bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiplexed immunoassay of thyroglobulin autoantibodies in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Toffalori Emanuela , Tozzoli Renato , Caputo Marco , Ceriani Luca , Verburg Frederik A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundThyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies (TgAb) screening is recommended in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) to validate Tg measurements. We compared a new multiplexed and 2 conventional TgAb immunoassays in patients with DTC and healthy controls.MethodsTgAb were measured by 2 conventional automated immunoassays and a multiplexed immunoassay in sera from 163 patients with DTC and 64 controls.ResultsNo significant differences were found between the different assays when the suggested manufacturer cutoffs were used. The positive rate of multiplexed assay, but not of conventional assays, significantly increased when limits of detection were used as cutoff.ConclusionFurther technical evaluations are necessary to explain the very high rate of detectable TgAb values in both patients with DTC and controls by the multiplexed assay. For the moment, we suggest caution in using such methods in the current clinical practice. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Quantitative assessment of short‐term rainfall forecasts from radar nowcasts and MM5 forecasts
Authors: Liguori Sara , Rico‐Ramirez Miguel Angel 
Published: November 2011

AbstractShort‐term Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (QPFs) can be achieved from numerical weather prediction (NWP) models or radar nowcasting, that is the extrapolation of the precipitation at a future time from consecutive radar scans. Hybrid forecasts obtained by merging rainfall forecasts from radar nowcasting and NWP models are potentially more skilful than either radar nowcasts or NWP rainfall forecasts alone. This paper provides an assessment of deterministic and probabilistic high‐resolution QPFs achieved by implementing the Short‐term Ensemble Prediction System developed by the UK Met Office. Both radar nowcasts and hybrid forecasts have been performed. The results show that the performance of both deterministic nowcasts and deterministic hybrid forecasts decreases with increasing rainfall intensity and spatial resolution. The results also show that the blending with the NWP forecasts improves the performance of the forecasting system. Probabilistic hybrid forecasts have been obtained through the modelling of a stochastic noise component to produce a number of equally likely ensemble members, and the comparative assessment of deterministic and probabilistic hybrid forecasts shows that the probabilistic forecasting system is characterised by a higher discrimination accuracy than the deterministic one. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A polymorphism at the miR‐502 binding site in the 3′‐untranslated region of the histone methyltransferase SET8 is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma outcome
Authors: Guo Zhanjun , Wu Chensi , Wang Xiaoling , Wang Cuiju , Zhang Ruixing , Shan Baoen 
Published: November 2011

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) can bind to the 3′‐untranslated regions (UTRs) of messenger RNAs, where they interfere with translation and thereby regulate cell differentiation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Genetic polymorphisms in the 3′‐UTRs targeted by miRNAs alter the strength of miRNA binding in a manner that affects the behavior of individual miRNAs. The histone methyltransferase SET8 has been reported to methylate TP53 and regulate genomic stability. We analyzed a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (rs16917496) within the miR‐502 miRNA seed region for the 3′‐UTR of SET8 in Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The SET8 CC genotype was independently associated with longer postoperative survival in patients with HCC by multivariate analysis (relative risk, 0.175; 95% CI = 0.053–0.577; p = 0.004). The SET8 CC genotype was associated with reduced SET8 protein levels based on the immunostaining of 51 HCC tissue samples. We also found that the low SET8 levels were associated with longer HCC survival. Our data suggest that SET8 modifies HCC outcome by altering its expression, which depends, at least in part, on its binding affinity with miR‐502. The analysis of genetic polymorphisms in miRNA binding sites can help to identify patient subgroups that are at high risk for poor disease outcomes.
