bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human T cells depend on functional calcineurin, tumour necrosis factor-α and CD80/CD86 for expansion and activation in mice
Authors: Søndergaard H , Kvist P H , Haase C 
Published: December 2012

SummaryDysregulated T cells are a hallmark of several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; thus, models to study human T cells in vivo are advantageous, but limited by lacking insight into human T cell functionality in mice. Using non-obese diabetic (NOD), severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) or recombination activating gene-1 (RAG1)−/− and interleukin-2 receptor gamma-chain (IL-2Rγ)−/− mice reconstituted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), we have studied the mechanisms of human T cell expansion and activation in mice. Injection of human PBMCs into mice caused consistent xeno-engraftment with polyclonal expansion and activation of functional human T cells and production of human cytokines. Human T cell expansion coincided with development of a graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-like condition observed as weight loss, multi-organ immune infiltration and liver damage. CD8+ T cells alone were sufficient for expansion and required for disease development; in contrast, CD4+ T cells alone expanded but did not induce acute disease and, rather, exerted regulatory capacity through CD25+CD4+ T cells. Using various anti-inflammatory compounds, we demonstrated that several T cell-activation pathways controlled T cell expansion and disease development, including calcineurin-, tumour necrosis factor-α and co-stimulatory signalling via the CD80/CD86 pathway, indicating the diverse modes of action used by human T cells during expansion and activation in mice as well as the pharmacological relevance of this model. Overall, these data provide insight into the mechanisms used by human T cells during expansion and activation in mice, and we speculate that PBMC-injected mice may be useful to study intrinsic human T cell functions in vivo and to test T cell-targeting compounds.
Determinants of Left Ventricular Vortex Flow Parameters Assessed by Contrast Echocardiography in an In Vivo Animal Model
Authors: Kim Dae‐Hee , Seo Jeong‐Sook , Choi Yun‐Sil , Kim Hye‐Ran , Chung Youn‐Ju , Yun Sung‐Cheol , Song Jong‐Min , Kang Duk‐Hyun , Song Jae‐Kwan 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundVarious left ventricular (LV) vortex parameters obtained during contrast echocardiography (CE) have been recently described. The aim of this study was to investigate their determinants and associations with conventional hemodynamic variables.MethodsCE was performed and LV pressure was simultaneously measured during pharmacologic inotropic modulation in 8 mongrel dogs. Customized software was used to assess both vortex geometric parameters (vortex depth [VD], length [VL], width [VW], transverse position, and sphericity index [SI]) and pulsatility parameters (relative strength [RS], vortex relative strength [VRS], and vortex pulsation correlation [VPC]). The associations between each of these parameters and conventional indices representing LV systolic and diastolic function were analyzed.ResultsVD and VW did not change significantly during pharmacologic modulation, whereas VL (P = 0.0034) and SI (P = 0.001) showed significant and progressive linear decreases from baseline during dobutamine infusion. Significant linear changes during positive and negative inotropic modulation were observed in all pulsatiliy parameters (P < 0.01 each). Geometric parameters were critically dependent on LV volume, with pulsatility parameters showing significant positive correlations with heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), dp/dtmax, early and late mitral inflow velocities, and peak systolic and diastolic annular velocities. In multivariate analysis, LV end‐diastolic volume was a main determinant for VL (r = 0.29, P < 0.001) and VW (r = 0.65, P < 0.001), whereas dp/dtmax for pulsatility parameters (RS [r = 0.61, P < 0.001], VRS [r = 0.46, P < 0.001] and VPC [r = 0.62, P < 0.001]).ConclusionGeometric and pulsatility parameters differed in their association with LV geometry and conventional physiologic indices representing LV function. These differences should be considered in interpreting these variables.
