bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Szanse i perspektywy Polski w latach 1989-1990 widziane przez pryzmat opinii „polskiego Londynu”
Authors: Pyłat Joanna 
Published: May 2013

Hopes, Opportunities and Perspectives. Poland 1989‑1990 seen through the Prism of “Polish London”
The article discusses the approach of the Polish émigré community in London to the transformation of Poland towards democracy throughout 1989‑1990. The article focuses on journalists and activists who debated the issues in: “Dziennik Polski i Dziennik Żołnierza”, “Rzeczpospolita Polska” and “Orzeł Biały”. Research focuses on the topics surrounding the events, observations, predictions and very often fears towards the character of the political transformation as well as the direction which new elites would take. Important for contemporary commentators was also the role of the Polish Diaspora in the processes and its future place within the new structures of the new Polish Republic. Research was conducted through the analysis of majority of the sources discussing the situation in Poland as well as ongoing transition which occurred during 1989‑1990, supported by historical evidence and opinions and thoughts of émigré community leaders including: last remaining Presidents in Exile Kazimierz Sabbat and Ryszard Kaczorowski as well as the prime minister of the Government of the Republic of Poland in exile prof. Edward Szczepanik.
Kłopoty pojęciowe z demokracją
Authors: Łojek Stanisław 
Published: May 2013

Conceptual problems with democracy. Descriptive, semantic and normative approaches
The conceptual confusion makes it difficult to provide a convincing answer to the question of what democracy is. One reason of this, which I would like to analyze below, is a intermingling of the descriptive, normative and semantic elements in almost each theory of democracy. I will show that a pure description is probably impossible, and that any attempt to approach the actual functioning of any regime necessarily contains normative assessment and expectations. In conclusion, I point out that a fair comparison of democratic models and practices requires a special effort to separate the normative and descriptive elements. I also note that the study of normative assumptions underlying some commonly accepted views of democracy allows a better understanding of their theoretical and practical circumstances and consequences, which in turn can contribute to their revision.
A Joint Model of Usage and Churn in Contractual Settings
Authors: Ascarza Eva , Hardie Bruce G. S. 
Published: May 2013

As firms become more customer-centric, concepts such as customer equity come to the fore. Any serious attempt to quantify customer equity requires modeling techniques that can provide accurate multiperiod forecasts of customer behavior. Although a number of researchers have explored the problem of modeling customer churn in contractual settings, there is surprisingly limited research on the modeling of usage while under contract. The present work contributes to the existing literature by developing an integrated model of usage and retention in contractual settings. The proposed method fully leverages the interdependencies between these two behaviors even when they occur on different time scales (or “clocks”), as is typically the case in most contractual/subscription-based business settings. We propose a model in which usage and renewal are modeled simultaneously by assuming that both behaviors reflect a common latent variable that evolves over time. We capture the dynamics in the latent variable using a hidden Markov model with a heterogeneous transition matrix and allow for unobserved heterogeneity in the associated usage process to capture time-invariant differences across customers. The model is validated using data from an organization in which an annual membership is required to gain the right to buy its products and services. We show that the proposed model outperforms a set of benchmark models on several important dimensions. Furthermore, the model provides several insights that can be useful for managers. For example, we show how our model can be used to dynamically segment the customer base and identify the most common “paths to death” (i.e., stages that customers go through before churn).
Photo-click chemistry strategies for spatiotemporal control of metal-free ligation, labeling, and surface derivatization
Authors: Arumugam Selvanathan , Orski Sara V. , Mbua Ngalle Eric , McNitt Christopher , Boons Geert-Jan , Locklin Jason , Popik Vladimir V. 
