bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polysiphonia sensu lato (Ceramiales, Florideophyceae) species of Caribbean Panama including Polysiphonia lobophoralis sp. nov. and Polysiphonia nuda sp. nov.
Authors: Mamoozadeh Nadya R. , Freshwater D. Wilson 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Only two species of Polysiphonia sensu lato (predominately species of Polysiphonia and Neosiphonia) have been reported from Caribbean Panama. In contrast, 16 species are documented from the neighboring countries of Costa Rica and Colombia. Molecular-assisted identification using plastid-encoded ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit gene (rbcL) and mitochondria-encoded cytochrome coxidase subunit I gene (COI) loci identified 14 species from 38 samples collected along the Caribbean coast of Panama. Morphological character states were examined and used to identify each sample, and phylogenetic relationships among these species were estimated through maximum likelihood analyses of rbcL and nuclear-encoded SSU sequence data. Neosiphonia ferulaceae, N. tongatensis, Polysiphonia binneyi, P. havanensis, P. macrocarpa, P. pseudovillum, P. schneideri, P. subtilissima, and two species that could only be identified as P. cf. sertularioides are reported for the first time from Panama. Polysiphonia pentamera, a species only known from the eastern Pacific is reported for the first time in the Caribbean, and two new species, P. lobophoralis and P. nuda are described. A key to Caribbean Panama species, descriptions of species morphology and remarks on taxonomy and relationships are provided. These findings demonstrate that previous limited reports of Polysiphonia sensu lato species from Panama resulted from a lack of study, rather than a lack of diversity, within the region.
Vitamin D deficiency parallels inflammation and immune activation, the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study
Authors: Murr Christian , Pilz Stefan , Grammer Tanja B. , Kleber Marcus E. , Meinitzer Andreas , Boehm Bernhard O. , März Winfried , Fuchs Dietmar 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: Low vitamin D concentrations are detected in patients suffering from various clinical conditions which are characterized also by inflammation and immune activation. We investigated whether vitamin D levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are related to markers of immune activation.

Methods: Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] and the immune activation markers neopterin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured in 2015 patients derived from the LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study, a cohort study among patients referred for coronary angiography.

Results: Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D did not differ between patients with CAD [mean±SD: 25(OH)D: 17.4±9.4 μg/L; 1,25(OH)2D: 34.4±13.3 ng/L] and controls [25(OH)D: 18.4±11.7 μg/L; 1,25(OH)2D: 35.3±12.7 ng/L; Welch’s t-test: p=n.s.] but CAD patients had higher neopterin (8.6±7.4 nmol/L) and hsCRP (9.6±19.6 mg/L) concentrations compared to controls (neopterin: 7.5±4.8 nmol/L; p=0.0004; hsCRP: 5.4±10.0 mg/L; p<0.0001). There was an inverse correlation between serum 25(OH)D or 1,25(OH)2D concentrations and serum neopterin [Spearman’s rank correlation: 25(OH)D: rs=–0.183; 1,25(OH)2D: rs=–0.230] and hsCRP [25(OH)D: rs=–0.142; 1,25(OH)2D: rs=–0.130; all p<0.0001] concentrations.

