bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells on cytokine production by peripheral blood naive, memory, and effector T cells
Authors: Laranjeira Paula , Pedrosa Monia , Pedreiro Susana , Gomes Joana , Martinho Antonio , Antunes Brigida , Ribeiro Tania , Santos Francisco , Trindade Helder , Paiva Artur 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Introduction
The different distribution of T cells among activation/differentiation stages in immune disorders may condition the outcome of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapies. Indeed, the effect of MSCs in the different functional compartments of T cells is not completely elucidated.

Methods
We investigated the effect of human bone marrow MSCs on naturally occurring peripheral blood functional compartments of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells: naive, central memory, effector memory, and effector compartments. For that, mononuclear cells (MNCs) stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin were cultured in the absence/presence of MSCs. The percentage of cells expressing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFNγ), and interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-17, IL-9, and IL-6 and the amount of cytokine produced were assessed by flow cytometry. mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) in purified CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and phenotypic and mRNA expression changes induced by PMA + ionomycin stimulation in MSCs, were also evaluated.

Results
MSCs induced the reduction of the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing TNF-α, IFNγ, and IL-2 in all functional compartments, except for naive IFNγ+CD4+ T cells. This inhibitory effect differentially affected CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as well as the T-cell functional compartments; remarkably, different cytokines showed distinct patterns of inhibition regarding both the percentage of producing cells and the amount of cytokine produced. Likewise, the percentages of IL-17+, IL-17+TNF-α+, and IL-9+ within CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and of IL-6+CD4+ T cells were decreased in MNC-MSC co-cultures. MSCs decreased IL-10 and increased IL-4 mRNA expression in stimulated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, whereas TGF-β was reduced in CD8+ and augmented in CD4+ T cells, with no changes for CTLA4. Finally, PMA + ionomycin stimulation did not induce significant alterations on MSCs phenotype but did increase indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), inducible costimulatory ligand (ICOSL), IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α mRNA expression.

Conclusions
Overall, our study showed that MSCs differentially regulate the functional compartments of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which may differentially impact their therapeutic effect in immune disorders. Furthermore, the influence of MSCs on IL-9 expression can open new possibilities for MSC-based therapy in allergic diseases.
A therapy-grade protocol for differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into mesenchymal stem cells using platelet lysate as supplement
Authors: Luzzani Carlos , Neiman Gabriel , Garate Ximena , Questa María , Solari Claudia , Fernandez Espinosa Darío , García Marcela , Errecalde Ana Lía , Guberman Alejandra , Scassa María Elida , Sevlever Gustavo Emilio , Romorini Leonardo , Miriuka Santiago Gabriel 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising source of cells for regenerative therapies. Although they can be isolated easily from several tissues, cell expansion is limited since their properties are lost with successive passages. Hence, pluripotent derived MSCs (PD-MSCs) arise as a suitable alternative for MSC production. Nevertheless, at present, PD-MSC derivation protocols are either expensive or not suitable for clinical purposes.

Methods
In this work we present a therapy-grade, inexpensive and simple protocol to derive MSCs from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) based on the use of platelet lysate (PL) as medium supplement.

Results
We showed that the PD-MSCPL expressed multiple MSC markers, including CD90, CD73, CD105, CD166, and CD271, among others. These cells also show multilineage differentiation ability and immunomodulatory effects on pre-stimulated lymphocytes. Thorough characterization of these cells showed that a PD-MSCPL resembles an umbilical cord (UC) MSC and differs from a PSC in surface marker and extracellular matrix proteins and integrin expression. Moreover, the OCT-4 promoter is re-methylated with mesenchymal differentiation comparable with the methylation levels of UC-MSCs and fibroblasts. Lastly, the use of PL-supplemented medium generates significantly more MSCs than the use of fetal bovine serum.

