bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C–Reactive Protein and Atrial Fibrillation in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shimo Dai, , Shu Zhang , Ying hua Guo , Chu Jianmin , Hua Wei , Wang Fang zheng 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have found elevated plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Most of these studies included AF patients with various heart diseases, but few studies were designed to investigate CRP in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) patients with AF.Method and ResultsCRP levels in 242 IDCM patients with AF were compared with CRP levels in 280 control IDCM patients. Among control patients, 70 had atrial premature beats or atrial tachycardia and 210 had normal sinus rhythm. CRP was higher in the AF group than in the control group (median, 4.59 versus 2.81 mg/L; p < 0.001). The prevalence of AF in IDCM patients increased as plasma CRP levels increased, and the patients with the highest plasma CRP levels had the highest probability of suffering from AF. Outcome of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed body mass index, AF, and white blood cell count significantly correlated with the plasma CRP levels.ConclusionOur data demonstrated that the plasma CRP level in IDCM patients with AF was higher than in IDCM patients without AF, and an increase in plasma CRP levels was associated with an increased prevalence of AF in IDCM patients. Also, body mass index, AF, and white blood cell count correlate with plasma CRP levels in IDCM patients. These data suggest there is presence of inflammation in IDCM patients with AF. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy and Safety of Tirofiban in High‐Risk Patients With Non‐ST‐Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Yan Zhenxian , Zhou YuJie , Zhao Yingxin , Li Yueping , Nie Xiaomin , Zhou Zhiming , Jia Dean 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of tirofiban in high risk patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE‐ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsA total of 240 patients were randomized to either a tirofiban group or a control group.ResultsCompared with the control group, the platelet aggregation rate in the tirofiban group was lower (P< 0.01); the plasma levels of CK‐MB and troponin I, cardiac form (cTnI) were lower (P< 0.05); ECG improved significantly (P< 0.05); the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was lower (P< 0.05); and there was no difference in bleeding complications between the 2 groups (P= 0.1).ConclusionsThe administration of tirofiban in high risk patients with NSTE‐ACS after PCI is safe and effective. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decreased High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level is an Independent Correlate of Circulating Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α in a General Population
Authors: Yamagishi Sho‐ichi , Adachi Hisashi , Matsui Takanori , Nakamura Kazuo , Enomoto Mika , Fukami Ako , Otsuka Maki , Kumagae Shun‐ichi , Nanjo Yasuki , Imaizumi Tsutomu 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies implicate a pathophysiological role of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in atherosclerosis, thus suggesting that serum TNF‐α levels may be one of the biomarkers for future cardiovascular events. However, which anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory variables could regulate circulating TNF‐α levels in humans is not fully understood. In this study, we examined the independent determinants of serum TNF‐α levels in a Japanese general population.HypothesisAnthropometric, metabolic , and inflammatory variables could regulate TNF‐α.MethodsA total of 213 Japanese subjects underwent a complete history, physical examination, and determination of blood chemistries, including TNF‐α levels. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied for the determinants of TNF‐α levels.ResultsThe average TNF‐α levels were 13.4 ± 0.81 pg/ml in males and 13.9 ± 4.5 pg/ml in females, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that TNF‐α levels were associated with age (P = 0.007), body mass index (P = 0.034), waist circumference (<0.001), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C; inversely, P < 0.001), triglycerides (P < 0.001), creatinine (P < 0.001), uric acids (P < 0.001), insulin (P = 0.008), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR; P = 0.015), high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP; P < 0.001), and fibrinogen (P = 0.009). By the use of multiple stepwise regression analyses, HDL‐C (inversely, P < 0.001) and hs‐CRP (P < 0.001) remained significant and were independently related to TNF‐α levels (R2 = 0.153).ConclusionsThe present study is the first demonstration that besides hs‐CRP, a decreased HDL‐C level is an independent determinant of circulating TNF‐α in the Japanese general population. Elevation of TNF‐α may partly explain the increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with low HDL‐C levels. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low‐Density Lipoprotein Levels are One of the Independent Determinants of Circulating Levels of Advanced Glycation End Products in Nondiabetic Subjects
