bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Obestatin, Ghrelin, and Ghrelin/Obestatin Ratio Are Increased in Underweight Patients with Anorexia Nervosa But Not in Symptomatic Patients with Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Monteleone Palmiero , Serritella Cristina , Martiadis Vassilis , Scognamiglio Pasquale , Maj Mario 
Published: August 2008

Introduction: Peptides of the gut-brain axis have a pivotal role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Obestatin, a sibling of ghrelin derived from preproghrelin, is thought to oppose ghrelin effects on food intake. Because changes in ghrelin levels have been associated with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), the investigation of obestatin production may further contribute to understanding the role of peripheral peptides in patients with eating disorders.
Methods: In the present study, we measured circulating blood levels of obestatin and ghrelin and assessed their relationships with anthropometric and clinical measures in 20 AN patients, 21 BN patients, and 20 appropriate healthy controls.
Results: Compared with healthy women, patients with BN showed no significant differences in plasma obestatin and ghrelin concentrations and in the ghrelin/obestatin ratio, whereas underweight AN patients displayed significantly increased circulating levels of both obestatin (P &lt; 0.009) and ghrelin (P &lt; 0.002) and an increased ghrelin/obestatin ratio (P &lt; 0.04). Moreover, in AN women, positive correlations emerged between the ghrelin/obestatin ratio and current body weight and body mass index.
Conclusions: Underweight AN patients are characterized by increased concentrations of ghrelin and obestatin and a higher ghrelin to obestatin ratio. No changes in circulating ghrelin or obestatin as well as in ghrelin to obestatin ratio seem to occur in acutely ill patients with BN. Although those changes likely reflect the physiological state of symptomatic AN individuals, they may also contribute to the pathophysiology of the disorder.
Interlayered Host Created by Assemblies of Monomeric Nickel Complex with Imidazole-4-acetate Chelate Ligands
Authors: Kondo Mitsuru , Amano Masaki , Iwase Takahiro , Miyazawa Makoto , Yasue Sachie , Maeda Kenji , Uchida Fumio 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
A new nickel(II) complex with two imidazole-4-acetate (ima) and a 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) was synthesized and characterized. The monomeric units are assembled by two NH···O–C intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions, yielding two-dimensional layers. This complex includes six-water molecules per a nickel atom between the layers. The assembled interlayered host framework reversibly releases and reincludes water molecules.
Ortho-selective Arylation of Arylazoles with Aryl Bromides Catalyzed by Ruthenium Complexes
Authors: Oi Shuichi , Sasamoto Hiromi , Funayama Raito , Inoue Yoshio 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Ortho-selective direct arylation of arylazoles with aryl bromides has been accomplished in the presence of a catalytic amount of ruthenium complexes.
DNA/α-Cyclodextrin–Rotaxane Conjugate as a New Supramolecular Material
Authors: Kuzuya Akinori , Ohnishi Toshiyuki , Komiyama Makoto 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
A hybrid molecule of cyclodextrin (CyD) and DNA, two major subjects in supramolecular chemistry, should open a new research field in nanoscience. By capping the end of a pseudorotaxane, formed between α-CyD and dodecylamine-modified DNA, with 1-adamantaneacetic acid, a DNA/α-CyD–rotaxane conjugate has been successfully synthesized and characterized.
Improving patients' knowledge on the relationship between HbA1c and mean plasma glucose improves glycaemic control among persons with poorly controlled diabetes
Authors: Iqbal Nosheen , Morgan Catherine , Maksoud Hisham , Idris Iskandar 
Published: August 2008

Background Recent recommendation advocates the reporting of HbA1c in terms of mean plasma glucose. We examined the impact of improving patients' interpretation of a given HbA1c value on glycaemic control. Methods We conducted a questionnaire survey among 111 patients attending a hospital diabetes clinic. Patients were provided with information relating to the association between HbA1c and mean plasma glucose levels. Glycaemic control among 80 patients with poor glycaemic control was assessed before and approximately seven months after such intervention. Results Of the respondents, 40.5% (45/111) were familiar (F) (31 type 1, 14 type 2) and 59.5% (66/111) were unfamiliar (U) (23 type 1, 43 type 2) with the term HbA1c. Following information about the interpretation of HbA1c, patients with poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c >9%) showed a significant reduction in HbA1c levels if they were from group U (10.7% vs. 9.5%, P = 0.04) but not from group F (10.5 vs. 9.8, P = 0.28). Patients with moderately poor glycaemic control (HbA1c 7.5–9%) showed no significant change in HbA1c levels following intervention (8.3% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.57 group U; 8.3% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.79 group F). Conclusion Patients' knowledge of HbA1c is poor, especially among persons with type 2 diabetes. Improvement in patients' understanding of HbA1c, particularly among those with very poorly controlled diabetes with no prior knowledge of HbA1c is associated with improvement in their glycaemic control. Strategies to engage patients to know and interpret their HbA1c values should be encouraged within routine clinical practice.
