bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory mediators in morbidly obese subjects: associations with glucose abnormalities and changes after oral glucose
Authors: Hofsø Dag , Ueland Thor , Hager Helle , Jenssen Trond , Bollerslev Jens , Godang Kristin , Aukrust Pål , Røislien Jo , Hjelmesæth Jøran 
Published: June 2009

ObjectiveTo explore inflammatory mediators in morbidly obese (MO) subjects with various categories of glucose tolerance and to study the changes in these mediators after an oral glucose load.DesignCross-sectional and experimental study.MethodsA total of 144 MO subjects were classified into three categories: normal glucose tolerance (NGT); pre-diabetes; and new onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) were included, as were 27 normal weight normoglycemic controls. Serum osteoprotegerin (OPG), visfatin, leptin, adiponectin, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).ResultsFasting levels of leptin and IL-1Ra were consistently higher in obese persons (P<0.001 and P<0.05). MO subjects with NGT had higher CRP levels (P<0.001) and lower adiponectin levels (P<0.05) compared to controls. Yet when compared with MO subjects with NODM, those with NGT had lower CRP levels and higher adiponectin levels (both P<0.05). Baseline OPG and visfatin levels did not differ between the groups (P=0.326 and P=0.198). During OGTT, OPG levels decreased (P<0.001) and visfatin levels increased transiently (P=0.018). The response in OPG and visfatin did not differ between the groups (P=0.690 and P=0.170). There were minor changes in adiponectin and leptin levels.ConclusionsMorbid obesity and glucose intolerance were associated with lower adiponectin levels and higher CRP levels, thus supporting a relationship between obesity, glucose homeostasis, and inflammation. Oral glucose suppressed OPG levels and transiently enhanced visfatin levels independent of obesity and glucose tolerance status, indicating that glucose may be involved in the acute regulation of these proteins.
Quasi Risk-Neutral Pricing in Insurance
Authors: Niederau Harry , Zweifel Peter 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis contribution shows that for certain classes of insurance risks, pricing can be based on expected values under a probability measure ℙ* amounting to quasi risk-neutral pricing. This probability measure is unique and optimal in the sense of minimizing the relative entropy with respect to the actuarial probability measure ℙ, which is a common approach in the case of incomplete markets. After expounding the key elements of this theory, an application to a set of industrial property risks is developed, assuming that the severity of losses can be modeled by “Swiss Re Exposure Curves”, as discussed by Bernegger (1997). These curves belong to a parametric family of distribution functions commonly used by pricing actuaries. The quasi risk-neutral pricing approach not only yields risk exposure specific premiums but also Risk Adjusted Capital (RAC) values on the very same level of granularity. By way of contrast, the conventional determination of RAC is typically considered on a portfolio level only.
Stochastic Models for Actuarial Use: The Equilibrium Modelling of Local Markets
Authors: Thomson Robert J. , Gott Dmitri V. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn this paper, a long-term equilibrium model of a local market is developed. Subject to minor qualifications, the model is arbitrage-free. The variables modelled are the prices of risk-free zero-coupon bonds – both index-linked and conventional – and of equities, as well as the inflation rate. The model is developed in discrete (nominally annual) time, but allowance is made for processes in continuous time subject to continuous rebalancing. It is based on a model of the market portfolio comprising all the above-mentioned asset categories. The risk-free asset is taken to be the one-year index-linked bond. It is assumed that, conditionally upon information at the beginning of a year, market participants have homogeneous expectations with regard to the forthcoming year and make their decisions in mean-variance space. For the purposes of illustration, a descriptive version of the model is developed with reference to UK data. The parameters produced by that process may be used to inform the determination of those required for the use of the model as a predictive model. Illustrative results of simulations of the model are given.