Authors: Yamagishi Sho‐ichi , Adachi Hisashi , Matsui Takanori , Nakamura Kazuo , Takeuchi Masayoshi , Enomoto Mika , Fukami Ako , Otsuka Maki , Kumagae Shun‐ichi , Nanjo Yasuki , Ueda Shin‐ichiro , Imaizumi Tsutomu 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundNonenzymatic modification of proteins by reducing sugars leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), whose process has been reported to progress under diabetes. Recently, diet has been found to be a major environmental source of proinflammatory AGEs in humans. Further, fats or meat‐derived products processed by high heat such as broiling have been shown to contain more AGEs than carbohydrates boiled for longer periods. Since circulating levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) are also regulated by dietary cholesterol, it is conceivable that intake of cholesterol‐rich foods could regulate serum levels of AGEs in humans. In this study, we investigated whether LDL‐C levels are one of the independent determinants of circulating AGEs levels in a nondiabetic general population.MethodsA total of 170 nondiabetic Japanese subjects underwent a complete history, physical examination, determination of blood chemistries, and serum AGEs.ResultsUnivariate analysis showed that AGEs levels were associated with LDL‐C (P < 0.05) and fasting plasma glucose levels (P < 0.05). By the use of multiple stepwise regression analyses, LDL‐C (P < 0.01) and fasting plasma glucose levels (P < 0.05) remained significant and were independently related to AGEs levels (R2 = 0.069).ConclusionsThe present study is the first demonstration that LDL‐C levels are one of the independent determinants of serum levels of AGEs in a nondiabetic general population. Intake of cholesterol‐rich foods may regulate serum levels of AGEs in nondiabetic subjects. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors of Change in Walking Distance in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease Undergoing Endovascular Intervention
Authors: Afaq A. , Patel J.H. , Gardner A.W. , Hennebry T.A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundEndovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease is becoming frequent, yet the clinical factors which predict ambulatory outcomes are not known.HypothesisTo identify predictors of change in walking distance in patients who underwent endovascular intervention for their lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD).MethodsA total of 134 patients underwent lower extremity peripheral arterial intervention, 52 patients were contacted via phone between 1 and 36 months (a mean of 22 mo) after their initial procedure. The remaining 82 patients were excluded due to the following reasons: death (n = 13), contact information was not available (n = 50), and refusal to participate in the follow‐up (n = 19).ResultsThe patients were 63 ± 12 years old (mean ± standard deviation [SD]), 46% were male, 47% were diabetics, 49% had coronary artery disease, of whom 29% had prior revascularization, and 22% had coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG). The disease severity described by Fontaine classification were as follows: 44.2% were in stage II, 15.4% were in stage III, and 40.4% were in stage IV. Walking distance was improved in 21% of patients, worsened in 73% of patients, and unchanged in 6% of patients. Stepwise multiple regression demonstrated that patients who started to walk or exercise (R = 0.372, P < 0.012) and who had a prior history of CABG (R = 0.467, P < 0.006) were the only independent predictors of the change in walking distance at follow‐up. Those who started to walk reported worse walking distance at follow‐up, while those with a history of CABG reported better walking distance at follow‐up.ConclusionCABG prior to endovascular intervention is predictive of favorable change in walking distance in patients with PAD at follow‐up. Therefore, post‐CABG patients are good candidates for exercise rehabilitation and risk factor modification. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender disparity in the rate of partner abandonment in patients with serious medical illness
