bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Ezetimibe on Endothelial Function and Other Markers of Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Bass Almasa , Hinderliter Alan L , Lee Craig R 
Published: November 2009

Objective: To review the published literature characterizing the impact of ezetimibe-containing lipid-lowering regimens on endothelial function and other markers of cardiovascular risk and discuss the potential relevance of these effects to the clinical benefit of ezetimibe. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (2000–August 2009) was completed using the key words ezetimibe, statins, endothelial function, flow-mediated dilation, pleiotropic, and inflammation to identify relevant literature. Bibliographies of identified literature were reviewed for additional references. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All clinical studies published in English that evaluated the effect of ezetimibe on ancillary endpoints of cardiovascular disease risk, including endothelial function, inflammation, thrombosis, and oxidative stress, were evaluated. Data Synthesis: Recent studies in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and hypercholesterolemia have demonstrated that treatment with ezetimibe for 4–12 weeks elicits no improvement of endothelial function or other measures of cardiovascular disease risk. In contrast, other studies have reported that ezetimibe improves endothelial function in certain patient populations, including those with rheumatoid arthritis, CAD with type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. However, the statin monotherapy comparator groups in these studies that yielded equivalent reductions in cholesterol were superior, or at least equivalent to, ezetimibe-containing regimens in the improvement of these ancillary endpoints. Conclusions: Overall, the evidence to date suggests that administration of ezetimibe, either as monotherapy or in combination with a statin, exerts minimal beneficial effects on endothelial function and other ancillary measures of cardiovascular disease risk beyond those conferred by its cholesterol-lowering effects. Studies with larger sample sizes and follow-up beyond 12 weeks remain necessary to further define the impact of ezetimibe on the processes integral to the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular disease.
Achieving continuous improvement in laboratory organization through performance measurements: a seven-year experience
Authors: Salinas Maria , López-Garrigós Maite , Gutiérrez Mercedes , Lugo Javier , Sirvent Jose Vicente , Uris Joaquin 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background: Laboratory performance can be measured using a set of model key performance indicators (KPIs). The design and implementation of KPIs are important issues. KPI results from 7 years are reported and their implementation, monitoring, objectives, interventions, result reporting and delivery are analyzed.

Methods: The KPIs of the entire laboratory process were obtained using Laboratory Information System (LIS) registers. These were collected automatically using a data warehouse application, spreadsheets and external quality program reports. Customer satisfaction was assessed using surveys. Nine model laboratory KPIs were proposed and measured.

Results: The results of some examples of KPIs used in our laboratory are reported. Their corrective measurements or the implementation of objectives led to improvement in the associated KPIs results.

Conclusions: Measurement of laboratory performance using KPIs and a data warehouse application that continuously collects registers and calculates KPIs confirmed the reliability of indicators, indicator acceptability and usability for users, and continuous process improvement.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:57–61.
Resistin is associated with biomarkers of inflammation while total and high-molecular weight adiponectin are associated with biomarkers of inflammation, insulin resistance, and endothelial function
Authors: Fargnoli Jessica L , Sun Qi , Olenczuk Deanna , Qi Lu , Zhu Ying , Hu Frank B , Mantzoros Christos S 
Published: November 2009

ObjectiveAdiponectin and resistin have been linked to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and/or insulin secretion or resistance. It remains to be elucidated which of these adipokines is associated primarily with biomarkers of all or only some of these categories, i.e. biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and/or insulin secretion or insulinemia.Design and methodsWe studied 1065 healthy women, Nurses' Health Study participants, who provided blood samples in 1989–1990. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted to assess the relationships between total and high-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin and resistin with inflammatory markers and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, insulin secretion, and insulinemia.ResultsResistin was positively associated with the inflammatory markers soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptor II and interleukin-6 but not with any biomarkers of endothelial function, glycemia, insulinemia, or markers of insulin secretion after multivariate adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI). In both crude and multivariate analyses, total adiponectin was inversely associated with insulin, proinsulin, C-peptide, HbA1c, sE-selectin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. HMW adiponectin was inversely associated with circulating insulin, proinsulin, C-peptide, HbA1c, sE-selectin, and CRP concentrations, even after adjustment for age, BMI, lifestyle factors, exercise, the use of medications as well as the other biomarkers of interest. Total and HMW adiponectin demonstrated negative associations with soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, which became nonsignificant after adjustment for confounders, whereas positive associations between soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and total adiponectin became significant only after multivariate adjustment.ConclusionsTotal and HMW adiponectin are inversely associated with markers of insulin secretion/insulinemia, endothelial function, and inflammation. Resistin is positively associated only with markers of inflammation.
Prairie restoration and carbon sequestration: difficulties quantifying C sources and sinks using a biometric approach
Authors: Cahill Kimberly Nicholas , Kucharik Christopher J. , Foley Jonathan A. 
Published: November 2009

