bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chitosan as Morphology-directing Agent for the Preparation of Multiarmed Selenium/Carbon Coaxial Nanorods
Authors: Yu Bo , Chen Tianfeng , Yang Fang , Liu Wen , Li Ying-Hua , Zheng Wenjie 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A facile approach for the synthesis of multiarmed selenium/carbon (Se/C) coaxial nanorods by using chitosan as morphology-directing agents and selenious acid as the Se source has been demonstrated in the present study. Multiarmed Se/C nanorods, consisting of I-, Y-, T-, and cross-shaped configurations, were prepared by controlling the temperature and the ratio of amount of chitosan and Se in the reaction systems.
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Double B Mixed Perovskite Series La0.75K0.25Mn1−xFexO3
Authors: Zhang Ganghua , Fan Min 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A series of double B mixed perovskite oxides La0.75K0.25Mn1−xFexO3 (x = 0.2–0.5) were synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, SEM, ICP, XPS, iodometric titration, and SQUID. All the compounds corresponded to orthorhombic structure of space group Pnma and presented a cuboid morphology. The oxidation state of Fe is +3 whereas Mn is a mixed valence of Mn3+/Mn4+. The curves M vs. T for all the compositions indicated the coexistence of ferro- and antiferromagnetic contribution.
Aqueous Preparation of Highly Luminescent CdSe/ZnS Nanocrystals through Photochemical Processing
Authors: Li Chunliang , Ando Masanori , Sakai Eiichi , Enomoto Hiroyuki , Taguchi Takahisa , Murase Norio 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Highly luminescent CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals were prepared in an aqueous solution. CdSe cores capped with thiolglycolic acid (TGA) were coated with a ZnS shell through photochemical decomposition of TGA in a Zn-dispersed solution. The molar ratios of Cd2+:TGA:Se2− upon core synthesis were crucial to obtain CdSe/ZnS showing high photoluminescence (PL) efficiency. High PL efficiency (50%) with narrow spectral width (50 nm) was obtained after photochemically coating the core with a thick ZnS shell after optimizing the solution composition during ultraviolet irradiation.
Composite Polymer Materials Consisting of Nanofilms Formed by Click Reaction between Polymers at an Oil–Water Interface
Authors: Kai Shuhei , Ashaduzzaman Md , Uemura Shinobu , Kunitake Masashi 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
New polymer materials, including thin films, soft gels, and hollow capsules, consisting of composite polymer nanofilms were prepared by the Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen click reaction between lipophilic polymers or between lipophilic and hydrophilic polymers. Because the lipophilic polymer, or hydrophilic polymer and copper catalyst were present in the oil or aqueous phase, respectively, the crosslinking reaction proceeded only at the phase interface. The combination of lipophilic and hydrophilic polymers produced “Janus” nanofilms with both hydrophilic and lipophilic surfaces.
Comparison of Cardiovascular Prognosis by 3 Serum Cystatin C Methods in the Heart and Soul Study
Authors: Shlipak Michael G , Weekley Cristin C , Li Yongmei , Hansson Lars-Olof , Larsson Anders , Whooley Mary 
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND
Cystatin C is a promising new biomarker to determine the estimated glomerular filtration. However, the Siemens' cystatin C assay (Siemens), used in many longitudinal studies, has had limited clinical applicability because it requires a specific, dedicated instrument. Other companies, including Gentian and Roche, have developed cystatin C assays that can be used with most routine clinical chemistry analyzers.

METHODS
We compared the agreement of Gentian and Roche with Siemens assays in 948 participants at the baseline visit of the Heart and Soul Study, a cohort of participants with established coronary artery disease who were followed for an average of 8 years. We then compared associations of all 3 cystatin C measures and eGFR–Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS
The Gentian assay had higher correlation with Siemens (r = 0.96) than did Roche (r = 0.93, P &lt; 0.001). After cross-tabulating quartiles of each cystatin C measure, agreements (κ statistic) were higher for Siemens and Gentian (0.73, 95% CI 0.72–0.75) than for Roche and Siemens (0.64, 0.63–0.66) or for Roche and Gentian (0.69, 0.65–0.71). These differences in agreement had minimal impact on associations with clinical outcomes; the hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality comparing the high vs low quartiles were 3.2 (95% CI 2.1–4.8) for Siemens, 3.1 (CI 2.1–4.7) for Gentian, 3.1 (CI 2.1–4.7) for Roche, and 1.6 (CI 1.1–2.3) for eGFR-MDRD, after multivariate adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS
In summary, agreement with the Siemens' assay was modestly higher for the Gentian compared with the Roche assay, although all 3 methods for cystatin C measurement had similar utility as predictors of clinical outcomes.
