bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disrupted Exchange and Declining Corporatism: Government Authority and Interest Group Capability in Scandinavia
Authors: Öberg PerOla , Svensson Torsten , Christiansen Peter Munk , Nørgaard Asbjørn Sonne , Rommetvedt Hilmar , Thesen Gunnar 
Published: June 2011

AbstractDenmark, Norway and Sweden are still among the most corporatist democracies in the world. Although corporatism has declined in Scandinavia over the last decades, it still exists, albeit at a lower level. Based on comparative and longitudinal data, we argue that this is a consequence of the disruption of some of the prerequisites to corporatist exchange. Neither governments nor the relevant interest groups in Scandinavia control what their exchange partner desires to the same extent as they did during the heyday of corporatism. Despite the involvement of different factors in the three countries, the main pattern is the same. Consequently, the character of state–interest group relations in Scandinavia is not as distinctive as it used to be.
Identification of Antigenic Targets for Immunodetection of Balamuthia mandrillaris Infection
Authors: Kucerova Zuzana , Sriram Rama , Wilkins Patricia P. , Visvesvara Govinda S. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThe free-living amoebaBalamuthia mandrillariscauses granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) in humans. Rapid identification of balamuthiasis is critical for effective therapeutic intervention and case management. In the present study we identified target antigens for the development of a serological assay forB. mandrillarisinfection. We demonstrated by silver staining that protein profiles for all eight isolates ofB. mandrillaris, independent of human or animal origin or geographic origin, appeared to be similar except for some minor differences, indicating the molecular homogeneity of these strains. The profiles of all isolates, which ranged from 200 to 10 kDa, were similar, with a prominent protein visible around 30 kDa; all appeared considerably different from protein profiles of the control E6 cells andAcanthamoeba castellaniiandNaegleria fowleriisolates. Western blot analysis with rabbit hyperimmune serum identified the major immunodominant antigens of 25, 50, 75, and 80 kDa; positive human sera reacted strongly with proteins around 25, 40, 50, and 75 kDa. Proteins around 40 kDa detected by human serum were not recognized by hyperimmune rabbit serum. None of the target proteins were detected by uninfected control sera. Reactivities of five patients' sera with 4 different isolates ofB. mandrillaris(2 strains of human and 2 strains of animal origins) revealed that patients' sera reacted slightly differently with differentB. mandrillarisisolates, although major proteins of approximately 25, 50, and 75 kDa were present in all extracts.
Genetic Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant, Extended-Spectrum- β-Lactamase-Producing Vibrio cholerae O1 Outbreak Strains, Mpumalanga, South Africa, 2008
Authors: Ismail Husna , Smith Anthony M. , Sooka Arvinda , Keddy Karen H. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Thirty-one antimicrobial-resistant, extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing strains of
Vibrio cholerae
O1 serotype Ogawa associated with an outbreak of cholera in South Africa (2008) were investigated. Ten selected cholera strains were PCR positive for the SXT element, harbored mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of GyrA (Ser83-Ile) and ParC (Ser85-Leu), and produced TEM-63 β-lactamase.
New Diagnostic Microarray (Check-KPC ESBL) for Detection and Identification of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases in Highly Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Willemsen Ina , Overdevest Ilse , al Naiemi Nashwan , Rijnsburger Martine , Savelkoul Paul , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina , Kluytmans Jan ,   on behalf of the TRIANGLe Study Group
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