Conclusions
This protocol can be used to generate a large amount of PD-MSCs with low cost and is compatible with clinical therapies.
Intra-renal delivery of mesenchymal stem cells attenuates myocardial injury after reversal of hypertension in porcine renovascular disease
Authors: Eirin Alfonso , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Ferguson Christopher M , Riester Scott M , van Wijnen Andre J , Lerman Amir , Lerman Lilach O 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) fails to fully improve cardiac injury and dysfunction in patients with renovascular hypertension (RVH). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) restore renal function, but their potential for attenuating cardiac injury after reversal of RVH has not been explored. We hypothesized that replenishment of MSCs during PTRA would improve cardiac function and oxygenation, and decrease myocardial injury in porcine RVH.

Methods
Pigs were studied after 16 weeks of RVH, RVH treated 4 weeks earlier with PTRA with or without adjunct intra-renal delivery of MSC (10^6 cells), and controls. Cardiac structure, function (fast-computed tomography (CT)), and myocardial oxygenation (Blood-Oxygen-Level-Dependent- magnetic resonance imaging) were assessed in-vivo. Myocardial microvascular density (micro-CT) and myocardial injury were evaluated ex-vivo. Kidney venous and systemic blood levels of inflammatory markers were measured and their renal release calculated.

Results
PTRA normalized blood pressure, yet stenotic-kidney glomerular filtration rate, similarly blunted in RVH and RVH + PTRA, normalized only in PTRA + MSC-treated pigs. PTRA attenuated left ventricular remodeling, whereas myocardial oxygenation, subendocardial microvascular density, and diastolic function remained decreased in RVH + PTRA, but normalized in RVH + PTRA-MSC. Circulating isoprostane levels and renal release of inflammatory cytokines increased in RVH and RVH + PTRA, but normalized in RVH + PTRA-MSC, as did myocardial oxidative stress, inflammation, collagen deposition, and fibrosis.

Conclusions
Intra-renal MSC delivery during PTRA preserved stenotic-kidney function, reduced systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, and thereby improved cardiac function, oxygenation, and myocardial injury four weeks after revascularization, suggesting a therapeutic potential for adjunctive MSC delivery to preserve cardiac function and structure after reversal of experimental RVH.
Two-Fluid Model for 1D Gas-Liquid Slug Flows: Realizable Mean Slug Characteristics
Authors: Gourma M. , Jia N. 
Published: June 2015

A two-fluid model is used to predict hydrodynamic characteristics of gas water two phase slug flows in horizontal pipes. Mathematical models are averaged based forms of balance laws with algebraic source terms. Predictions of transient solutions of such systems rely on accurate evaluations of speeds and scales of discontinuities generated by the flow conditions. Slug flows are characterized through slug frequencies, slug lengths and slug translational velocities. These are the fundamental quantities that one has to estimate in order to assess the validity of the model and the numerical method in use. A two fluid 1D model for slug flows along with an AUSMDV* numerical scheme is able to predict correct translational speeds, lengths scales and frequencies of slugs. An adaptive mesh refinement AMR procedure based on Kelvin-Helmholtz stability condition as an indicator for refinement is used to speed up simulations. The marginal Kelvin-Helmholtz stability condition is also introduced to estimate slug body length.
Call center offshore: o caso Out Brazil
Authors: De Arruda Maria Cecilia Coutinho , Notarnicola Filho Onófrio , Almeida Nádia Vernes 
Published: June 2015

Quais os desafios para fornecer serviços de call center offshore a partir do Brasil, competindo com países como Índia e Filipinas no atendimento de clientes internacionais?
ANÁLISE DO POTENCIAL E PERFIL EMPREENDEDOR DO ESTUDANTE DE ADMINISTRAÇÃO E O AMBIENTE UNIVERSITÁRIO: REFLEXÕES PARA INSTITUIÇÕES DE ENSINO
Authors: Iizuka Edson Sadao , Moraes Gustavo H. Salati Marcondes de 
Published: June 2015