We investigated carbon cycling and ecosystem characteristics among two prairie restoration treatments established in 1987 and adjacent cropland, all part of the Conservation Reserve Program in southwestern Wisconsin, USA. We hypothesized that different plant functional groups (cool‐season C3vs. warm‐season C4grasses) between the two prairie restoration treatments would lead to differences in soil and vegetation characteristics and amount of sequestered carbon, compared to the crop system.We found significant (P< 0.05) differences between the two prairie restoration treatments in soil CO2respiration and above‐ and belowground productivity, but no significant differences in long‐term (~16‐year) carbon sequestration. We used a biometric approach aggregating short‐term observations of above‐ and belowground productivity and CO2respiration to estimate total net primary production (NPP) and net ecosystem production (NEP) using varied methods suggested in the literature. Net ecosystem production is important because it represents the ecosystem carbon sequestration, which is of interest to land managers and policymakers seeking or regulating credits for ecosystem carbon storage. Such a biometric approach would be attractive because it might offer the ability to rapidly assess the carbon source/sink status of an ecosystem.We concluded that large uncertainties in (1) estimating aboveground NPP, (2) determining belowground NPP, and (3) partitioning soil respiration into microbial and plant components strongly affect the magnitude, and even the sign, of NEP estimates made from aggregating its components. A comparison of these estimates across treatments could not distinguish differences in NEP, nor the absolute sign of the overall carbon balance. Longer‐term quantification of carbon stocks in the soil, periodically linked to measurements of individual processes, may offer a more reliable measure of the carbon balance in grassland systems, suitable for assigning credits.
Declines in predatory fish promote bloom‐forming macroalgae
Authors: Eriksson Britas Klemens , Ljunggren Lars , Sandström Alfred , Johansson Gustav , Mattila Johanna , Rubach Anja , Råberg Sonja , Snickars Martin 
Published: November 2009

In the Baltic Sea, increased dominance of ephemeral and bloom‐forming algae is presently attributed to increased nutrient loads. Simultaneously, coastal predatory fish are in strong decline. Using field data from nine areas covering a 700‐km coastline, we examined whether formation of macroalgal blooms could be linked to the composition of the fish community. We then tested whether predator or nutrient availability could explain the field patterns in two small‐scale field experiments, by comparing joint effects on algal net production from nutrient enrichment with agricultural fertilizer and exclusion of larger predatory fish with cages. We also manipulated the presence of invertebrate grazers.The abundance of piscivorous fish had a strong negative correlation with the large‐scale distribution of bloom‐forming macroalgae. Areas with depleted top‐predator communities displayed massive increases in their prey, small‐bodied fish, and high covers of ephemeral algae. Combining the results from the two experiments showed that excluding larger piscivorous fish: (1) increased the abundance of small‐bodied predatory fish; (2) changed the size distribution of the dominating grazers, decreasing the smaller gastropod scrapers; and (3) increased the net production of ephemeral macroalgae. Effects of removing top predators and nutrient enrichment were similar and additive, together increasing the abundance of ephemeral algae many times. Predator effects depended on invertebrate grazers; in the absence of invertebrates there were no significant effects of predator exclusion on algal production. Our results provide strong support for regional declines of larger predatory fish in the Baltic Sea promoting algal production by decreasing invertebrate grazer control. This highlights the importance of trophic interactions for ecosystem responses to eutrophication. The view emerges that to achieve management goals for water quality we need to consider the interplay between top‐down and bottom‐up processes in future ecosystem management of marine resources.
Melting Quality of Polymers in Internal Mixer Diagnosed by Ultrasound
Authors: Cheng C.-C. , Banakar H. , Ooi B.-T. , Jen C.-K. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Real-time, non-intrusive and non-destructive ultrasonic technology has been used to monitor the melting process in an internal mixer. Visual observation, mechanical torque measurement, and ultrasonic signatures, such as amplitude and time delay of transmission and reflection echoes were used for the diagnosis of the melting process of low density polyethylene (LDPE). Phenomena during the melting process, including phase change from solid to melt, partially melted pellets, air bubbles inside the melt, were successfully monitored by ultrasound. The ultrasonic signatures were able to determine when the polymer has melted completely. The method of moving standard deviation (MSD) was applied to establish the melting completion timing accurately. Higher temperature of mixing chamber and faster rotation speed of blades reduced melting completion period, indicated by MSD of ultrasonic signatures. The presented ultrasonic technique can be utilized to optimize the melting process.
Influence of Original Flap Creation Method on Incidence of Epithelial Ingrowth After LASIK Retreatment
Authors: Letko Erik , Price Marianne O. , Price Francis W. 
Published: November 2009