Authors: Glantz Michael J. , Chamberlain Marc C. , Liu Qin , Hsieh Chung‐Cheng , Edwards Keith R. , Van Horn Alixis , Recht Lawrence 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:Life‐threatening illness creates severe stress that may result in marital discord, separation, or divorce and may adversely impact treatment, quality of life, and survival. The few studies that are available to date have suggested that the risk of divorce is not higher in cancer patients, but to the authors' knowledge, no data exist to date that have examined the effect of gender on this rate.METHODS:A total of 515 patients were prospectively identified as having either a malignant primary brain tumor (N = 214), a solid tumor with no nervous system involvement (N = 193), or multiple sclerosis (N = 108) who were married at the time of diagnosis. Basic demographic information and data regarding marital status were compiled. Patients were followed prospectively from enrollment until death or study termination.RESULTS:Women composed 53% of the patient population. Divorce or separation occurred at a rate similar to that reported in the literature (11.6%). There was, however, a greater than 6‐fold increase in risk after diagnosis when the affected spouse was the woman (20.8% vs 2.9%; P < .001). Female gender was found to be the strongest predictor of separation or divorce in each cohort. Marriage duration at the time of illness was also correlated with separation among brain tumor patients (P = .0001). Patients with brain tumors who were divorced or separated were more likely to be hospitalized, and less likely to participate in a clinical trial, receive multiple treatment regimens, complete cranial irradiation, or die at home (P < .0001).CONCLUSIONS:Female gender was found to be a strong predictor of partner abandonment in patients with serious medical illness. When divorce or separation occurred, quality of care and quality of life were adversely affected. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Proton beam therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nakayama Hidetsugu , Sugahara Shinji , Tokita Mari , Fukuda Kuniaki , Mizumoto Masashi , Abei Masato , Shoda Junichi , Sakurai Hideyuki , Tsuboi Koji , Tokuuye Koichi 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:The authors have published a series of studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of proton beam therapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in a variety of clinical settings. In the current study, they retrospectively reviewed their entire experience treating hepatocellular carcinoma patients with proton beam therapy at their hospital‐based facility at the University of Tsukuba.METHODS:From November 2001 to December 2007, 333 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were treated with proton beam therapy at the University of Tsukuba. A total of 318 patients were included in this study. Total dose delivered and fractionation scheme were determined by protocols that varied based on location of tumor. Survival rates and prognostic factors were assessed.RESULTS:Overall actuarial survival rates at 1‐year, 3‐years, and 5‐years were 89.5% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 85.7‐93.1%), 64.7% (95% CI, 56.6‐72.9%), and 44.6% (95% CI, 29.7‐59.5%), respectively. Child‐Pugh liver function (hazards ratio [HR], 2.84; P < .01), T stage (HR, 1.94; P < .05), performance status (HR, 2.12; P < .01), and planning target volume (HR, 2.12; P < .05) significantly impacted survival. The 3‐year and 5‐year survival rates were 69.1% (95% CI, 59.9‐78.3%) and 55.9% (95% CI, 41.5‐70.3%), respectively, for patients with Child‐Pugh A disease and 51.9% (95% CI, 32.3‐71.5%) and 44.5% (95% CI, 23.1‐65.8%), respectively, for patients with Child‐Pugh B disease. The actuarial survival rates of patients with Child‐Pugh class A were statistically different between groups of planned target volume ≤125 mL and >125 mL (P < .05).CONCLUSIONS:The authors have shown proton beam therapy to be both safe and effective for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. They strongly recommend the consideration of proton beam therapy in patients for whom other treatment options are risky or contraindicated. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Stabilization and Large Nonlinearity of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with a π‐Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Li Cuihong , Jiang Li , Liu Huibiao , Li Yuliang , Song Yinglin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractGold nanoparticles protected by a novel π‐conjugated polymer [poly(p‐phenylene ethynylene) containing pendent disulfide and bipyridine groups] are synthesized and characterized. The polymer can stabilize the gold nanoparticles effectively. The nonlinear optical properties of the gold nanoparticle colloid solutions in toluene are investigated by using the Z‐scan technique at a wavelength of 532 nm and pulse width of 4 ns. The gold‐nanoparticle colloid solutions show an exceptional nonlinear absorption effect, which simultaneously contains the saturated absorption resulting from third‐order nonlinearity and a large reverse‐saturated absorption resulting from fifth‐order nonlinearity. In addition, asymmetric self‐focusing refractive effects are investigated in the colloid solutions.