Conclusions: Our results indicate increased inflammatory processes in patients with low vitamin D status. Further studies should clarify the underlying mechanisms for the observed associations of vitamin D status and inflammatory parameters.
Comparison of diagnostic and prognostic performance of two assays measuring thymidine kinase 1 activity in serum of breast cancer patients
Authors: Nisman Benjamin , Allweis Tanir , Kadouri Luna , Mali Bela , Hamburger Tamar , Baras Mario , Gronowitz Simon , Peretz Tamar 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground:We compared two recently developed immunoassays for serum thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) activity: one manual assay (DiviTum, Biovica®) and one fully automated assay (Liaison, Diasorin®).Methods:The study included 368 women: 149 healthy blood donors (control), 59 patients with benign breast disease (BBD) and 160 patients with primary breast cancer (BC).Results:A regression analysis of the Liaison (y) and DiviTum (x) assays for all three groups yielded the equation y=3.93+0.03x (r=0.85, n=368). The r-value in BC was higher than in control and BBD (0.90 vs. 0.81 and 0.64). The correlation between the two assays for TK1 values above the cut-off was higher compared to that below (0.88 and 0.59). Breakdown of the BBD group into subgroups with proliferative and non-proliferative lesions was effective only with the measurement of TK1 with DiviTum assay (p=0.03). The TK1 activity determined preoperatively in BC patients with DiviTum and Liaison assays was significantly associated with T-stage (for both p=0.01), presence of vascular invasion (p=0.002 and p=0.02), lack of estrogen receptor (ER) (p=0.001 and p=0.01) and progesterone receptor (PR) (p=0.01 and p=0.03) expression. Only TK1 analyzed with the DiviTum assay was associated with tumor grade and molecular subtype of BC (p=0.02 and p=0.003). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that T-stage, PR status and TK1 activity measured by both methods (DiviTum, RR=3.0, p=0.02 and Liaison, RR=3.1, p=0.01) were independent predictors of disease recurrence.Conclusions:In spite of differences observed between TK1 activity measured by the DiviTum and Liaison assays, both of them may be used for recurrence prediction in preoperative evaluation of BC patients.
Association of acute phase protein-haptoglobin, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in buccal cancer: a preliminary report
Authors: Lee Ching-Chih , Ho Hsu-Chueh , Chien Sou-Hsin , Hsiao Shih-Hsuan , Hung Shih-Kai , Huang Tze-Ta , Yu Chih-Chia , Chang Shu-Mei , Huang Huai-Huei , Su Yu-Chieh 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of inflammation on acute phase protein and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in buccal cancer.

Methods: Western blotting was carried out to investigate the expression of haptoglobin and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in oral cancer cell lines with or without IL-6 stimulation. We studied patients with buccal cancer patients without distant metastasis at diagnosis. Correlation between cellular haptoglobin, EMT, and clinical characteristics of buccal cancer was analyzed to assess the prognostic value of cellular haptoglobin level and EMT. The relationship of haptoglobin, and EMT expression with survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results: Western blotting analysis showed that increased haptoglobin protein was associated with overexpression of vimentin. Under IL-6 stimulation, overexpression of haptoglobin, EMT-associated motile phenotype was noted in OC2 cell lines. Overexpression of haptoglobin was also associated with an increased risk for locoregional recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) 1.04; p=0.011] after adjusting for age, gender, disease site, stage, and treatment modality.

Conclusions: Increased cellular expression of haptoglobin is associated with EMT in oral cancer cell lines and this phenomenon could be exaggerated with IL-6. Cellular expression of haptoglobin is related to locoregional recurrence rate in buccal cancer patients.
Pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in adult renal transplant recipients
Authors: Naik Pradeep , Madhavarapu Mallikarjuna , Mayur Prabhu , Nayak Karampodi Shivanand , Sritharan Venkataraman 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: The success of an immunosuppressive drug therapy depends on the extent of exposure to the drugs (the blood levels and duration), which is measured as the area under the curve (AUC). Tacrolimus shows considerable variability in its pharmacokinetics, with poor correlation between the tacrolimus trough level and systemic exposure, as measured by the AUC of concentration time. Monitoring trough levels helps not only in reducing nephrotoxiicity but also in reducing the chances of acute rejection; although there is no international consensus, the trough concentration is used to determine dosing and the AUC for calculating the exposure of the patient to the drug. The major objective of this study was to find the best sampling time for an abbreviated AUC0–6 (area under the concentration time curve) to predict the total body exposure to tacrolimus in adult renal transplantation recipients.

Methods: The study involved retrospective analysis of 14 renal transplant patients (2 female and 12 male) that were on triple immunosuppressive therapy, methyl prednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus. To determine trough concentrations, blood samples were collected before administration of tacrolimus (0 h) and at fixed time points of 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after administration of oral tacrolimus and analyzed in duplicate by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. AUC0–6 was determined using the linear trapezoidal rule. The association between the blood concentration and AUC6 were evaluated by the Pearson correlation coefficient. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software (IBM Corp., NY, USA) program.