The performance of a microarray for the detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases was determined on a collection of 638 highly resistant members of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
collected from patients in 18 hospitals in The Netherlands. The microarray had a significantly higher specificity than the phenotypic assays. It also detects carbapenemases and characterizes the resistance genes, providing epidemiological insight.
Amyloid Histology Stain for Rapid Bacterial Endospore Imaging
Authors: Xia Bing , Upadhyayula Srigokul , Nuñez Vicente , Landsman Pavel , Lam Samuel , Malik Harbani , Gupta Sharad , Sarshar Mohammad , Hu Jingqiu , Anvari Bahman , Jones Guilford , Vullev Valentine I. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTBacterial endospores are some of the most resilient forms of life known to us, with their persistent survival capability resulting from a complex and effective structural organization. The outer membrane of endospores is surrounded by the densely packed endospore coat and exosporium, containing amyloid or amyloid-like proteins. In fact, it is the impenetrable composition of the endospore coat and the exosporium that makes staining methodologies for endospore detection complex and challenging. Therefore, a plausible strategy for facile and expedient staining would be to target components of the protective surface layers of the endospores. Instead of targeting endogenous markers encapsulated in the spores, here we demonstrated staining of these dormant life entities that targets the amyloid domains, i.e., the very surface components that make the coats of these species impenetrable. Using an amyloid staining dye, thioflavin T (ThT), we examined this strategy. A short incubation of bacillus endospore suspensions with ThT, under ambient conditions, resulted in (i) an enhancement of the fluorescence of ThT and (ii) the accumulation of ThT in the endospores, affording fluorescence images with excellent contrast ratios. Fluorescence images revealed that ThT tends to accumulate in the surface regions of the endospores. The observed fluorescence enhancement and dye accumulation, coupled with the sensitivity of emission techniques, provide an effective and rapid means of staining endospores without the inconvenience of pre- or posttreatment of samples.
Infection of Primary Neurons Mediated by Nipah Virus Envelope Proteins: Role of Host Target Cells in Antiviral Action
Authors: Talekar Aparna , Pessi Antonello , Porotto Matteo 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

We have previously described heterotypic peptides from parainfluenza virus that potently inhibit Nipah virus
in vitro
but are not efficacious
in vivo
. In contrast, our second-generation inhibitors, featuring a cholesterol moiety, are also efficacious
in vivo
. The difference between
in vitro
and
in vivo
results led us to investigate the basis for this discrepancy. Here, we compare the activities of the compounds in standard laboratory cells and in cells relevant to the natural tropism of Nipah virus, i.e., primary neurons, and show that while our first-generation inhibitors are poorly active in primary neurons, the cholesterol-conjugated compounds are highly potent. These results highlight the advantage of evaluating antiviral potency in cells relevant to natural host target tissue.
Acupuncture for Hot Flushes in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: A Randomised, Sham-Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Dong Il , Jeong Jae Cheol , Kim Kun Hyung , Rho Jin Ju , Choi Min Sun , Yoon Sang Ho , Choi Sun-Mi , Kang Kyung Won , Ahn Hong Yup , Lee Myeong Soo 
Published: June 2011