Too Cold for a Jog? Weather, Exercise, and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Eisenberg Daniel , Okeke Edward 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
This study examines how exercise responds to plausibly exogenous "price shocks," in the form of weather conditions. Most notably, we find that within cold temperature ranges, a decrease in past-month temperature causes a significant decrease in past-month exercise, and this effect is generally larger for lower education and income groups. In large part this differential by socioeconomic group appears to be due to smaller increases in indoor activity during cold weather. These results suggest that interventions and policies aiming to increase exercise participation, particularly among lower socioeconomic populations, could do so in part by increasing the availability and attractiveness of indoor facilities and activities. Furthermore, to the extent that the higher elasticity of behavior for lower socioeconomic groups reflects a more general sensitivity to external factors, these results highlight the promise of interventions that address such factors more broadly.
Insulin Storage and Glucose Homeostasis in Mice Null for the Granule Zinc Transporter ZnT8 and Studies of the Type 2 Diabetes–Associated Variants
Authors: Nicolson Tamara J. , Bellomo Elisa A. , Wijesekara Nadeeja , Loder Merewyn K. , Baldwin Jocelyn M. , Gyulkhandanyan Armen V. , Koshkin Vasilij , Tarasov Andrei I. , Carzaniga Raffaella , Kronenberger Katrin , Taneja Tarvinder K. , da Silva Xavier Gabriela , Libert Sarah , Froguel Philippe , Scharfmann Raphael , Stetsyuk Volodymir , Ravassard Philippe , Parker Helen , Gribble Fiona M. , Reimann Frank , Sladek Robert , Hughes Stephen J. , Johnson Paul R.V. , Masseboeuf Myriam , Burcelin Remy , Baldwin Stephen A. , Liu Ming , Lara-Lemus Roberto , Arvan Peter , Schuit Frans C. , Wheeler Michael B. , Chimienti Fabrice , Rutter Guy A. 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE
Zinc ions are essential for the formation of hexameric insulin and hormone crystallization. A nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism rs13266634 in the SLC30A8 gene, encoding the secretory granule zinc transporter ZnT8, is associated with type 2 diabetes. We describe the effects of deleting the ZnT8 gene in mice and explore the action of the at-risk allele.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Slc30a8 null mice were generated and backcrossed at least twice onto a C57BL/6J background. Glucose and insulin tolerance were measured by intraperitoneal injection or euglycemic clamp, respectively. Insulin secretion, electrophysiology, imaging, and the generation of adenoviruses encoding the low- (W325) or elevated- (R325) risk ZnT8 alleles were undertaken using standard protocols.

RESULTS
ZnT8−/− mice displayed age-, sex-, and diet-dependent abnormalities in glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and body weight. Islets isolated from null mice had reduced granule zinc content and showed age-dependent changes in granule morphology, with markedly fewer dense cores but more rod-like crystals. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, granule fusion, and insulin crystal dissolution, assessed by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, were unchanged or enhanced in ZnT8−/− islets. Insulin processing was normal. Molecular modeling revealed that residue-325 was located at the interface between ZnT8 monomers. Correspondingly, the R325 variant displayed lower apparent Zn2+ transport activity than W325 ZnT8 by fluorescence-based assay.

CONCLUSIONS
ZnT8 is required for normal insulin crystallization and insulin release in vivo but not, remarkably, in vitro. Defects in the former processes in carriers of the R allele may increase type 2 diabetes risks.
Cystic Fibrosis–Related Diabetes: Current Trends in Prevalence, Incidence, and Mortality
Authors: Moran Antoinette , Dunitz Jordan , Nathan Brandon , Saeed Asad , Holme Bonnie , Thomas William 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE
Cystic fibrosis (CF)-related diabetes (CFRD) diagnosis and management have considerably changed since diabetes was first shown to be associated with a poor prognosis in subjects with CF. Current trends in CFRD prevalence, incidence, and mortality were determined from a comprehensive clinical database.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Data were reviewed from 872 CF patients followed at the University of Minnesota during three consecutive intervals: 1992–1997, 1998–2002, and 2003–2008.