Database Paper—The IRI Marketing Data Set
Authors: Bronnenberg Bart J. , Kruger Michael W. , Mela Carl F. 
Published: August 2008

This paper describes a new data set available to academic researchers (at the following website: http://mktsci.pubs.informs.org ). These data are comprised of store sales and consumer panel data for 30 product categories. The store sales data contain 5 years of product sales, pricing, and promotion data for all items sold in 47 U.S. markets. In two U.S. markets, the store level data are supplemented with panel-level purchase data and cover the entire population of stores. Further information is available regarding store characteristics in these markets. We address several potential applications of these data, as well as the access protocol. The data set described in this paper is maintained by IRI. Any fees charged by IRI for the distribution of the data set will be used for the continual maintenance and updating of the data. Scholarships to cover IRI's fees (for those who need it) are available through the INFORMS Society for Marketing Science (ISMS). Please see the website above for further details.
Sibutramine-Associated QT Interval Prolongation and Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Ernest David , Gershenzon Alexander , Corallo Carmela E , Nagappan Ramesh 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To report on a probable association between sibutramine and QT interval prolongation leading to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. Case Summary: A previously well 51-year-old woman with obesity but no other relevant past medical history or cardiac risk factors was prescribed sibutramine (initial dose 10 mg daily, increased to 15 mg daily after 10wk). Four months after initiation of therapy, the woman developed ventricular fibrillation and was successfully resuscitated. On admission, an electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrated sinus tachycardia without any ischemic changes and a prolonged QTc interval (545 msec). A subsequent coronary angiogram revealed normal coronary arteries and no other abnormalities. Her QTc interval returned to normal (432 msec) by day 2 and remained within normal limits (<440 msec) thereafter. Due to a favorable neurologic recovery and the absence of any cardiac structural abnormality, the patient was readmitted for implantation of an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator on day 35 and remained well from a cardiac and neurologic standpoint at a 2-year follow-up examination. Discussion: Sibutramine acts centrally to inhibit noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin reuptake, thereby sharing similar actions of other QT interval-prolonging drugs. Therefore, sibutramine might be anticipated to also share a tendency to QT interval prolongation. The current prescribing information for sibutramine does not specifically list any precautions or adverse reactions related to QT interval prolongation. QT interval prolongation associated with sibutramine in this case is considered probable based on the Naranjo probability scale. Conclusions: Clinicians prescribing sibutramine should monitor their patients for ECG abnormalities and be cautious in coprescribing drugs known to prolong the QT interval.
Kaolinite formation from palygorskite and sepiolite in rhizosphere soils
Authors: Khademi H. , Arocena J. M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPalygorskite and sepiolite are fibrous clays that occur mostly in agricultural soils of arid regions. Although many investigations have examined the environmental conditions for the formation and stability of these clays, information on the transformation of these clays in the root zone (or rhizosphere) of agricultural crops is limited. In this study, changes in palygorskite and sepiolite within the rhizosphere of selected agricultural crops were determined and the ability of plants to extract Mg from these minerals compared. Alfalfa, barley, and canola were cultivated in pots under controlled conditions in a growth chamber using growth media that consisted of a mixture of Ottawa sand and clay-sized Florida palygorskite (PFl-1) or Spanish sepiolite (SepSp-1). After 100 days of cultivation, the biomass of plant roots and shoots were determined and Mg uptake measured by inductively coupled plasma analysis of the plant biomass after microwave oven digestion. The clay fraction in each pot was separated from the sand and analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD reflection at 0.718 nm clearly indicated kaolinite in the rhizosphere after growth of the three crops. Furthermore, hexagonal kaolinite particles were observed, using TEM, and the amount of Mg extracted by the three crops was significantly greater for sepiolite than for palygorskite. Palygorskite and sepiolite kaolinization in the rhizosphere was apparently due: (1) to high acidity in the rhizosphere caused by root activity and organic matter decomposition; and (2) to fibrous clay destabilization caused by Mg uptake by plants. This study shows that kaolinite in agricultural soils of arid and semi-arid regions might be partly due to neoformation after fibrous clay dissolution and not entirely inherited from parent materials, as has been suggested in earlier literature.