Purpose:
To compare the rate of epithelial ingrowth after LASIK retreatment among eyes with flaps created by femtosecond laser and those created by mechanical microkeratome.

Methods:
Postoperative results from 272 consecutive LASIK retreatments performed by a single surgeon over a 4-year period were reviewed retrospectively to identify cases that developed clinically significant epithelial ingrowth, defined as that which required surgical removal. Flaps for the original LASIK treatments were created using a mechanical microkeratome or femtosecond laser. The same technique to lift the flap at the time of retreatment was used in all eyes included in this study.

Results:

LASIK retreatment was performed in 132 eyes that had the initial flap created using a mechanical microkeratome (microkeratome group). Epithelial ingrowth was identified in 11 eyes of 9 patients. Surgical intervention to remove the epithelium from the stromal interface was required in 8 (6.1%) eyes. Femtosecond laser was used to create the initial LASIK flap in 140 eyes that required retreatment (femtosecond group). Epithelial ingrowth after LASIK retreatment was identified in 2 eyes of 1 patient in the femtosecond group (
P
=.004). Neither of these 2 eyes required surgical intervention to remove the epithelium from the stromal interface (
P
=.017).

Conclusions:
Eyes with femtosecond laser–created flaps may be less likely to develop significant epithelial ingrowth after LASIK retreatment when compared with eyes in which the flap was created using a mechanical microkeratome. The difference in rate of epithelial ingrowth may be related to the geometry of the flap edge.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:1039–1041.]
LASIK for Myopia With Aspheric “Aberration Neutral” Ablations Using the ESIRIS Laser System
Authors: Arbelaez Maria Clara , Vidal Camila , Jabri Bushra Al , Mosquera Samuel Arba 
Published: November 2009

Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical outcomes of LASIK using optimized “aberration neutral” ablation profiles.

Methods:
Laser in situ keratomileusis was performed in 231 eyes (120 patients) with a mean spherical equivalent refraction of −4.12±2.26 diopters (D) (range: −0.37 to −9.50 D) using a SCHWIND Pendular microkeratome with a 130-µm cutting head and the SCHWIND ESIRIS excimer laser. In all cases, pre- and postoperative autorefractor measurements, manifest refraction, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), topography and corneal wavefront analysis, and ocular wavefront analysis as well as complications were analyzed. Ablations were calculated using the ORK-CAM software. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of efficacy, predictability, stability, refractive outcome, safety, and wavefront aberrations.