RESULTS
CFRD is currently present in 2% of children, 19% of adolescents, and 40–50% of adults. Incidence and prevalence are higher in female subjects aged 30–39 years; otherwise, there are no sex differences. In younger individuals, CFRD without fasting hyperglycemia predominates, but fasting hyperglycemia prevalence rises with age. CFRD mortality has significantly decreased over time. From 1992–1997 to 2003–2008, mortality rate in female subjects dropped by &gt;50% from 6.9 to 3.2 deaths per 100 patient-years and in male subjects from 6.5 to 3.8 deaths per 100 patient-years. There is no longer a sex difference in mortality. Diabetes was previously diagnosed as a perimorbid event in nearly 20% of patients, but of 61 patients diagnosed with diabetes during 2003–2008, only 2 died. Lung function but not nutritional status is still worse in CF patients with diabetes compared with those without diabetes. Nutritional status and pulmonary status are similar between patients without fasting hyperglycemia and those with fasting hyperglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS
Previously noted sex differences in mortality have disappeared, and the gap in mortality between CF patients with and without diabetes has considerably narrowed. We believe that early diagnosis and aggressive treatment have played a major role in improving survival in these patients.
Elevated Serum Uric Acid Concentrations Independently Predict Cardiovascular Mortality in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Zoppini Giacomo , Targher Giovanni , Negri Carlo , Stoico Vincenzo , Perrone Fabrizia , Muggeo Michele , Bonora Enzo 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE
There is limited information on whether increased serum uric acid levels are independently associated with cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetes. We assessed the predictive role of serum uric acid levels on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a large cohort of type 2 diabetic individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The cohort included 2,726 type 2 diabetic outpatients, who were followed for a mean period of 4.7 years. The independent association of serum uric acid levels with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was assessed by Cox proportional hazards models and adjusted for conventional risk factors and several potential confounders.

RESULTS
During follow-up, 329 (12.1%) patients died, 44.1% (n = 145) of whom from cardiovascular causes. In univariate analysis, higher serum uric acid levels were significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause (hazard ratio 19 [95% CI 1.12–1.27], P &lt; 0.001) and cardiovascular (1.25 [1.16–1.34], P &lt; 0.001) mortality. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes duration, A1C, medication use (allopurinol or hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and antiplatelet drugs), estimated glomerular filtration rate, and albuminuria, the association of serum uric acid with cardiovascular mortality remained statistically significant (1.27 [1.01–1.61], P = 0.046), whereas the association of serum uric acid with all-cause mortality did not.

CONCLUSIONS
Higher serum uric acid levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetic patients, independent of several potential confounders, including renal function measures.
Studies on complex formation between curcumin and Hg(II) ion by spectrophotometric method: A new approach to overcome peak overlap
Authors: Waranyoupalin Ratanasuda , Wongnawa Sumpun , Wongnawa Malinee , Pakawatchai Chaveng , Panichayupakaranant Pharkphoom , Sherdshoopongse Panit 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Complex formation between curcumin and Hg(II) ion MeOH/H2O (1: 1 v/v) was investigated and monitored by the spectrophotometric method. The absorption peak of unreacted curcumin which was close and overlapped with that of the complex, was removed by calculation using Microsoft Excel, thereby, allowing determination of the stoichiometry of the complex by the mole-ratio and the Job’s continuous variation methods. Both methods indicated that a 1:1 complex of curcumin and Hg(II) was formed in solution. The formation constant of the 1:1 Hg(II) complex was obtained from two methods, the equilibrium concentration calculation and the linear plot of Benesi-Hildebrand equation, as log K = 4.44 ± 0.16 and 4.83 ± 0.02, respectively. The structure is proposed as a tetrahedral complex of Hg(II) with one curcumin and two chloride ions as ligands.
Heterogeneous catalytic ignition of n-butane/air mixtures on platinum
Authors: Staicu Octavian , Razus Domnina , Munteanu Valentin , Oancea Dumitru 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The heterogeneous catalytic ignition of lean to stoichiometric n-butane/air mixtures were studied at various total pressures between 10 and 100 kPa and at temperatures equal to or larger than the critical ignition temperatures. The induction periods, ignition and extinction temperatures were measured under strict isothermal conditions. The discussion presented in this paper is based on several literature models. The data analysis allowed for the determination of the overall kinetic parameters. The rigorous isothermal conditions indicated that the extinction temperatures are lower than the ignition, a behavior different from the results obtained in stagnation-point flow reactors.