Published: May 2013

Three photo-click ligation strategies described in this account provide scientists with efficient and selective tools for derivatization of various molecules, polymers, and surfaces. Fast photochemical reactions that are utilized in these techniques permit spatiotemporal control of the process. The absence of activating reagents and catalysts, as well as compatibility with aqueous media, makes photo-click ligations suitable for biomedical applications. The first of these approaches relies on the photochemical decarbonylation of cyclopropenones to produce cyclooctynes. The latter undergo rapid catalyst-free strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) to azide-tagged substrates. The second method is based on a very fast (>104M–1s–1) light-triggered hetero-Diels–Alder reaction and permits efficient derivatization of substrates bearing vinyl ether moiety. An even faster reaction between photochemically generated naphthoquinone methides (oNQMs) and thiols (~2 × 105M–1s–1) serves as a basis for a third method. This thiol photo-click chemistry allows for the selective derivatization of thiol-functionalized substrates or labeling of free cysteine residues in proteins. The thioether linkage produced by the reaction ofoNQMs and a thiol is stable under ambient conditions, but can be cleaved by UV irradiation, regenerating free thiol. This feature permits the removal or replacement of immobilized compounds, as well as traceless substrate release.
Extended family history of autoimmune diseases and phenotype and genotype of children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes
Authors: Parkkola Anna , Härkönen Taina , Ryhänen Samppa J , Ilonen Jorma , Knip Mikael , _ _ 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveBased on the concept of clustering autoimmunity, children with a positive family history of autoimmunity could be expected to have a different pathogenetic form of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and thus a stronger autoimmune reactivity against β-cells and an increased prevalence of the HLA-DR3-DQ2 haplotype.Design and methodsWe tested this hypothesis in a cross-sectional observational study from the Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register. HLA class II genotypes and β-cell autoantibodies were analyzed, and data on the extended family history of autoimmunity and clinical markers at diagnosis were collected with a structured questionnaire from 1488 children diagnosed with T1D under the age of 15 years (57% males).ResultsOnly 23 children (1.5%) had another autoimmune disease (AID) known at diagnosis, and they had a milder metabolic decompensation at diabetes presentation. One-third (31.4%) had at least one relative with an AID other than T1D with affected mothers being overrepresented (8.2%) compared with fathers (2.8%). The children with a positive family history of other AIDs had higher levels of islet cell antibodies (P=0.003), and the HLA-DR3-DQ2 haplotype in the children was associated with celiac disease in the extended family (P<0.001), but not with an increased frequency of autoimmune disorders, in general.ConclusionsApproximately one-third of children with newly diagnosed T1D have a first- and/or second-degree relative affected by an AID. Our data do not consistently support the hypothesis of differential pathogenetic mechanisms in such children.
Effects of Metformin, Metformin Plus Rosiglitazone, and Metformin Plus Lifestyle on Insulin Sensitivity and β-Cell Function in TODAY
Authors:   TODAY Study Group
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE
The Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) trial demonstrated that combination therapy with metformin plus rosiglitazone provided superior durability of glycemic control compared with metformin alone, with significantly lower treatment failure rates (38.6 vs. 51.7%), and metformin plus lifestyle was intermediate. Herein we describe the temporal changes in measures of β-cell function and insulin sensitivity over a 4-year period among the three treatments.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
TODAY participants (699) were tested periodically with an oral glucose tolerance test to determine insulin sensitivity (1/fasting insulin [1/IF]), insulinogenic index (△I30/△G30) or C-peptide index (△C30/△G30), and β-cell function relative to insulin sensitivity (oral disposition index [oDI]).

RESULTS
During the first 6 months, metformin plus rosiglitazone exhibited a significantly greater improvement in insulin sensitivity and oDI versus metformin alone and versus metformin plus lifestyle; these improvements were sustained over 48 months of TODAY. Irrespective of treatment, those who failed to maintain glycemic control had significantly lower β-cell function (∼50%), higher fasting glucose concentration, and higher HbA1c at randomization compared with those who did not fail.

CONCLUSIONS
The beneficial change in insulin sensitivity and the resultant lower burden on β-cell function achieved in the first 6 months with metformin plus rosiglitazone appear to be responsible for its superior glycemic durability over metformin alone and metformin plus lifestyle. However, initial β-cell reserve and HbA1c at randomization are independent predictors of glycemic durability. Therefore, efforts to preserve β-cell function before significant loss occurs and to reduce HbA1c may be beneficial in the treatment of youth with type 2 diabetes.