Objectives To determine the effect of acupuncture in treating hot flushes in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women. Methods The study was a randomised single-blind sham-controlled clinical trial. Perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with moderate or severe hot flushes were randomised to receive real or sham acupuncture. Both groups underwent a 4-week run-in period before the treatment. The real acupuncture group received 11 acupuncture treatments for 7 weeks, and the control group underwent sham acupuncture on non-acupuncture points during the same period. Both groups were followed for 8 weeks after the end of treatment period. Changes from baseline in the hot flush scores at week 7, measured by multiplying the hot flush frequency and severity, were the primary outcome. Hot flush frequency, severity and menopause-related symptoms measured with the Menopause Rating Scale Questionnaire were regarded as secondary outcomes. Results 54 participants were randomised into the real acupuncture group (n=27) and the sham acupuncture group (n=27). The mean change in hot flush scores was −6.4±5.2 in the real acupuncture group and −5.6±9.2 in the sham group at week 7 from values at the start of the acupuncture treatment (10.0±8.1 vs 11.7±12.6), respectively (p=0.0810). No serious adverse events were observed during the whole study period. Conclusions Compared to sham acupuncture, acupuncture failed to show significantly different effects on the hot flush scores but showed partial benefits on the hot flush severity. Further consideration is needed to develop appropriate strategies for distinguishing non-specific effects from observed overall effectiveness of acupuncture for hot flushes. Whether acupuncture has point-specific effects for hot flushes should be also considered in designing future researches.
Comparison of Clinical and Immunological Effects of Intravenous and Intradermal Administration of α-GalactosylCeramide (KRN7000)-Pulsed Dendritic Cells
Authors: Nicol Andrew J. , Tazbirkova Andrea , Nieda Mie 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPurpose: Human Vα24+Vβ11+ natural killer T-cells (NKT cells) have antitumor activity via direct cytotoxicity and by induction of antitumor actions of T and NK cells. Activation of NKT cells is crucial for their antitumor activity and is induced by α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer, KRN7000) presented by CD1d on dendritic cells (DC). We conducted a phase I clinical trial of therapy with α-GalCer-pulsed DC to determine safety, tolerability, immune effects and an optimal dose, and administration route.Experimental Design: Twelve subjects (3 cohorts) with metastatic malignancy received 4 treatments of α-GalCer-pulsed DC, 2 treatments intravenously (IV), and 2 treatments intradermally (ID). Each successive cohort received a log higher cell dose. Clinical and immunological outcomes were evaluated, including secondary effects on NK and T cells.Results: Substantial effects on peripheral blood NKT cells were observed but were greater following IV treatment. Secondary immune effects including activation of T and NK cells, increases in T- and NK-cell cytoplasmic interferon-γ, and increases in serum interferon-γ levels were seen after IV but not after ID treatment. Therapy was well tolerated, but 9 of 12 subjects had tumor flares with clinical findings consistent with transient tumor inflammation. Disease response (minor) or stabilization of disease progressing up to enrollment was observed in 6 of the 12 subjects. Stabilization of previously progressive disease lasted for at least one year in three subjects.Conclusion: We conclude that therapy with α-GalCer-pulsed DC induced clinically beneficial immune responses that are highly dependent on cell dose and administration route. Clin Cancer Res; 17(15); 5140–51. ©2011 AACR.
Population Analysis of Erlotinib in Adults and Children Reveals Pharmacokinetic Characteristics as the Main Factor Explaining Tolerance Particularities in Children
Authors: White-Koning Melanie , Civade Elodie , Geoerger Birgit , Thomas Fabienne , Le Deley Marie-Cécile , Hennebelle Isabelle , Delord Jean-Pierre , Chatelut Etienne , Vassal Gilles 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) analysis was to evaluate the pharmacologic characteristics of erlotinib and its main metabolite (OSI-420) in pediatric patients compared with those in adult patients.
Experimental Design: Plasma concentrations of erlotinib and OSI-420 of 46 children with malignant brain tumors included in a phase I study and 42 adults with head and neck carcinoma were analyzed by a population-pharmacokinetic method (NONMEM). The effect of several covariates and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in ABCB1, ABCG2, and CYP3A5 on pharmacokinetic parameters was evaluated. PK/PD relationships between plasma drug exposure Area Under the Curve (AUC) at day 1 and skin toxicity were studied in children and compared with the relationship observed in adults.
Results: A significant difference in erlotinib clearance (P = 0.0001), when expressed in L·h−1·kg−1, was observed between children and adults with mean values of 0.146 and 0.095, respectively (mean difference = 0.051 L·h−1·kg−1, SD = 0.0594). However, a common covariate model was obtained describing erlotinib clearance according to body weight, alanine aminotransferase, ABCB1, and CYP3A5 polymorphisms (2677G &gt; T/A and 6986G &gt; A) for both children and adult patients. The PK–PD relationship was very consistent between the children and adult groups with risk of skin toxicity rising with increasing erlotinib AUC.
Conclusions: The nonlinear population approach applied to pharmacokinetic data combined with a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic analysis revealed that the higher recommended dose in children (125 mg/m2/day) compared with adults (90 mg/m2/day) is mainly due to pharmacokinetic rather than pharmacodynamic particularities. Clin Cancer Res; 17(14); 4862–71. ©2011 AACR.
Effectiveness of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Ruiz Andres D , Daniels Kelly R , Barner Jamie C , Carson John J , Frei Christopher R 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is believed it to be a safer and equally effective alternative to Conventional Hormone Therapy for the relief of menopausal symptoms; however, data are needed to support these claims. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of compounded BHRT provided in six community pharmacies.

Methods
This was an observational cohort study of women between the ages of 18-89 who received a compounded BHRT product from January 1, 2003 to April 30, 2010 in six community pharmacies. Data included patient demographics, comorbidities, therapeutic outcomes, and hormone therapies. Women self-rated menopausal symptoms as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the patient population, BHRT use, and adverse events. Patient symptom severity was compared at baseline and 3 to 6 months follow-up using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results
Women (n = 296) receiving BHRT at Oakdell Pharmacy had a mean (standard deviation) age of 52 (9) years. The most common BHRT dosage forms utilized were topical (71%) and oral (43%). Compounded BHRT regimens were generally initiated at low doses regardless of route. Women experienced a 25% decrease in emotional lability (p < 0.01), a 25% decrease in irritability (p < 0.01), and a 22% reduction in anxiety (p = 0.01) within 3 to 6 months. These women also experienced a 14% reduction in night sweats (p = 0.09) and a 6% reduction in hot flashes (p = 0.50).

