bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Malignant and Benign Pericardial Effusion
Authors: Karatolios Konstantinos , Pankuweit Sabine , Moosdorf Rainer Georg , Maisch Bernhard 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:The pathogenetic role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in malignant pericardial effusion and diagnostic value of pericardial VEGF levels to discriminate malignant from benign pericardial effusions are uncertain.Hypothesis:We hypothesized that pericardial VEGF levels would be higher in malignant than benign pericardial effusion and that VEGF would be a useful marker for the diagnosis of malignant pericardial effusion.Methods:Using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, we assessed pericardial and serum VEGF levels in patients with malignant pericardial effusion (n = 19), in patients with nonmalignant pericardial effusion (n = 30), and for control, in patients without pericardial disease (n = 26).Results:Vascular endothelial growth factor pericardial levels in malignant pericardial effusion (13 593.8 ± 22 410.24 pg/mL) were significantly higher compared with VEGF in nonmalignant effusion (610.63 ± 1289.08 pg/mL; P = 0.001) and pericardial fluid (5.5 ± 15.97 pg/mL; P < 0.001). In serum, VEGF was significantly higher in patients with nonmalignant pericardial effusion (188.3 ± 240.35 pg/mL) compared with patients with malignant pericardial effusion (67.52 ± 125.77 pg/mL; P = 0.024) and coronary artery disease patients (29.13 ± 76.26 pg/mL; P < 0.001). Pericardial VEGF levels were significantly higher than matched serum levels only in patients with malignant pericardial effusion (P = 0.023). Pericardial VEGF levels ≥2385 pg/mL had 75% sensitivity and 90% specificity for the recognition of malignant pericardial effusion in patients with breast or lung cancer.Conclusions:Vascular endothelial growth factor levels in pericardial effusion are markedly elevated in patients with malignant pericardial effusion, indicating abundant local release within the pericardial cavity. It is thus possible that VEGF participates in the pathogenesis of malignant pericardial effusion. Measurement of VEGF in pericardial effusion offers potential as a diagnostic tool to discriminate malignant from benign effusions in patients with breast or lung cancer.The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Women and the implantable cardioverter defibrillator: A lifespan perspective on key psychosocial issues
Authors: Walker Robyn L. , Campbell Karen A. , Sears Samuel F. , Glenn Beth A. , Sotile Rebecca , Curtis Anne B. , Conti Jamie B. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe clinical success of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in reducing mortality suggests that more women will be receiving ICDs in the future. The impact of ICD therapy in women is unique in western societies; the ICDs scar and lump in the pectoral area can lead to body image concerns due to the emphasis on women's physical attractiveness. Social support and roles are challenged because women's reaction to stress has been characterized by a “tend and befriend” response, involving cultivating and utilizing social networks, rather than the “fight or flight” response more typical of men. In addition, a woman's identity as a caretaker and caregiver can be threatened by the actual and perceived activity limitations imposed by the ICD or the underlying heart condition. Finally, reproductive and sexual health are important issues, as 25 to 50% of patients with ICDs report concerns in this area, but also report discomfort in discussing these concerns with their health care providers. The purpose of the present paper is to review the relevant literature and to identify the unique impact of the psychosocial issues of body image, social support and roles, and sexual development and reproductive functioning for women with ICDs across the lifespan. In the absence of complete empirical research data on the impact of these concerns, hypotheses to test in future research are offered.
Should standard medical therapy for angina include a statin?
Authors: Corti Roberto , Fuster Valentin 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAlthough a wealth of evidence supports the use of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) in patients with clinically evident coronary artery disease, these agents are still underutilized. Statins are the most effective agents in reducing low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol among lipid‐lowering drugs, and studies have recently shown that they improve endothelial function and plaque stabilization, and induce regression of atherosclerotic lesions. This article reviews the most recent evidence and guideline recommendations supporting the use of statins in chronic stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndromes.