<p>A importância do empreendedorismo no Brasil aumentou significativamente nos últimos anos e os estudos atuais abordam o tema sob diversas perspectivas. O papel do jovem na criação de novos negócios já é uma realidade e a perspectiva é que se amplie nos próximos anos. Os incentivos ao empreendedorismo universitário podem ser observados de diversas formas, tais como: ações governamentais, iniciativas privadas e nas escolas, com número crescente de cursos e atividades relacionadas ao empreendedorismo. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar o perfil empreendedor do estudante de Administração de uma instituição de ensino privada e a visão discente sobre o ambiente universitário. Buscou-se entender como os alunos, com diferentes perfis e em suas diferentes fases no curso de Administração, avaliam o ambiente universitário no qual se inserem, procurando compreender possíveis implicações para a instituição de ensino. Adotou-se uma abordagem de pesquisa quantitativa, e os resultados foram apresentados por meio da estatística descritiva. Como principal resultado o artigo apresenta uma ferramenta de mensuração do perfil e potencial empreendedor do aluno, bem como de avaliação do ambiente universitário em termos de empreendedorismo e suas implicações para o ensino e aprendizagem nas instituições de ensino superior.<br /><br /></p>
A Pharmacy Blueprint for Electronic Medical Record Implementation Success
Authors: Bach David S. , Risko Kenneth R. , Zaran Frank K. , Farber Margo S. , Polk Gregory J. 
Published: June 2015

Objective Implementation of an integrated, electronic medical record (EMR) has been promoted as a means of improving patient safety and quality. While there are a few reports of such processes that incorporate computerized prescriber order entry, pharmacy verification, an electronic medication administration record (eMAR), point-of-care barcode scanning, and clinical decision support, there are no published reports on how a pharmacy department can best participate in implementing such a process across a multihospital health care system. Method This article relates the experience of the design, build, deployment, and maintenance of an integrated EMR solution from the pharmacy perspective. It describes a 9-month planning and build phase and the subsequent rollout at 8 hospitals over the following 13 months. Results Key components to success are identified, as well as a set of guiding principles that proved invaluable in decision making and dispute resolution. Labor/personnel requirements for the various stages of the process are discussed, as are issues involving medication workflow analysis, drug database considerations, the development of clinical order sets, and incorporation of barcode scanning of medications. Recommended implementation and maintenance strategies are presented, and the impact of EMR implementation on the pharmacy practice model and revenue analysis are examined. Conclusion Adherence to the principles and practices outlined in this article can assist pharmacy administrators and clinicians during all medication-related phases of the development, implementation, and maintenance of an EMR solution. Furthermore, review and incorporation of some or all of practices presented may help ease the process and ensure its success.
Ammonia synthesis fundamentals for a model-based HAZOP study