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that compounded BHRT improves mood symptoms. Larger studies are needed to examine the impact on vasomotor symptoms, myocardial infarction and breast cancer.
A comparison of estimates of glomerular filtration in critically ill patients with augmented renal clearance
Authors: Baptista João Pedro , Udy Andrew A , Sousa Eduardo , Pimentel Jorge , Wang Lisa , Roberts Jason A , Lipman Jeffrey 
Published: June 2011

IntroductionIncreasingly, derived estimates of glomerular filtration, such as the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation and Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formula are being employed in the intensive care unit (ICU). To date, these estimates have not been rigorously validated in those with augmented clearances, resulting in potentially inaccurate drug prescription.
Methods
Post-hoc analysis of prospectively collected data in two tertiary level ICU's in Australia and Portugal. Patients with normal serum creatinine concentrations manifesting augmented renal clearance (ARC) (measured creatinine clearance (CLCR) > 130 ml/min/1.73 m2) were identified by chart review. Comparison between measured values and MDRD and CG estimates were then undertaken. Spearman correlation coefficients (rs) were calculated to determine goodness of fit, and precision and bias were assessed using Bland-Altman plots.

Results
Eighty-six patients were included in analysis. The median [IQR] measured CLCR was 162 [145-190] ml/min/1.73 m2, as compared to 135 [116-171], 93 [83-110], 124[102-154], and 108 [87-135] ml/min/1.73 m2 estimated by CG, modified CG, 4-variable MDRD and 6-variable MDRD formulae. All of the equations significantly under-estimated the measured value, with CG displaying the smallest bias (39 ml/min/1.73 m2). Although a moderate correlation was noted between CLCR and CG (rs = 0.26, P = 0.017) and 4-variable MDRD (rs = 0.22, P = 0.047), neither had acceptable precision for clinical application in this setting. CG estimates had the highest sensitivity for correctly identifying patients with ARC (62%).

Conclusions
Derived estimates of GFR are inaccurate in the setting of ARC, and should be interpreted with caution by the physician. A measured CLCR should be performed to accurately guide drug dosing.
Effect of sol-gel preparation method on particle morphology in pure and nanocomposite PZT thin films
Authors: Bruncková Helena , Medvecký Ľubomír , Hvizdoš Pavol 
Published: June 2011

AbstractDouble-scale composite lead zirconate titanate Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thin films of 360 nm thickness were prepared by a modified composite sol-gel method. PZT films were deposited from both the pure sol and the composite suspension on Pt/Al2O3 substrates by the spin-coating method and were sintered at 650°C. The composite suspension formed after ultrasonic mixing of the PZT nanopowder and PZT sol at the powder/sol mass concentration 0.5 g mL−1. PZT nanopowder (≈ 40–70 nm) was prepared using the conventional sol-gel method and calcination at 500°C. Pure PZT sol was prepared by a modified sol-gel method using a propan-1-ol/propane-1,2-diol mixture as a stabilizing solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the thin films possess a single perovskite phase after their sintering at 650°C. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirmed that the roughness of double-scale composite PZT films (≈ 17 nm) was significantly lower than that of PZT films prepared from pure sol (≈ 40 nm). The composite film consisted of nanosized PZT powder uniformly dispersed in the PZT matrix. In the surface micrograph of the film derived from sol, large round perovskite particles (≈ 100 nm) composed of small spherical individual nanoparticles (≈ 60 nm) were observed. The composite PZT film had a higher crystallinity degree and smoother surface morphology with necklace clusters of nanopowder particles in the sol-gel matrix compared to the pure PZT film. Microstructure of the composite PZT film can be characterized by a bimodal particle size distribution containing spherical perovskite particles from added PZT nanopowder and round perovskite particles from the sol-matrix, (≈ 30–50 nm and ≈ 100–120 nm), respectively. Effect of the PZT film preparation method on the morphology of pure and composite PZT thin films deposited on Pt/Al2O3 substrates was evaluated.
Determination of carbon in solidified sodium coolant using new ICP-OES methods
Authors: Vaculovič Tomáš , Otruba Vítězslav , Matal Oldřich , Kanický Viktor 
Published: June 2011

