bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing the Health Risks of Diabetes
Authors: Williams Geoffrey C. , Patrick Heather , Niemiec Christopher P. , Williams L. Keoki , Divine George , Lafata Jennifer Elston , Heisler Michele , Tunceli Kaan , Pladevall Manel 
Published: March 2009

Purpose The purpose of this study is to apply the self-determination theory (SDT) model of health behavior to predict medication adherence, quality of life, and physiological outcomes among patients with diabetes. Methods Patients with diabetes (N = 2973) receiving care from an integrated health care delivery system in 2003 and 2004 were identified from automated databases and invited to participate in this study. In 2005, patients responded to a mixed telephone-and-mail survey assessing perceived autonomy support from health care providers, autonomous self-regulation for medication use, perceived competence for diabetes self-management, medication adherence, and quality of life. In 2006, pharmacy claims data were used to indicate medication adherence, and patients' non—high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, A1C, and glucose levels were assessed. Results The SDT model of health behavior provided adequate fit to the data. As hypothesized, perceived autonomy support from health care providers related positively to autonomous self-regulation for medication use, which in turn related positively to perceived competence for diabetes self-management. Perceived competence then related positively to quality of life and medication adherence, and the latter construct related negatively to non-HDL cholesterol, A1C, and glucose levels. Conclusions Health care providers' support for patients' autonomy and competence around medication use and diabetes self-management related positively to medication adherence, quality of life, and physiological outcomes among patients with diabetes.
Advance care planning in care homes for older people: an English perspective
Authors: Froggatt K , Vaughan S , Bernard C , Wild D 
Published: March 2009

Advance care planning (ACP) as a process of discussing and recording wishes for future care and treatment is increasingly being promoted and discussed in the UK, reflecting recent changes in legislation. This study describes current ACP practice in care homes for older people drawing on data from a questionnaire survey ( n = 213) of, and interviews ( n = 15) with, care home managers. Whilst consultation about general care is taking place in the majority of homes surveyed using both formal and informal processes, the number of residents that have completed any ACP processes varies. Managers face intrinsic and extrinsic challenges related to the ascertaining of, and the implementing of wishes as they address ACP in the care home context. Until these wider contextual factors are addressed it will be difficult for staff in care homes to effectively undertake and implement ACP in care homes.
Induction of CCL20 production by Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus: role of viral FLICE inhibitory protein K13-induced NF-κB activation
Authors: Punj Vasu , Matta Hittu , Schamus Sandra , Yang Tianbing , Chang Yuan , Chaudhary Preet M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractKaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8, is the etiologic agent of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), an angioproliferative lesion characterized by dramatic angiogenesis and inflammatory infiltration. In this study, we report that expression of chemokine CCL20, a potent chemoattractant of dendritic cells and lymphocytes, is strongly induced in cultured cells either by KSHV infection or on ectopic expression of viral FLICE inhibitory protein K13. This induction is caused by transcriptional activation of CCL20 gene, which is mediated by binding of the p65, p50, and c-Rel subunits of the transcription factor nuclear factor–κB (NF-κB) to an atypical NF-κB–binding site present in the CCL20 gene promoter. The CCL20 gene induction is defective in K13 mutants that lack NF-κB activity, and can be blocked by specific genetic and pharmacologic inhibitors of the NF-κB pathway. CCR6, the specific receptor for CCL20, is also induced in cultured cells either by KSHV infection or on K13 expression. Finally, expression of CCL20 and CCR6 is increased in clinical samples of KS. These results suggest that KSHV and K13-mediated induction of CCL20 and CCR6 may contribute to the recruitment of dendritic cells and lymphocytes into the KS lesions, and to tumor growth and metastases.
Staphylococcus aureus immunodominant surface antigen B is a cell-surface associated nucleic acid binding protein
Authors: Mackey-Lawrence Nicole M , Potter Denise E , Cerca Nuno , Jefferson Kimberly K 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background

Staphylococcus aureus immunodominant surface antigen B (IsaB) elicits an immune response during septicemia and is generally classified as a virulence factor, but its biological function remains completely undefined. In an attempt to identify staphylococcal RNA-binding proteins, we designed an RNA Affinity Chromatography assay and subsequently isolated IsaB.