Authors: Janošovský Ján , Labovský Juraj , Jelemenský Ľudovít 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Hazard and operability (HAZOP) analysis is a highly disciplined process hazard analysis (PHA) technique based on the exploration of the effects of process variables deviations. Inconveniences of a conventional HAZOP study are its time-consuming character and high cost. The principal objective of this paper is to present a new methodology for hazard identification of a selected chemical production process. Model-based HAZOP study is a very robust tool for predicting a systems response to deviations from design or operation conditions. An approach based on the mathematical modelling of a process can help to identify sources of hazard that could be overlooked by conventional PHA techniques. A case study focused on the multiple steady states phenomenon in an ammonia synthesis reactor is presented. The process simulation was performed using the Aspen HYSYS v8.4 process modelling environment. Nonlinear behaviour of the investigated fixed-bed reactor system was confirmed by an accident in an industrial ammonia synthesis reactor. The analysed system exhibited the feed temperature and pressure dependence of various operation parameters. This fact indicates the presence of multiple steady states. From the safety analysis point of view, switching between steady states can lead to process hazards.
Viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM Howaru Dophilus during storage at refrigeration temperatures
Authors: Mančušková Tatiana , Medved’ová Alžbeta , Valík Ľubomír 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
A strain Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM Howaru Dophilus is a probiotic bacterium available in dairy products and dietary supplements since 1970s. Its positive health effects have been proved by many studies. This work deals with the examination of NCFM strain’s viability during its storage at stable and unstable temperature in MRS broth and ultra-pasteurized milk. In nutritionally rich environment, Lb. acidophilus NCFM was able to survive and to metabolize the media. The relevant decrease of viable cells was observed in MRS broth about 30 days after inoculation, and in milk after 21 to 45 days at both stable and unstable temperatures, respectively. The average rate of decrease of viable cells was approximately two to three times higher in experiments at unstable temperature (GrMRS,unst
= −0.149 log CFU.ml−1.d−1 in MRS broth, Grmilk,unst
= 0.030 log CFU.ml−1.d−1 in milk) compared with that at stable temperature (GrMRS,st
= −0.079 log CFU.ml−1.d−1 in MRS broth, Grmilk,st
= 0.009 log CFU.ml−1.d−1 in milk). In the MRS broth exhausted by overnight cultivation of NCFM strain the decrease of viable cells started practically immediately (Grovernigh,unst
= −0.137 log CFU.ml−1.d−1). Maintenance of the culture in milk at stable temperature was proved to be the most appropriate form of its storage.
Ozone utilisation in decreasing water sources load with resistant and toxic substances
Authors: Melicher Michal , Derco Ján , Sumegová Lenka , Drtil Miloslav 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Water is becoming a strategic raw material and thus, protection of water resources belongs to priorities. Toxic substances need to be removed prior to the biological treatment stage in a WWTP. Biologically resistant substances flow through the biological treatment stage in a WWTP directly to water recipients, and can travel as far as to the underground water and drinking water sources. Taking into account the large volumes of these substances, their removal from ground water and water sources would be extremely costly. It is economical therefore to remove these already at their source or in a WWTP using separation or degradation processes. This paper deals with the possibility to use ozonisation for pretreatment of wastewater prior to the WWTP biological stage. Benzothiazole removal efficiency exceeding 95 % within 60 min. of ozonation was reached when combining ozonation with zeolite addition. Partially oxidised COD portion was significant in the first 15 minutes, followed by subsequent growth of mineralised COD portion.
Save Maritime Systems Testbed
Authors: Bolles André , Hahn Axel 
Published: June 2015

