bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effects of ivabradine on hemodynamic parameters and cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin treatment in rat
Authors: Colak MC , Parlakpinar H , Tasdemir S , Samdanci E , Kose E , Polat A , Sarihan E , Acet A 
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of ivabradine against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats using hemodynamic parameters (electrocardiogram, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure), biochemical markers of oxidative stress, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase-MB, and histopathological analyses both in serum and tissue specimens. A total of 28 female rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: (a) control ( n = 6 rats), (b) DOX group ( n = 7 rats), (c) DOX + ivabradine–treated group ( n = 8 rats), and (d) ivabradine group ( n = 7 rats). When the means of the four groups were compared, there was only a significant difference in the level of HR ( p < 0.05). DOX treatment caused more HR elevation when compared to the control group, whereas ivabradine application after DOX treatment significantly reduced HR levels. Cardiomyocytes were revealed as normal histology in the light of both hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunostaining methods (caspase-3 and bcl-2) in all groups. The present study reported the therapeutic effects of ivabradine against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity accompanied by the hemodynamic and biochemical parameters.
Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on relapses, disease progression, and measures of function in persons with multiple sclerosis: exploratory outcomes from a double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kampman Margitta T , Steffensen Linn H , Mellgren Svein I , Jørgensen Lone 
Published: February 2012

Background: High vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of relapses and disease progression in multiple sclerosis. Methods: This 96-week randomised controlled trial was designed to assess the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on bone mineral density in persons with multiple sclerosis. Supplementation with 20,000 IU vitamin D3 weekly raised median serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) to 121 nmol/L. The modified intention to treat analysis included 35 persons in the vitamin D3 group and 33 in the placebo group. Participants were age 21 to 50 years and fully ambulatory (median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 2.5). We studied the effect of supplementing vitamin D3 on the exploratory outcomes annualised relapse rate (ARR), EDSS, multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC) components, grip strength, and fatigue. Results: After 96 weeks, there was no significant difference between groups in ARR (absolute difference 0.10, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.27; p = 0.25), EDSS (absolute difference -0.01, 95% CI -0.35 to 0.35; p = 0.97), MSFC components, grip strength, or fatigue. Conclusion: Supplementation with 20,000 IU vitamin D3 weekly did not result in beneficial effects on the measured multiple sclerosis-related outcomes. This study was not powered to address clinical outcomes, but none of the results were suggestive of an effect in this unselected population of fully ambulatory persons with multiple sclerosis.
Estimating the prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis in the Lorraine region, France, by the capture–recapture method
Authors: El Adssi Haritina , Debouverie Marc , Guillemin Francis ,   on behalf of the LORSEP Group
Published: February 2012

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Lorraine region, in France. Methods: Data from three sources – Regional Health Insurance System, medical records departments and the Lorraine registry of MS – and a capture–recapture method with log-linear models were used to estimate the prevalence and incidence of MS. Results: We identified 7193 records of reported MS corresponding to 4299 unique suspected cases of MS existing on 31 December 2008, in Lorraine. On the basis of the 4001 validated cases, the observed crude prevalence of MS was 170.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval [CI]: 165.7; 176.3), and the observed annual crude incidence of MS was 4.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 3.6; 5.4). With the capture–recapture method, the estimated prevalence of MS was 4405.7 (95% CI: 4261.5; 4629.7), so an estimated 405 cases were not identified by the three sources. The estimated prevalence was 188.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 182.7; 193.8), and the estimated annual incidence was 8.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 7.3; 9.7). Conclusions: The capture–recapture method allowed us to estimate an additional 10.1% of unobserved prevalent cases and to anticipate 47.5% of unobserved incident cases.
Vertebrobasilar Artery Insufficiency and Electroencephalogram
Authors: Niedermeyer E. 
Published: February 2012

This is a renewed diagnostic approach to vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency (VBI) — a condition which stood in the focus of this author's interest several decades ago. The time for a revisitation has come. The EEG findings consist mainly of generally reduced voltage output and enhanced photic driving response. There is also some theta activity over anterior temporal and midtemporal region, but this finding is common in the early stage of all cerebrovascular disorders. Dysfunction of the pontine portion of the ascending reticular formation might be the cause of the lowered voltage output. The enhanced photic driving might be due to very light hypoxia of the visual cortex.
Amygdala Lateralization at Rest and during Viewing of Neutral Faces in Major Depressive Disorder Using Low-Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography
Authors: Farahbod Haleh , Cook Ian A. , Korb Alexander S. , Hunter Aimee M. , Leuchter Andrew F. 
Published: February 2012