Results
Western analysis indicated that IsaB was both secreted and cell-surface associated. Gel Shift analysis confirmed the RNA binding activity but revealed that IsaB bound to any nucleic acid without sequence specificity. IsaB exhibited the highest affinity for double-stranded DNA followed by single-stranded DNA and RNA. Because extracellular DNA has been shown to play a role in biofilm formation, we investigated the biofilm-forming capacity of an isogenic isaB deletion mutant but we found that IsaB did not contribute to biofilm formation under any conditions tested.

Conclusion
IsaB is an extracellular nucleic acid binding protein, with little to no sequence specificity, but its role in virulence remains unclear.
Quantification of Urinary Albumin by Using Protein Cleavage and LC-MS/MS
Authors: Seegmiller Jesse C , Barnidge David R , Burns Bradley E , Larson Timothy S , Lieske John C , Kumar Rajiv 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Background: Urinary albumin excretion is a sensitive diagnostic and prognostic marker for renal disease. Therefore, measurement of urinary albumin must be accurate and precise. We have developed a method to quantify intact urinary albumin with a low limit of quantification (LOQ).
Methods: We constructed an external calibration curve using purified human serum albumin (HSA) added to a charcoal-stripped urine matrix. We then added an internal standard, 15N-labeled recombinant HSA (15NrHSA), to the calibrators, controls, and patient urine samples. The samples were reduced, alkylated, and digested with trypsin. The concentration of albumin in each sample was determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and linear regression analysis, in which the relative abundance area ratio of the tryptic peptides 42LVNEVTEFAK51 and 526QTALVELVK534 from albumin and 15NrHSA were referenced to the calibration curve.
Results: The lower limit of quantification was 3.13 mg/L, and the linear dynamic range was 3.13–200 mg/L. Replicate digests from low, medium, and high controls (n = 5) gave intraassay imprecision CVs of 2.8%–11.0% for the peptide 42LVNEVTEFAK51, and 1.9%–12.3% for the 526QTALVELVK534 peptide. Interassay imprecision of the controls for a period of 10 consecutive days (n = 10) yielded CVs of 1.5%–14.8% for the 42LVNEVTEFAK51 peptide, and 6.4%–14.1% for the 526QTALVELVK534 peptide. For the 42LVNEVTEFAK51 peptide, a method comparison between LC-MS/MS and an immunoturbidometric method for 138 patient samples gave an R2 value of 0.97 and a regression line of y = 0.99x + 23.16.
Conclusions: Urinary albumin can be quantified by a protein cleavage LC-MS/MS method using a 15NrHSA internal standard. This method provides improved analytical performance in the clinically relevant range compared to a commercially available immunoturbidometric assay.
New Dual Monoclonal ELISA for Measuring Plasma Osteopontin as a Biomarker Associated with Survival in Prostate Cancer: Clinical Validation and Comparison of Multiple ELISAs
Authors: Anborgh Pieter H , Wilson Sylvia M , Tuck Alan B , Winquist Eric , Schmidt Nancy , Hart Russell , Kon Shigeyuki , Maeda Masahiro , Uede Toshimitsu , Stitt Larry W , Chambers Ann F 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground: A previously developed monoclonal/polyclonal ELISA (Mono/Poly) to detect plasma concentrations of osteopontin (OPN) was shown to provide prognostic information in breast, prostate, and other cancers. Here we describe the clinical validation of a new dual monoclonal (Dual Mono) assay. We compared both assays with 4 assays that recognize defined regions of OPN protein (dual polyclonal systems 5-1, 4-1, 4-3 and polyclonal-monoclonal system 1-3).Methods: OPN sequences recognized by the monoclonal antibodies that make up the Dual Mono ELISA were identified by Pepscan CLIPS™ analysis. Using the 6 ELISAs, we measured OPN in plasma from 66 patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, and we assessed the ability of each assay to predict patient survival.Results: The assays varied in measured plasma OPN concentrations, with median values ranging from 112 to 1740 μg/L, and ability to predict patient survival. By Cox univariable regression of survival by tertiles of OPN, the Mono/Poly and Dual Mono ELISAs had the highest log-rank χ2 values. After adjustment for risk factors independently associated with survival in our samples, OPN remained associated with survival only for the Mono/Poly and Dual Mono systems.Conclusions: OPN plasma values varied significantly depending on the assay used. Only the Mono/Poly and Dual Mono systems were independently associated with survival in a population of men with castration-resistant prostate cancer. The availability of a clinically validated, dual monoclonal–based ELISA will provide consistent reagents for studies of OPN plasma concentrations in cancer and other pathologies.
