bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Female gender predicts lower access and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in a setting of free healthcare
Authors: Tapp Christine , Milloy M-J , Kerr Thomas , Zhang Ruth , Guillemi Silvia , Hogg Robert S , Montaner Julio , Wood Evan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundBarriers to HIV treatment among injection drug users (IDU) are a major public health concern. However, there remain few long-term studies investigating key demographic and behavioral factors - and gender differences in particular - that may pose barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART), especially in settings with universal healthcare. We evaluated access and adherence to ART in a long-term cohort of HIV-positive IDU in a setting where medical care and antiretroviral therapy are provided free of charge through a universal healthcare system.MethodsWe evaluated baseline antiretroviral use and subsequent adherence to ART among a Canadian cohort of HIV-positive IDU. We used generalized estimating equation logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with 95% adherence to antiretroviral therapy estimated based on prescription refill compliance.ResultsBetween May 1996 and April 2008, 545 IDU participants were followed for a median of 23.8 months (Inter-quartile range: 8.5 - 91.6), among whom 341 (63%) were male and 204 (37%) were female. Within the six-month period prior to the baseline interview, 133 (39%) men and 62 (30%) women were on ART (p= 0.042). After adjusting for clinical characteristics as well as drug use patterns measured longitudinally throughout follow-up, female gender was independently associated with a lower likelihood of being 95% adherent to ART (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.70; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.53-0.93).ConclusionsDespite universal access to free HIV treatment and medical care, female IDU were less likely to access and adhere to antiretroviral therapy, a finding that was independent of drug use and clinical characteristics. These data suggest that interventions to improve access to HIV treatment among IDU must be tailored to address unique barriers to antiretroviral therapy faced by female IDU.
Comparison of expression, purification and characterization of a new pectate lyase from Phytophthora capsiciusing two different methods
Authors: Wang Huizheng , Fu Li , Zhang Xiuguo 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Pectate lyases (PELs) play an important role in the infection process of plant pathogens and also have a commercial significance in industrial applications. Most of the PELs were expressed as soluble recombinant proteins, while a few recombinant proteins were insoluble. The production of a large-scale soluble recombinant PEL would allow not only a more detailed structural and functional characterization of this enzyme but also may have important applications in the food industry.

Results
We cloned a new pectate lyase gene (Pcpel2) from Phytophthora capsici. Pcpel2 was constructed by pET system and pMAL system, and both constructs were used to express the PCPEL2 in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS. The expressed products were purified using affinity chromatography and gel filtration chromatography. The purity, specific activity and pathogenicity of the purified PCPEL2 expressed by the pMAL system were higher than the purified PCPEL2 expressed by the pET system. In addition, some other characteristics of the purified PCPEL2 differed from the two systems, such as crystallographic features. Purified PCPEL2 expressed by the pMAL system was crystallized by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method at 289 K, and initial crystals were grown.

Conclusion
The two different methods and comparison presented here would be highly valuable in obtaining an ideal enzyme for the downstream experiments, and supply an useful alternative to purify some insoluble recombinant proteins.
One year outcomes of a mentoring scheme for female academics: a pilot study at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London
Authors: Dutta Rina , Hawkes Sarah L , Kuipers Elizabeth , Guest David , Fear Nicola T , Iversen Amy C 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
The professional development of under-represented faculty may be enhanced by mentorship, but we understand very little about the mechanisms by which mentoring brings about change. Our study posed the research question, what are the mechanisms by which mentoring may support professional development in under-represented groups?
The study aims to: (i) to pilot a mentoring scheme for female academics; (ii) to compare various health-related and attitudinal measures in mentees at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year into the mentoring relationship and, (iii) to compare pre-mentoring expectations to outcomes at 6 months and 1 year follow-up for mentees and mentors.

Methods
Female academic mentees were matched 1:1 or 2:1 with more senior academic mentors. Online surveys were conducted to compare health-related and attitudinal measures and expectations of mentoring at baseline with outcomes at 6 months and 1 year using paired t-tests and McNemar's test for matched cohort data.