Results: Trough levels were fairly consistent at 7.9–18 ng·h/mL in all the patients included in this study, and this did not show variation with age or sex. The AUC0–6 was higher [202–290 ng/mL at 3–8 mg bis-daily (b.d.) dosage] in patients who received kidneys from cadavers compared to recipients from live donors (60.5–171 ng/mL at 3–8 mg b.d. dosage), but the clinical significance of this is not known. The highest AUC0–6 was 246 ng/mL, observed at 4.5 mg b.d. dosage. Dosages higher than 2 mg b.d. did not result in a noticeable increase in AUC0–6. Peak blood levels of tacrolimus were obtained 4 h after administration.

Conclusions: Trough level determination and a C2, C4 two-point limited sampling strategy may be useful to plan the dosing strategy and estimate the exposure of renal transplant patients to tacrolimus.
CYP2E1 potentiates toxicity in obesity and after chronic ethanol treatment
Authors: Cederbaum Arthur I. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:
CYP2E1 activates several hepatotoxins and contributes to alcoholic liver damage. In this report, we review our studies on whether induction of CYP2E1 can potentiate liver injury in obesity. Acetone- or pyrazole-induced severe liver injury in obese mice as compared to obese controls and lean mice. Severe liver injury was associated with elevated oxidative and nitrosative stress and could be blunted by inhibitors of CYP2E1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) lowered the elevated oxidative and nitrosative stress, steatosis, liver injury and mitochondrial dysfunction in the pyrazole-treated obese mice. The protection by SAM may have therapeutic applications against metabolic complications caused by obesity. The role of CYP2E1 in chronic ethanol-induced liver injury was studied using wild-type (WT) mice, CYP2E1 knockout (KO) mice and humanized CYP2E1 knockin (KI) mice. Ethanol produced fatty liver and oxidant stress in WT mice; these effects were blunted in the CYP2E1 KO mice but restored in the CYP2E1 KI mice. Significant liver injury was produced in the ethanol-fed KI mice in association with elevated oxidant stress and levels of human CYP2E1. Collectively, these studies show that CYP2E1 contributes to ethanol-induced and obesity-induced oxidant stress and liver injury.
High-performance liquid chromatography method using ultraviolet detection for the quantification of aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole in psychiatric patients
Authors: Dorado Pedro , de Andrés Fernando , Naranjo María Eugenia G. , Peñas-Lledó Eva M. , González Idilio , González Antonio P. , de la Rubia Alfredo , LLerena Adrián 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: Aripiprazole (ARI) is an antipsychotic drug that is metabolized to dehydroaripiprazole (DARI) by CYP2D6. Because of the large interindividual variability in ARI and DARI plasma concentrations, therapeutic drug monitoring may be of use in psychiatric patients during treatment with ARI. The aim of the present study was to develop a simple and reliable method for the quantitative determination of ARI and DARI in plasma using liquid-liquid extraction and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection. The method was tested in psychiatric patients during regular treatment with ARI.

Methods: Separation was by the liquid-liquid method, and UV detection at 254 nm. Linear responses for ARI and DARI were obtained between 2 and 1000 ng/mL, and precision assays were lower than 10.4 for both analytes.

Results: Lower limit of quantification and detection were 1 and 0.38 ng/mL for ARI and 0.78 and 0.44 ng/mL for DARI, respectively. The method was successfully applied to plasma samples drawn from 22 patients with concentrations ranging between 2 and 189 ng/mL for ARI and between 11 and 359 ng/mL for DARI.