Neuroimaging experiments of amygdala activity during rest have shown abnormal amygdalar lateralization in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The current study is an exploratory investigation of the use of the neuroimaging technique Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) to measure current source density (CSD) in the amygdala. We examined seven adults with MDD and nine healthy control subjects at rest, and while they viewed images of emotionally neutral faces. The primary purpose was to compare the findings of LORETA with published findings using other neuroimaging techniques. Four frequency bands were examined: delta (1–3 Hz), theta (3–7 Hz), alpha (7–11 Hz), and beta (11–29 Hz). Results showed that for both MDD and control groups, the right amygdala displayed higher overall activity (across frequencies) than the left, both at rest, and while viewing neutral faces. Results also showed that controls displayed significant differences between resting and viewing neutral images across all four bands in the right amygdala, with all four bands having higher CSD values in the right amygdala. There were no significant differences in CSD values between rest vs. viewing neutral images in the MDD group. Findings suggest a more pronounced lateralization effect in normal healthy controls than in MDD subjects when changing from a resting (eyes-closed) condition to viewing faces without emotional valence.
High-Frequency Oscillations in Schizophrenia
Authors: Uhlhaas Peter J. 
Published: February 2012

Neural oscillations and their synchronization may represent a versatile signal to realize flexible communication within and between cortical areas. There is extensive evidence that cognitive functions depending on coordination of distributed neural responses are associated with synchronized oscillatory activity, suggesting a functional mechanism of neural oscillations in cortical networks. In addition to their role in normal brain functioning, there is increasing evidence that altered oscillatory activity may be associated with certain neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, that involve dysfunctional cognition and behavior. In the present paper, the focus is on the role of high-frequency oscillations for cortical computations through establishing correlations between the modulation of oscillations in the β/γ frequency range and specific cognitive processes during normal brain functioning and in schizophrenia. Specifically, it is suggested that in addition to oscillations in the low (30–60 Hz) γ-band range, γ-band oscillations > 60 Hz may have a crucial role for the understanding of cognitive dysfunctions in schizophrenia. Perspectives for future research will be discussed in relationship to methodological issues, the utility of neural oscillations as a biomarker and the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia.
Utility of the Electroencephalogram in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Millichap J. Gordon , Millichap John J. , Stack Cynthia V. 
Published: February 2012