An improved smoothed particle electromagnetics method in 3D time domain simulations
Authors: Ala G. , Francomano E. 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARYIn this paper, an enhanced variant of the meshless smoothed particle electromagnetics (SPEM) method is performed in order to solve PDEs in time domain describing 3D transient electromagnetic phenomena. The method appears to be very efficient in approximating spatial derivatives in the numerical treatment of Maxwell's curl equations. In many cases, very often, accuracy degradation, due to a lack of particle consistency, severely limits the usefulness of this approach. A numerical corrective strategy, which allows to restore the SPEM consistency, without any modification of the smoothing kernel function and its derivatives, is presented.The method allows to restore the same order of consistency for both interior and the boundary regions outperforming the original version of SPEM as far as accuracy and stability are concerned. Therefore, computational details are reported and simulations, using uniform and non‐uniform particles distribution in 3D domains, are performed for the first time in order to validate the proposed approach. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of catalase‐loaded solid lipid nanoparticles based on soybean phosphatidylcholine
Authors: Qi Ce , Chen Yan , Huang Jian‐Hua , Jin Qing‐Zhe , Wang Xing‐Guo 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: High‐purity soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) (94%) were prepared using macroporous resin adsorption chromatography previously. Catalase is a food enzyme for promoting health and protecting against many age‐related disease. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are safe immobilizing systems for efficient protein transportation to biomembranes while avoiding adverse degradation of protein. This study was aimed at developing and characterizing catalase‐loaded SLN using SPC as solubilizers and stabilizing agents, to protect catalase from proteolysis.RESULTS: Catalase‐loaded SLN were prepared by the double emulsification method and solvent evaporation techniques, using acetone–methylene chloride (1:1, v/v) as an organic solvent, SPC–tripalmitin as oil phase and Poloxamer 188 as a surfactant. The optimized SLN were prepared using an SPC:tripalmitin ratio of 5% (w/w), 20 s plus 30 s sonication, 20 g L−1 Poloxamer 188 and 1:2 (v/v) of oily phase:outer aqueous phase ratio. The mean particle size of SLN was 296.0 ± 7.0 nm, polydispersity index range and zeta potential were 0.322–0.354 and − 36.4 ± 0.6, respectively, and encapsulation efficiency reached its maximum of 77.9 ± 1.56%. Catalase, which was found to distribute between the solid lipid and inner aqueous phase, was gradually released from SLN up to 20% within 20 h. Catalase‐loaded SLN had stably retained 30% of H2O2‐degrading activity for at least 24 h in a proteolytic environment, while free catalase lost its activity within 1 h.CONCLUSION: Catalase can indeed be loaded in tripalmitin‐based SLN using SPC as solubilizers and stabilizing agents, which protected it against proteolysis, suggesting the potential application of SPC in delivery and protection of functional food enzyme. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Physiological age at harvest regulates the variability in postharvest ripening, sensory and nutritional characteristics of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Coghshall due to growing conditions
Authors: Joas Jacques , Vulcain Emmanuelle , Desvignes Claire , Morales Emeline , Léchaudel Mathieu 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Climacteric fruits are harvested at the green‐mature stage and ripen during their marketing cycle. However, growing conditions induce variability into the maturity stage of mangoes at harvest, with an impact on their final quality. Assuming that the physiological age can be correctly evaluated by a criterion based on the variable chlorophyll fluorescence of the skin (Fv) and that differences in physiological age depend on growing conditions, controlled stress experiments were carried out on mango fruit by manipulating either the leaf/fruit ratio or the light environment.RESULTS: Delays from 9 to 30 days were observed, depending on stress level and harvest stage, to obtain the same Fv value. For moderate stress, fruit composition after ripening was partially compensated for, with little or no difference in sugar, dry matter, carotenoid and aroma contents. For more pronounced stress, the major metabolites were not particularly affected, but the synthesis capacity of carotenoids and aromas was lower after maturity.CONCLUSION: The ripening ability of a fruit is acquired on the tree and defines its postharvest changes. Control of the physiological age at harvest can minimise the variability observed under natural conditions and guarantee fruit batches whose postharvest changes will be relatively homogeneous. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Advanced preservation methods and nutrient retention in fruits and vegetables
Authors: Barrett Diane M , Lloyd Beate 
Published: November 2011

AbstractDespite the recommendations of international health organizations and scientific research carried out around the world, consumers do not take in sufficient quantities of healthy fruit and vegetable products. The use of new, ‘advanced’ preservation methods creates a unique opportunity for food manufacturers to retain nutrient content similar to that found in fresh fruits and vegetables. This review presents a summary of the published literature regarding the potential of high‐pressure and microwave preservation, the most studied of the ‘advanced’ processes, to retain the natural vitamin A, B, C, phenolic, mineral and fiber content in fruits and vegetables at the time of harvest. Comparisons are made with more traditional preservation methods that utilize thermal processing. Case studies on specific commodities which have received the most attention are highlighted; these include apples, carrots, oranges, tomatoes and spinach. In addition to summarizing the literature, the review includes a discussion of postharvest losses in general and factors affecting nutrient losses in fruits and vegetables. Recommendations are made for future research required to evaluate these advanced process methods. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A stakeholder perspective into wildlife policy in India