Chemical and mineralogical characteristics of French green clays used for healing
Authors: Williams Lynda B. , Haydel Shelley E. , Giese Rossman F. , Eberl Dennis D. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe worldwide emergence of infectious diseases, together with the increasing incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, elevate the need to properly detect, prevent, and effectively treat these infections. The overuse and misuse of common antibiotics in recent decades stimulates the need to identify new inhibitory agents. Therefore, natural products like clays, that display antibacterial properties, are of particular interest.The absorptive properties of clay minerals are well documented for healing skin and gastrointestinal ailments. However, the antibacterial properties of clays have received less scientific attention. French green clays have recently been shown to heal Buruli ulcer, a necrotic or ‘flesh-eating’ infection caused byMycobacterium ulcerans. Assessing the antibacterial properties of these clays could provide an inexpensive treatment for Buruli ulcer and other skin infections.Antimicrobial testing of the two clays on a broad-spectrum of bacterial pathogens showed that one clay promotes bacterial growth (possibly provoking a response from the natural immune system), while another kills bacteria or significantly inhibits bacterial growth. This paper compares the mineralogy and chemical composition of the two French green clays used in the treatment of Buruli ulcer.Mineralogically, the two clays are dominated by 1Mdillite and Fe-smectite. Comparing the chemistry of the clay minerals and exchangeable ions, we conclude that the chemistry of the clay, and the surface properties that affect pH and oxidation state, control the chemistry of the water used to moisten the clay poultices and contribute the critical antibacterial agent(s) that ultimately debilitate the bacteria.
Low-temperature FTIR study of kaolin-group minerals
Authors: Johnston Cliff T. , Kogel Jessica Elzea , Bish David L. , Kogure Toshihiro , Murray Haydn H. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractLow-temperature FTIR spectroscopy was used to characterize the v(OH) region of kaolin-group minerals including well ordered to poorly ordered kaolins from Georgia, Brazil, and England, along with samples of discrete dickite and nacrite. Low-temperature FTIR spectra were useful in resolving dickite- and nacrite-like features present in the spectra of kaolins when cooled to <30 K. These features were not resolved at room temperature and only partially resolved at liquid N2 temperature (77 K). The room-temperature and low-temperature positions of the ν(OH) bands of kaolinite, dickite, and nacrite were linearly correlated with the interatomic OH⋯O distances and this relationship served as the basis for polytype/disorder identification. Dickite or dickite-like disorder was found in high Hinckley-Index kaolinite from Keokuk, Iowa, and from Cornwall, England. Dickite- and nacrite-like features were observed in both high- and low-Hinckley-index kaolinite and the amounts of these stacking sequences generally increased with decreasing Hinckley Index.
Safety, Efficacy, and Dosing Requirements of Bivalirudin in Patients with Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Kiser Tyree H. , Burch Jessica C. , Klem Patrick M. , Hassell Kathryn L. 
