bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency of IFNγ-producing T cells correlates with seroreactivity and activated T cells during canine Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: Hartley Ashley N , Cooley Gretchen , Gwyn Sarah , Orozco Marcela M , Tarleton Rick L 
Published: January 2014

AbstractVaccines to preventTrypanosoma cruziinfection in humans or animals are not available, and in many settings, dogs are an important source of domestic infection for the insect vector. Identification of infected canines is crucial for evaluating peridomestic transmission dynamics and parasite control strategies. As immune control ofT. cruziinfection is dependent on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, we aimed to define a serodiagnostic assay and T cell phenotypic markers for identifying infected dogs and studying the canineT. cruzi-specific immune response. Plasma samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from forty-two dogs living in aT. cruzi-endemic region. Twenty dogs were known to be seropositive and nine seronegative by conventional serologic tests two years prior to our study. To determine canine seroreactivity, we tested sera or plasma samples in a multiplex bead array against eleven recombinantT. cruziproteins. Ninety-four percent (17/18) of dogs positive by multiplex serology were initially positive by conventional serology. The frequency of IFNγ-producing cells in PBMCs responding toT. cruzi correlated to serological status, identifying 95% of multiplex seropositive dogs. Intracellular staining identified CD4+and CD8+T cell populations as the sources ofT. cruzilysate-induced IFNγ. Low expression of CCR7 and CD62L on CD4+and CD8+T cells suggested a predominance of effector/effector memory T cells in seropositive canines. These results are the first, to our knowledge, to correlateT. cruzi-specific antibody responses with T cell responses in naturally infected dogs and validate these methods for identifying dogs exposed toT. cruzi.
Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a poorer prognostic predictor for small hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Du Min , Chen Lingli , Zhao Jing , Tian Feng , Zeng Haiying , Tan Yunshan , Sun Huichuan , Zhou Jian , Ji Yuan 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Small hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC) is a special type of hepatocellular carcinoma with the maximum tumor diameter ≤ 3 cm and excellent long-term outcomes. However, the prognostic factors for SHCC remain controversial. The purpose of this study is to clarify the predictive factors of SHCC.

Methods
The study population consisted of 458 patients underwent hepatectomy for single SHCC between January 2006 and December 2008. Clinical data (included age, gender, virus infection, serum alfa-fetoprotein level, cirrhosis, capsule, border), histopathologic features (included differentiation, morphology subtype, microvascular invasion, tumor infiltrative lymphocytes (TIL), inflammatory injury grade and fibrosis stage of surrounding liver), were evaluated to identify prognostic factors influencing SHCC patients’ survival and microvascular invasion.

Results
There were 384 males (83.8%) and 74 (16.2%) females with median ages of 52 years. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) durations were 53 and 54 months, respectively. About 91.9% (n = 421) SHCC were infected by Hepatitis B. One hundred forty-seven of the 446 (33.0%) patients with pre-operation serum AFP level record had serum alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) level ≥ 200 ug/ml and 178 of the 280 (63.8%) patients with post-operation serum AFP level record had AFP level ≥ 20 ug/ml. Liver cirrhosis was present in 411 cases (89.7%), while 434 (97.3%) tumors had clear border, and 250 (55.6%) tumors were encapsulated.
MVI was identified in 83 patients (18.1%). In univariate analysis, a significant association between the presence of MVI and shortened PFS and OS was found (p = 0.012, 0.028, respectively). Histological differentiation had strong relationship with MVI (p = 0.009), in terms of MVI was more easily presented in patients with worse histological differentiation. In patients with MVI, worse survival was correlated with female patients, patients with G2 or G3 histological differentiation, pre-operation serum AFP level ≥ 200 ug/ml or post-operation serum AFP level ≥ 20 ug/ml, and TIL ≥ 50/HPF.