Results
N = 46 mentoring pairs, 44 (96%) mentees completed the pre-mentoring survey, 37 (80%) at 6 months and 30 (65%) at 1 year. Job-related well-being (anxiety-contentment), self-esteem and self-efficacy all improved significantly and work-family conflict diminished at 1 year. Highest expectations were career progression (39; 89%), increased confidence (38; 87%), development of networking skills (33; 75%), better time-management (29; 66%) and better work-life balance (28; 64%). For mentees, expectations at baseline were higher than perceived achievements at 6 months or 1 year follow-up.
For mentors (N = 39), 36 (92%) completed the pre-mentoring survey, 32 (82%) at 6 months and 28 (72%) at 1 year. Mentors' highest expectations were of satisfaction in seeing people progress (26; 69%), seeing junior staff develop and grow (19; 53%), helping solve problems (18; 50%), helping women advance their careers (18; 50%) and helping remove career obstacles (13; 36%). Overall, gains at 6 months and 1 year exceeded pre-mentoring expectations.

Conclusions
This uncontrolled pilot study suggests that mentoring can improve aspects of job-related well-being, self-esteem and self-efficacy over 6 months, with further improvements seen after 1 year for female academics. Work-family conflict can also diminish. Despite these gains, mentees' prior expectations were shown to be unrealistically high, but mentors' expectations were exceeded.
Phase 1 pilot study of e-mail support for people with long term conditions using the Internet
Authors: Sheaves Bryony , Jones Ray B , Williamson Graham R , Chauhan Rohan 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Use of the Internet for people with Long Term Conditions (LTCs) can have a positive effect on knowledge, social support, behavioural and clinical outcomes, yet there is concern that a 'digital divide' prevents some patients from benefitting. While some patients do not have access to the Internet, others that do may still lack expertise or the confidence to make full use of it. The aim of this pilot study was to develop an intervention and test methods for a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) of anonymous personal online email support for patients in this latter group.

Methods
Recruitment success was evaluated by the number and appropriateness of participants recruited. A personalised e-health support intervention was developed. The provisional primary outcome was the extent to which the Internet affected the participants' confidence in dealing with their LTC. Primary outcome, seven process measures and two secondary outcomes measures were evaluated for completeness of data and sensitivity to detect changes.

Results
Thirty nine participants were recruited, 29 after personally receiving a leaflet, seven via email advertising, and three via leaflets left in waiting areas. Most participants (61%) were aged over 60. The majority (21/38) rated themselves as experienced Internet users although only 5/38 had used discussion forums for their LTC. Piloting the intervention identified support needed as: (i) technical help with some websites, (ii) advice about issues such as anonymity, (iii) help in judging information quality, (iv) identification of relevant information (via 'Information Prescriptions'), (v) motivational support to try new sites. Attrition was fairly high: 20/39 completed follow up questionnaires. Three process measures showed ceiling effects and two had too many missing values to be useable.