Helicobacter pylori-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IKKβ contributes to NF-κB activation
Authors: Rieke Cornelia , Papendieck Anja , Sokolova Olga , Naumann Michael 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori, the etiological agent of several human gastric diseases, induces the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in colonized epithelial cells leading to the release of proinflammatory mediators. Activation of NF-κB involves the IκB kinase (IKK)-complex composed of two catalytic subunits, IKKα and IKKβ, and a regulatory scaffold protein, IKKγ. IKKβ was shown to be essential for NF-κB activation in response to a variety of stimuli including H. pylori. In addition to the phosphorylation of serine residues, tyrosine phosphorylation could be crucial for IKKβ activation. Here we provide evidence that IKKβ phosphorylation is induced in lipid rafts (DRM fractions) of H. pylori-infected cells, but not TNFα-stimulated cells. Furthermore, H. pylori transiently induces binding of IKKβ to c-Src kinase. Inhibition of c-Src by specific inhibitors as well as knockdown of c-Src by small interfering RNA reduced phosphorylation of IκBα as well as of p65. Thus, tyrosine-phosphorylated IKKβ contributes at least in part to NF-κB activation in response to H. pylori infection.
Identification of plasma haptoglobin forms which loosely bind hemoglobin
Authors: Spagnuolo Maria Stefania , Cigliano Luisa , Maresca Bernardetta , Pugliese Carmela Regina , Abrescia Paolo 
Published: February 2011

AbstractHaptoglobin (Hpt) is known to capture circulating free hemoglobin (Hb) and bind apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I or E. Here, we report that Hb can be tightly bound by most of Hpt molecules (TB-Hpt, 80%), whereas loosely bound by a minor part of them (LB-Hpt, 20%). LB-Hpt amount was significantly increased (over 60%) in patients with acute coronary syndrome. LB-Hpt bound ApoA-I and ApoE less efficiently than TB-Hpt (8- and 4-fold less, respectively) and did not affect their activity of stimulating the enzyme lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase. LB-Hpt and TB-Hpt displayed comparable levels of nitrotyrosine residues, but differences in glycan chains. Changes in LB-Hpt level might be associated with changes in Hpt functions.
RNA-dependent RNA polymerases in RNA silencing
Authors: Maida Yoshiko , Masutomi Kenkichi 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) synthesize double-stranded RNAs that are processed into small RNAs and mediate gene silencing. Viral RdRPs and cellular RdRPs show little structural homology to each other. Cellular RdRPs play key roles in RNA silencing by producing complementary strands for target RNAs via Dicer-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Although the existence of a functional mammalian homolog of RdRP has long been predicted, traditional approaches to identify such enzymes were unsuccessful. Recently, human telomerase reverse transcriptase, a polymerase closely related to viral RdRPs, has been shown to function as an RdRP and contributes to RNA silencing in vivo. These findings suggest that endogenous small interfering RNAs are produced by several mechanisms in eukaryotes.
Allele-selective inhibition of ataxin-3 (ATX3) expression by antisense oligomers and duplex RNAs
Authors: Hu Jiaxin , Gagnon Keith T. , Liu Jing , Watts Jonathan K. , Syeda-Nawaz Jeja , Bennett C. Frank , Swayze Eric E. , Randolph John , Chattopadhyaya Jyoti , Corey David R. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia-3 (also known as Machado-Joseph disease) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder caused by expression of a mutant variant of ataxin-3 (ATX3) protein. Inhibiting expression of ATX3 would provide a therapeutic strategy, but indiscriminant inhibition of both wild-type and mutant ATX3 might lead to undesirable side effects. An ideal silencing agent would block expression of mutant ATX3 while leaving expression of wild-type ATX3 intact. We have previously observed that peptide nucleic acid (PNA) conjugates targeting the expanded CAG repeat within ATX3 mRNA block expression of both alleles. We have now identified additional PNAs capable of inhibiting ATX3 expression that vary in length and in the nature of the conjugated cation chain. We can also achieve potent and selective inhibition using duplex RNAs containing one or more mismatches relative to the CAG repeat. Anti-CAG antisense bridged nucleic acid oligonucleotides that lack a cationic domain are potent inhibitors but are not allele-selective. Allele-selective inhibitors of ATX3 expression provide insights into the mechanism of selectivity and promising lead compounds for further development and in vivo investigation.