Handling input/output operations in Web servers: issues and countermeasures
Authors: Azzedin Farag , Al‐Issa Khalid 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYThe way at which a Web server handles input/output (I/O) operations has a significant impact on its performance. Servers that allow blocking for I/O operations are easier to implement but exhibit less efficient utilization and limited scalability. On the other hand, servers that allow non‐blocking I/O usually perform and scale better but are not easy to implement and have limited functionality. This paper presents the design of a new, self‐adapting Web server architecture that makes decisions on how future I/O operations would be handled based on load conditions. The results obtained from our implementation of this architecture indicate that it is capable of providing competitive performance and better utilization than those of comparable non‐adaptive Web servers on different load levels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic configuration generation for service high availability with load balancing
Authors: Kanso A. , Khendek F. , Toeroe M. , Hamou‐Lhadj A. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYThe need for highly available services is ever increasing in various domains ranging from mission‐critical systems to transaction‐based ones such as banking. The Service Availability Forum has defined a set of services and related API specifications to address the growing need of commercial off‐the‐shelf high availability solutions. Among these services, the availability management framework (AMF) is the service responsible for managing the high availability of the application services by coordinating redundant application components deployed on the AMF cluster. To achieve this task, an AMF implementation requires a specific logical view of the organization of the application's services and components, known as an AMF configuration. Developing manually such a configuration is a complex error‐prone task that requires extensive domain knowledge. In this paper, we present an approach for the automatic generation of AMF configurations and alleviate the task of configuration designers. One important aspect of the AMF configuration is ranking the service units, when it is required by the redundancy model, for the assignment of the workload by AMF at runtime. Our approach includes a technique for generating these rankings in such a way that guarantees load balancing even after the occurrence of a failure. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement and Applications of Long‐Range Heteronuclear Scalar Couplings: Recent Experimental and Theoretical Developments
Authors: Nath Nilamoni , Lokesh  , Suryaprakash Nagarajarao 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe use of long‐range heteronuclear couplings, in association with 1H–1H scalar couplings and NOE restraints, has acquired growing importance for the determination of the relative stereochemistry, and structural and conformational information of organic and biological molecules. However, the routine use of such couplings is hindered by the inherent difficulties in their measurement. Prior to the advancement in experimental techniques, both long‐range homo‐ and heteronuclear scalar couplings were not easily accessible, especially for very large molecules. The development of a large number of multidimensional NMR experimental methodologies has alleviated the complications associated with the measurement of couplings of smaller strengths. Subsequent application of these methods and the utilization of determined J‐couplings for structure calculations have revolutionized this area of research. Problems in organic, inorganic and biophysical chemistry have also been solved by utilizing the short‐ and long‐range heteronuclear couplings. In this minireview, we discuss the advantages and limitations of a number of experimental techniques reported in recent times for the measurement of long‐range heteronuclear couplings and a few selected applications of such couplings. This includes the study of medium‐ to larger‐sized molecules in a variety of applications, especially in the study of hydrogen bonding in biological systems. The utilization of these couplings in conjunction with theoretical calculations to arrive at conclusions on the hyperconjugation, configurational analysis and the effect of the electronegativity of the substituents is also discussed.
Probing the Chemical Functionalization of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Multiple Carbon Ad‐Dimer Defects
Authors: Wang Dong‐Lai , Xu Hong‐Liang , Su Zhong‐Min , Muhammad Shabbir , Hou Dong‐Yan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDrying‐tube‐shaped single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with multiple carbon ad‐dimer (CD) defects are obtained from armchair (n,n,m) SWCNTs (n=4, 5, 6, 7, 8; m=7, 13). According to the isolated‐pentagon rule (IPR) the drying‐tube‐shaped SWCNTs are unstable non‐IPR species, and their hydrogenated, fluorinated, and chlorinated derivatives are investigated. Interestingly, chemisorptions of hydrogen, fluorine, and chlorine atoms on the drying tube‐shaped SWCNTs are exothermic processes. Compared to the reaction energies for binding of H, F, and Cl atoms to perfect and Stone–Wales‐defective armchair (5,5) nanotubes, binding of F with the multiply CD defective SWCNTs is stronger than with perfect and Stone–Wales‐defective nanotubes. The reaction energy for per F2 addition is between 85 and 88 kcal mol−1 more negative than that per H2 addition. Electronic structure analysis of their energy gaps shows that the CD defects have a tendency to decrease the energy gap from 1.98–2.52 to 0.80–1.17 eV. After hydrogenation, fluorination, and chlorination, the energy gaps of the drying‐tube‐shaped SWCNTs with multiple CD defects are substantially increased to 1.65–3.85 eV. Furthermore, analyses of thermodynamic stability and nucleus‐independent chemical shifts (NICS) are performed to analyze the stability of these molecules.