Conclusions
MVI is an independent poorer prognostic factor for PFS and OS of single SHCC patients. Tumor histological differentiation was closely related with MVI.
Influence of pain severity on the quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer before antineoplastic therapy
Authors: Oliveira Karine G , von Zeidler Sandra V , Podestá Jose RV , Sena Agenor , Souza Evandro D , Lenzi Jeferson , Bissoli Nazaré S , Gouvea Sonia A 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the severity of pain and its impact on the quality of life (QoL) in untreated patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).MethodsA study group of 127 patients with HNSCC were interviewed before antineoplastic treatment. The severity of pain was measured using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) questionnaire, and the QoL was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the head and neck module (QLQ-H&N35).ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 57.9 years, and there was a predominance of men (87.4%). The most frequent site of the primary tumor was the oral cavity (70.6%), and the majority of the patients had advanced cancers (stages III and IV). QoL in early stage of cancer obtained better scores. Conversely, the patients with advanced stage cancer scored significantly higher on the symptom scales regarding fatigue, pain, appetite loss and financial difficulties, indicating greater difficulties. Regard to the severity of pain, patients with moderate-severe pain revealed a significantly worse score than patients without pain.ConclusionsThe severity of pain is statistically related to the advanced stages of cancer and directly affects the QoL. An assessment of the quality of life and symptoms before therapy can direct attention to the most important symptoms, and appropriate interventions can then be directed toward improving QoL outcomes and the response to treatment.
Reduced migration of MLH1 deficient colon cancer cells depends on SPTAN1
Authors: Hinrichsen Inga , Ernst Benjamin Philipp , Nuber Franziska , Passmann Sandra , Schäfer Dieter , Steinke Verena , Friedrichs Nicolaus , Plotz Guido , Zeuzem Stefan , Brieger Angela 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Defects in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) protein MLH1 are frequently observed in sporadic and hereditary colorectal cancers (CRC). Affected tumors generate much less metastatic potential than the MLH1 proficient forms. Although MLH1 has been shown to be not only involved in postreplicative MMR but also in several MMR independent processes like cytoskeletal organization, the connection between MLH1 and metastasis remains unclear. We recently identified non-erythroid spectrin αII (SPTAN1), a scaffolding protein involved in cell adhesion and motility, to interact with MLH1. In the current study, the interaction of MLH1 and SPTAN1 and its potential consequences for CRC metastasis was evaluated.

Methods
Nine cancer cell lines as well as fresh and paraffin embedded colon cancer tissue from 12 patients were used in gene expression studies of SPTAN1 and MLH1. Co-expression of SPTAN1 and MLH1 was analyzed by siRNA knock down of MLH1 in HeLa, HEK293, MLH1 positive HCT116, SW480 and LoVo cells. Effects on cellular motility were determined in MLH1 deficient HCT116 and MLH1 deficient HEK293T compared to their MLH1 proficient sister cells, respectively.

Results
MLH1 deficiency is clearly associated with SPTAN1 reduction. Moreover, siRNA knock down of MLH1 decreased the mRNA level of SPTAN1 in HeLa, HEK293 as well as in MLH1 positive HCT116 cells, which indicates a co-expression of SPTAN1 by MLH1. In addition, cellular motility of MLH1 deficient HCT116 and MLH1 deficient HEK293T cells was impaired compared to the MLH1 proficient sister clones. Consequently, overexpression of SPTAN1 increased migration of MLH1 deficient cells while knock down of SPTAN1 decreased cellular mobility of MLH1 proficient cells, indicating SPTAN1-dependent migration ability.