Inactivation of GSK-3β by Metallothionein Prevents Diabetes-Related Changes in Cardiac Energy Metabolism, Inflammation, Nitrosative Damage, and Remodeling
Authors: Wang Yuehui , Feng Wenke , Xue Wanli , Tan Yi , Hein David W. , Li Xiao-Kun , Cai Lu 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE
Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β plays an important role in cardiomyopathies. Cardiac-specific metallothionein-overexpressing transgenic (MT-TG) mice were highly resistant to diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy. Therefore, we investigated whether metallothionein cardiac protection against diabetes is mediated by inactivation of GSK-3β.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin in both MT-TG and wild-type mice. Changes of energy metabolism–related molecules, lipid accumulation, inflammation, nitrosative damage, and fibrotic remodeling were examined in the hearts of diabetic mice 2 weeks, 2 months, and 5 months after the onset of diabetes with Western blotting, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemical assays.

RESULTS
Activation (dephosphorylation) of GSK-3β was evidenced in the hearts of wild-type diabetic mice but not MT-TG diabetic mice. Correspondingly, cardiac glycogen synthase phosphorylation, hexokinase II, PPARα, and PGC-1α expression, which mediate glucose and lipid metabolisms, were significantly changed along with cardiac lipid accumulation, inflammation (TNF-α, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 [PAI-1], and intracellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1]), nitrosative damage (3-nitrotyrosin accumulation), and fibrosis in the wild-type diabetic mice. The above pathological changes were completely prevented either by cardiac metallothionein in the MT-TG diabetic mice or by inhibition of GSK-3β activity in the wild-type diabetic mice with a GSK-3β–specific inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that activation of GSK-3β plays a critical role in diabetes-related changes in cardiac energy metabolism, inflammation, nitrosative damage, and remodeling. Metallothionein inactivation of GSK-3β plays a critical role in preventing diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Pressure drop and hydrodynamic properties of pulses in two‐phase gas‐liquid downflow through packed columns
Authors: Rao V. Govardhana , Drinkenburg A. A. H. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe hydrodynamics and the pulse properties in the pulse flow regime of gas‐liquid downflow through a packed column were studied using 6 mm Raschig rings and 3 mm spheres as packings. The pulse flow regime is considered to be gas‐continuous flow outside the pulses and more like dispersed bubble flow inside the pulses and the pressure drop is viewed as being contributed to by the gas continuous part outside the pulses and by the pulses themselves. Correlations for the total pressure drop, the pressure drop across the pulse and for the pulse velocity are obtained. The experimental data of the average holdup, the pulse holdup, the base holdup and the transition from gas continuous to pulse flow regime are compared with the literature values.
An experimental study of spouting in large sector beds
Authors: Green M. C. , Bridgwater J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn a sector spouted bed, fluid is introduced into the bottom at the junction of two vertical walls, the bed forming a sector in horizontal cross‐section. The hydrodynamics of beds of 30° sector angle have been studied in equipment of radius up to 0.78 m. The spout radius is greater than would be predicted from standard correlations on small circular beds. The overall pressure drop can be less than 20% of that found for minimum fluidisation. The vertical pressure distribution is given approximately by a quarter cosine function. Minimum spouting velocity decreases with increasing size of bed, loss of spouting being caused by a decrease in fountain height followed by snuffing of the spout by annular solids.
Particle segregation in a spouted bed of binary mixtures of particles
Authors: Uemaki O. , Yamada R. , Kugo M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMinimum spouting velocity and segregation behaviour of binary mixtures of particles differing in size have been studied. The experiments were carried out in a bed of 20 cm diameter at superficial gas velocities up to 1.3 Ums by use of silica sand of four different particle sizes from 0.655 to 2.23 mm.An empirical equation was proposed for the minimum spouting velocity of binary mixtures. The effects of the particle size difference and the superficial gas velocity on segregation were investigated. Results showed that considerable radial segregation as well as axial segregation occurred even for high gas velocity under the condition of large particle size difference.