Conclusions: The chromatographic method developed has been demonstrated to be sensitive and reliable for the measurement of ARI and DARI simultaneously in human plasma, and the present method represents an alternative procedure to evaluate plasma concentration in patients during treatment with ARI.
Spectral theory on 3-dimensional hyperbolic space and Hermitian modular forms
Authors: Matthes Roland , Mizuno Yoshinori 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We study some arithmetics of
Hermitian modular forms of degree two by applying the spectral theory on 3-dimensional hyperbolic space.
This paper presents three main results:
(1) a 3-dimensional analogue of Katok–Sarnak's correspondence,
(2) an analytic proof of a Hermitian analogue of the Saito–Kurokawa lift
by means of a converse theorem,
(3) an explicit formula for the Fourier coefficients of a certain Hermitian Eisenstein series.
Goodwillie calculus and Whitehead products
Authors: Chorny Boris , Scherer Jérôme 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We prove that iterated Whitehead products of
length (n + 1) vanish in any value of an n-excisive functor
in the sense of Goodwillie. We compare then different notions
of homotopy nilpotency, from the Berstein–Ganea definition to
the Biedermann–Dwyer one. The latter is strongly related to
Goodwillie calculus and we analyze the vanishing of iterated
Whitehead products in such objects.
Optical DPSK Temperature-insensitive Demodulator
Authors: Azami Nawfel , Rahmouni Anouar 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAn innovative method to achieve temperature-insensitive Optical Differential Phase Shift Keying demodulation is presented The demodulation is realized with a Mach–Zehnder-Interferometer-based-DPSK with direct intensity detection at the output using photodiodes followed by a trans-impedance amplifier. The output amplifier voltages thermal-drift are automatically compensated using a differential
Changes in viscoelastic vibrational properties between compression and normal wood: roles of microfibril angle and of lignin
Authors: Brémaud Iris , Ruelle Julien , Thibaut Anne , Thibaut Bernard 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This study aims at better understanding the respective influences of specific gravity (γ), microfibril angle (MFA), and cell wall matrix polymers on viscoelastic vibrational properties of wood in the axial direction. The wide variations of properties between normal wood (NW) and compression wood (CW) are in focus. Three young bent trees (Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris and Pinus pinaster), which recovered verticality, were sampled. Several observed differences between NW and CW were highly significant in terms of anatomical, physical (γ, shrinkage, CIELab colorimetry), mechanical (compressive strength), and vibrational properties. The specific dynamic modulus of elasticity (E′/γ) decreases with increasing MFA, and Young’s modulus (E′) can be satisfactorily explained by γ and MFA. Apparently, the type of the cell wall polymer matrix is not influential in this regard. The damping coefficient (tanδ) does not depend solely on the MFA of NW and CW. The tanδ – E′/γ relationship evidences that, at equivalent E′/γ, the tanδ of CW is approximately 34% lower than that of NW. This observation is ascribed to the more condensed nature of CW lignins, and this is discussed in the context of previous findings in other hygrothermal and time/frequency domains. It is proposed that the lignin structure and the amount and type of extractives, which are both different in various species, are partly responsible for taxonomy-related damping characteristics.
On the Shack–Hartmann based wavefront reconstruction:
Stability and convergence rates of finite-dimensional approximations
Authors: Neubauer Andreas 
Published: August 2012

Abstract.
We study the problem of reconstructing a wavefront from measurements by
Shack–Hartmann-type sensors. Mathematically, this leads to the problem of
reconstructing a function from a discrete set of averages of the gradient.

We investigate this problem in finite-dimensional subspaces of a scale of
Hilbert spaces and show that the best approximate solutions are well-posed with
respect to the -norm. Moreover, we present convergence rates with respect
to different norms of the scale.
Single-logarithmic stability for the Calderón problem with local data
Authors: Alessandrini Giovanni , Kim Kyoungsun 
Published: August 2012

Abstract.
We prove an optimal stability estimate for Electrical Impedance Tomography with local data, in the case when the conductivity is precisely known on a neighborhood of the boundary. The main novelty here is that we provide a rather general method which enables to obtain the Hölder dependence of a global Dirichlet to Neumann map from a local one on a larger domain when, in the layer between the two boundaries, the coefficient is known.
Is it necessary to induce labor in cases of intrauterine growth restriction at term?
Authors: Shavit Tal , Ashual Eran , Regev Rivka , Sadeh Dana , Fejgin Moshe D. , Biron-Shental Tal 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Objectives: Infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have increased morbidity and mortality. The decision whether to induce labor at term or to expectantly manage these pregnancies is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of these two management strategies in term pregnancies.

Study design: This retrospective cohort study compared neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality of IUGR fetuses (estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile) between induced and spontaneous labors.

Results: Records of 669 IUGR newborns were reviewed; 499 were delivered through spontaneous labor and 170 were delivered through induced labor. Epidemiology and early perinatal outcomes between the two groups were similar. The cesarean section rate was significantly higher (P<0.005) in the induced group.