Conclusions
These data suggest that SPTAN1 levels decreased in concordance with MLH1 reduction and impaired cellular mobility in MLH1 deficient colon cancer cells. Therefore, aggressiveness of MLH1-positive CRC might be related to SPTAN1.
PQR sort: using PQR trees for binary matrix reorganization
Authors: da Silva Celmar Guimarães , de Melo Marivaldo Felipe , de Paula e Silva Felipi , Meidanis João 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundReorganization of rows and columns of a matrix does not modify data but may ease or impair visual analysis of data similarities in this structure, according to Gestalt spatial proximity laws. However, there are a factorial number of permutations of rows and columns. Matrix reordering algorithms, such as 2D sort and Sugiyama-based reordering, permute matrix rows and columns in order to highlight hidden patterns.MethodsWe present PQR sort, a matrix reordering algorithm based on a recent data structure called PQR tree, and compare it with the previous ones in terms of time complexity and quality of reordering, according to predefined evaluation criteria.ResultsWe found that PQR sort is an interesting method for minimizing minimal span loss functions based on Jaccard or simple matching coefficients, specially for a given pattern called Rectnoise with a noise ratio of 0.01 or 0.02 and a matrix size of 100 × 100 or 1,000 × 1,000.ConclusionWe concluded that “PQR sort” is a valid alternative method for matrix reordering, which may also be extended for other visual structures.
Three different situations and approaches in the management for anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left coronary sinus: case report
Authors: Heo Woon , Min Ho-Ki , Kang Do Kyun , Jun Hee Jae , Hwang Youn-Ho , Lee Hyung Chae 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left coronary sinus is rare but potentially dangerous if any ischemic signs are present. Multiple therapeutic options were advocated so far. We experienced three different situations and surgical approaches to these anomalies, and reviewed retrospectively. For the first case, we made a neo-ostium on the right sinus of Valsalva and anastomosed with the right coronary artery after arteriotomy. For the second and third cases, we applied coronary artery bypasses emergently: patient 2 the gastroepiploic artery during off-pump coronary artery bypass and patient 3 the left internal thoracic artery during surgery for acute aortic dissection. For the better outcomes, it is important to understand anatomic and hemodynamic characteristics of each patient and select the surgical options considering each characteristic.
Application of heart-rate variability in patients undergoing weaning from mechanical ventilation
Authors: Huang Chun-Ta , Tsai Yi-Ju , Lin Jou-Wei , Ruan Sheng-Yuan , Wu Huey-Dong , Yu Chong-Jen 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The process of weaning may impose cardiopulmonary stress on ventilated patients. Heart-rate variability (HRV), a noninvasive tool to characterize autonomic function and cardiorespiratory interaction, may be a promising modality to assess patient capability during the weaning process. We aimed to evaluate the association between HRV change and weaning outcomes in critically ill patients.

Methods
This study included 101 consecutive patients recovering from acute respiratory failure. Frequency-domain analysis, including very low frequency, low frequency, high frequency, and total power of HRV was assessed during a 1-hour spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) through a T-piece and after extubation after successful SBT.

Results
Of 101 patients, 24 (24%) had SBT failure, and HRV analysis in these patients showed a significant decrease in total power (P = 0.003); 77 patients passed SBT and were extubated, but 13 (17%) of them required reintubation within 72 hours. In successfully extubated patients, very low frequency and total power from SBT to postextubation significantly increased (P = 0.003 and P = 0.004, respectively). Instead, patients with extubation failure were unable to increase HRV after extubation.

Conclusions
HRV responses differ between patients with different weaning outcomes. Measuring HRV change during the weaning process may help clinicians to predict weaning results and, in the end, to improve patient care and outcome.
Dual-sugar Nanogel Comprising β-1,3-Glucan and Cholesterol-bearing Dextran for Protein Delivery Targeting Antigen Presenting Cells
Authors: Maegawa Yoshiya , Mochizuki Shinichi , Sanada Yusuke , Akiyoshi Kazunari , Sakurai Kazuo 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A dual-sugar nanogel containing proteins was prepared by a simple mixing of schizophyllan (SPG) in NaOH (0.25 M), cholesterol-hydrophobized dextran (CH-CDex) in NaH2PO4 solution, and BSA. It was found that this nanogel was specifically taken up by SPG receptors present on antigen presenting cells.
Coordination Programming: A New Concept for the Creation of Multifunctional Molecular Systems
Authors: Nishihara Hiroshi 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Coordination programming is a recently proposed method of creating superstructures that utilizes the advantages of coordination chemistry to control chemical bonds and the arrangements of metal atoms and ions. This review summarizes the recent advances of research on this concept, which are roughly divided into four categories: interfacial programming for molecular circuit systems, cluster programming for systems with electromagnetic functions, supramolecular programming for energy and chemical conversion, and bio-inspired programming for functionalized soft materials.
Basic Concepts of Modern Representational Drawing School
Authors: Юматова  , Yumatova T. 
Published: January 2014

