bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of cardiovascular risk factors on the longitudinal evolution of the carotid intima medial thickness in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dalla Pozza Robert , Beyerlein Andreas , Thilmany Claude , Weissenbacher Claudia , Netz Heinrich , Schmidt Heinrich , Bechtold Susanne 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a generally accepted atherogenic risk factor. The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to evaluate changes in carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using standardized methods.

Methods
We re-evaluated cIMT in 70 (38 f) of initial 150 (80 f) patients with T1DM after 4 years. At re-evaluation, mean (± SD) age was 16.45 ± 2.59 y, mean diabetes duration was 9.2 ± 3.24 y and patients had a mean HbA1c of 8.14 ± 1.06%.

Results
Mean cIMT z-scores increased significantly during 4 years (0.58 ± 0.75, p < 0.001) as well as BMI-z-score (0.41 ± 0.81, p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (0.77 ± 1.15, p < 0.01) and HbA1c (0.90 ± 1.07, < 0.001). In a linear regression model systolic blood pressure z-score at first measurement (0.02, CI: 0.01, 0.04) was a significant predictor for the mean effect on cIMT z-score. In a logistic regression model significant risk factors for an increase in IMT of ≥1.5 z-scores were BMI z-scores (OR: 3.02, CI:1.11, 10.14), diabetes duration (OR:1.32, CI:1.04, 1.77) and systolic blood pressure (OR: 1.14, CI: 1.04, 1.27) at first measurement each.

Conclusions
Longitudinal cIMT measurements revealed progression in subclinical atherosclerosis during a four year period in diabetic children and adolescents. Systolic blood pressure and BMI were related to cIMT increment. Control of these risk factors by lifestyle and medical intervention may prevent progression of cIMT in diabetic children.
Size-controlled synthesis of monodispersed gold nanoparticles via carbon monoxide gas reduction
Authors: Young Joseph K , Lewinski Nastassja A , Langsner Robert J , Kennedy Laura C , Satyanarayan Arthi , Nammalvar Vengadesan , Lin Adam Y , Drezek Rebekah A 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAn in depth analysis of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) synthesis and size tuning, utilizing carbon monoxide (CO) gas as a reducing agent, is presented for the first time. The sizes of the AuNPs are tunable from ~4 to 100 nm by altering the concentration of HAuCl4 and inlet CO gas-injection flow rate. It is also found that speciation of aqueous HAuCl4, prior to reduction, influences the size, morphology, and properties of AuNPs when reduced with CO gas. Ensemble extinction spectra and TEM images provide clear evidence that CO reduction offers a high level of monodispersity with standard deviations as low as 3%. Upon synthesis, no excess reducing agent remains in solution eliminating the need for purification. The time necessary to synthesize AuNPs, using CO, is less than 2 min.
Characterization of a branched lipopeptide candidate vaccine against influenza A/Puerto Rico 8/34 which is recognized by human B and T-cell immune responses
Authors: Samayoa Liz , Diaz-Mitoma Francisco , Azizi Ali 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
The use of synthetic peptides as immunogens represents an exciting alternative to traditional vaccines. However, to date most of these synthetic peptides are not highly immunogenic. The lack of immunogenicity might be addressed by conjugation between T or B cell epitopes with universal or immunodominant T-helper epitopes. The construction of lipidated peptides, branched peptides, or designs combining both of these elements might enhance the immunogenicity, as they might target Toll-Like Receptors and/or mimic the 3-dimensional structure of epitopes within the native protein. Herein, a recognized peptide immunogen based on the hemagglutinin protein of A/Puerto Rico/8/34 was chosen as a backbone and modified to evaluate if the construction of branched peptides, lipidation, the addition of cysteine residues, or mutations could indeed alter epitope reactivity. Screening the different designs with various antibody binding and cellular assays revealed that combining a branched design with the addition of lipid moieties greatly enhanced the immunoreactivity.
Retention in an antiretroviral therapy programme during an era of decreasing drug cost in Limbe, Cameroon
Authors: Mosoko Jembia J , Akam Wilfred , Weidle Paul J , Brooks John T , Aweh Asabi J , Kinge Thompson N , Pals Sherri , Raghunathan Pratima L 
Published: June 2011