Abstract‘Safe voyage from berth to berth’ — this is the goal of all e-navigation strains, driven by new technologies, new infrastructures and new organizational structures on bridge, on shore as well as in the cloud. To facilitate these efforts suitable engineering and safety/risk assessment methods have to be applied. Understanding maritime transportation as a sociotechnical system allows system engineering methods to be applied. Formal and simulation based verification and validation of e-navigation technologies are important methods to obtain system safety and reliability. The modelling and simulation toolset HAGGIS provides methods for system specification and formal risk analysis. It provides a modelling framework for processes, fault trees and generic hazard specification and a physical world and maritime traffic simulation system. HAGGIS is accompanied by the physical test bed LABSKAUS which implements a reference port and waterway. Additionally, it contains an experimental Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) implementation and a mobile integrated bridge enabling in situ experiments for technology evaluation, testing, ground research and demonstration. This paper describes an integrated seamless approach for developing new e-navigation technologies starting with virtual simulation based assessment and ending in physical real world demonstrations.
Present Status And Tendencies In Docking Systems’ Development
Authors: Felski Andrzej , Naus Krzysztof , Świerczyński Sławomir , Wąż Mariusz , Zwolan Piotr 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe process of the ships docking, especially very large ships, is an very risky operation in confined and busy port waters. The similar difficult is the task to pass along any channel, river, strait or similar water road. The basic difficulty causes maneuvering with the great mass of the ship in situation of small space to maneuvers, the large inertia of the object and poor maneuvering properties at small speeds occurring in such circumstances. An additional factor, which make this task more difficult is the influence of the wind and the sea current on the hull of the inert ship as well as consequences of the limited visibility. The bad weather can cause the necessity to delay the maneuver. However this joins with heavy costs. An alternative is usage of systems supporting this process.In this paper nowadays accessible systems for augmentation the docking and harbor navigation are analysed. There are: shore based (active or passive) and ship based (active). This paper is prepared in the frame of Bonus project call 2012 ‘The Captain Assistant system for Navigation and Routing during Operations in Harbor’.
Operability Guidelines For Product Tanker In Heavy Weather In The Adriatic Sea
Authors: Mudronja Luka , Katalinić Marko , Bošnjak Rino , Vidan Pero , Parunov Joško 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis paper presents operability guidelines for seafarers on a product tanker which navigates in the Adriatic Sea during heavy weather. Tanker route starts from the Otranto strait in the south to the island Krk in the north of Adriatic Sea. Heavy weather is caused by south wind called jugo (blowing from E-SE to SS-E, sirocco family). Operability guidelines are given based on an operability criteria platform for presenting ship seakeeping characteristics. Operability criteria considered in this paper are propeller emergence, deck wetness and bow acceleration of a product tanker. Limiting values of mentioned criteria determine sustainable speed. Heavy weather is described by extreme sea state of 7.5 m wave height. Wave spectrum used in this paper is Tabain spectrum which is developed specifically for Adriatic Sea. Seafarer's approach of decisions making in extreme weather is also shown and servers as a guideline for further research of the authors.
The Research On EGNOS System In Context Of The Ability To Determine The Ship’s Hull Spatial Orientation
Authors: Nowak Aleksander 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) thanks to geostationary satellites covers an area of whole Europe, including Baltic and North Sea. It allows to fix the coordinates of object position with typical absolute accuracy of 1,5 m. Previous research have shown that relative accuracy is usually higher than absolute one [Nowak A., 2010; Nowak A., 2011], so probably it could be possible to use EGNOS to determine direction in space. The research described in the paper concerned relative accuracy of three homogeneous EGNOS receivers, in context of the ability to determine the ship’s hull spatial orientation. Theoretical basis, the process of the experiment and the results of recorded data analysis were described. The research were conducted in the summer of 2014. Three homogenous Leica Viva series receivers were used. They were configured to receive a differential messages of the EGNOS system. Recorded data were analyzed in context of fixes relative accuracy. On the basis of achieved results, a conclusion about the possibility of construction the measurement system for the automatic determination of the ship’s hull spatial orientation angles in real time was drawn. The further research directions were pointed out, too.
Reference intervals for bone turnover markers in Spanish premenopausal women
Authors: Guañabens Núria , Filella Xavier , Monegal Ana , Gómez-Vaquero Carmen , Bonet María , Buquet Dolors , Casado Enrique , Cerdá Dacia , Erra Alba , Martinez Silvia , Montalá Núria , Pitarch Concepción , Kanterewicz Eduardo , Sala Miquel , Surís Xavier , Torres Ferran , on behalf of the LabOscat Study Gro  
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe aims of this study were to establish robust reference intervals and to investigate the factors influencing bone turnover markers (BTMs) in healthy premenopausal Spanish women.A total of 184 women (35–45 years) from 13 centers in Catalonia were analyzed. Blood and second void urine samples were collected between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. after an overnight fast. Serum procollagen type I amino-terminal propeptide (PINP) and serum cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) were measured by two automated assays (Roche and IDS), bone alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP) by ELISA, osteocalcin (OC) by IRMA and urinary NTX-I by ELISA. PTH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were measured. All participants completed a questionnaire on lifestyle factors.Reference intervals were: PINP: 22.7–63.1 and 21.8–65.5 μg/L, bone ALP: 6.0–13.6 μg/L, OC: 8.0–23.0 μg/L, CTX-I: 137–484 and 109–544 ng/L and NTX-I: 19.6–68.9 nM/mM. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) influenced PINP (p=0.007), and low body mass index (BMI) was associated with higher BTMs except for bone ALP. Women under 40 had higher median values of most BTMs. CTX-I was influenced by calcium intake (p=0.010) and PTH (p=0.007). 25OHD levels did not influence BTMs. Concordance between the two automated assays for PINP and particularly CTX-I was poor.Robust reference intervals for BTMs in a Southern European country are provided. The effects of OCPs and BMI on their levels are significant, whilst serum 25OHD levels did not influence BTMs. Age, calcium intake, BMI and PTH influenced CTX-I. The two automated assays for measuring PINP and CTX-I are not interchangeable.