The basic concepts of the modern higher school of graphic drawing for a
long time have been a central issue in the training of academic drawing. This article
discusses two lines: Russian and Western European art pedagogy of the turn of XIX–
XX century. A number of common features can be noted, which are peculiar for these
artists. Proclaiming the nature as the basis of art — Ažbe, Hollósy and Chistyakov,
sought to develop scientific, analytical method of the form image. They set the task to
use in their methods and achievements of contemporary art the main directions of the
XX century, as cubism, constructivism, etc.
And although everyone solved this problem in its own way, their analytical focus on
revealing the laws of art in nature was general.
Formation of physical culture of the individual future teachers on the basis of mobile learning
Authors: Наговицын  , Nagovitsyn Roman 
Published: January 2014

To the objective necessity of forming the personality of future physical
education teachers in high school there was a need for content development of physical
culture competence of students on the basis of mobile learning. Development of
competence, which includes a set of common cultural and professional competencies
stated in the federal state educational standard of higher education, is presented in the
framework of Bloom´s taxonomy of B. on the basis of levels of education. Formation of
health and fitness competence of students through the introduction of mobile learning
will implement educational technology to meet modern needs of young people and
aimed at innovation, creativity, creativity, initiative and interests of teachers and
students.
Maximum-Stopping-Value Policies in Finite Markov Population Decision Chains
Authors: Eaves B. Curtis , Veinott Arthur F. 
Published: January 2014