Published: August 2008

Study Objective. To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and dosing requirements of bivalirudin in patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).Design. Retrospective cohort study.Setting. University‐affiliated hospital.Patients. Thirty‐seven adults with a diagnosis or history of HIT who were treated with bivalirudin between January 1, 2004, and March 31, 2007.Measurements and Main Results. Patients had a mean ± SD age of 50 ± 16 years and weighed 80 ± 20 kg; 62% were male, 73% were Caucasian, and 95% were treated in the intensive care unit. Patients were divided into three renal function groups for assessment of bivalirudin dosing requirements: creatinine clearance (Clcr) greater than 60 ml/minute (12 patients, group 1); Clcr 30–60 ml/minute (11 patients, group 2); and Clcr lower than 30 ml/minute or receiving continuous renal replacement therapy ([RRT] 14 patients, group 3). Except for renal function, baseline demographic characteristics were similar among groups. A total of 19 (51%) of the 37 patients achieved goal activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) with initial mean ± SD bivalirudin doses of 0.14 ± 0.04 (median 0.15), 0.1 ± 0.07 (median 0.08), and 0.05 ± 0.05 (median 0.05) mg/kg/hour in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Doses remained similar over the study period and were 0.13 ± 0.04 (median 0.15), 0.1 ± 0.06 (median 0.1), and 0.04 ± 0.02 (median 0.03) mg/kg/hour for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The mean ± SD aPTT value after achieving goal range was 64 ± 9 seconds (all patients). Bivalirudin dosing requirements correlated with Clcr (r2 = 0.37, p<0.0001). Therapy duration was a mean ± SD of 11 ± 13 days (median 7 days). Systemic thrombosis and bleeding while receiving bivalirudin were also evaluated. Thrombosis occurred in one patient; clinically significant bleeding occurred in two patients.Conclusion. Bivalirudin dosing requirements correlated with renal function; therefore, dosage reduction is required in patients with moderate or severe renal dysfunction. Starting bivalirudin at 0.15 mg/kg/hour in patients with Clcr greater than 60 ml/minute, 0.08‐0.1 mg/kg/hour in patients with Clcr 30–60 ml/minute, and 0.03‐0.05 mg/kg/hour in patients with Clcr below 30 ml/minute or receiving continuous RRT is effective at achieving goal aPTT values in most patients.
Comparison of Dosing Recommendations for Antimicrobial Drugs Based on Two Methods for Assessing Kidney Function: Cockcroft‐Gault and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease
Authors: Golik Monica V. , Lawrence Kenneth R. 
Published: August 2008

Study Objectives. To quantify the difference between glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) estimated by using the Cockcroft‐Gault and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations, and to determine whether dosing recommendations for four commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents are discordant when determined by using these equations.Design. Prospective, observational study.Setting. Tertiary‐care medical center.Patients. Two hundred seven consecutive adults without normal renal function but not receiving dialysis who were admitted to a non‐intensive‐care ward and had two consecutive serum creatinine concentration (Scr) values measured 20–24 hours apart.Measurements and Main Results. The patients' mean ± SD Scr was 1.41 ± 0.95 mg/dl. Kidney function was estimated by using two versions of the four‐variable MDRD equation and four versions of the Cockcroft‐Gault equation. Mean estimated GFRs ranged from 52.3–73.1 ml/minute. Dosing for cefepime, levofloxacin, meropenem, and piperacillin‐tazobactam was determined using the two equations that had the highest level of correlation; these were the MDRD equation unadjusted for body surface area and the Cockcroft‐Gault equation adjusted for ideal body weight and Scr. When the total daily doses based on these two equations for the four antimicrobials were compared, the discordance rate was 22.8–36.3%, and statistically significant differences were observed for most of the discordant doses. When discordance was present, the MDRD equation resulted in a higher dose of the drug.Conclusion. Discordance rates for drug dosing ranged from 22.8–36.3% between the MDRD and Cockcroft‐Gault methods for estimating GFR. Although use of the MDRD equation is a well‐accepted and accurate method of estimating GFR to stage chronic kidney disease, our results demonstrated a significant difference in drug dosing regimens between the MDRD method and the Cockcroft‐Gault method.
Technological Proximity and Exclusive Buyer-Supplier Relationships
Authors: Milliou Chrysovalantou 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
This paper provides a new rationale for why some final product manufacturers develop exclusive relationships with their input suppliers, highlighting the role of investment incentives. It shows that exclusivity can encourage firms' investments in tailoring their technologies to their trading partners. This holds both for the buyer's and the supplier's investments. Furthermore, this paper argues against claims that exclusive dealing agreements are detrimental to welfare by demonstrating that their positive impact on efficiency translates into both higher consumers' surplus and total welfare.