BackgroundIn 2002, Cameroon initiated scale up of antiretroviral therapy (ART); on 1 October 2004, a substantial reduction in ART cost occurred. We assessed the impact of this event and other factors on enrolment and retention in care among HIV‐infected patients initiating ART from February 2002 to December 2005 at the single ART clinic serving the Southwest Region in Limbe, Cameroon.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical and pharmacy payment records of HIV‐infected patients initiating ART according to national guidelines. We compared two cohorts of patients, enrolled before and after 1 October 2004, to determine if price reduction was associated with enhanced enrolment. We assessed factors associated with retention and survival by Cox proportional hazards models. Retention in care implied patients who had contact with the healthcare system as of 31 December 2005 (including those who were transferred to continue care in other ART centres), although these patients may have interrupted therapy at some time. A patient who was not retained in care may have dropped out (lost to follow up) or died.ResultsMean enrolment rates for 2920 patients who initiated ART before and after the price reduction were 46.5 and 95.5 persons/month, respectively (p < 0.001). The probabilities of remaining alive and in care were 0.66 (95% CI 0.64‐0.68) at six months, 0.58 (95% CI 0.56‐0.60) at one year, 0.47 (95% CI 0.45‐0.49) at two years and 0.35 (95% CI 0.32‐0.38) at three years; they were not significantly different between the two cohorts of patients enrolled before and after the price reduction over the first 15 months of comparable follow up (hazard ratio 1.1; 95% CI 0.9‐1.2, p = 0.27). In multivariable analysis using multiple imputations to compensate for missing values, factors associated with dropping out of care or dying were male gender (HR 1.33 [1.18‐1.50], p = 0.003), treatment paid by self, family or partly by other (HR 3.05 [1.99‐4.67], p < 0.001), and, compared with residents of Limbe, living more than 150 km from Limbe (HR 1.41 [1.18‐1.69], p < 0.001), or being residents of Douala (HR 1.51 [1.16‐1.98], p < 0.001).ConclusionsReducing the cost of ART increased enrolment of clients in the programme, but did not change retention in care. In a system where most clients pay for ART, an accessible clinic location may be more important than the cost of medication for retention in care. Decentralizing ART clinics might improve retention and survival among patients on ART.
Estimation of Plasma Small Dense LDL Cholesterol From Classic Lipid Measures
Authors: Srisawasdi Pornpen , Chaloeysup Sirirat , Teerajetgul Yaovalak , Pocathikorn Anothai , Sukasem Chonlaphat , Vanavanan Somlak , Kroll Martin H. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (cLDL-C) may differ from direct measurement (dLDL-C), and this difference may depend on presence of small, dense LDL (sdLDL) particles in addition to variation in triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations. The presence of such dependence would offer a simple means to estimate sdLDL. We studied dependence of sdLDL on cLDL-C, dLDL-C, and other variables.
We measured the levels of glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, TG, HDL-C, and dLDL-C using standardized methods in 297 samples. For sdLDL cholesterol (sdLDL-C), a novel homogeneous assay was used. The cLDL-C was calculated using the Friedewald formula for 220 subjects after excluding for liver or renal disease. Using stepwise regression analysis identified non–HDL-C, cLDL-C, and dLDL-C as significant variables (P &lt; .001; R2 = 0.88). The regression equation was as follows: sdLDL-C (mg/dL) = 0.580 (non–HDL-C) + 0.407 (dLDL-C) – 0.719 (cLDL-C) – 12.05. The sdLDL-C concentration can be estimated from non–HDL-C, dLDL-C, and cLDL-C values. Identification of a simple, inexpensive marker for sdLDL particles provides a cost-effective method for screening cardiovascular disease risk.
The discovery and mechanism of sweet taste enhancers
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Servant Guy , Tachdjian Catherine 
Published: June 2011