Conclusion
E-health support is a promising way of addressing the problems faced by older generation e-health seekers. Face-to-face leaflet distribution recruited sufficient numbers but additional locations other than hospital should be tried to recruit Internet novices with LTCs. An RCT is feasible and necessary to evaluate the potential benefits of anonymous email support. Our methods could be used by other researchers studying Internet use by people with LTCs.
Experimental stability analysis of different water-based nanofluids
Authors: Fedele Laura , Colla Laura , Bobbo Sergio , Barison Simona , Agresti Filippo 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn the recent years, great interest has been devoted to the unique properties of nanofluids. The dispersion process and the nanoparticle suspension stability have been found to be critical points in the development of these new fluids. For this reason, an experimental study on the stability of water-based dispersions containing different nanoparticles, i.e. single wall carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and copper oxide (CuO), has been developed in this study. The aim of this study is to provide stable nanofluids for selecting suitable fluids with enhanced thermal characteristics. Different dispersion techniques were considered in this study, including sonication, ball milling and high-pressure homogenization. Both the dispersion process and the use of some dispersants were investigated as a function of the nanoparticle concentration. The high-pressure homogenization was found to be the best method, and the addition of n-dodecyl sulphate and polyethylene glycol as dispersants, respectively in SWCNHs-water and TiO2-water nanofluids, improved the nanofluid stability.
Synthesis and characterization of VO2-based thermochromic thin films for energy-efficient windows
Authors: Batista Carlos , Ribeiro Ricardo M , Teixeira Vasco 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThermochromic VO2 thin films have successfully been grown on SiO2-coated float glass by reactive DC and pulsed-DC magnetron sputtering. The influence of substitutional doping of V by higher valence cations, such as W, Mo, and Nb, and respective contents on the crystal structure of VO2 is evaluated. Moreover, the effectiveness of each dopant element on the reduction of the intrinsic transition temperature and infrared modulation efficiency of VO2 is discussed. In summary, all the dopant elements--regardless of the concentration, within the studied range-- formed a solid solution with VO2, which was the only compound observed by X-ray diffractometry. Nb showed a clear detrimental effect on the crystal structure of VO2. The undoped films presented a marked thermochromic behavior, specially the one prepared by pulsed-DC sputtering. The dopants effectively decreased the transition of VO2 to the proximity of room temperature. However, the IR modulation efficiency is markedly affected as a consequence of the increased metallic character of the semiconducting phase. Tungsten proved to be the most effective element on the reduction of the semiconducting-metal transition temperature, while Mo and Nb showed similar results with the latter being detrimental to the thermochromism.
An antibacterial coating based on a polymer/sol-gel hybrid matrix loaded with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Rivero Pedro José , Urrutia Aitor , Goicoechea Javier , Zamarreño Carlos Ruiz , Arregui Francisco Javier , Matías Ignacio Raúl 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this work a novel antibacterial surface composed of an organic-inorganic hybrid matrix of tetraorthosilicate and a polyelectrolyte is presented. A precursor solution of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and poly(acrylic acid sodium salt) (PAA) was prepared and subsequently thin films were fabricated by the dip-coating technique using glass slides as substrates. This hybrid matrix coating is further loaded with silver nanoparticles using an in situ synthesis route. The morphology and composition of the coatings have been studied using UV-VIS spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) was also used to confirm the presence of the resulting silver nanoparticles within the thin films. Finally the coatings have been tested in bacterial cultures of genus Lactobacillus plantarum to observe their antibacterial properties. It has been experimentally demonstrated that these silver loaded organic-inorganic hybrid films have a very good antimicrobial behavior against this type of bacteria.
Influence of electrolyte co-additives on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Stergiopoulos Thomas , Rozi Evangelia , Karagianni Chaido-Stefania , Falaras Polycarpos 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe presence of specific chemical additives in the redox electrolyte results in an efficient increase of the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The most effective additives are 4-tert-butylpyridine (TBP), N-methylbenzimidazole (NMBI) and guanidinium thiocyanate (GuNCS) that are adsorbed onto the photoelectrode/electrolyte interface, thus shifting the semiconductor's conduction band edge and preventing recombination with triiodides. In a comparative work, we investigated in detail the action of TBP and NMBI additives in ionic liquid-based redox electrolytes with varying iodine concentrations, in order to extract the optimum additive/I2 ratio for each system. Different optimum additive/I2 ratios were determined for TBP and NMBI, despite the fact that both generally work in a similar way. Further addition of GuNCS in the optimized electrolytic media causes significant synergistic effects, the action of GuNCS being strongly influenced by the nature of the corresponding co-additive. Under the best operation conditions, power conversion efficiencies as high as 8% were obtained.
Cohesive strength of nanocrystalline ZnO:Ga thin films deposited at room temperature
Authors: Samantilleke Anura Priyajith , Rebouta Luís Manuel Fernandes , Garim Vitor , Rubio-Peña Luis , Lanceros-Mendez Senetxu , Alpuim Pedro , Carvalho Sandra , Kudrin Alexey V , Danilov Yury A 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this study, transparent conducting nanocrystalline ZnO:Ga (GZO) films were deposited by dc magnetron sputtering at room temperature on polymers (and glass for comparison). Electrical resistivities of 8.8 × 10-4 and 2.2 × 10-3 Ω cm were obtained for films deposited on glass and polymers, respectively. The crack onset strain (COS) and the cohesive strength of the coatings were investigated by means of tensile testing. The COS is similar for different GZO coatings and occurs for nominal strains approx. 1%. The cohesive strength of coatings, which was evaluated from the initial part of the crack density evolution, was found to be between 1.3 and 1.4 GPa. For these calculations, a Young's modulus of 112 GPa was used, evaluated by nanoindentation.
Glycated albumin suppresses glucose-induced insulin secretion by impairing glucose metabolism in rat pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Shiraki Takayuki , Miura Yoshikazu , Sawada Tokihiko , Okada Toshie , Sakuraoka Yuhki , Muto Takashi , Kubota Keiichi 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Glycated albumin (GA) is an Amadori product used as a marker of hyperglycemia. In this study, we investigated the effect of GA on insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells.