Intra‐adrenal bile ductules associated with adreno‐hepatic fusion: a possible origin for adrenal epithelial cysts
Authors: Matsukuma Susumu , Kono Takako , Takeo Hiroaki , Sato Kimiya 
Published: December 2012

AimsTo elucidate the relationship between the rare phenomenon of adrenal cysts and adreno‐hepatic fusion (AHF)‐related intra‐adrenal bile ductules.Methods and resultsWe examined 673 right and 662 left postmortem adrenal glands. AHF was defined as an adhesion between the liver and an adrenal with closely intermingled parenchymal cells or partial absence of the capsule dividing the two organs. AHF was found in seven (1.0%) right adrenals. AHF‐related intra‐adrenal bile ductules were observed in four (0.6%) adrenals, and were accompanied by aberrant hepatocytes (two adrenals), microcystic changes (two adrenals) and, in one case, a 15‐mm‐sized cyst. The cyst‐lining cells, which focally resembled the cells of the neighbouring intra‐adrenal bile ductules, were positive for cytokeratin 7 (CK7), CK19 and epithelial membrane antigen, and negative for CK20, vimentin, CD34 and calretinin. Identical findings were made in bile ductules located within fused adrenals and livers. CD10 staining was weaker or absent in the microcystic or cystic bile ductules found within adrenals.ConclusionsThe 15‐mm cyst we describe may have been an adrenal epithelial cyst derived from AHF‐related intra‐adrenal bile ductules, a possible pathogenesis for the rare phenomenon of right adrenal epithelial cysts.
Well‐differentiated papillary mesothelioma: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of 18 cases with additional observation
Authors: Chen Xiaochen , Sheng Weiqi , Wang Jian 
Published: December 2012

AimsTo present our experience with 18 cases of well‐differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM), with an emphasis on its relationship to adenomatoid tumour and multicystic mesothelioma.Methods and resultsEighteen cases of WDPM were retrieved. Twenty cases of multicystic mesothelioma were selected for comparative study. The WDPM patients comprised 14 females and four males, with age ranging from 18 to 60 years (median 37 years). The tumour involved the abdominal or pelvic peritoneum (14 cases), the pleura (two cases), and the testicular tunica vaginalis (two cases). The majority of WDPMs were incidental findings during surgery for a wide variety of conditions. Histologically, 13 cases were consistent with classical WDPM. Two cases had a combined component of adenomatoid tumour, and three cases contained coexisting areas of multicystic mesothelioma. Among the multicystic mesothelioma cases, four had adenomatoid tumour‐like foci present in the stroma. Immunohistochemically, all cases of WDPM and multicystic mesothelioma, as well as the coexisting combined components, were positive for mesothelial markers, with a low Ki67 index. This study also showed that WDPM was negative for epithelial membrane antigen and desmin.ConclusionsThe simultaneous occurrence of WDPM, adenomatoid tumour and multicystic mesothelioma in some cases suggested histogenetic relationships among these three less aggressive mesotheliomas.
Ironic case of hepatic dysfunction following the global withdrawal of sitaxentan
Authors: Don G.W. , Joseph F. , Celermajer D.S. , Corte T.J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to systemic sclerosis was successfully treated with sitaxentan prior to its worldwide withdrawal (because of hepatotoxicity concerns), but then ironically experienced acute hepatic dysfunction during substitute bosentan therapy, and was eventually stabilised on a phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor.
Nudge, nudge, wink, wink: love, sex and gay men with intellectual disabilities – a helping hand or a human right?
Authors: Abbott D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundHow do human rights help us with the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) who face discrimination and barriers in their sexual lives? Men with ID who are gay face a whole range of rights violations when it comes to exercising their sexual identity. How can such a seemingly marginalised group draw on rights based claims for better and equal treatment? This paper explores how the power of men's own stories may usefully challenge prevailing social norms and in turn strengthen human rights claims in this area. It also reflects on the challenges posed to such an agenda by current economic difficulties and changes in the organisation of adult social care in the UK.MethodThe paper draws on empirical research with gay men with ID completed in the UK in 2005 and briefly revisits some key messages from the data. It also considers the wider literature on the power and possibilities of human rights, ‘intimate stories’ and translating human rights into everyday change.ConclusionsGay men with ID tell powerful stories of love, longing and exclusion. Such stories have the capacity to transform wider social attitudes and in turn strengthen the rights claims of this marginalised groups. There are question marks about the possibility of such change in a time of austerity and the broader move in the UK's welfare state from the collective to the individual consumer of services. However, the telling of men's ‘intimate stories’ creates an almost unassailable challenge to current discriminatory practices and norms.