Authors: Niraj Shekhar K. , Krausman P. R. , Dayal Vikram 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe investigated perceptions of wildlife policy and issues through questionnaires (n = 148) administered to policy makers, conservation scientists, individuals representing non‐government organizations (NGOs), and field officials, who implemented government policies and enforced laws. We found significant differences among attitudes of stakeholders identifying major threats to wildlife, the use of science, the role of poaching in conservation, and the composition of species illegally traded. Policy makers and field officials differed in their views with NGOs and scientists on community response to wildlife policies and the varying threat perceptions to different species due to poaching and illegal trade. We noted ambiguity among stakeholders about sustainable use principles in India. Policies must be more effective in conservation and the process of making policy must be broad‐based and participatory if wildlife conservation is to advance on the subcontinent. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Lead exposure in large carnivores in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem
Authors: Rogers Thomas A. , Bedrosian Bryan , Graham Jon , Foresman Kerry R. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIngestion of lead rifle bullet fragments found in discarded hunter‐harvested ungulate gut piles negatively affects avian wildlife. Some large carnivores, such as grizzly bears, are also known to target these gut piles as a food source and are therefore potentially at risk of lead exposure. We investigated whether large carnivores in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem were exposed to lead, and if so, if ammunition ingested from gut piles was an apparent source of exposure. Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos, n = 82) exhibited higher blood lead levels (median = 4.4 µg/dL, range 1.1–18.6 µg/dL) than black bears (Ursus americanus, n = 35, median = 1.6, range 0.5–6.9 µg/dL), but blood lead levels did not increase during the autumn hunting season when potentially lead‐tainted gut piles are available. Wolves (Canis lupus, n = 21) and cougars (Puma concolor, n = 8) showed lead concentrations near or below the minimum level of detection in both blood and tissue samples. Unlike findings in previous studies on avian scavengers, we did not find lead ammunition fragments to be a widespread source of lead exposure in large carnivores. Grizzly bears do, however, exhibit blood lead levels that are higher than what is considered safe in humans, but the source of this exposure remains unknown. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Translocation of Gunnison's prairie dogs from an urban and suburban colony to abandoned wildland colonies
Authors: Nelson Emily J. , Theimer Tad C. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractTranslocating prairie dogs from areas in or near human developments to wildlands can reduce conflicts with humans or supplement wild populations, but translocation methods differ in cost and fate of translocated individuals is often difficult to assess. We translocated 74 Gunnison's prairie dogs from 1 source colony in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona (urban) and 75 from 1 source colony in lower density housing outside the city (suburban) to 2 abandoned, recipient colonies on open grasslands 50 km north of the city (wildland). We released animals into uncaged, pre‐existing burrow entrances (hard release) or into temporary cages over pre‐existing burrow entrances (soft release). We captured 15 (10%) marked animals 1 year post‐translocation at the 2 recipient colonies, 7 from soft release treatments and 8 from hard release treatments but visual surveys indicated a minimum of 57 adult prairie dogs and 76 pups present. Adult prairie dogs in all photographs taken by automated cameras placed at burrow entrances at each recipient colony had ear tags, suggesting that most animals at these colonies were survivors from translocation and that survival was likely higher than 10%. By 1 year post‐release, recipient colonies occupied an area roughly 9–18 times that of source colonies. Urban Gunnison's prairie dogs can be successfully translocated to abandoned wildland colonies without using soft release methods, but animals may disperse widely. Given the cost and effort translocation requires, and the fact that all 6 confirmed mortalities were from human shooting, we recommend temporary restrictions on shooting at recipient colonies until populations have met management goals. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Exploring the Scope of the Baylis–Hillman Reaction for the Synthesis of Side‐Chain Functional Polyesters
Authors: Ji Sanhao , Bruchmann Bernd , Klok Harm‐Anton 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe Baylis–Hillman reaction provides a protective‐group‐free strategy to heterobifunctional polyesters, which can be further modified via various post‐polymerization modification reactions. This contribution explores the Baylis–Hillman polymerization of 1,3‐butanediol diacrylate with two readily available dialdehyde monomers, iso‐ and terephthaldehyde. The influence of a variety of catalysts and additives on the polymerization of these two pairs of monomers and in particular the molecular weight of the resulting polymers was investigated. The presence of the orthogonally reactive vinyl and hydroxyl groups makes the polymers interesting, e.g., as precursors for dual‐cure coatings.