An electroencephalogram (EEG) has not been routinely utilized in the evaluation of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The utility of the EEG in ADHD is unclear. A recent study in our laboratory using sleep and sleep deprivation routinely found one in four non-epileptic children evaluated for attention deficit disorder has epileptiform discharges in the EEG, more than half focal. The majority of abnormalities (97.5%) occur in sleep and sleep-deprived records compared to 7% in prior wake only records. A review of eight publications showed that laboratories using awake only as routine EEG recordings report a relatively low prevalence of epileptiform discharges, whereas the higher prevalence of epileptiform discharges is seen in those with more prolonged sleep recordings. We have determined that sleep deprivation and sleep are essential to rule out an abnormal EEG in attention deficit disorder. In patients with attention deficit disorder complicated by epilepsy, stimulant therapy is generally safe, provided seizures are controlled by antiepileptic medication. Patients with epilepsy or subclinical electrographic abnormalities not treated with anticonvulsants are at increased risk of seizures when stimulant therapy is introduced, especially extended-release methylphenidate. Apart from an increase in risk of seizures and need for caution in use of stimulants, studies show that epileptiform discharges in the electroencephalogram are linked to a better response of attention deficit to methylphenidate and a higher cognitive performance. Transient cognitive impairment related to sub-clinical electrographic abnormalities responds to antiepileptic medication. An EEG is important in selected cases of attention deficit disorder and is useful in choice of medication, especially in children with lack of awareness and transient cognitive impairment.
Antibody-induced nonapoptotic cell death in human lymphoma and leukemia cells is mediated through a novel reactive oxygen species-dependent pathway
Authors: Honeychurch Jamie , Alduaij Waleed , Azizyan Mahsa , Cheadle Eleanor J. , Pelicano Helene , Ivanov Andrei , Huang Peng , Cragg Mark S. , Illidge Tim M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMonoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have revolutionized the treatment of B-cell malignancies. Although Fc-dependent mechanisms of mAb-mediated tumor clearance have been extensively studied, the ability of mAbs to directly evoke programmed cell death (PCD) in the target cell and the underlying mechanisms involved remain under-investigated. We recently demonstrated that certain mAbs (type II anti-CD20 and anti-HLA DR mAbs) potently evoked PCD through an actin-dependent, lysosome-mediated process. Here, we reveal that the induction of PCD by these mAbs, including the type II anti-CD20 mAb GA101 (obinutuzumab), directly correlates with their ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human B-lymphoma cell lines and primary B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. ROS scavengers abrogated mAb-induced PCD indicating that ROS are required for the execution of cell death. ROS were generated downstream of mAb-induced actin cytoskeletal reorganization and lysosome membrane permeabilization. ROS production was independent of mitochondria and unaffected by BCL-2 overexpression. Instead, ROS generation was mediated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. These findings provide further insights into a previously unrecognized role for NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in mediating nonapoptotic PCD evoked by mAbs in B-cell malignancies. This newly characterized cell death pathway may potentially be exploited to eliminate malignant cells, which are refractory to conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
The Domestication of South Korean Pre-College Study Abroad in the First Decade of the Millennium
Authors: Kang Jiyeon , Abelmann Nancy 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
This essay examines a shift in the newspaper discourse on South Korean pre-college study abroad (chogi yuhak)—the education exodus of pre-college students—in order to consider how South Koreans are managing the considerable social pressure to globalize their children. While in the early years of Pre-College Study Abroad (PSA) in the 1990s, there was a robust media discourse about the promise of alternative human development through PSA, as the phenomena grew dramatically into the 2000s, the discourse increasingly asserts that PSA success relies on technical preparation at home, the student’s pre-existing character, and parental assets. PSA has thus been “domesticated” in that it is understood not as a discrete education field abroad, but instead an extension of South Korea’s highly stratified and competitive education market. This shift reflects escalating social and economic anxieties, and as such, the discourse constitutes a conversation about inequality in contemporary South Korea.
Novel Polar-fluoropolymer Blends with Tailored Nanostructures for High Energy Density and Low Loss Capacitor Applications
Authors: Wu Shan , Lin Minren , Lu David S-G. , Zhu Lei , Zhang Q. M. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTDielectric polymers with high energy density with low loss at high electric fields are highly desired for many energy storage and regulation applications. A polar-fluoropolymer blend consisting of a high energy density polar-fluoropolymer of poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-CTFE)) with a low dielectric loss polymer of poly(ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (ECTFE) was developed and investigated. We show that the two polymers are partially miscible which leads to blends with high energy density and low loss. Moreover, by introducing crosslinking to further tailor the nano-structures of the blends a markedly reduction of losses in the blend films at high field can be achieved. The crosslinked blend films show a dielectric constant of 7 with a dielectric loss of 1% at low field. Furthermore, the blends maintain a high energy density and low loss (∼3%) at high electric fields (> 250 MV/m).
1/f Noise in Length Sorted Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes at Their Critical Percolation Conditions
Authors: Simien Daneesh O. , Simien Clayton E. , Felice Kristen 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThe electrical noise characteristics of thin film random networks of single walled carbon nanotubes with lengths of 820nm, 210nm and 130nm, were evaluated in addition to mixed length and pure semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube networks. This study represents one of the first experimental studies in which highly characterized length sorted single walled nanotubes networks have been investigated to isolate their contributions to 1/f noise. In this work we evaluate the noise power spectrum, in the low frequency range, for each of our type sorted samples and demonstrate the effect of nanotube type, length, dimensionality and critical percolation conditions in 1/f noise generating mechanisms. 1/f noise in two-dimensional (2-D) thin films of random network, homogeneous length sorted SWNTs at their percolation threshold in contrast to three dimensional (3-D) thin films of mixed length SWNT and purely semi-conducting SWNT thin films were investigated. We find that at their respective critical percolation thresholds, xc, length sorted SWNT networks exhibit atypical reduced noise amplitude (A) characteristics compared to their mixed length and semi-conducting nanotube counterparts.
Sensing of Oligopeptides Using Alternatively-Deposited Gold Nanorods for Surface-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fujii Masanori , Nakashima Naotoshi , Niidome Yasuro 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTGold nanorods (NRs) were fixed on an ITO plate and used for the Surface-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (SALDI-MS) of oligopeptides (angiotensin I). The SALDI-MS measurements had a high sensitivity to the angiotensin on the ITO plate on which isolated NRs were deposited. Angiotensin molecules in a very diluted solution (1 × 10-11 M) could be detected at m/z = 1297 with a good signal/noise ratio (S/N = 18). In contrast, alternatively deposited NR an ITO plate, which present broad surface plasmon bands, was found to be inactive for SALDI measurements.
Quality Assurance Programmes for Offshore Production Platforms
Authors: Wood Kenneth 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Shell U.K. Exploration and Production (Expro) is committed to the application of formal Quality Assurance (QA) in the design, construction and operation of its offshore production platforms. The objects of QA are to assist in achieving: levels of safety and environmental impact which are acceptable to the company and comply with applicable regulations; and maximum operating profitability through high availability. Adequate quality is achieved by competent engineering and control within the producing organisation; quality is assured by QA monitoring and review of all quality-related activities and the initiation of corrective action as necessary.
Development of a project QA programme is described, based on two reference documents: the Expro Project Execution Guide and the Expro QA Manual. A brief description of the QA procedures in the Manual is given in Appendix 1; and a sample check list for implementation of a procedure, in Appendix 2.
Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Young Marathon Athlete
Authors: Theiss Justin L. , Fink Michael L. , Gerber John P. 
Published: February 2012