Narrative abilities of children with epilepsy
Authors: Strekas Amy , Ratner Nan Bernstein , Berl Madison , Gaillard William D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere is a noticeable publication gap in the speech–language pathology literature regarding the language abilities of children with common types of epilepsy. This paper reviews studies that suggest a high frequency of undetected language problems in this population, and it proposes the need for pragmatically based assessment of children with epilepsy that includes analysis of spontaneous language skills.AimsTo compare the language skills of two groups of children with epilepsy—those with recent onset seizures and those with more chronic seizure activity (>3 years’ duration)—using a mix of standardized tests, analysis of elicited narratives and listener judgments of the children's narratives.Methods & ProceduresTwenty‐five children with epilepsy, divided into two groups (recent onset versus chronic), were age‐ and gender‐matched to 25 typically functioning peers. In addition to standardized IQ and language testing, children produced narratives to accompany the book Frog, Where Are You? (1969). Narratives were analysed for syntax, vocabulary and narrative components. Forty‐five adult listeners each blindly rated nine narratives to create a large pool of listener judgments.Outcomes & ResultsChildren with chronic epilepsy showed the greatest and significant differences in both language skill and listener judgments from their unaffected peers. Differences were smaller for children whose epilepsy was of more recent onset and their matched peers.Conclusions & ImplicationsAlthough based on cross‐sectional data rather than on longitudinal study, the current results raise the possibility that continued seizures, or prolonged exposure to the medications used to control them, produce decrements in children's language performance over time. Thus, the authors strongly urge that there is greater awareness of seizure disorder among speech‐and‐language pathologists/therapists, and they strongly recommend baseline testing at first diagnosis so that changes over time can be reliably documented.
Accuracy Assessment of Commercial Self‐Calibrating Bundle Adjustment Routines Applied to Archival Aerial Photography
Authors: Aguilar Manuel A. , Aguilar Fernando J. , Fernández Ismael , Mills Jon P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe use of archival or historical photography for photogrammetric purposes often involves a lack of data concerning the aerial cameras employed, difficulties in identifying control points on the photos and inappropriate conservation of the photography. When camera calibration parameters are unknown, they should be estimated by means of a self‐calibrating bundle adjustment. Several calibration models available in the Leica Photogrammetry Suite software have been tested on two archival datasets, captured in 1956 and 1977, covering the same working area. The accuracy of the dataset triangulation was found to depend significantly on the self‐calibration method and the number of ground control points used; when the latter ranged from six to nine per stereopair, self‐calibrating bundle adjustment techniques were found to slightly, but not always significantly, improve the photogrammetric capability of archival aerial photography. Thus, the adoption of self‐calibration cannot guarantee the improvement of results when working on poorly conserved imagery. Results from such datasets are very dependent on numerous local variables which cannot be extrapolated to other areas for the same camera since each dataset is unique and may present systematic errors of a different nature.
Life Cycle Energy and Climate Change Implications of Nanotechnologies
Authors: Kim Hyung Chul , Fthenakis Vasilis 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe potential environmental and health impacts of nanotechnologies triggered a recent surge of life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on nanotechnologies. Focusing on the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions impacts, we reviewed 22 LCA‐based studies on nanomaterials, coatings, photovoltaic devices, and fabrication technologies that were published until 2011. The reviewed LCA studies indicate that nanomaterials have higher cradle‐to‐gate energy demand per functional unit, and thus higher global warming impact, than their conventional counterparts. Depending on the synthesis method, carbon‐based nanoparticles (i.e., carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes) require 1 to 900 gigajoules per kilogram (GJ/kg) of primary energy to produce, compared with ∼200 megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg) for aluminum. This is mainly attributed to the fact that nanomaterials involve an energy‐intensive synthesis process or an additional mechanical process to reduce particle size. Most reviewed studies ascertain, however, that the cradle‐to‐grave energy demand and global warming impact from nanotechnologies at a device level are lower than from conventional technologies because nanomaterials are typically used in a small amount to improve functionality and the upgraded functionality offers more energy‐efficient operation of the device. Because of the immature status of most nanotechnologies, the studies reviewed here often rely on inventory data estimated from literature values and parametric analyses based on laboratory or prototype production, warranting future analyses to confirm the current findings.