AbstractExcess sugar intake posts several health problems. Artificial sweeteners have been used for years to reduce dietary sugar content, but they are not ideal substitutes for sugar owing to their off-taste. A new strategy focused on allosteric modulation of the sweet taste receptor led to identification of sweet taste ‘enhancers’ for the first time. The enhancer molecules do not taste sweet, but greatly potentiate the sweet taste of sucrose and sucralose selectively. Following a similar mechanism as the natural umami taste enhancers, the sweet enhancer molecules cooperatively bind with the sweeteners to the Venus flytrap domain of the human sweet taste receptor and stabilize the active conformation. Now that the approach has proven successful, enhancers for other sweeteners and details of the molecular mechanism for the enhancement are being actively pursued.
Evaluation of Mechanistic-Empirical Design Guide Input Parameters for Resilient Modulus of Subgrade Soils in Oklahoma
Authors: Hossain Zahid , Zaman Musharraf , Doiron Curtis , Solanki Pranshoo 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Resilient modulus (Mr) of subgrade soil is a key input parameter in all three hierarchical levels of the new mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG). A successful implementation of the MEPDG requires a comprehensive evaluation of Mr database(s) for local subgrade soils and its assessment to determine desired input parameters. To this end, a database containing subgrade Mr values, index properties, standard Proctor, and unconfined compressive strengths for 712 soil samples from 39 different counties in Oklahoma was developed. A total of five stress-based regression models were evaluated using a statistical software package (“SPSS,” Version 17), and material constants (k1, k2, and k3) for these soils, categorized in accordance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Classification system, were determined. The goodness of fit and the significance of these models were ranked with respect to their R2 and F values, respectively; the MEPDG recommended octahedral model was found to outperform the others. Furthermore, reasonably good correlations of material constants with routine soil properties were established for Level 2 analysis and design. Typical Mr values of common Oklahoma soils for Level 3 analysis and design were also estimated. The findings of this study are expected to help the implementation of the MEPDG in Oklahoma.
Forms and Conceptions of Dike in Euripides′ Heracleidae, Suppliants, and Phoenissae
Authors: Papadodima Efstathia 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
The term dikē has a wide range of meanings in tragic poetry (revenge, retribution, retaliation, punishment, penalty, charge, trial, order, balance, fairness, righteousness, justice). However, we could identify two distinctively or predominantly Euripidean trends that are closely associated with the use of dikē and are actually interdependent. Heracleidae, Suppliants, and Phoenissae are good test-cases in that regard. Whilst the plays bear strong resemblances to Aeschylean and secondarily Sophoclean dramas, the treatment of dikē is differentiated. 1) By contrast with Aeschylus and secondarily Sophocles, dikē in these Euripidean plays is viewed in connection to socio-political values and institutions that are essentially humanly constructed. The focus is shifted to the nature and role of these human conventions and the way(s) in which they interact with deeply-rooted, traditional patterns of conduct. The plays explore the difficulties, complications or failures that can arise in practice, in the frame of the quest for dikē. 2) Despite the occasionally strong individualization and interest in characterization, Euripides focuses on the consequences of the disturbance of dikē for the community as well as on the difficulties involved in the execution of dikē, rather than the rigid, and somewhat abstract, demand for the execution of dikē itself. Individual actions of doubtful justification are largely viewed and assessed in the light of their consequences for the polis. A major, pertinent issue is both the necessity and the limitations of vengeance or punishment, both on an individual and on a collective scale.
Das Bild des Kynikers Diogenes in griechischen, syrischen und arabischen Texten
Authors: Overwien Oliver 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Several ancient texts treat Diogenes’ life, or at least central aspects of it. The present article gives a survey of some of the most important passages dealing with the question for which purposes Diogenes was used in these texts: In the Sale of Diogenes and in Epistle 7 he serves as a Cynic role model. Cercidas venerates him in a funeral poem as a celestial dog, and Dion of Prusa uses him for a political statement. Furthermore, for Maximos of Tyre Diogenes symbolizes the Golden Age, while Lucian depicts him as a deterrent philosopher whose teaching has no value for human life. For emperor Julian the Cynic finally is a true representative of the old pagan religion.
Some biographical data are only preserved in the oriental tradition. They originate from Greek sources, i.e. they were part of the introductions to the philosophy of Aristotle which were read in the late antique universities like Athens or Alexandria. From this we may infer that the life and teaching of Diogenes itself was part of the late antique curricula, a fact, for which the Greek tradition gives no evidence.