Behaviour of a conical spouted‐bed dryer for animal blood
Authors: Pham Q. T. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA 60° conical bed of inert particles spouted with hot air has been used as a medium for drying animal blood into a powder with little thermal degradation. The spouting and drying performances of the dryer were investigated. A feature of considerable practical significance is the existence of an initial regime of incomplete spouting in which the solids in the annulus are partly held stagnant by friction, causing a reduced pressure drop. A model of the drying process was developed to predict the variations in maximum throughput and product properties with changes in operating conditions. Good agreement between predictions and experimental results was found.
Jet penetration measurements in a venturi scrubber
Authors: Viswanathan S. , St. Pierre C. C. , Gnyp A. W. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe maximum centreline penetrations, l**, of cross‐current liquid jets in a Venturi scrubber were measured for orifice diameters, d, of 1.397, 2.108, 2.565 and 3.860 mm. The data are correlated by

for the range of conditions, 36 ≤ gas throat velocity Vg ≤ 125 m/s; 1.2 ≤ liquid injection velocity Vj ≤ 18 m/s;0.06 ≤ liquid to gas ratio
Liquid dispersion in static in‐line mixers
Authors: Taweel A. M. Al , Walker L. D. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLiquid/liquid dispersion in static mixers has been investigated using Lightnin “In‐liner” mixing elements. The average drop size was found to decrease with increasing residence time, gradually approaching an equilibrium size whose magnitude agrees reasonably well with Kolmogoroff's theory for drop rupture in turbulent flows.The efficiency at which mechanical energy is utilized in the generation of new interfacial area was evaluated as a function of design and operating conditions and was found to be highest when the final drop size is much larger than the achievable equilibrium value.
Stripping of HCN in a packed tower
Authors: Avedesian Michael M. , Spira Paul , Kanduth Harald 
Published: March 2009

AbstractExperiments were carried out to measure the Henry's law constant for HCN in solutions from the cyanidation of zinc concentrate. The measured value for zinc thickener underflow solution was 5.0 atm/mole fraction whereas for synthetic leach solutions and pure cyanide solutions it was 6.1 and 6.4, respectively. Pilot plant stripping tests were carried out using a 0.3 m diameter column operated under full‐scale hydrodynamic conditions to measure the mass transfer coefficient and also to study the potential scaling problem due to the precipitation of gypsum and CuCNS. These data were used to design the full‐scale plant in a silver recovery flowsheet.
A novel direct‐contact condensation pattern of vapour bubbles in an immiscible liquid
Authors: Higeta K. , Mori Y. H. , Komotori K. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn addition to the two different condensation patterns revealed respectively in n‐pentane (bubble)/glycerol and water (bubble)/silicone oil systems in the authors' previous study (1979), a third pattern has been found in methanol (bubble)/silicone oil system: a condensate appears at the rear part of the bubble surface as several blunt drops, turns into a conical tail through coalescence to each other, and finally drops out from the bubble. The possible mechanism as well as the heat transfer characteristics of the condensation process are discussed.
Enhancement of gypsum based kraft process causticized sludge sedimentation rate under inclined condition
Authors: Bhattacharya P. K. , Basu S. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAn experimental programme for batch and continuous sedimentation was planned to study the feasibility of increasing the rate of sedimentation of the causticized slurry obtained with gypsum as make‐up salt in a Kraft recovery cycle. The studies were conducted in tubular clarifier under vertical and inclined conditions.For batch sedimentation studies, attempts were made to make a comparative evaluation of existing models. A good agreement was observed with the effective width concept model. The presence of unreacted gypsum in the causticized slurry favours the rate of sedimentation.For continuous sedimentation studies, enhancement factor variation was observed from 1.39 to 4.20 under inclined conditions at steady state.