Life Cycle Assessment of End‐of‐Life Management Options for Construction and Demolition Debris
Authors: Carpenter Alberta , Jambeck Jenna R. , Gardner Kevin , Weitz Keith 
Published: December 2012

SummaryA life cycle assessment (LCA) of various end‐of‐life management options for construction and demolition (C&D) debris was conducted using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Municipal Solid Waste Decision Support Tool. A comparative LCA evaluated seven different management scenarios using the annual production of C&D debris in New Hampshire as the functional unit. Each scenario encompassed C&D debris transport, processing, separation, and recycling, as well as varying end‐of‐life management options for the C&D debris (e.g., combustion to generate electricity versus landfilling for the wood debris stream and recycling versus landfilling for the nonwood debris stream) and different bases for the electricity generation offsets (e.g., the northeastern U.S. power grid versus coal‐fired power generation). A sensitivity analysis was also conducted by varying the energy content of the C&D wood debris and by examining the impact of basing the energy offsets on electricity generated from various fossil fuels. The results include impacts for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, criteria air pollutants, ancillary solid waste production, and organic and inorganic constituents in water emissions. Scenarios with nonwood C&D debris recycling coupled with combustion of C&D wood debris to generate electricity had lower impacts than other scenarios. The nonwood C&D debris recycling scenarios where C&D wood debris was landfilled resulted in less overall impact than the scenarios where all C&D debris was landfilled. The lowest impact scenario included nonwood C&D debris recycling with local combustion of the C&D wood debris to generate electricity, providing a net gain in energy production of more than 7 trillion British thermal units (BTU) per year and a 130,000 tons per year reduction in GHG emissions. The sensitivity analysis revealed that for energy consumption, the model is sensitive to the energy content of the C&D wood debris but insensitive to the basis for the energy offset, and the opposite is true for GHG emissions.
Thermomechanical Modeling of Laser‐Induced Structural Relaxation and Deformation of Glass: Volume Changes in Fused Silica at High Temperatures
Authors: Vignes Ryan M. , Soules Thomas F. , Stolken James S. , Settgast Randolph R. , Elhadj Selim , Matthews Manyalibo J. 
Published: December 2012

A fully coupled thermomechanical model of the nanoscale deformation in amorphous SiO2 due to laser heating is presented. Direct measurement of the transient, nonuniform temperature profiles was used to first validate a nonlinear thermal transport model. Densification due to structural relaxation above the glass transition point was modeled using the Tool‐Narayanaswamy (TN) formulation for the evolution of structural relaxation times and fictive temperature. TN relaxation parameters were derived from spatially resolved confocal Raman scattering measurements of Si–O–Si stretching mode frequencies. Together, these thermal and microstructural data were used to simulate fictive temperatures which are shown to scale nearly linearly with density, consistent with previous measurements from Shelby et al. Volumetric relaxation coupled with thermal expansion occurring in the liquid‐like and solid‐like glassy states lead to residual stresses and permanent deformation which could be quantified. However, experimental surface deformation profiles between 1700 and 2000 K could only be reconciled with our simulation by assuming a roughly 2 × larger liquid thermal expansion for a‐SiO2 with a temperature of maximum density ~150 K higher than previously estimated by Bruckner et al. Calculated stress fields agreed well with recent laser‐induced critical fracture measurements, demonstrating accurate material response prediction under processing conditions of practical interest.