Results:

At 3 months, mean spherical equivalent refraction was −0.10±0.33 D (range: +0.86 to −1.18 D). Of 231 eyes, 201 (87%) were within ±0.50 D of attempted correction. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/16 or better in 71% (164 eyes), 20/20 or better in 92% (213 eyes), and 20/32 or better in 100%. Average root-mean-square higher order aberrations increased 0.05
µ
m after treatment, mean spherical aberration increased 0.08
µ
m after treatment, and mean coma increased 0.04
µ
m after treatment (all for 6.0-mm analysis diameter).

Conclusions:
Our results show that non-customized “aberration neutral” ablation profiles derived from wavefront analysis are able to minimize the amount of induced aberrations of both the cornea and the eye.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:991–999.]
Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative sp‐sp2 Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Aryl and Vinyl Halides and Triflates with α,β‐Ynoic Acids using Silver Oxide
Authors: Kim Hyunseok , Lee Phil Ho 
Published: November 2009

AbstractPalladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative sp‐sp2 cross‐coupling reactions of aryl and vinyl halides and triflates with α,β‐ynoic acids using silver oxide have been developed. A variety of α,β‐ynoic acids were readily decarboxylated in the presence of silver oxide and then, generated in situ, silver acetylides were coupled with electrophiles in the presence of a palladium(0) catalyst under neutral conditions, producing either symmetrical or unsymmetrical diarylacetylenes, arylalkylacetylenes and arylvinylacetylenes in good to excellent yields.
Development of a New Spiro‐BOX Ligand and Its Application in Highly Enantioselective Palladium‐Catalyzed Cyclization of 2‐Iodoanilines with Allenes
Authors: Shu Wei , Yu Qiong , Ma Shengming 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn this communication, we report the synthesis of a new chiral spiro‐bisoxazoline ligand, i.e., β‐naphthylmethyl‐substituted spiro‐BOX [(Ra,S,S)‐L7] and have successfully applied it to the palladium‐catalyzed enantioselective cyclization reaction of simple allenes with o‐aminoiodobenzenes, affording highly optically active 3‐alkylideneindolines in good yields with excellent enantiomeric excesses.
Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) of artemisinin: the development of predictive in vivo antimalarial activity models
Authors: Srivastava Mani , Singh Harvinder , Naik Pradeep Kumar 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis has been performed on a data set of 194 artemisinin analogs for antimalarial activity. Several types of descriptors including topological, spatial, thermodynamics, information content, lead likeness, and E‐state indices have been used to derive a quantitative relationship between antimalarial activity and structural properties. A systematic approach of zero tests, missing value test, simple correlation test, multicollinearity test, and genetic algorithm method of variable selection was used to generate the model. Statistically significant model (r2 = 0.845, q = 0.799, F‐test = 53.40) was obtained with the descriptors like molecular connectivity indexes, E‐state index, length‐to‐breadth ratio of compounds, MLog P, HOMO, electron density, Balabans topological index, and strain energy of the molecules. The robustness of the QSAR models was characterized by the values of the internal leave one out cross‐validated regression coefficient (q) for the training set and determination coefficient in prediction, q for the test set. The value of q = 0.876 for the test set; revealed good external predictability of the QSAR model. Also, for an external data set (validation set) of four artemisinin analogs, the QSAR model was able to predict the antimalarial activity very well in comparison to experimental values. The model was also tested successfully for external validation criteria. The QSAR model developed in this study should aid further design of novel potent artemisinin derivatives. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency dependence of pulsed EPR experiments
Authors: Eaton Sandra S. , Eaton Gareth R. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe frequency dependence of the signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N) that is theoretically possible for pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments is the same as for continuous wave experiments. To select the optimum resonance frequency or frequencies for pulsed EPR experiments it is important to consider not only S/N, but also orientation selection, depth of spin echo modulation, and intensities of forbidden transitions. Evaluation of factors involved in selecting the optimum frequency for pulsed EPR measurements of distances between spins is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 34A: 315–321, 2009.
A Dual Electrochrome of Poly‐(3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene) Doped by N,N′‐Bis(3‐sulfonatopropyl)‐4‐4′‐bipyridinium—Redox Chemistry and Electrochromism in Flexible Devices
Authors: Bhandari Shweta , Deepa Melepurath , Pahal Suman , Joshi Amish G. , Srivastava Avanish Kumar , Kant Rama 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAn electrochromic zwitterionic viologen, N,N′‐bis(3‐sulfonatopropyl)‐4‐4′‐bipyridinium, has been used for the first time for doping poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiopene) (PEDOT) films during electropolymerization. Slow and fast diffusional rates for the monomer at deposition potentials of +1.2 and +1.8 V, respectively yielded the viologen‐doped PEDOT films with granular morphology and with dendrite‐like shapes. The dual electrochrome formed at +1.8 V, showed enhanced coloration efficiency, larger electrochemical charge storage capacity, and superior redox activity in comparison to its analogue grown at +1.2 V, thus demonstrating the role of dendritic shapes in amplifying electrochromism. Flexible electrochromic devices fabricated with the viologen‐doped PEDOT film grown at +1.8 V and Prussian blue with an ionic liquid‐based gel electrolyte film showed reversible coloration between pale and dark purple with maximum coloration efficiency of 187 cm2 C−1 at λ=693 nm. The diffusional impedance parameters and switching kinetics of the device showed the suitability of this dual electrochrome formed as a single layer for practical electrochromic cells.
Increasing η ‐representable degrees
Authors: Frolov Andrey N. , Zubkov Maxim V. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn this paper we prove that any Δ30 degree has an increasing η ‐representation. Therefore, there is an increasing η ‐representable set without a strong η ‐representation (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Price adjustment in Italy: evidence from micro producer and consumer prices
Authors: Fabiani Silvia , Gattulli Angela , Veronese Giovanni , Sabbatini Roberto 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis paper investigates the behaviour of consumer and producer prices in Italy using micro data. The frequency of price changes is computed in order to obtain a quantitative measure of the unconditional degree of price rigidity at both the consumption and the production stage. On average, producer prices tend to remain unchanged for around 6 months, whereas consumer prices exhibit a longer duration, of 10 months. A comparison of the price behaviour of similar items confirms that prices are more flexible at the production stage. Prices, however, are not adjusted uniformly across sectors. The duration of producer prices is less for food and non‐energy intermediate products and greater for non‐food consumer and investment goods. At the consumption stage, price spells are longer for non‐energy industrial goods and services, much shorter for energy products. In exploring the possible reasons for the differences, we observe that a higher share of labour in total costs is associated with lower frequency of price adjustment. Moreover, the structure and functioning of the retail sector in Italy may slow price adjustment at the consumption stage, together with other specific economic factors that affect mainly consumer price behaviour, such as menu costs and attractive pricing policies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on the Helminth Parasites of Birds in Hyderabad State. Nematoda I
Authors: Singh Satya Narayan 
Published: November 2009