Defining a Polymethine Dye for Fluorescence Anisotropy Applications in the Near‐Infrared Spectral Range
Authors: Gustafson Tiffany P. , Cao Qian , Achilefu Samuel , Berezin Mikhail Y. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFluorescence anisotropy in the near‐infrared (NIR) spectral range is challenging because of the lack of appropriate NIR fluorescent labels. We have evaluated polymethine fluorescent dyes to identify a leading candidate for NIR anisotropy applications. The NIR dye LS601 demonstrated low fluorescence anisotropy values (r) as a result of its relatively long fluorescent lifetime 1.3 ns. The r value of LS601 unbound and coupled to biological macromolecules was found to have a sufficient dynamic range from 0.24 to 0.37, demonstrating the feasibility of fluorescence anisotropy in the NIR. The viability of fluorescence anisotropy using a NIR label was demonstrated by characterization of dye–protein conjugates. These results open the door to a number of applications in drug discovery, fluorescence anisotropy imaging and contrast agent development.
A Brief Summary of the Synthesis of Polyester Building‐Block Chemicals and Biofuels from 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Dutta Saikat , De Sudipta , Saha Basudeb 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe synthesis of fine chemicals from the platform molecules obtained through the degradation of the cellulosic and lignocellulosic biomass is a most widely envisioned approach toward the implementation of renewable feedstocks for fuels and chemicals. Significant advances have been made in the synthesis of furan‐based polyester building block 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and related compounds such as 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan and 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran from biomass‐derived 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) by using homogeneous and nanoparticulate catalysts. This review provides a survey of selective aerobic oxidation of HMF to give FDCA as the end‐product. The article highlights the fundamental aspects of preferring nanoparticulate catalysts over the conventional supported metal catalysts for the synthesis of FDCA with high selectivity. Another objective of the review is to discuss how efficiently the HMF‐platform produces biofuels, including gasoline blendstock 2,5‐dimethylfuran (DMF), 5‐ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF), and ethyl levulinate (EL), which are competitive of existing liquid fuels.
Neuropharmacological and Toxicity Evaluations of Ethanol Extract from RhodiolaRosea
Authors: Montiel‐Ruiz Rosa Mariana , Roa‐Coria José Eduardo , Patiño‐Camacho Selene Isabel , Flores‐Murrieta Francisco J. , Déciga‐Campos Myrna 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Strategy, Management and Health Policy

Enabling Technology, Genomics, Proteomics
Preclinical Research
Preclinical Development Toxicology, Formulation Drug Delivery, Pharmacokinetics
Clinical Development Phases I‐III Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing
Postmarketing Phase IV

Rhodiola rosea is a popular medicinal plant that is commonly used as an adaptogen in folklore medicine in Europe and Asia due to its ability to increase an organism's resistance to physical, chemical and biological stress. The aim of this study was to determine the central nervous system activity and toxicity parameters of R. rosea. An ethanol extract from the roots of R. rosea was orally (p.o.) administered to mice (10–316 mg/kg); exploratory activity, anti‐anxiety, behavior, sodium pentobarbital‐induced hypnosis, antinociceptive effects, and pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizures were tested. The results from the experimental models tested showed a significant reduction in exploratory behavior and in the number of rearings and head dippings, but no change in the sedative‐hypnotic and anticonvulsant response with respect to vehicle. Moreover, R. rosea reduced the licking time in the formalin test. R. rosea was not toxic in Artemia salina and in mice. The present results confirm some preclinical and clinical studies that indicate stimulating, anxiolytic‐like effects and present new evidence of the antinociceptive effect of and very low risk of toxicity from R. rosea.