Étude de la qualité des eaux de refroidissement des condenseurs principaux des centrales tracy, gentilly 1 et gentilly 2 sises le long du fleuve saint‐laurent
Authors: Gilbert Roland 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLa comparaison de divers paramètres physico‐chimiques a permis de différentier la qualité des eaux de refroidissement des condenseurs des centrales Tracy, Gentilly 1 et Gentilly 2. Les résultats ont fait ressortir une minéralisation des eaux plus prononcée à Tracy qu' à Gentilly 1 et 2, où par contre les suspensoüdes s'y trouvaient en plus grande quantitè. Les paramètres de la conductivité, alcalinité et matières en suspension ont démontré des taux assez constants dans les eaux de Tracy contrairement aux cas de Gentilly 1 et 2 où ils subsissaient d'importantes variations temporelles. L'analyse ionique des eaux révéla la présence des espèces NH4+, Li+, F− et Br− à l'état de traces, tandis que la composition élémentaire des suspensoüdes comprenait des teneurs en chlorures aussi élevées que 5000 ppm. Seuls les critères employés par les concepteurs des systèmes, qui comportent à la fois des paramètres sur l'encrassement et l'entartrage, sont en mesure de relever les variantes notées pour les eaux de ces sites; encore là faudrait‐il appliquer ces critères à un échantillonnage représentatif.
Separation of trace quantities of jetsam in a counter‐current fluidized cascade
Authors: Chan E. W. , Beeckmans J. M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractData are presented on separations involving systems containing small concentrations of iron particles in sand, and of salt particles in activated carbon, in a bottom‐driven 3.66 metre long fluidized cascade. At each fluidization velocity a maximum beneficiation ratio was found at a particular baffle chain velocity. The optimal baffle chain velocity increased with increasing fluidization velocity, and it was larger with 26 mm deep baffles than with 13 mm baffles. An analysis based on a theoretical model led to the conclusion that segregation kinetics are enhanced by the motion of the baffles just above the grid.
The production of the antibiotic patulin in a three phase fluidized bed reactor I. Effect of medium composition
Authors: Berk Dimitrios , Behie Leo A. , Jones Alan , Lesser Barry H. , Maurice Gaucher G. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe continuous and semi‐batch production of the antibiotic patulin by immobilized Penicillium urticae cells in a three phase fluidized bed reactor was investigated. A key factor for the success of the process was the limitation of the nitrogen source which increased the longevity of the biocatalyst while keeping cell growth at a low level. The continuous reactor was operated for 360 h during which time the effluent concentration of patulin was maintained at 0.25 mmol/L for 192 h. The total amount of patulin produced by the continuuous run was 35% greater than that obtained in a semibatch run. The pathway efficiency was 0.35 for 192 h indicating the biosynthetic pathway was operating at a high catalytic efficiency.
Pore diffusion model for dye adsorption onto peat in batch adsorbers
Authors: Mckay Gordon , Allen Stephen J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe adsorption of Acid Blue 25, Basic Blue 69, Basic Orange 2, and Disperse Blue 7, on peat has been studied using a series of batch adsorption runs. A model has been developed based on external mass transfer and internal diffusion to explain the concentration decay curves. Two system variables, namely, adsorbate concentration and adsorbent concentration, have been studied. The paper presents a rapid analytical solution for predicting the concentration decay curve in batch adsorbers using peat as a cheap adsorbent to remove various classes of dyestuffs from aqueous solution.The analytical solution depends on the assumption of a psdeudo‐irreversible isotherm and that the internal diffusion process occurs via a pore diffusion mechanism. External mass transfer coefficients and internal diffusivities have been estimated for the various systems.
Effective diffusion coefficients for oxidation of zinc sulphide pellets
Authors: Rao T. Rajeswara 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe zinc sulphide oxidation reaction was studied to determine the intrinsic reaction rate constant and effective diffusion coefficients, based on structural (grain) model. Experiments were carried out with small pellets (thickness 0.044 cm – 0.077 cm) in the temperature range of 602°C – 734°C to obtain the reaction rate constant, and with large pellets of thickness around 1 cm, in the porosity range of 0.3–0.5 and temperature range of 744°C – 826°C to determine the effective diffusion coefficients. The results obtained are in good agreement with some of the literature values.
Fluidization characteristics of fine particles
Authors: Chen Peishi , Pei David C. T. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA new voidage function is defined based on the Blake–Kozeny equation. This voidage function gives better correlations than those heretofore used in describing minimum fluidization characteristics.Due to the inter‐particle cohesive forces, the channelling and bubbling often exist in the fluidization of fine particles. In consideration of the channelling effect, a correlation of the fluidization friction factor is proposed. It is also shown in experiments that the channelling in fine particle systems is reduced when coarser particles are added.