Optical characteristics of wood investigated by time-of-flight near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Kurata Yohei , Fujimoto Takaaki , Tsuchikawa Satoru 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A new optical measurement system, the main components of which are a diode-pumped solid state laser and avalanche photodiodes, was introduced to clarify the optical characteristics of wood from the viewpoint of time-of-flight near infrared spectroscopy. The sample thickness and the wavelength of input pulsed laser clearly influenced the transmitted time-resolved profile. The effective optical path length became 15 times longer than the sample thickness. The optical model based on the diffusion approximation to the radiative transfer equation proved to be useful for thick samples, which can be optically regarded as an ideal diffuser, although wood is a structural material with non-homogeneous cellular structure.
Potential of pulp and paper sludge as a formaldehyde scavenger agent in MDF resins
Authors: Migneault Sébastien , Koubaa Ahmed , Riedl Bernard , Nadji Hamid , Deng James , Zhang Tony (S.Y.) 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Sludge of pulp and paper mills have natural adhesive properties. The primary sludge (PS, contains fibers) and secondary sludge (SS, contains proteins) could also be suitable for manufacturing medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Protein in SS can react with formaldehyde (HCHO), and as an additive in urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins it can reduce formaldehyde emission. Thus, SS was investigated in the present study. PS and SS were collected from two mills and characterized in terms of chemical composition, fiber length distribution, pH, and buffering capacity. MDF samples were processed according to an experimental design, in which UF resin content was reduced from 12% to 8% and replaced by SS in the range of 5%–15%. Gel time measurement showed high SS reactivity with UF resin. The SS reduced HCHO emissions by up to 68% compared to control panels, without compromising internal bond strength. The bonding effect of SS was lower than expected due to the high pH, thus the buffering capacity reduced UF performance. Moreover, sludge reduced bending performance. Dimensional stability was the greatest disadvantage of sludge panels.
Remarks on chains of weakly closed subgroups
Authors: Gilotti Anna Luisa , Serena Luigi 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
In this paper we generalize and unify several results proved in recent papers about the existence of normal p-complements and conditions on supersolubility.
Moreover a counterexample is given to a question in [Guo and Wei, J. Group Theory 13: 267–276, 2010] and it is proved that a finite group is 2-nilpotent if the cyclic subgroups of order less or equal than four are strongly closed.
Water Content Measurement in Expansive Soils Using the Neutron Probe
Authors: Fityus Stephen , Wells Tony , Huang Wenxiong 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Capacitance-type methods for measuring soil water content are known to be unreliable in expansive soils, as cracking disrupts the intimate contact between the soil and the measuring device. The neutron probe, which infers water content from the thermalisation of a cloud of neutrons, is potentially less affected by cracking. The effect of cracking on neutron probe measurements was investigated by a series of numerical simulations using an axisymmetric finite element model based on seven-group neutron-diffusion theory. The simulations employed a consistent soil cracking model based on Maryland clay, in which crack volumes are determined from the changes in void ratio in the shrinking bulk soil. The results show that the presence of cracks in a clay soil affects the inferred water content and that measurements affected by air-filled cracking under-predict not only the water content in the uncracked soil peds but also the average water content in the larger cracked soil mass. The reason for this under-prediction is understood by considering the spatial distribution of the thermalised neutrons in the cracked and uncracked soils. The fast neutrons emitted from the source are seen to diffuse preferentially along air-filled cracks, traveling a large distance from the detector before they become thermalised, thus reducing their likelihood of being back-scattered to the detector where they can be counted. The proximity of the first crack to the probe in the ground also affects the measurement. Water-filled cracks are seen to have the opposite (but lesser) effect to air-filled cracks. A comparison of a simple uniform width crack model to a more realistic model in which crack width varies with changing water content shows that the model is sensitive to crack distribution and that the linear calibration expressions that are typically employed for neutron probes are likely to be unreliable in cracked clay soils.