Comments on the height reducing property
Authors: Akiyama Shigeki , Zaimi Toufik 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
A complex number α is said to satisfy the height reducing property if there is a finite subset, say F, of the ring ℤ of the rational integers such that ℤ[α] = F[α]. This property has been considered by several authors, especially in contexts related to self affine tilings and expansions of real numbers in non-integer bases. We prove that a number satisfying the height reducing property, is an algebraic number whose conjugates, over the field of the rationals, are all of modulus one, or all of modulus greater than one. Expecting the converse of the last statement is true, we show some theoretical and experimental results, which support this conjecture.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety in Cynomolgus Monkeys of a Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Human Scavenger Receptor Class B Type-1 for Hepatitis C Treatment
Authors: Flores M Victoria , Corbau Romuald G , Guionaud Silvia 
Published: May 2013

Background Scavenger receptor class B type-1 (SR-B1) is one of the many receptors used by HCV to infect hepatocytes. It is used by the virus not only to directly infect cells but also to facilitate cell-to-cell transmission of the virus. Agents such as anti-human SR-B1 (anti-hSR-B1) antibodies represent potential therapeutics for the treatment of HCV infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of an anti-hSR-B1 antibody (Seq2) in cynomolgus monkeys. Methods The antibody was administered intravenously at 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight; blood samples were taken pre- and post-dose to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile and blood chemistry. Safety was assessed during treatment and the animals were sacrificed post-treatment for pathological assessment and liver antibody-receptor occupancy determination. Results Following administration of Seq2 antibody to cynomolgus monkeys a non-linear pharmacokinetic pro-file was observed. The clearance of the antibody decreased from 2 to 0.3 ml/h/kg with increasing doses from 1 to 100 mg/kg, respectively, and the antibody half-life varied from 62 to 218 h for the same doses. An increase in total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels after antibody administration was observed, with a good correlation between liver receptor occupancy and dose. Conclusions The pharmacokinetics and toxicology results were in accordance with the pharmacology of the antibody mechanism. The elevation of total cholesterol was dose-dependent and did not exceed a twofold increase. The safety study indicated no adverse effects during the treatment or in the pathology analysis at any of the doses tested.
Influenza A Virus Infection Impairs Mycobacteria-Specific T Cell Responses and Mycobacterial Clearance in the Lung during Pulmonary Coinfection
Authors: Flórido Manuela , Grima Michael A. , Gillis Caitlin M. , Xia Yingju , Turner Stephen J. , Triccas James A. , Stambas John , Britton Warwick J. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Individuals infected with mycobacteria are likely to experience episodes of concurrent infections with unrelated respiratory pathogens, including the seasonal or pandemic circulating influenza A virus strains. We analyzed the impact of influenza A virus and mycobacterial respiratory coinfection on the development of CD8 T cell responses to each pathogen. Coinfected mice exhibited reduced frequency and numbers of CD8 T cells specific to Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in the lungs, and the IFN-γ CD8 T cell response to BCG-encoded OVA was decreased in the lungs of coinfected mice, when compared with mice infected with BCG alone. Moreover, after 2 wk of infection, mice coinfected with both pathogens showed a significant increase in the number of mycobacteria present in the lung compared with mice infected with BCG only. Following adoptive transfer into coinfected mice, transgenic CD8 T cells specific for OVA257–264 failed to proliferate as extensively in the mediastinal lymph nodes as in mice infected only with BCG-OVA. Also noted was a reduction in the proliferation of BCG-specific CD4 transgenic T cells in mice coinfected with influenza compared with mice infected with BCG alone. Furthermore, phenotypic analysis of CD11c+ dendritic cells from mediastinal lymph nodes of the infected mice showed that coinfection was associated with decreased surface expression of MHC class II and class I. Thus, concurrent pulmonary infection with influenza A virus is associated with decreased MHC expression on dendritic cells, reduced activation of BCG-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells, and impaired clearance of mycobacteria.