Determination of Alizarin Red S using a novel B-Z oscillation system catalyzed by a tetraazamacrocyclic complex
Authors: Hu Gang , Chen Lulu , Zhang Jinfeng , Chen Panpan , Wang Wei , Song Jimei , Qiu Lingguang , Song Juan , Hu Lin 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
A new and convenient method for the determination of Alizarin Red S by the perturbations caused by different amounts of Alizarin Red S on a novel B-Z oscillating system is proposed. This new type Belousov-Zhabotinskii involves a macrocyclic copper(II) complex [CuL](ClO4)2 as catalyst and malic acid as the substrate. The ligand L in the complex is 5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,11-diene. It is found that the relationship between the change in the oscillation amplitude and the logarithm of the Alizarin Red S concentration in the range of 1.5 × 10−7 to 1 × 10−3 M fits a polynomial model: ΔA = 659 + 184.2 log [Alizarin Red S]+ 12.9 log2 [Alizarin Red S]. The RSD obtained with ten samples is 4.4%. The probable mechanism involving the perturbation of Alizarin Red S on the oscillating chemical system is also discussed.
Polycationic graft copolymers of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) as non-viral vectors for gene transfection
Authors: Liu Yun-Hai , Cao Xiao-Hong , Peng Dao-Feng , Xu Wen-Yuan 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Novel graft copolymers of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) with N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) were designed and synthesized by the free radical copolymerization of DMAEMA with precursor polymers of vinyl-functionalized poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). The ability of the PVP- grafted copolymers to bind and condense DNA was confirmed by ethidium bromide displacement assay, agarose gel electrophoresis and transmission electron microscopy. The presence of PVP in the copolymers had a favorable effect on the biophysical properties of polymer/DNA complexes. Colloidal stable complexes obtained from the copolymer systems, were shown to be separate, uniformly spherical nanoparticles by transmission electron microscopy. The approximate diameter of the complexes was 150–200 nm, as determined by dynamic light scattering studies. These results confirm an important role played by the PVP grafts in producing compact stable DNA complexes. The ζ-potential measurements revealed that the incorporation of the PVP grafts reduced the positive surface charge of polymer/DNA complexes. The cytotoxicity of the copolymers decreased with an increasing fraction of PVP. Furthermore, in vitro transfection experiments with these copolymers showed improved ability of transfection in cell culture, demonstrating an important role for PVP grafts in enhancement of the transfection efficiency.
Comparison of solid-phase and single-drop microextractions for headspace analysis of herbal essential oils
Authors: Adam Martin , Dobiáš Petr , Pavlíková Petra , Ventura Karel 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The analytical microextraction methods of gas chromatography coupled with flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) for determination of selected essential oils in herbs were proposed. Two microextraction methods for the isolation of essential oils from plants such as Lavandula spica L., Melissa officinalis L., Mentha piperita L. and Salvia officinalis L. were used. The methods of solid-phase and single-drop microextractions, were optimised and compared. The obtained LOD values for all studied essential oils were found to be within 2.5–20.5 μg for SDME and 57.0–139.8 μg for SPME method per 100 g of dried sample leaves. The appropriate LOQ values were then 8.4–68.4 μg for SDME and 189.8–466.1 μg for SPME of target analytes per 100 g of dried sample leaves.
A green chemical route for the synthesis of Mn3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Durmus Zehra , Kavas Hüseyin , Baykal Abdulhadi , Toprak Muhammet 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
A novel environmental friendly, room temperature route using an ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxide ([BMIM]OH) for the synthesis of Mn3O4 nanoparticles is presented. The product was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Phase purity was confirmed by XRD, and X-ray line profile fitting determined a crystallite size of 42 ± 11 nm. TEM analysis revealed various morphologies. EPR measurements have indicated the existence of long-range interactions, due to the wide range of particle sizes and morphologies observed.
Scolecite as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazoles
Authors: Gadekar Lakshman , Mane Shivshankar , Katkar Santosh , Arbad Balasaheb , Lande Machhindra 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Natural scolecite has been found as an effective catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazole derivatives via a three component reaction using benzil or benzoin, aldehydes and ammonium acetate. This method provides several advantages such as being environmentally benign, reusable, possessing high yields with increased variations of the substituents in the product and preparative simplicity.