Preparation and quality control of166Ho-DTPA-antiCD20 for radioimmunotherapy
Authors: Zolghadri Samaneh , Jalilian A. R. , Yousefnia Hassan , Bahrami-Samani A. , Shirvani-Arani Simindokht , Ghannadi-Maragheh M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this work, anti-CD20 was successively labeled with beta-particle emitting radionuclide, Ho-166, for ultimate radioimmunotherapy applications. Ho-166 chloride was obtained by thermal neutron flux (1×1013 n cm−2s−1) of natural Ho2(NO3)3sample, dissolved in acidic media.166Ho-holmium chloride (185 MBq) was added to the conjugated antibody after ccDTPA residulation at room temperature. Radiochemical purity of 95% (ITLC) and 98% (HPLC) were obtained for final radioimmunoconjugate (specific activity =3–3.5 GBq/mg). The final isotonic166Ho-rituximab complex was checked by gel electrophoresis for protein integrity retention. Biodistribution studies of Ho-166 chloride and radioimmunoconjugate were performed in wild-type rats to determine the biodistribution. The accumulation of the radiolabeled antibody in lungs, liver and spleen demonstrates a similar pattern to the other radiolabeled anti-CD20 immunoconjugates.
The thermal release of scandium from titanium metal – a simple way to produce pure44Sc for PET application
Authors: Wittwer David , Dressler R. , Eichler Robert , Gäggeler H. W. , Piguet D. , Serov A. , Türler Andreas , Vögele A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe radionuclide-generator based access to radiopharmaceutical isotopes represents a valuable alternative to directly produced isotopes at particle accelerators or nuclear reactors. The44Ti based generator is of increasing interest for the delivery of PET-radiopharmaceutical isotopes used for imaging. The product of this generator44Sc represents with its 3.97 h half-life and 94.3% positron branching [1] a very promising candidate for labeling PET radiopharmaceuticals. The long half-life of 58.9±0.3 y [2] of the44Ti assures a constant and long lasting production of the daughter nuclide.Here we present a gas phase separation method of scandium from titaniumviathermal release in vacuum. Titanium foils were irradiated with40Ar to produce scandium in multi-nucleon transfer reactions. Another production reaction used was the irradiation of titanium by neutrons from the SINQ neutron source at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI).The titanium metal foils containing44mSc and46Sc were heated up for time periods of 15 and 60 min to temperatures between 900 °C and 1500 °C in vacuum. Thus, release properties of scandium from titanium under these conditions were studied. The released scandium was collected on tantalum foils and could be rinsed of with concentrated nitric acid resulting in carrier free scandium nitrate solutions. From the experimental results optimum release conditions are suggested.
An Analysis of Water Quality in the Colorado River, 2003–04; An Investigation Into Recurring Outbreaks of Norovirus Among Rafters
Authors: Jones Ellen L. , Gaither Marlene , Kramer Adam , Gerba Charles P. 
Published: February 2011

Background Every year over 22 000 people raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Since 1994, over 400 rafters in 6 separate outbreaks have become ill with norovirus while rafting this stretch of the river. Objectives To assess potential causes of these outbreaks, Colorado River water, water from nearby wastewater treatment plants, and a drinking water source were sampled and tested for norovirus and other water quality indicators. Methods Colorado River water was collected and sampled during the 2004 rafting season. Water from wastewater treatment plants near the Lee's Ferry launch site and drinking water from the Lee's Ferry launch site were also examined during the 2003 and 2004 rafting seasons. Stool samples from ill rafters and composite stool samples from onboard toilet-cans were tested for the presence of norovirus during the 2003 and 2004 outbreaks. Parameters examined included the following: norovirus by reverse transcriptase– polymerase chain reaction, coliforms, Escherichia coli, temperature, turbidity, and pH. Results No norovirus was detected in the Colorado River during the 2004 field sampling. Norovirus was detected in the Glen Canyon Dam Wastewater Treatment Plant on one occasion in 2004. Drinking water from the Lee's Ferry launch site was negative for norovirus in 2003, and Colorado River water from the Lee's Ferry launch site was negative for norovirus in 2004. In 2003, 3 of 10 stool samples from ill rafters or onboard toilet-cans were positive for norovirus. Neither of 2 stool samples collected in 2004 was positive for norovirus. Conclusions Colorado River water tested during nonoutbreak periods was negative for norovirus, indicating that there is not an ongoing high level of norovirus contamination in the river. No source or sources of contamination could be identified from the testing. Potential sources of norovirus outbreaks among rafters include drinking contaminated river water, consuming contaminated foodstuff, rafter importation of the virus and subsequent person-to-person spread, and contaminated fomites, campsites, or equipment. It is likely outbreaks are the result of more than one source of norovirus, and the exact source remains unknown for several outbreaks.