In vivo notch reactivation in differentiating cochlear hair cells induces sox2 and prox1 expression but does not disrupt hair cell maturation
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Owen Thomas , Fang Jie , Srinivasan R. Sathish , Zuo Jian 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground: Notch signaling is active in mouse cochlear prosensory progenitors but declines in differentiating sensory hair cells (HCs). Overactivation of the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) in progenitors blocks HC fate commitment and/or differentiation. However, it is not known whether reactivation of NICD in differentiating HCs also interrupts their developmental program and reactivates its downstream targets. Results: By analyzing Atoh1CreER+; Rosa26‐NICDloxp/+ or Atoh1CreER+; Rosa26‐NICDloxp/+; RBP‐Jloxp/loxp mice, we demonstrated that ectopic NICD in differentiating HCs caused reactivation of Sox2 and Prox1 in an RBP‐J‐dependent manner. Interestingly, Prox1 reactivation was exclusive to outer HCs (OHCs). In addition, lineage tracing analysis of Prox1CreER/+; Rosa26‐EYFPloxp/+ and Prox1CreEGFP/+; Rosa26‐EYFPloxp/+ mice showed that nearly all HCs experiencing Prox1 expression were OHCs. Surprisingly, these HCs still matured normally with expression of prestin, wild‐type‐like morphology, and uptake of FM4‐64FX dye at adult ages. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the developmental program of cochlear differentiating HCs is refractory to Notch reactivation and that Notch is an upstream regulator of Sox2 and Prox1 in cochlear development. In addition, our results support that Sox2 and Prox1 should not be the main blockers for terminal differentiation of HCs newly regenerated from postnatal cochlear SCs that still maintain Sox2 and Prox1 expression. Developmental Dynamics 241:684–696, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel method for predicting the flash points of organosilicon compounds from molecular structures
Authors: Pan Yong , Jiang Juncheng , Wang Rui , Zhu Xiao , Zhang Yinyan 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTA quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) study is performed to develop mathematical models for the prediction of the flash point (FP) of organosilicon compounds from their molecular structures. Various kinds of molecular descriptors were calculated to represent the molecular structures of organosilicon compounds, such as topological, charge, and geometric descriptors. The genetic algorithm combined with multiple linear regression (GA‐MLR) is employed to a select optimal subset of descriptors that have a significant contribution to the overall FP property. The model with the best result is a five‐variable multilinear model, which showed high prediction ability when the obtained root mean square error and average absolute error for the external test set were 14.11 and 11.1 K, respectively. The model was further compared with other previously published methods. The results indicate the superiority of the presented model and reveal that it can be effectively used to predict the FP of organosilicon compounds with only the knowledge of molecular structures. This study can provide a new way for predicting the FP of organosilicon compounds for the engineering field. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Particle Size and Porosity Grading in Anode Electrode
Authors: Liu L. , Flesner R. , Kim G.‐Y. , Chandra A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSolid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have the potential to meet the critical energy needs of our modern civilization and minimize the adverse environmental impacts from excessive energy consumption. They are highly efficient, clean, and can run on variety of fuel gases. However, little investigative focus has been put on optimal power output based on electrode microstructure. In this work, a complete electrode polarization model of SOFCs has been developed and utilized to analyze the performance of functionally graded anode with different particle size and porosity profiles. The model helps to understand the implications of varying the electrode microstructure from the polarization standpoint. The work identified conditions when grading can improve the cell performance and showed that grading is not always beneficial or necessary.