Species Selectivity of Granular 2,4-D Herbicide When Used to Control Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) in Wisconsin Lakes
Authors: Cason Chad , Roost Brad A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA total of 24 pre-and posttreatment plant frequency data sets were analyzed from 15 Wisconsin lakes treated with granular 2,4-D BEE herbicide for the control of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). Six data sets from four untreated control lakes were analyzed for comparison. The data sets included the results of line-transect aquatic plant surveys and point-intercept aquatic plant surveys. The results from these two survey methods were analyzed separately. Analysis of pre-and posttreatment changes in frequency of occurence for 46 species of aquatic plants indicated Eurasian watermilfoil was the only species to show significant declines in all the surveys. At application rates of 112 kg ha−1, Eurasian watermilfoil declined an average 65.9% among the line-transect surveys; and 58.0% among the point-intercept surveys. At application rates of 168 kg ha−1, Eurasian watermilfoil declined by 94.4% and 76.5% among line-transect and point-intercept surveys, respectively. Among the control lakes, Eurasian watermilfoil increased an average of 77% in year 1 and 24% in year 2. Northern watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum), a closely related native plant, underwent declines in frequency at the higher 2,4-D application rate (20.0%) but showed an increase (88.9%) at the lower rate among the line-transect surveys. Northern watermilfoil exhibited declines at both rates among the point-intercept surveys (48 and 50%, respectively); however, the plant also exhibited declines in the control lakes in year 2. Most other native aquatic plant species were unaffected or showed increases following treatment with 2,4-D BEE. The high degree of selectivity to Eurasian watermilfoil found in this survey of operational treatments with 2,4-D BEE suggests that this herbicide is an important tool for restoring plant communities that have been degraded by Eurasian watermilfoil.
Invasion of the New Zealand Coastline by European Sea-Rocket (Cakile maritima) and American Sea-Rocket (Cakile edentula)
Authors: Cousens Roger D. , Cousens Jane M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractOn the west coast of North America and in Australia, there have been parallel cases of sequential invasion and replacement of the shoreline plant American sea-rocket by European sea-rocket. A similar pattern has also occurred in New Zealand. For 30 to 40 yr, from its first recording in 1921, American sea-rocket spread throughout the eastern coastlines of the North and South Islands of New Zealand. European sea-rocket has so far been collected only on the North Island. From its first collection in 1937, European sea-rocket spread to the northern extremity of the island by 1973, and by 2010, it had reached the southernmost limit. In the region where both species have occurred in the past, American sea-rocket is now rarely found. This appears to be another example of congeneric species displacement.
Nuclear Medicine Imaging of Infection in Cancer Patients (With Emphasis on FDG-PET)
Authors: Bleeker-Rovers Chantal P. , Vos Fidel J. , van der Graaf Winette T.A. , Oyen Wim J.G. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Infections are a common cause of death and an even more common cause of morbidity in cancer patients. Timely and adequate diagnosis of infection is very important. This article provides clinicians as well as nuclear medicine specialists with a concise summary of the most important and widely available nuclear medicine imaging techniques for infectious and inflammatory diseases in cancer patients with an emphasis on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). 67Ga-citrate has many unfavorable characteristics, and the development of newer radiopharmaceuticals has resulted in the replacement of 67Ga-citrate scintigraphy by scintigraphy with labeled leukocytes or FDG-PET for the majority of conditions. The sensitivity of labeled leukocyte scintigraphy in non-neutropenic cancer patients is comparable with that in patients without malignancy. The specificity, however, is lower because of the uptake of labeled leukocytes in many primary tumors and metastases, most probably as a result of their inflammatory component. In addition, labeled leukocyte scintigraphy cannot be used for febrile neutropenia because of the inability to harvest sufficient peripheral leukocytes for in vitro labeling. FDG-PET has several advantages over these conventional scintigraphic techniques. FDG-PET has shown its usefulness in diagnosing septic thrombophlebitis in cancer patients. It has also been shown that imaging of infectious processes using FDG-PET is possible in patients with severe neutropenia. Although larger prospective studies examining the value of FDG-PET in cancer patients suspected of infection, especially in those with febrile neutropenia, are needed, FDG-PET appears to be the most promising scintigraphic technique for the diagnosis of infection in this patient group.
Using Conditionality as a Solution to the Problem of Low Uptake of Essential Services Among Disadvantaged Communities: A Social Determinants View
Authors: Forde Ian , Bell Ruth , Marmot Michael G. 
Published: June 2011