Analysis of Single‐Molecule Fluorescence Spectroscopic Data with a Markov‐Modulated Poisson Process
Authors: Jäger Mark , Kiel Alexander , Herten Dirk‐Peter , Hamprecht Fred A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe present a photon‐by‐photon analysis framework for the evaluation of data from single‐molecule fluorescence spectroscopy (SMFS) experiments using a Markov‐modulated Poisson process (MMPP). A MMPP combines a discrete (and hidden) Markov process with an additional Poisson process reflecting the observation of individual photons. The algorithmic framework is used to automatically analyze the dynamics of the complex formation and dissociation of Cu2+ions with the bidentate ligand 2,2′‐bipyridine‐4,4′dicarboxylic acid in aqueous media. The process of association and dissociation of Cu2+ions is monitored with SMFS. The dcbpy‐DNA conjugate can exist in two or more distinct states which influence the photon emission rates. The advantage of a photon‐by‐photon analysis is that no information is lost in preprocessing steps. Different model complexities are investigated in order to best describe the recorded data and to determine transition rates on a photon‐by‐photon basis. The main strength of the method is that it allows to detect intermittent phenomena which are masked by binning and that are difficult to find using correlation techniques when they are short‐lived.
PhotoMorphs™: A novel light‐activated reagent for controlling gene expression in zebrafish
Authors: Tomasini Amber J. , Schuler Aaron D. , Zebala John A. , Mayer Alan N. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractManipulating gene expression in zebrafish is critical for exploiting the full potential of this vertebrate model organism. Morpholino oligos are the most commonly used antisense technology for knocking down gene expression. However, morpholinos suffer from a lack of control over the timing and location of knockdown. In this report, we describe a novel light‐ activatable knockdown reagent called PhotoMorph™. PhotoMorphs can be generated from existing morpholinos by hybridization with a complementary caging strand containing a photocleavable linkage. The caging strand neutralizes the morpholino activity until irradiation of the PhotoMorph with UV light releases the morpholino. We generated PhotoMorphs to target genes encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein, No tail, and E‐cadherin to illustrate the utility of this approach. Temporal control of gene expression with PhotoMorphs permitted us to circumvent the early lethal phenotype of E‐cadherin knockdown. A splice‐blocking PhotoMorph directed to the rheb gene showed light‐dependent gene knockdown up to 72 hpf. PhotoMorphs thus offer a new class of laboratory reagents suitable for the spatiotemporal control of gene expression in the zebrafish. genesis 47:736–743, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chiral Primary Amine–Polyoxometalate Acid Hybrids as Asymmetric Recoverable Iminium‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Li Jiuyuan , Li Xin , Zhou Pengxin , Zhang Long , Luo Sanzhong , Cheng Jin‐Pei 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA new strategy for the immobilization of iminium organocatalysts through the acid–base assembly of multidentate chiral primary amines and solid polyacids is presented. A suitable structurally distinctive C2‐symmetric chiral primary amine (CPA) was identified in this study and the optimal CPA–POM hybrid obtained catalyzed the Diels–Alder cycloaddition of α‐substituted acroleins in high yields and fair‐to‐high selectivity under aqueous conditions. The primary amine in the metal–organic‐framework (MOF)‐like catalyst acted as the catalytic center as well as multidentate basic centers, whereas phosphotungstic acid played dual roles as both catalyst anchors and modulators of the activity and stereoselectivity. Furthermore, the MOF‐like catalyst showed both high reactivity and physical stability and thus could be recycled and reused six times with only a small loss of activity and selectivity. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Production of Pharmaceuticals from Papaver Cultivars in Vitro