This paper considers infinite-horizon finite state-and-action Markov population decision chains (MPDCs) in which the goal is to find a stationary stopping policy with maximum stopping value, that is, with maximum value over all deterministic Markov stopping policies. A policy is stopping if the resulting expected population size in a period diminishes to zero as the period converges to infinity. The paper shows that the following are equivalent: (a) there is a stationary maximum-stopping value policy; (b) the maximum stopping value is finite; (c) there is a stopping policy and an excessive point of the optimal return operator; and (d) the maximum stopping value is the least excessive (resp., fixed) point of the optimal return operator. The paper shows how to use linear programming, policy improvement and successive approximations to solve the problem. The problem arises in stopping a Markov chain, as in optimally eradicating a pest or disease. The problem is one of two key subproblems used repeatedly to find Blackwell and Cesàro-overtaking optimal policies in finite Markov decision chains (MDCs), both of which, with their generalizations, have a vast number of applications. The problem for MDCs and/or MPDCs has been studied under various conditions, and over the years, by many investigators including Bellman, Bertsekas, Blackwell, Dantzig, Denardo, d'Epenoux, Derman, Dynkin, Eaton, Erickson, Ford, Hordijk, Howard, Kallenberg, Manne, O'Sullivan, Rothblum, Shoemaker, Strauch, Tsitsiklis, Veinott, Wagner, and Zadeh. †1934-2012.
Manufacture of Environmentally Friendly Plywood Bonded with Plastic Film
Authors: Fang Lu , Chang Liang , Guo Wen-jing , Chen Yong-ping , Wang Zheng 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using unmodified plastic film as a novel wood adhesive in the plywood production, which is done to eliminate formaldehyde release during plywood production and use. The bondability of plastic film was determined by testing the shear strength of plywood. In addition, physical–mechanical properties, including thickness swelling, water absorption, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture under the optimal pressing conditions, were also considered. Results showed that the plywood could meet the requirements for Grade 2 plywood according to Chinese National Standard (GB/T 17657‐1999) and that the highest strength was obtained under hot-pressing conditions (pressure, 0.7 MPa; temperature, 160°C; time, 1 min·mm−1; and film dosage of two layers), which was comparable to that of commercial urea-formaldehyde plywood as determined by Liu (Master's thesis, Zhejiang Agric. and Forestry Univ., Hangzhou, China, 2010). Pressing temperature had a notable effect on adhesive penetration and bonded joints formed. Mechanical interlock, as observed by scanning electron microscopy, formed between nonpolar plastic film and porous poplar veneer.
Ergonomic Design Using Quality Function Deployment and Design of Experiments
Authors: Horvath Peter Gyorgy , Kovacs Zsolt , Denes Levente 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
User needs relating to products are expressed in the language of customers. Designers are facing the challenge of answering the question of how relatively subjective customer needs can be translated into precise target specifications. In most cases, some of these needs can be interpreted as ergonomic requirements. This is especially true for furniture. The question is what a piece of furniture has to do to bring about satisfaction in use. Ergonomic suitability has a number of components, each of which is determined by a given set of product properties. Therefore, ergonomic quality can be satisfied by using complex methods of analysis. Such methods include Quality Function Deployment (QFD). The adaptability of this methodology for the ergonomic design of seats was confirmed as a result of our study. Furthermore, it has been found that the components of ergonomic quality can be treated as dependent variables. The level of these dependent variables is determined by quantitative and categorical product-related independent characteristics. A model for evaluating and designing ergonomic quality on the basis of the method of Design of Experiments was conceived as a complement to the QFD-based approach and is demonstrated for sitting furniture.
An Econometric Analysis of US Exports of Forest Products
Authors: Cheng Baodong , Mei Bin , Wan Yang 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Using cointegration analyses, we examined the econometric relationship between the US exports of selected forest products (roundwood, sawnwood, and paper and paper board) and a group of microeconomic factors. Overall, we found a positive impact of economic growth of importing countries on total US export of forest products, but mixed results for exchange rate risk and relative price by model specifications, by exchange rate risk measures, and across forest products.
Product Costing Program for Wood Component Manufacturers
Authors: Andersch Adrienn , Buehlmann Urs , Palmer Jeff , Wiedenbeck Janice K , Lawser Steve 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Accurate and timely product costing information is critically important for companies in planning the optimal utilization of company resources. While an overestimation of product costs can lead to loss of potential business and market share, underestimation of product costs can result in financial losses to the company. This article introduces a product costing program called WoodCite that was specifically developed for small and medium-sized hardwood dimension and components manufacturers. WoodCite is a Microsoft Access application that allows companies to determine product costs and to create competitive bids based on their company and product information. The program uses a regression model to estimate the overhead cost of a product based on historical cost information provided by the user. WoodCite was developed with input from members of the Wood Components Manufacturers Association. The application is available for free at Virginia Tech's Wood Products Web site (http://woodproducts.sbio.vt.edu/woodcite).
Evaluating Market Efficiency of the US Forest Industry
Authors: La Le , Mei Bin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The market efficiency of the US forest industry had evolved over the past decade. In this study, the entropy measurement, an econophysic approach, was applied to quantify the informational efficiency of timber real estate investment trusts (REITs), wood, furniture, and paper markets in the United States during the period from 1999 to 2012. In a relative context, indices on Treasury bonds were used to proxy the risk-free rate of returns, while Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 stock returns were used as a yardstick for risky investments. The analysis indicated that the forest markets were considerably more informationally efficient than the Treasury market. Furthermore, most markets were marginally more efficient compared with the S&P 500 index, with the exception of REIT returns. Therefore, better arbitrage opportunities were present in REIT investments.