Birth control vaccine targeting leukemia inhibitory factor
Authors: Lemons Angela R. , Naz Rajesh K. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe population explosion and unintended pregnancies resulting in elective abortions continue to impose major public health issues. This calls for a better method of contraception. Immunocontraception has been proposed as a valuable alternative that can fulfill most, if not all, of the properties of an ideal contraceptive. There are several targets that are being explored for contraceptive vaccine development. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a member of interleukin‐6 family, is required for embryo development and successful blastocyst implantation in several mammalian species. The present study was conducted to examine if LIF can be a target for the development of a birth control vaccine. Three sequences from LIF and two sequences from LIF‐receptor (LIF‐R) that span the regions involved in ligand‐receptor binding were delineated, and peptides were synthesized based upon these sequences. Antibodies raised against these five peptides reduced LIF bioactivity in an in vitro culture assay using BA/F3 mLIF‐R‐mpg130 cells. Vaccines were prepared by conjugating these peptides to various carrier proteins. Immunization of female mice with these peptide vaccines induced a long‐lasting, circulating as well as local antibody response in various parts of the genital tract, and resulted in a significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibition in fertility in all the three trials; the LIF‐R peptide vaccines proved to be a better vaccine target. The data indicate that LIF/LIF‐R is an excellent target for the development of a birth control vaccine. This is the first study, to our knowledge, that examined LIF/LIF‐R as a target for immunocontraception. The findings of this study can be easily translated to humans since LIF/LIF‐R is also important for implantation and pregnancy in women. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:97–106, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Petrov–Galerkin formulation for the alpha interpolation of FEM and FDM stencils: Applications to the Helmholtz equation
Authors: Nadukandi Prashanth , Oñate Eugenio , Garcia Julio 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARYA new Petrov–Galerkin (PG) method involving two parameters, namely α1 and α2, is presented, which yields the following schemes on rectangular meshes: (i) a compact stencil obtained by the linear interpolation of the Galerkin FEM and the classical central finite difference method (FDM), should the parameters be equal, that is, α1 = α2 = α; and (ii) the nonstandard compact stencil presented in (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2011; 86:18–46) for the Helmholtz equation if the parameters are distinct, that is, α1 ≠ α2. The nonstandard compact stencil is obtained by taking the linear interpolation of the diffusive terms (specified by α1) and the mass terms (specified by α2) that appear in the stencils obtained by the standard Galerkin FEM and the classical central FDM, respectively. On square meshes, these two schemes were shown to provide solutions to the Helmholtz equation that have a dispersion accuracy of fourth and sixth order, respectively (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2011; 86:18–46). The objective of this paper is to study the performance of this PG method for the Helmholtz equation using nonuniform meshes and the treatment of natural boundary conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Betasympathomimetika bei Asthma bronchiale
Authors: Högger Petra 
Published: November 2011

AbstractInhalativ verabreichte Agonisten der β‐adrenergen Rezeptoren werden schon länger als inhalative Glucocorticoide in der Therapie des Asthma bronchiale eingesetzt. Ihre bronchorelaxierende Wirkung führt zu einer schnellen Besserung akuter Symptome. Aufgrund ihrer hohen Effektivität sind sie ein wichtiger Bestandteil der Behandlungsleitlinien chronisch‐obstruktiver Lungenerkrankungen. In letzter Zeit standen zahlreiche Diskussionen über Nutzen und Schaden ihrer Anwendung im Fokus des Interesses.