Characterization of the citrate precursor, used for synthesis of nanosized Mg-Zn ferrites
Authors: Kassabova-Zhetcheva Violeta 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The citrate precursor has been used to synthesize nanocrystalline Mg-Zn-ferrites. The nature of the prepared precursor is characterized and compared with those of the precursors studied earlier, prepared by the same process. The study has been performed by inorganic and organic elemental analyses, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), Electronic absorption spectrometry in the UV-VIS region, Differential Thermal analysis/ Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG) analyses, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The collected results determined the precursor as a coordination polymer with monomer unit (NH4)4{M [Fe(C6H5O7)2]2}, where M=Zn or Mg.
Voltammetric determination of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic and uric acids using partial least squares regression: determination of dopamine in human urine and plasma
Authors: Bahram Morteza , Farhadi Khalil , Arjmand Farzin 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
A new differential pulse voltammetric method for dopamine determination at a bare glassy carbon electrode has been developed. Dopamine, ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) usually coexist in physiological samples. Because AA and UA can be oxidized at potentials close to that of DA it is difficult to determine dopamine electrochemically, although resolution can be achieved using modified electrodes. Additionally, oxidized dopamine mediates AA oxidation and the electrode surface can be easily fouled by the AA oxidation product. In this work a chemometrics strategy, partial least squares (PLS) regression, has been applied to determine dopamine in the presence of AA and UA without electrode modification. The method is based on the electrooxidation of dopamine at a glassy carbon electrode in pH 7 phosphate buffer. The dopamine calibration curve was linear over the range of 1–313 μM and the limit of detection was 0.25 μM. The relative standard error (RSE %) was 5.28%. The method has been successfully applied to the measurement of dopamine in human plasma and urine.
Synthesis, DNA-binding and antiproliferative activity of N-(Nitrogen heterocyclic) norcantharidin acylamide acid
Authors: Zhu Wen-Zhong , Hu Rui-Ding , Lin Qiu-Yue , Wang Xiao-Xia , Zheng Xiao-Liang 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Two novel norcantharidin acylamide acids (HL1=N-pyrimidine norcantharidin acylamide acid, C12H13N3O4; HL2=N-pyridine norcantharidin acylamide acid, C13H14N2O4) were synthesized by a reaction of norcantharidin(NCTD) with 2-aminopyrimidine and 2-aminopyridine, respectively. Their structures were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV and 1 H NMR. Fluorescence titration and viscosity measurements indicated that HL1, HL2 and HL3 (HL3=N-phenyl norcantharidin acylamide acid, C14H15NO4) can bind calf thymus DNA via partial intercalation. The liner Stern-Volmer quenching constant Ksv values for HL1, HL2 and HL3 were 2.05 × 104 L mol−1, 1.15 × 104 L mol−1 and 8.30×103 L mol−1, respectively. Two compounds containing heterocycle of HL1 and HL2 have been found to cleave pBR322 plasmid DNA at physiological pH and temperature. The test of antiproliferation activity showed that the compounds had moderate to strong antiproliferative ability against the tested cell lines except of HL3 against the SMMC7721 cell line. The results indicated that the heterocycle attached to the norcantharidin was favorable to antiproliferative activity. This result was consistent with the DNA binding experiment.
RP-HPLC determination of lipophilicity in series of quinoline derivatives
Authors: Musiol Robert , Jampilek Josef , Podeszwa Barbara , Finster Jacek , Tabak Dominik , Dohnal Jiri , Polanski Jaroslaw 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
In the present paper we describe results on the synthesis and lipophilicity determination of a series of biologically active compounds based on their heterocyclic structure. For synthesis of styrylquinoline-based compounds we applied microwave irradiation and solid phase techniques. The correlation between RP-HPLC retention parameter log k (the logarithm of retention factor k) and log P data calculated in various ways is discussed, as well as, the relationships between the lipophilicity and the chemical structure of the studied compounds.