Political Altruism of Transboundary Water Sharing
Authors: Bhaduri Anik , Barbier Edward B 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
In the paper, using a political altruism model, we make an attempt to explain why an upstream country might agree to a treaty that recognizes and enforces the water claims of a downstream country. In a natural extension of the standard economic model, it is possible to explain the above phenomena, by allowing for altruism between countries. The altruistic concerns of the countries are dependent on other country's willingness to have a good political relationship. If both the countries maintain favorable political relations with one another, then the upstream country will care about the impacts of its water diversion on the downstream country's welfare. The paper also illustrates the case of water sharing of the Ganges River between India and Bangladesh. The Ganges River, like many other rivers in the world, ignores political boundaries. In Bangladesh, the final downstream country along the Ganges, freshwater availability depends on the share of water diverted by the upstream country, India. For decades, India and Bangladesh failed to resolve the water-sharing issues of the Ganges River. However, in 1996, both India and Bangladesh signed a major new agreement on water sharing (Ganges River Treaty) in an effort to resolve the dispute. Using the political altruism model developed in the paper, we examine why despite needing more water than is available under the treaty, India has adapted to shortages instead of resorting to conflict with Bangladesh.
Functional Distribution, Land Ownership and Industrial Takeoff: The Role of Effective Demand
Authors: Bilancini Ennio , D'Alessandro Simone 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
In this paper we analyse how the distribution of land property rights affects industrial takeoff and aggregate income through its impact on effective demand. We apply a modified version of the model provided in Murphy et al. (1989, QJE) which allows us to analyse the role of land distribution when it is independent of the distribution of firm ownership. We extend the result of Murphy et al. (1989, QJE) by showing that industrialization and income depend non-monotonically on the distribution of land and by demonstrating that this result is due to the way land distribution affects the distribution of profits among firms. Moreover, we show that there may be a tradeoff between industrialization and income, the latter being associated with a distribution of land which is more equal than that associated with maximum industrialization.
Forkhead Transcription Factors (FoxOs) Promote Apoptosis of Insulin-Resistant Macrophages During Cholesterol-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Senokuchi Takafumi , Liang Chien-Ping , Seimon Tracie A. , Han Seongah , Matsumoto Michihiro , Banks Alexander S. , Paik Ji-Hye , DePinho Ronald A. , Accili Domenico , Tabas Ira , Tall Alan R. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVE—Endoplasmic reticulum stress increases macrophage apoptosis, contributing to the complications of atherosclerosis. Insulin-resistant macrophages are more susceptible to endoplasmic reticulum stress–associated apoptosis probably contributing to macrophage death and necrotic core formation in atherosclerotic plaques in type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms of increased apoptosis in insulin-resistant macrophages remain unclear.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The studies were performed in insulin-resistant macrophages isolated from insulin receptor knockout or ob/ob mice. Gain- or loss-of-function approaches were used to evaluate the roles of forkhead transcription factors (FoxOs) in endoplasmic reticulum stress–associated macrophage apoptosis.
RESULTS—Insulin-resistant macrophages showed attenuated Akt activation and increased nuclear localization of FoxO1 during endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by free cholesterol loading. Overexpression of active FoxO1 or FoxO3 failed to induce apoptosis in unchallenged macrophages but exacerbated apoptosis in macrophages with an active endoplasmic reticulum stress response. Conversely, macrophages with genetic knockouts of FoxO1, -3, and -4 were resistant to apoptosis in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress. FoxO1 was shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation and promoter expression analysis to induce inhibitor of κBε gene expression and thereby to attenuate the increase of nuclear p65 and nuclear factor-κB activity during endoplasmic reticulum stress, with proapoptotic and anti-inflammatory consequences.
CONCLUSIONS—Decreased Akt and increased FoxO transcription factor activity during the endoplasmic reticulum stress response leads to increased apoptosis of insulin-resistant macrophages. FoxOs may have a dual cellular function, resulting in either proapoptotic or anti-inflammatory effects in an endoplasmic reticulum stress–modulated manner. In the complex plaque milieu, the ultimate effect is likely to be an increase in macrophage apoptosis, plaque inflammation, and destabilization.