs between formulations.
Goat uterine epithelial cells are susceptible to infection with Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) in vivo
Authors: Ali Al Ahmad Mohamad Z , Dubreil Laurence , Chatagnon Gérard , Khayli Zakaria , Theret Marine , Martignat Lionel , Chebloune Yahia , Fieni Francis 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to determine, using immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization, whether CAEV is capable of infecting goat uterine epithelial cells in vivo. Five CAEV seropositive goats confirmed as infected using double nested polymerase chain reaction (dnPCR) on leucocytes and on vaginal secretions were used as CAEV positive goats. Five CAEV-free goats were used as controls. Samples from the uterine horn were prepared for dnPCR, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence. The results from dnPCR confirmed the presence of CAEV proviral DNA in the uterine horn samples of infected goats whereas no CAEV proviral DNA was detected in samples taken from the uninfected control goats. The in situ hybridization probe was complementary to part of the CAEVgaggene and confirmed the presence of CAEV nucleic acids in uterine samples. The positively staining cells were seen concentrated in the mucosa of the lamina propria of uterine sections. Finally, laser confocal analysis of double p28/cytokeratin immunolabelled transverse sections of CAEV infected goat uterus, demonstrated that the virus was localized in glandular and epithelial cells. This study clearly demonstrates that goat uterine epithelial cells are susceptible to CAEV infection in vivo. This finding could help to further our understanding of the epidemiology of CAEV, and in particular the possibility of vertical transmission.
Transparent mediation-based access to multiple yeast data sources using an ontology driven interface
Authors: Briache Abdelaali , Marrakchi Kamar , Kerzazi Amine , Navas-Delgado Ismael , Rossi Hassani Badr D , Lairini Khalid , Aldana-Montes José F 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is recognized as a model system representing a simple eukaryote whose genome can be easily manipulated. Information solicited by scientists on its biological entities (Proteins, Genes, RNAs...) is scattered within several data sources like SGD, Yeastract, CYGD-MIPS, BioGrid, PhosphoGrid, etc. Because of the heterogeneity of these sources, querying them separately and then manually combining the returned results is a complex and time-consuming task for biologists most of whom are not bioinformatics expert. It also reduces and limits the use that can be made on the available data.

Results
To provide transparent and simultaneous access to yeast sources, we have developed YeastMed: an XML and mediator-based system. In this paper, we present our approach in developing this system which takes advantage of SB-KOM to perform the query transformation needed and a set of Data Services to reach the integrated data sources. The system is composed of a set of modules that depend heavily on XML and Semantic Web technologies. User queries are expressed in terms of a domain ontology through a simple form-based web interface.

Conclusions

YeastMed is the first mediation-based system specific for integrating yeast data sources. It was conceived mainly to help biologists to find simultaneously relevant data from multiple data sources. It has a biologist-friendly interface easy to use. The system is available at http://www.khaos.uma.es/yeastmed/.