β-Defensins Activate Human Mast Cells via Mas-Related Gene X2
Authors: Subramanian Hariharan , Gupta Kshitij , Lee Donguk , Bayir Arzu K. , Ahn Harry , Ali Hydar 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Human β-defensins (hBDs) stimulate degranulation in rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro and cause increased vascular permeability in rats in vivo. In this study, we sought to determine whether hBDs activate murine and human mast cells and to delineate the mechanisms of their regulation. hBD2 and hBD3 did not induce degranulation in murine peritoneal or bone marrow–derived mast cells (BMMC) in vitro and had no effect on vascular permeability in vivo. By contrast, these peptides induced sustained Ca2+ mobilization and substantial degranulation in human mast cells, with hBD3 being more potent. Pertussis toxin (PTx) had no effect on hBD-induced Ca2+ mobilization, but La3+ and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (a dual inhibitor of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor and transient receptor potential channels) caused substantial inhibition of this response. Interestingly, degranulation induced by hBDs was substantially inhibited by PTx, La3+, or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. Whereas human mast cells endogenously express G protein–coupled receptor, Mas-related gene X2 (MrgX2), rat basophilic leukemia, RBL-2H3 cells, and murine BMMCs do not. Silencing the expression of MrgX2 in human mast cells inhibited hBD-induced degranulation, but had no effect on anaphylatoxin C3a-induced response. Furthermore, ectopic expression of MrgX2 in RBL-2H3 and murine BMMCs rendered these cells responsive to hBDs for degranulation. This study demonstrates that hBDs activate human mast cells via MrgX2, which couples to both PTx-sensitive and insensitive signaling pathways most likely involving Gαq and Gαi to induce degranulation. Furthermore, murine mast cells are resistant to hBDs for degranulation, and this reflects the absence of MrgX2 in these cells.
Low Levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Contribute to Alveolar Macrophage Dysfunction in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Bessich Jamie L. , Nymon Amanda B. , Moulton Lisa A. , Dorman Dana , Ashare Alix 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Alveolar macrophages are major contributors to lung innate immunity. Although alveolar macrophages from cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator−/− mice have impaired function, no study has investigated primary alveolar macrophages in adults with CF. CF patients have low levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and our prior studies demonstrate a relationship between IGF-1 and macrophage function. We hypothesize that reduced IGF-1 in CF leads to impaired alveolar macrophage function and chronic infections. Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were obtained from eight CF subjects and eight healthy subjects. Macrophages were isolated from BAL fluid. We measured the ability of alveolar macrophages to kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Subsequently, macrophages were incubated with IGF-1 prior to inoculation with bacteria to determine the effect of IGF-1 on bacterial killing. We found a significant decrease in bacterial killing by CF alveolar macrophages compared with control subjects. CF subjects had lower serum and BAL IGF-1 levels compared with healthy control subjects. Exposure to IGF-1 enhanced alveolar macrophage macrophages in both groups. Finally, exposing healthy alveolar macrophages to CF BAL fluid decreased bacterial killing, and this was reversed by the addition of IGF-1, whereas IGF-1 blockade worsened bacterial killing. Our studies demonstrate that alveolar macrophage function is impaired in patients with CF. Reductions in IGF-1 levels in CF contribute to the impaired alveolar macrophage function. Exposure to IGF-1 ex vivo results in improved function of CF alveolar macrophages. Further studies are needed to determine whether alveolar macrophage function can be enhanced in vivo with IGF-1 treatment.
The Absence of Rhetorical Theory in Richard Rorty's Linguistic Pragmatism
Authors: Danisch Robert 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThis article argues that the “linguistic turn” in analytic philosophy had a deep and significant impact on the development of Richard Rorty's pragmatism. One of the central features of the “linguistic turn” was its attention to the role of language in mediating questions of philosophy, and, in Rorty's hands, the “linguistic turn” drew philosophy very close to rhetorical theory. However, I argue that Rorty failed to engage or embrace rhetorical theory in any substantive way. This meant that his pragmatism cleaved philosophy off from the social democratic project. Such a separation of philosophy from the problems of maintaining and cultivating democracy abandons an important strand of first generation pragmatism. This amounts to a missed opportunity. By complimenting the linguistic turn with a robust account of the role of rhetoric in socio-political affairs, Rorty could have tied philosophy to social democracy in just the manner that Dewey had hoped. But instead Rorty is constrained by the tradition of philosophy and unable to make the “linguistic turn” into any kind of rhetorical turn.