AbstractNew methods for the determination of carbon in sodium using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (LA-ICP-OES) and ICP-OES with pneumatic nebulisation (PN-ICP-OES) were developed. The determination was required for the study of the carbon dioxide reaction with molten sodium at high temperatures (300–600°C). After exposition to CO2, the solidified sodium sample was subjected to direct solid analysis by LA-ICP-OES and to solution analysis. For the determination of carbon in the sodium sample surface layer by LA-ICP-OES, three different matrices containing sodium were tested (NaCl, NaF, and Na2B4O7 · 10H2O) as calibration pellets. The calibration dependences were improved using sodium as the internal standard. Average carbon content in the sodium bulk sample was determined by PN-ICP-OES after the sample dissolution by water vapour.
A halogenated coumarin from Ficus krishnae
Authors: Parveen Mehtab , Ali Akhtar , Malla Ali , Silva Pedro , Ramos Silva Manuela 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPetroleum ether-benzene extract of the leaves of Ficus krishnae afforded a novel halogenated 2H-chromen-2-one named 3-chloro-7-methoxy-4-methyl-chromen-2-one. Its structure was established on basis of chemical and physical evidence (IR, 1H NMR, and MS data) as well as on X-ray crystallographic studies.
Design, Operation and Economic Analysis of Autonomous Hybrid PV-Diesel Power Systems Including Battery Storage
Authors: Papadopoulos Demetrios , Maltas Eleftherios 
Published: June 2011

Design, Operation and Economic Analysis of Autonomous Hybrid PV-Diesel Power Systems Including Battery Storage
This paper presents a systematic techno-economic analysis of autonomous PV-Diesel energy system with battery storage. This hybrid type power system was developed and installed on the roof of the Electrical Engineering Laboratory building in the city of Xanthi, Greece, where a weather station is also installed providing necessary meteorological data since 2002. Such system can be generally used to supply electrical loads of isolated remote areas. The actual design of such a system is based on: a pre-defined load pattern to be supplied; the pertinent weather data; the relevant market prices; and the applicable recent economic rates (eg June 2009 for the Greek case). The system is operated on a predictive manner using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) which controls the main system parameters for safe and continuous power supply to meet reliably the desired load demand. Three distinct systems of this type and of equal capacity, which combine energy sources and battery storage have been proposed and assessed technically and economically.
Thermal Fluctuations in Electric Circuits and the Brownian Motion
Authors: Vasziová Gabriela , Tóthová Jana , Glod Lukáš , Lisý Vladimír 
Published: June 2011

Thermal Fluctuations in Electric Circuits and the Brownian MotionIn this work we explore the mathematical correspondence between the Langevin equation that describes the motion of a Brownian particle (BP) and the equations for the time evolution of the charge in electric circuits, which are in contact with the thermal bath. The mean quadrate of the fluctuating electric charge in simple circuits and the mean square displacement of the optically trapped BP are governed by the same equations. We solve these equations using an efficient approach that allows us converting the stochastic equations to ordinary differential equations. From the obtained solutions the autocorrelation function of the current and the spectral density of the current fluctuations are found. As distinct from previous works, the inertial and memory effects are taken into account.
Microwave Electromagnetic Filed and Temperature Distribution in a Multilayered Wood-Cement Board
Authors: Franek Jaroslav , Kollár Mojmír , Makovíny Ivan 
Published: June 2011

Microwave Electromagnetic Filed and Temperature Distribution in a Multilayered Wood-Cement Board
The aim of this work was theoretical considerations of a multi-layer structure and estimation of some properties of previously designed and prepared modified wood-cement boards. These were enriched by carbon powder as electric admixture to gain a high damping of electromagnetic radiation in microwave frequency region. The dissipated power and temperature assessment based on the heat and electromagnetic wave propagation in case of perpendicular incident radiation are presented. As a practical criteria of the shielding effectiveness —the drop of the temperature measured behind an irradiated multilayered shield was utilized.