What Things Make People with a Learning Disability Happy and Satisfied with Their Lives: An Inclusive Research Project
Authors: Haigh Anna , Lee Darren , Shaw Carl , Hawthorne Michelle , Chamberlain Stephen , Newman David W. , Clarke Zara , Beail Nigel 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundWe looked at the research that other people have done about what makes people with a learning disability happy and satisfied with their lives. Researchers call being happy and satisfied with your life ‘subjective well‐being’. They found out that having things like money and good health does not always mean people are happy. They also found that some people are really happy, even if there are things in their lives they would like to change. None of the people who have done research about ‘subjective well‐being’ have interviewed people with a learning disability about what makes them happy with their lives.Materials and MethodsWe have carried out a study about what makes people with a learning disability happy and satisfied with their lives. This report talks about the research that we did, and what we found out. We interviewed 20 people with a learning disability who said they were very happy and satisfied. We asked them about what things helped them feel like this.ResultsThe people we spoke to said things like relationships, choice and independence, activities and valuable social roles made them feel satisfied with their lives. They told us about the things that enable them to lead happy lives, and the things that disable them. We also found out about the importance of personal characteristics. These are things like looking on the bright side of life or having ways to manage difficult emotions like sadness or anger.ConclusionsWe found out that it is important for people with a learning disability to have good things in their lives, but it is also important to be enabled to access these good things.
The technical and financial sustainability of the Dutch polder approach
Authors: Stijnen J.W. , Kanning W. , Jonkman S.N. , Kok M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn the light of changes in climate, economy and demography, civilians, politicians and scientists alike often wonder how far into the future the Dutch polder approach will last. The polder approach refers to the drainage and flood protection of low‐lying areas by means of pumps, canals and flood defences. An increase in river discharges and sea levels is going to put pressure on the dikes, dunes, dams and storm surge barriers protecting the Netherlands from (extreme) floods. Coupled with changes in precipitation patterns, the capacity of pumping stations, and freshwater shortage due to drought, there are some serious challenges for the future. In this article, we consider to what extent our technical and financial abilities are able to keep up with these challenges. We also formulate indicators that show if there is going to be a need to abandon our country and return parts of it to the sea in the (near) future. From this research, it is concluded that there is neither a technical nor an economical reason to put question marks on the future of the Dutch polder approach, although societal acceptance and conflicting interests with other functions are critical factors in the continuation of its success.
Effect of human whole saliva on the in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans to a denture base acrylic resin: a focus on collection and preparation of saliva samples
Authors: Zamperini Camila A. , Schiavinato Patricia C. S. , Pavarina Ana C. , Giampaolo Eunice T. , Vergani Carlos E. , Machado Ana L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveIn studies on Candida albicans adhesion to surfaces, diverse protocols have been used for collection and preparation of saliva samples. Thus, this study investigated whether variations in the centrifugation parameters and number of donors of saliva would influence the adhesion of C. albicans to a denture base resin.MethodsResin acrylic samples (n = 72) were made and then divided into four groups: (a) control – specimens were left without preconditioning in saliva; (b) three experimental groups, in which the specimens were preconditioned with saliva collected from 15 volunteers and centrifuged at 12 000 g for 5 min (G1); from 15 volunteers and centrifuged at 18 000 g for 30 min (G2); and from one volunteer and centrifuged at 12 000 g for 5 min (G3). Candida adhesion was evaluated by both the 2,3‐bis(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl)‐5‐[(phenylamino) carbonyl]‐2H‐tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) reduction method and crystal violet staining. Data were analyzed by one‐way analyses of variance (P = 0.05).ResultsFor XTT reduction assay, groups G2, G3, and control were not significantly different, whereas group G1 showed significantly higher absorbance value than control. For crystal violet staining there were no significant differences among all groups.ConclusionVariations in the centrifugation parameters and number of donors of saliva may influence C. albicans adhesion to denture base resins.