Ankle-Brachial Index on Kilimanjaro: Lessons from High Altitude
Authors: Nault Patrice , Halman Samantha , Paradis Josée 
Published: February 2011

Objective This study investigated the effects of a high–sympathetic stimulus environment (high-altitude hypoxia) on limb-specific systolic blood pressure (sBP) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) in normal volunteers. We hypothesized that currently accepted normal values for ABI may in fact not reflect an actual normal vascular state in all patients. Methods Twenty climbers (17 males, 3 females) from Gatineau-Hull (Québec, Canada) participated in this study and ascended Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa. Ankle-brachial index measurements were performed at sea level and on Mount Kilimanjaro at ∼4100 m. The data were analyzed using predictive analytics software SPSS 14.0. Data obtained at sea level were compared to those obtained at ∼4100 m, with participants serving as their own controls. Results Ankle-brachial indices measured at ∼4100 m (mean = 1.20) were greater than those measured at sea level (mean = 0.97) ( n = −6.23; 95% CI: −.32 to −.17; P < .001). There were no significant differences between the systolic brachial pressures at ∼4100 m when compared to those at sea level ( P = .814). Contrarily, systolic ankle pressures at sea level (mean = 132) were significantly greater than those measured at ∼4100 m (mean = 152) ( t = −3.5, 95% CI: −29 to −7.4; P = .002). Conclusions This study is the first to physiologically demonstrate that in response to a high adrenergic stimulus in healthy volunteers there is a greater increase in sBP in the legs vs the arms.
Comparison of a SAM Splint-Molded Cervical Collar with a Philadelphia Cervical Collar
Authors: McGrath Todd , Murphy Crystal 
Published: February 2011

Objective To compare the effectiveness of a SAM splint molded into a cervical collar with that of a Philadelphia cervical collar at limiting movement of the cervical spine in 5 different movements. Methods This study was prospectively carried out in 13 healthy volunteer subjects. A hand-held goniometer was then used to measure degrees of maximal extension (starting in a maximally flexed position), rotation (left and right), and lateral flexion (left and right) with each collar. The results were then analyzed for the 5 independent movements using the paired t test to determine the effectiveness of the SAM splint compared with that of the Philadelphia collar. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the Philadelphia collar and the SAM splint at limiting movement of the cervical spine in any of the measured movements or in total allowed degrees of movement. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the SAM splint, when molded into a cervical collar, is as effective as the Philadelphia collar at limiting movement of the cervical spine.
Ginkgo biloba Does—and Does Not—Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness
Authors: Leadbetter Guy , Keyes Linda E. , Maakestad Kirsten M. , Olson Sheryl , Tissot van Patot Martha C. , Hackett Peter H. 
Published: February 2011

Objective To determine the efficacy of 2 different sources of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) in reducing the incidence and severity of acute mountain sickness (AMS) following rapid ascent to high altitude. Methods Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cohort studies were conducted in which participants were treated with GBE (240 mg·d−1) or placebo prior to and including the day of ascent from 1600 m to 4300 m (ascent in 2 hours by car). Acute mountain sickness was diagnosed if the Environmental Symptom Questionnaire III acute mountain sickness–cerebral (AMS-C) score was ≥0.7 and the Lake Louise Symptom (LLS) score was ≥3 and the participant reported a headache. Symptom severity was also determined by these scores. Results Results were conflicting: Ginkgo biloba reduced the incidence and severity of AMS compared to placebo in the first but not the second study. In the first study, GBE reduced AMS incidence (7/21) vs placebo (13/19) ( P = .027, number needed to treat = 3), and it also reduced severity (AMS-C = 0.77 ± 0.26 vs 1.59 ± 0.27, P = .029). In the second study, GBE did not reduce incidence or severity of AMS (GBE 4/15 vs placebo 10/22, P = .247; AMS-C = 0.48 ± 0.13 vs 0.58 ± 0.11, P = .272). The primary difference between the 2 studies was the source of GBE. Conclusions The source and composition of GBE products may determine the effectiveness of GBE for prophylaxis of AMS.