Methods
Islets were collected from male Wistar rats by collagenase digestion. Insulin secretion in the presence of non-glycated human albumin (HA) and GA was measured under three different glucose concentrations, 3 mM (G3), 7 mM (G7), and 15 mM (G15), with various stimulators. Insulin secretion was measured with antagonists of inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS), and the expression of iNOS-mRNA was investigated by real-time PCR.

Results
Insulin secretion in the presence of HA and GA was 20.9 ± 3.9 and 21.6 ± 5.5 μU/3 islets/h for G3 (P = 0.920), and 154 ± 9.3 and 126.1 ± 7.3 μU/3 islets/h (P = 0.046), for G15, respectively. High extracellular potassium and 10 mM tolbutamide abrogated the inhibition of insulin secretion by GA. Glyceraldehyde, dihydroxyacetone, methylpyruvate, GLP-1, and forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, did not abrogate the inhibition. Real-time PCR showed that GA did not induce iNOS-mRNA expression. Furthermore, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthetase, aminoguanidine, and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester did not abrogate the inhibition of insulin secretion.

Conclusion
GA suppresses glucose-induced insulin secretion from rat pancreatic β-cells through impairment of intracellular glucose metabolism.
Mucocele-like lesions of the breast: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Ohi Yasuyo , Umekita Yoshihisa , Rai Yoshiaki , Sagara Yasuaki , Baba Shinichi , Tamada Shugo , Sagara Yoshiaki , Kukita Taeko , Yoshioka Takako , Hatanaka Kazuhito , Sagara Yoshiatsu , Tanimoto Akihide 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Mucocele-like lesions (MLL) of the breast were originally described as benign lesions composed of multiple cysts lined by uniform flat to cuboidal epithelium with extravasated mucin, but subsequent reports described the coexistence of columnar cell lesions (CCL), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Several reports have investigated whether core biopsy can diagnose MLL reliably; however, there is only one report with a long-term follow-up after excision of MLL. We report here 15 surgically excised MLL with a long-term follow-up.

Findings
Fifteen lesions diagnosed as MLL from 13 patients who had undergone excisional biopsy between January 2001 and December 2006 were retrieved and followed-up for 24-99 months (median 63.8). Two lesions were accompanied with CCL, 5 with ADH and 3 with low grade DCIS. Four lesions (2 ADH, 2 DCIS) were additionally resected and their histology revealed 2 ADH, one DCIS and one MLL with CCL. Of 4 lesions (3 ADH, one DCIS) without additional resection, one lesion (ADH) relapsed accompanied with DCIS at 37 months after excision.

Conclusions
MLL were frequently accompanied with CCL, ADH or low grade DCIS. Complete resection may be recommended in case of MLL with ADH or DCIS because of intralesional heterogeneity and the probabilities of relapse.
Increase of Circulating CXCL9 and CXCL11 Associated with Euthyroid or Subclinically Hypothyroid Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Antonelli Alessandro , Ferrari Silvia Martina , Frascerra Silvia , Di Domenicantonio Andrea , Nicolini Andrea , Ferrari Paola , Ferrannini Ele , Fallahi Poupak 
Published: April 2011

Context:
Recently, CXCL9 and CXCL11 have been shown to be involved in autoimmune thyroid disorders; however, no data are present about CXCL9 and CXCL11 circulating levels in thyroid autoimmunity.