Conditional cash transfer schemes, which use cash to incentivize uptake of basic health and educational services, are well established among social planners inlow- and middle-income countries and are now taking hold in high-income countries. We appraised these schemes within a social determinants framework and found some encouraging signs in their first decade of operation. Success, however, has been inconsistent, and it is unclear whether conditional cash transfer schemes can reliably secure meaningful improvements in participants’ health and nutritional status or educational attainment. Conditional cash transfer schemes’ objectives will not be met unless they are transformed in 3 ways: transferring power as well as resources, emphasizing entitlements alongside conditionality, and avoiding the trap of incoherent or residualized policy.
Encouraging Consumption of Water in School and Child Care Settings: Access, Challenges, and Strategies for Improvement
Authors: Patel Anisha I. , Hampton Karla E. 
Published: June 2011

Children and adolescents are not consuming enough water, instead opting for sugar-sweetened beverages (sodas, sports and energy drinks, milks, coffees, and fruit-flavored drinks with added sugars), 100% fruit juice, and other beverages. Drinking sufficient amounts of water can lead to improved weight status, reduced dental caries, and improved cognition among children and adolescents. Because children spend most of their day at school and in child care, ensuring that safe, potable drinking water is available in these settings is a fundamental public health measure. We sought to identify challenges that limit access to drinking water; opportunities, including promising practices, to increase drinking water availability and consumption; and future research, policy efforts, and funding needed in this area.
Phase I (Safety) Study of Autologous Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells in Type 1 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Giannoukakis Nick , Phillips Brett , Finegold David , Harnaha Jo , Trucco Massimo 
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE
The safety of dendritic cells to selectively suppress autoimmunity, especially in type 1 diabetes, has never been ascertained. We investigated the safety of autologous dendritic cells, stabilized into an immunosuppressive state, in established adult type 1 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A randomized, double-blind, phase I study was conducted. A total of 10, otherwise generally healthy, insulin-requiring type 1 diabetic patients between 18 and 60 years of age, without any other known or suspected health conditions, received autologous dendritic cells, unmanipulated or engineered ex vivo toward an immunosuppressive state. Ten million cells were administered intradermally in the abdomen once every 2 weeks for a total of four administrations. The primary end point determined the proportion of patients with adverse events on the basis of the physician’s global assessment, hematology, biochemistry, and immune monitoring for a period of 12 months.

RESULTS
The dendritic cells were safely tolerated. There were no discernible adverse events in any patient throughout the study. Other than a significant increase in the frequency of peripheral B220+ CD11c− B cells, mainly seen in the recipients of engineered dendritic cells during the dendritic cell administration period, there were no statistically relevant differences in other immune populations or biochemical, hematological, and immune biomarkers compared with baseline.

CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with autologous dendritic cells, in a native state or directed ex vivo toward a tolerogenic immunosuppressive state, is safe and well tolerated. Dendritic cells upregulated the frequency of a potentially beneficial B220+ CD11c− B-cell population, at least in type 1 diabetes autoimmunity.
Partition coefficients of ketones, phenols, aliphatic and aromatic acids, and esters in n-hexane/nitromethane
Authors: Kotowska Urszula , Isidorov Valery 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Liquid-liquid partition is used in sample preparation and in countercurrent and liquid-liquid chromatographic separations. Partition coefficients are widely used in toxicology, environmental, and analytical chemistry. The K hn determination procedure for the n-hexane/nitromethane system was optimized and partition coefficients for 99 ketones, esters and trimethylsilyl derivatives of phenols, aliphatic and aromatic acids were determined. For 130 compounds, K hn values were predicted using mathematical relationships between K hn and other physicochemical and structural parameters.