« Ce qu’il y a de moins noble dans votre nature » : classe sociale et genre dans les guides moraux et les manuels de politesse au Québec, 1900-1960
Authors: Nootens Thierry , Saint-Louis-Head1 Cynthia 
Published: May 2013

Cet article propose une lecture bourdieusienne de deux sources historiques particulières, soit les guides moraux et les manuels de politesse. Cela en vue d’apporter un éclairage particulier sur l’expérience historique de l’argent au Québec durant la première moitié du 20e siècle. La manière dont ces écrits mettent en scène la distinction et l’honorabilité traduirait un certain état des lieux des rapports entre classes dans la société québécoise d’alors. Les rapports sociaux de sexe jouaient aussi un rôle important dans cette dynamique. L’étude de ce matériel témoigne de la persistance de prescriptions comportementales bourgeoises rigides et issues de la transition au capitalisme et du développement de la démocratie au 19e siècle. La thèse d’un processus d’« informalisation » des bonnes manières au 20e siècle, thèse proposée par le sociologue Cas Wouters, ne semble pas applicable au Québec durant l’époque considérée.
Placement of a Non–Cross-Linked Porcine-Derived Acellular Dermal Matrix During Preperitoneal Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Alshkaki Giath 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis retrospective chart review evaluated outcomes following laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphies with non–cross-linked intact porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (PADM) by one surgeon in a community teaching facility hospital. Mesh was sutured and/or tacked in the preperitoneal space. Postoperative visits were scheduled at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, and then at 6-month intervals up to 2 years. PADM was placed in 14 male patients (mean age, 41.1 years). Seven patients had bilateral hernias. One patient required intraoperative conversion to open herniorrhaphy based on diagnostic laparoscopy findings. PADM sizes were 6 × 10 to 12 × 16 cm; mean operative time was 102 minutes. All patients were discharged on the day of surgery and resumed full activity. This treatment approach was effective, with no recurrence or complications during a median follow-up period of 18 months (range, 13–25 months).
A Study of the Efficacy of Antibacterial Sutures for Surgical Site Infection: A Retrospective Controlled Trial
Authors: Hoshino Seiichiro , Yoshida Yoichiro , Tanimura Syu , Yamauchi Yasushi , Noritomi Tomoaki , Yamashita Yuichi 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
To reduce bacterial adherence to surgical sutures, triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 suture materials with antiseptic activity were developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the incidence of surgical site infections can be reduced when triclosan-coated sutures are used. Until December 2009, we used conventional polyglactin 910 sutures (VICRYL, Ethicon) for the closure of the fascia in digestive tract surgery. Therefore, for the control group we retrospectively collected surveillance data for 1.5 years. In the control group, 611 patients underwent digestive tract surgery with VICRYL sutures. Beginning in July 2010, we used triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 sutures (VICRYL Plus, Ethicon, Tokyo, Japan) for the closure of the fascia in all digestive surgeries. So, we collected data for the study group from July 2010 until June 2011. In the study group, 467 patients underwent digestive tract surgery with triclosan-coated VICRYL Plus sutures. In the control group, 75 patients (12.2%) developed wound infections. In the study group, 31 patients (6.6%) developed wound infections, which was significantly lower. Emergency cases; laparoscopic cases, including some cholecystectomy and colectomy cases; American Society of Anesthesiologists classification; the use of immunosuppressive therapy; colostomy cases; wound classification; and suture material were identified as the risk factors for wound infections. In both groups, as the wound classification worsened, the wound infection rate increased. Triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 antimicrobial sutures lead to a significant decrease in the incidence of surgical site infections, especially in clean/contaminated cases.