Desmidocercella leiperi n.sp. from Ardeola grayii is described in detail and compared with other related species.Two species of Oxyspirura are recorded from new hosts. Oxyspirura mansoni from Galloperdix spadicea and O. (Cramispirura) popowi from Copsychus saularis.Two new species of Oxyspirura are described, O. (Cramispirura) indica n.sp. from Kittacincla malabarica and O. buccosulcata n.sp. from Temenuchus pagodartum.
On Three New Acanthocephala of the Genera Pallisentis Van Cleave, Saccosentis gen. nov. and Acanthocephalus Koelreuther, from Fish
Authors: Tadros Girgis 
Published: November 2009

The material comprises three complete male worms in good condition and some male fragments; there are no females.The worms are small, cylindrical and greyish yellow in colour. The body is partially covered with spines.
OnClinostomum tilapiaen. sp., andC. phalacrocoracisDubois, 1931 from Ghana, and a Discussion of the Systematics of the GenusClinostomumLeidy, 1856
Authors: Ukoli F. M. A. 
Published: November 2009

The adult ofClinostomum tilapiaen.sp. obtained from the buccal cavity and oesophagus ofBubulcus ibis7½ days after experimental infection with metacercariae is described.The metacercaria ofC. tilapiaen.sp. fromTilapia zilli,T. heudelotiandT. galilaeais described.Anatomical differences between metacercariae and adults of the species are listed.