Betasympathomimetika bei Kindern und Schwangeren
Authors: Klein Marcus O. , Hilpert Felix , Ankermann Tobias 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBetasympathomimetika werden bei Kindern zur Behandlung obstruktiver Ventilationsstörungen, die vorzugsweise per inhalationem erfolgen sollte, und der Hyperkaliämie, bei der die Gabe systemisch erfolgen sollte, eingesetzt. Sie sind gut untersucht, gut wirksam und sicher. In der Schwangerschaft werden Betasympathomimetika zur Therapie des Asthma bronchiale und zur Tokolyse eingesetzt. Die Therapie eines Asthma bronchiale in der Schwangerschaft unterscheidet sich bezüglich der Betasympathomimetika nicht von der nicht‐schwangerer Frauen. Inhalativ applizierte Betasympathomimetika sind in der Schwangerschaft zur Asthmatherapie hinreichend untersucht und sicher. Beim Einsatz zur Tokolyse ist der Stellenwert der Betasympathomimetika angesichts neuerer zur Tokolyse eingesetzter Substanzen in Diskussion.
Spirodiclofen and spirotetramat bioassays for monitoring resistance in citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Ouyang Yuling , Montez Gregory H , Liu Lucy , Grafton‐Cardwell Elizabeth E 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor), is a key pest of San Joaquin Valley California citrus. Spirodiclofen was registered for mite control in 2007, and spirotetramat for scale control in 2008. Because of the potential for resistance to spirodiclofen to develop in spider mites, and cross‐resistance to spirotetramat used for other citrus pests, bioassay methods for resistance monitoring were developed.RESULTS: The responses of four populations of adult female, egg and larval stages of P. citri to spirodiclofen were compared to determine the most robust bioassay method for this pesticide. Adult females responded with a higher LC99 and larval stages exhibited higher control mortality and a lower slope of response compared with the egg stage. Thus, the egg stage was found to be the most suitable stage for testing. Egg production and egg shape were significantly affected by spirodiclofen treatment of adult female mites. Bioassays with the related compound spirotetramat revealed that P. citri egg hatch was less affected by this compound, requiring the assessment of mortality to be extended to 11 days after treatment when the hatched larvae succumbed to the pesticide. Discriminating concentrations of 10 ppm for spirodiclofen and 31.6 ppm for spirotetramat in an 11 day bioassay were tested against eight field populations of P. citri, and 99–100% mortality resulted.CONCLUSION: These results provide a baseline for the response of P. citri to spirodiclofen and spirotetramat that will aid resistance management in California citrus. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Towards Comparative Measures of Circulation: Insights from Indigenous Australia
Authors: Taylor John , Bell Martin 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTCirculation and other forms of temporary movement are of rising importance in the context of overall population mobility. Despite this, analysis is constrained by a lack of appropriate data and techniques for developing summary measures. Ethnographic methods have afforded useful insights into the complex space–time circuits and lifetime sequences involved, but without quantitative indicators these forms of mobility are effectively invisible to researchers and policy makers. Building on prior work in developing countries we advance methodologies for summarising the temporal dimension of circular mobility. Using illustrative data drawn from a variety of field studies among indigenous peoples in Australia we show how lifelines tracing individual mobility profiles can be used to generate systematic measures of frequency and duration. When plotted graphically these reveal distinctive periodicities that correspond to particular forms of mobility behaviour. Because these metrics are scalable and readily amenable to collection in general surveys they offer a unique bridge between the richness of detail that flows from biographic approaches and the aggregate metrics needed for statistical comparison. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.