Reaction Kinetics of Hydroxyl Radicals with Model Compounds of Fuel Cell Polymer Membranes
Authors: Dreizler A. M. , Roduner E. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe chemical stability of perfluorinated and non‐perfluorinated low temperature fuel cell model compounds (MCs) against attack by hydroxyl radicals, HO•, is compared using a competition kinetics approach in aqueous solutions at ambient temperature. HO• radicals were generated in situ by UV photolysis of hydrogen peroxide in the electron spin resonance (ESR) resonator. Acetic acid (AA), trifluoroacetic acid (TFAA), methanesulfonic acid (MSA), trifluorosulfonic acid (TFSA), and perfluoro(2‐ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid (PFEESA) were chosen as MCs, while the rate constants of 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide (DMPO) and methanol (CH3OH) served as reference for the determination of relative rate constants by means of steady state ESR signal amplitudes. In decreasing order the rate constants are: kMSA = (4.8 ± 0.2) × 107 M–1 s–1, kAA = (4.2 ± 0.3) × 107 M–1 s–1, kPFEESA = (3.7 ± 0.1) × 106 M–1 s–1, kTFAA = (7.9 ± 0.2) × 105 M–1 s–1, and kTFSA < 1.0 × 105 M–1 s–1. Applying these results to perfluorinated fuel cell membranes like Nafion®, the main points of attack by HO• are concluded to be the ether groups of the side chains, followed by the remaining carboxyl groups from the manufacturing process of the polymers.
Total thyroidectomy with ultrasonic scalpel: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kowalski Luiz P. , Sanabria Alvaro , Vartanian José Guilherme , Lima Roberto Araujo , Toscano de Mendonca Ullianov Bezerra , Roberto dos Santos Carlos , Boldrini Júnior Domingos , Barbalho de Mello Luis Eduardo , Pinto Fernando Paiva , Lehn Carlos Neutzling , Correa Luiz Artur Costa , Dedivitis Rogério A. , Guimarães André Vicente , Pedruzzi Paola Andrea Galbiatti , Ramos Gyl Henrique Albrecht , Gonçalves Antonio José , Suehara Alexandre Babá , Kanda Jossi Ledo , de Castro Capuzzo Renato , Carlos de Oliveira José , Curado Maria Paula , Francisco de Góis Filho José , Fukuyama Erica , Beserra Júnior Ivo Marquis , Bentes de Carvalho Neto Paulo , Carvalho André Lopes 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe ultrasonic scalpel is a recently introduced device in head and neck surgery. Total thyroidectomy is the most common endocrine procedure performed by surgeons.MethodsThis was an open, phase IV, multicenter, randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compared the use of an ultrasonic scalpel with a conventional technique in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. The outcomes were surgical complication rate, operative time, drainage volume, postoperative pain, and costs.ResultsIn all, 261 patients were included in 11 centers. There was a mean difference of 17% of operative time in favor of the ultrasonic scalpel group. There were no differences in postoperative complications. There was a difference in costs of 14% in favor of the ultrasonic scalpel group, but it was not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe use of an ultrasonic scalpel was as safe as that of the conventional technique and had the advantage of a shorter operative time and lower postoperative drainage. Costs were not different between groups. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Superficial temporal artery aneurysm: Diagnosis and treatment options
Authors: van Uden Dominique J. P. , Truijers Maarten , Schipper Ellis E. , Zeebregts Clark J. , Reijnen Michel M.P.J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundSuperficial temporal artery (STA) aneurysms are an uncommon entity and mostly described in case studies. The purpose of this review was to show the studied clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, and treatment modalities of STA aneurysms.MethodsA review was performed of reports on STA aneurysms published until December 2010, using the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases.ResultsOne hundred sixty‐six pseudoaneurysms and 20 true aneurysms were described. The majority of patients presented with a painless pulsatile mass. Historically, angiography was most often used, but ultrasound scan, CT, and MRI may be superior. Surgical resection was performed in 128 pseudoaneurysms and 20 true aneurysms with 1 recurrence and few complications. Endovascular approaches were used in 13% of pseudoaneurysms with an 80% success rate.ConclusionPseudoaneurysms are mostly the result of blunt trauma as opposed to true aneurysms which usually occur spontaneously. Surgical resection is a safe treatment modality, but endovascular treatment might be considered in a selected group of patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013