Study Design Resident's case problem. Background A 21-year-old athletic male college student presented to a direct-access physical therapy clinic with complaints of left calf pain 4 days in duration. After initial examination, a working diagnosis of calf strain was formulated. Three days following initial examination, the patient reported 80% improvement in symptoms and was performing activities of daily living pain free. Four weeks later, the patient returned with complaints of reoccurring calf pain. The patient's signs, symptoms, and history at subsequent follow-up no longer presented a consistent clinical picture of calf strain; therefore, a D-dimer assay was ordered to rule out a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Diagnosis The D-dimer was elevated so the patient was admitted to the hospital and started on low-molecular-weight heparin. A compression ultrasound revealed an extensive left superficial femoral and popliteal DVT in this otherwise healthy athlete. Discussion Lower extremity DVT is a serious and potentially fatal disorder. Physical therapists need to be diagnostically vigilant for vascular pathology in all patients with extremity pain and swelling. Employing the best current evidenced-based screening tools to rule out vascular pathology, such as deep and superficial vein pathology, should be the goal of every clinician. The Wells score is one such screening tool that has proven to be beneficial in this area. This case report presents a dilemma in diagnosis and illustrates the importance of revisiting differential diagnoses with each patient encounter. Clinicians must consider the possibility of a DVT with every patient seen with posterior leg pain. Level of Evidence Diagnosis, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(12):942–947. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3823
Boosting Infrared Light Harvesting by Molecular Functionalization of Metal Oxide/Polymer Interfaces in Efficient Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Grancini Giulia , Santosh Kumar R. Sai , Abrusci Agnese , Yip Hin‐Lap , Li Chang‐Zhi , Jen Alex‐K. Y. , Lanzani Guglielmo , Snaith Henry J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractHybrid solar cells based on light absorbing semiconducting polymers infiltrated in nanocrystalline TiO2 electrodes, have emerged as an attractive concept, combining benefits of both low material and processing costs with well controlled nano‐scale morphology. However, after over ten years of research effort, power conversion efficiencies remain around 0.5%. Here, a spectroscopic and device based investigation is presented, which leads to a new optimization route where by functionalization of the TiO2 surface with a molecular electron acceptor promotes photoinduced electron transfer from a low‐band gap polymer(poly[2,6‐(4,4‐bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b0]dithiophene)‐alt‐4,7‐(2,1,3‐benzothiadia‐zole)] (PCPDTBT) to the metal oxide. This boosts the infrared response and the power conversion efficiency to over 1%. As a further step, by “co‐functionalizing” the TiO2 surface with the electron acceptor and an organic dye‐sensitizer, panchromatic spectral photoresponse is achieved in the visible to near‐IR region. This novel architecture at the heterojunction opens new material design possibilities and represents an exciting route forward for hybrid photovoltaics.
Radiofrequency radiation at 1950 MHz (UMTS) does not affect key cellular endpoints in neuron‐like PC12 cells
Authors: Zeni Olga , Sannino Anna , Sarti Maurizio , Romeo Stefania , Massa Rita , Scarfì Maria R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this study, rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were exposed, as a model of neuron‐like cells, to 1950 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation with a signal used by the 3G wireless technology of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) to assess possible adverse effects. RF exposure for 24 h at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 10 W/kg was carried out in a waveguide system under accurately controlled environmental and dosimetric parameters. DNA integrity, cell viability, and apoptosis were investigated as cellular endpoints relevant for carcinogenesis and other diseases of the central nervous system. Very sensitive biological assays were employed to assess the effects immediately after RF exposure and 24 h later, as demonstrated by the cellular response elicited in PC12 cells using positive control treatments provided for each assay. In our experimental conditions, 24 h of RF exposure at a carrier frequency and modulation scheme typical of a UMTS signal was not able to elicit any effect in the selected cellular endpoints in undifferentiated PC12 cells, despite the application of a higher SAR value than those applied in the majority of the studies reported in the literature. Bioelectromagnetics 33:497–507, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.