Authors: Tisserat Brent , Berhow Mark 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIranian (Papaver bracteatum Lindl.) and opium poppy (P. somniferum L.) plantlets obtained from germinated seeds grown on a Murashige and Skoog basal medium (BM) readily manifest alkaloids. Temperature had a profound effect on growth and alkaloid production after 8 weeks in culture. Plantlets of poppy cultivars (cvs.) grew best at 18.5 and 20°C compared to 15 or 25°C. An alkaloid survey study with 24 Iranian and 21 opium poppy cvs. revealed that total morphinan alkaloids ranged from 0 to 6.55 mg/g dw. Prolific axillary branching was achieved from poppy cvs. by maintaining shoots on BM containing 1.0 mg/L N6‐benzyladenine and 0.01 mg/L α‐naphthalene acetic acid for an additional 16 weeks. The influence of vessel size on the growth response of established shoot clumps was determined by subculture in a variety of culture vessels for 8 weeks. The tested culture vessels included culture tubes (55 mm3 capacity (cap.)), babyfood jars (143 mm3 cap.), Magenta GA‐7 containers (365 mm3 cap.), and polycarbonate jars (1890 mm3 cap.) employing an in vitro hydroponics system (i.e. an automated plant culture system (APCS)). Highest growth rates occurred employing the APCS. The culture vessel capacity had a significant positive correlation on shoot length, fresh weight, number of leaves, and number of shoots. Shoot length, fresh weight, leaves, and shoots grown in the APCS exhibited increases of 1‐, 21.5‐, 7.8‐, and 8.3‐fold, respectively, compared to shoots grown in culture tubes. Higher culture growth rates that occurred in the larger‐size vessels were correlated with lower alkaloid production (mg alkaloids/g dw). However, the overall total alkaloids/vessel [(mg alkaloid/g dw)×g culture dw] increased because of greater biomass production per vessel. The alkaloid content was found to remain stable for shoots grown over a 6–month evaluation period.
Modeling and design of future multi‐energy generation and transmission systems
Authors: Favre‐Perrod Patrick , Kienzle Florian , Andersson Göran 
Published: July 2009

AbstractOngoing changes in energy systems offer the opportunity to reconsider the design of our current energy infrastructures. As many new grid participants like combined heat and power plants involve other forms of energy in addition to electricity, the consideration of multi‐energy networks represents a useful planning approach. This approach consists in an integrated analysis of combined infrastructures for conversion, transmission and storage of electricity, heat and chemical energy carriers. The integrated operation of systems with different energy carriers offers a new degree of freedom to system planners: energy can be generated, stored, and transmitted in various forms before being distributed to consumers in the adequate form. Different possible solutions for the design of multi‐energy systems will exhibit differences in costs and risks. In order to adequately assess these two quantities, mean‐variance portfolio theory is applied. Portfolio theory has been used in several cases of electricity generation planning. This paper shows the required modeling adaptations for the analysis of portfolios with multiple energy outputs and illustrates the application of portfolio theory in the context of multi‐energy infrastructures. The presented method can be used for the integrated planning of energy systems including the generation, the transmission and the possibility of additional conversion of multiple energy carriers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization based graph theoretic approach for corrective control strategies to mitigate overloads
Authors: Maharana Manoj Kumar , Swarup K. Shanti 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis paper presents a novel Optimization based corrective strategy based on graph theory to mitigate overloads during contingencies. Generator rescheduling and/or load shedding is performed locally, to restore the system from abnormal to normal operating state. The directed acyclic graph (DAG) technique is used to identify the participating generators and load buses for corrective control action with respect to a contingency. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to compute the optimal adjustments of generation and loads with security constraints such as line flows and bus voltage limits. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated for different contingency cases in IEEE 14‐ and 30‐bus systems. The result shows that the proposed approach is computationally fast, reliable and efficient, in restoring the system to normal state after a contingency with minimal control actions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An estimation of the sensitivity of numerical error norm using adjoint model
Authors: Alekseev A. K. , Navon I. M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA posteriori estimation of the numerical error sensitivity to the local truncation error is addressed using adjoint model endowed with the information on the error field. The numerical error is estimated from the solution of the linear tangent model (LTM) or from a Richardson extrapolation. The local truncation error used in the LTM is obtained by the action of a high‐order finite‐difference stencil on the field computed by the main (low‐order accuracy) algorithm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.