Objective:
Our objective was to evaluate circulating CXCL9 and CXCL11 in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT).

Design and Patients or Other Participants:
Serum CXCL9 and CXCL11 have been measured in 141 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed AIT (AIT-p), 70 euthyroid controls, and 35 patients with nontoxic multinodular thyroid. The three groups were similar in gender distribution and age; among the AIT-p, 26% had subclinical hypothyroidism.

Results:
Serum CXCL9 and CXCL11 levels were significantly (P &lt; 0.0001 for both) higher in AIT-p (143 ± 164 and 121 ± 63 pg/ml, respectively) than in controls (68 ± 37 and 65 ± 19 pg/ml, respectively) or patients with multinodular thyroid (87 ± 43 and 71 ± 20 pg/ml, respectively). Among AIT-p, CXCL9 and CXCL11 levels were significantly higher in patients older than 50 yr or those with a hypoechoic ultrasonographic pattern or with hypothyroidism. In a multiple linear regression model including age, thyroid volume, hypoechogenicity, hypervascularity, TSH, anti-thyroglobulin, and anti-thyroid peroxidase, only age and TSH were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) related to serum CXCL9 or CXCL11 levels. In a multiple linear regression model of CXCL9 vs. age, TSH, and CXCL11, TSH (P = 0.032) and CXCL11 (P = 0.001) were significantly and independently related to CXCL9.

Conclusions:
We first show that circulating CXCL9 and CXCL11 are increased in patients with thyroiditis and hypothyroidism and are related to each other. These results underline the importance of a Th1 immune attack in the initiation of AIT.
Titanium Tetraiodide-Promoted Reductive Enolate Formation of α-Tosyloxy Ketone Derivatives and Aldol Reaction with Aldehydes
Authors: Hachiya Iwao , Inagaki Takao , Ishihara Yasuhisa , Shimizu Makoto 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Titanium tetraiodide-promoted reductive enolate formation from α-tosyloxy ketone derivatives and subsequent aldol reaction of the resulting enolates with aldehydes gave β-hydroxy ketones.
Ausbildung von „Universalgenies“? Zum Kompetenzbegriff und translatorischen Kompetenzmodellen
Authors: Herold Susann 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAn important element in T&I studies is the problem of teaching translation and interpreting. The following article does not, however, try to answer the question of whether and how we can teach translation to students. The focal point lies instead on the concept of translation/interpreting competence(s) and the question of whether cultivating all the competences identified by T&I studies as essential to translating/interpreting does not in fact entail trying to turn students into universal geniuses. What would this mean for university teachers? And can we integrate the competences defined in T&I studies into a concise model which can be of use in developing realistic teaching methods?
Multimediale Revolution – Multimodaler Text: Eigenschaften multimodaler Texte anhand von Beispielen aus der Anzeigenwerbung
Authors: Hennecke Angelika 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe present article deals with the question of how - on the one hand - the current “multimedia revolution” changes our conceptions of text, text production and text reception, and which challenges arise from these changes for Applied Linguistics and for Communication Sciences on the other hand. The fact that in the construction of texts other codes are increasingly significant in addition to the verbal-linguistic code needs a wide and interdisciplinary perspective and the cooperation between linguistics and semiotics. From a perspective based on textual semiotics, the author intends to describe the characteristics and specifics of multimodal texts, in order to present a model for their description and characterization. The question which first arises is how the different codes which participate in the construction of the text interact, in what way they are connected and what their constitutive participation in the resulting superior meaning of the whole text is. These theoretical observations are finally illustrated by examples from print advertising, since print advertisements are understood as the epitome of multimodal super-texts, and because of the fact that the above described modifications and changes in our text world appear in a broad manner in texts of mass communication.