Conclusions: Expectant management for term IUGR pregnancies seems to be safe, with lower rates of cesarean deliveries. A large, prospective, randomized controlled trial with long-term neonatal follow-up is indicated.
High-fidelity simulation increases obstetric self-assurance and skills in undergraduate medical students
Authors: Scholz Christoph , Mann Corinna , Kopp Veronika , Kost Bernd , Kainer Franz , Fischer Martin R. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Objective: Teaching intrapartum care is one of the most challenging tasks in undergraduate medical education. High-fidelity obstetric simulators might support students’ learning experience. The specific educational impact of these simulators compared with traditional methods of model-based obstetric teaching has not yet been determined.

Study design: We randomly assigned 46 undergraduate medical students to be taught using either a high-fidelity simulator or a scale wood-and-leather phantom. Their self-assessments were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. We assessed obstetric skills and asked students to solve obstetric paper cases.

Main outcome measures: Assessment of fidelity-specific teaching impact on procedural knowledge, motivation, and interest in obstetrics as well as obstetric skills using high- and low-fidelity training models.

Results: High-fidelity simulation specifically improved students’ feeling that they understood both the physiology of parturition and the obstetric procedures. Students in the simulation group also felt better prepared for obstetric house jobs and performed better in obstetric skills evaluations. However, the two groups made equivalent obstetric decisions.

Conclusion: This study provides first data on the impact of high-fidelity simulation in an undergraduate setting.
An overview of central fetal monitoring systems in labour
Authors: Nunes Inês , Ayres-de-Campos Diogo , Figueiredo Catarina , Bernardes João 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A variety of systems for centralised viewing of fetal signals during labour are currently available, allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple tracings in one or more locations. Display of maternal vital signs, ST signals and an electronic partogram are available in the majority of these systems. A few of them have incorporated computer analysis of cardiotocographic signals or combined cardiotocographic and ST data analysis. Computer analysis may elicit real-time alerts for healthcare professionals when changes associated with fetal hypoxia are detected. Central fetal monitoring systems have been installed in a large number of maternity hospitals in industrialised countries, but there is still limited evidence of their impact on perinatal indicators, on the behaviour of healthcare professionals and on related health costs.
Nanophotonics using a subwavelength aperture in a metal film
Authors: Pang Yuanjie , Gordon Reuven 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis review focuses on the optical theory and applications of a single subwavelength aperture in a metal film. We begin with Bethe’s aperture theory for the optical transmission through a subwavelength aperture in a perfect electric conductor film and extend the discussion to apertures in real metals of finite thickness and to apertures with different shapes. Extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) is reviewed, particularly for an aperture in a transverse waveguide screen and for waveguide EOT with applications to aperture near-field probes. We overview applications of single subwavelength nanoapertures to refractive index sensing, single molecule fluorescence detection, Raman spectroscopy and optical trapping of dielectric nanoparticles, including biological matter. Finally, we discuss the potential of combining these many different capabilities to create greater functionality with a single aperture.
Effect of poly (methyl methacrylate)-grafted-talc content on mechanical properties and thermal degradation of poly (vinyl chloride) composites
Authors: Hassan Azman , Yusoff Noor Izyan Syazana Mohd , Abu Bakar Aznizam 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The influence of talc and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-grafted (g)-talc on the mechanical properties of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) was investigated. The graft copolymerization was carried out under nitrogen atmosphere, using the free radical initiation technique. The blend formulations were first dry blended using a mixer before being milled into sheets on a two-roll mill at 165°C, and then hot pressed into composites at 190°C. The flexural modulus of both composites increased with increasing filler content from 0 to 20 part per hundred resin (phr), however the increment of grafted (57.7%) was higher than ungrafted composites (48.5%). A similar trend has also been observed for thermal stability. The impact strength of grafted was increased by 45.82%, whereas 18.96% in reduction was observed for the ungrafted composites. The decrement of flexural strength by 16.6% and 21.1% of grafted and ungrafted, respectively, has also shown the improvement in mechanical properties of grafted composites.