bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of CXCL12 receptors in B cells from Mexican Mestizos patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Biajoux Vincent , Bignon Alexandre , Freitas Christelle , Martinez Valérie , Thelen Marcus , Lima Guadalupe , Jakez-Ocampo Juan , Emilie Dominique , Llorente Luis , Balabanian Karl 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by B-cell hyper-reactivity and the production of pathogenic anti-nuclear-directed auto-antibodies (Abs). B-cell ontogeny is partly dependent on the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis for which the contribution to SLE pathogenesis remains unclear. CXCR7, the novel receptor for CXCL12, is differentially expressed among memory B-cell subsets. However, its biological role in SLE remains to be explored.

Methods
Relative CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression levels were compared by quantitative PCR in leukocytes from blood samples of 41 Mexican Mestizos patients with SLE and 45 ethnicity-matched healthy subjects. Intracellular and membrane expression of both receptors was analyzed by flow cytometry in naive and Ab-secreting B cells. B-cell responsiveness to CXCL12 was investigated using Transwell-based chemotaxis assays. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test for comparisons of values amongst healthy controls and patients with inactive or active SLE, and non-parametrically using the Mann–Whitney U-test for multiple comparisons and unpaired samples. Correlations were determined by Spearman’s ranking.

Result
SLE leukocytes displayed reduced levels of CXCR4 and CXCR7 transcripts. In SLE patients, a significant defect in CXCR4 expression was detected at the surface of naive and Ab-secreting B cells, associated with an abnormal intracellular localization of the receptor. CXCR7 predominantly localized in cytosolic compartments of B cells from healthy and SLE individuals. Disease activity did not impact on these expression patterns. Altered receptor compartmentalization correlated with an impaired CXCL12-promoted migration of SLE B cells.

Conclusions
Our data highlight a down-regulation of CXCL12 receptors on circulating B cells from SLE patients that likely influences their migratory behavior and distribution.
The role of dislocation-induced scattering in electronic transport in GaxIn1-xN alloys
Authors: Donmez Omer , Gunes Mustafa , Erol Ayse , Arikan Cetin M , Balkan Naci , Schaff William J 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Electronic transport in unintentionally doped GaxIn1-xN alloys with various Ga concentrations (x = 0.06, 0.32 and 0.52) is studied. Hall effect measurements are performed at temperatures between 77 and 300 K. Temperature dependence of carrier mobility is analysed by an analytical formula based on two-dimensional degenerate statistics by taking into account all major scattering mechanisms for a two-dimensional electron gas confined in a triangular quantum well between GaxIn1-xN epilayer and GaN buffer. Experimental results show that as the Ga concentration increases, mobility not only decreases drastically but also becomes less temperature dependent. Carrier density is almost temperature independent and tends to increase with increasing Ga concentration. The weak temperature dependence of the mobility may be attributed to screening of polar optical phonon scattering at high temperatures by the high free carrier concentration, which is at the order of 1014 cm−2. In our analytical model, the dislocation density is used as an adjustable parameter for the best fit to the experimental results. Our results reveal that in the samples with lower Ga compositions and carrier concentrations, alloy and interface roughness scattering are the dominant scattering mechanisms at low temperatures, while at high temperatures, optical phonon scattering is the dominant mechanism. In the samples with higher Ga compositions and carrier concentrations, however, dislocation scattering becomes more significant and suppresses the effect of longitudinal optical phonon scattering at high temperatures, leading to an almost temperature-independent behaviour.
Postoperative outcomes following preoperative inspiratory muscle training in patients undergoing open cardiothoracic or upper abdominal surgery: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Mans Christina M , Reeve Julie C , Gasparini Catherine A , Elkins Mark R 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
In patients undergoing open cardiothoracic and upper abdominal surgery, postoperative pulmonary complications remain an important cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality, impacting upon hospital length of stay and health care resources. Adequate preoperative respiratory muscle strength may help protect against the development of postoperative pulmonary complications and therefore preoperative inspiratory muscle training has been suggested to be of potential value in improving postoperative outcomes.

Methods/Design
A systematic search of electronic databases will be undertaken to identify randomized trials of preoperative inspiratory muscle training in patients undergoing elective open cardiothoracic and upper abdominal surgery. From these trials, we will extract available data for a list of predefined outcomes, including postoperative pulmonary complications, hospital length of stay and respiratory muscle strength. We will meta-analyze comparable results where possible, and report a summary of the available pool of evidence.

Discussion
This review will provide the most comprehensive answer available to the question of whether preoperative inspiratory muscle training is clinically useful in improving postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiothoracic and upper abdominal surgery. It will help inform clinicians working in the surgical arena of the likely effectiveness of instituting preoperative inspiratory muscle training programs to improve postoperative outcomes.
Reforming an insider-outsider labor market: the Spanish experience
Authors: Bentolila Samuel , Dolado Juan J , Jimeno Juan F 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
This paper presents a case study on reforming a very dysfunctional labor market with a deep insider-outsider divide, namely the Spanish case. We show how a dual market, with permanent and temporary employees, makes real reform much harder, and leads to purely marginal changes that do not alter the fundamental features of labour market institutions. While the Great Recession and the start of the sovereign debt crisis have lately triggered two labor reforms, the political economy equilibrium has not allowed them to be transformational enough.

JEL codes

H29; J23; J38; J41; J64
Automated interpretation of ANCA patterns - a new approach in the serology of ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Knütter Ilka , Hiemann Rico , Brumma Therese , Büttner Thomas , Großmann Kai , Cusini Marco , Pregnolato Francesca , Borghi Maria Orietta , Anderer Ursula , Conrad Karsten , Reinhold Dirk , Roggenbuck Dirk , Csernok Elena 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) employing ethanol-fixed neutrophils (ethN) is still the method of choice for assessing antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV). However, conventional fluorescence microscopy is subjective and prone to high variability. The objective of this study was to evaluate novel pattern recognition algorithms for the standardized automated interpretation of ANCA patterns.

Methods
Seventy ANCA-positive samples (20 antimyeloperoxidase ANCA, 50 antiproteinase3 ANCA) and 100 controls from healthy individuals analyzed on ethN and formalin-fixed neutrophils (formN) by IIF were used as a 'training set' for the development of pattern recognition algorithms. Sera from 342 patients ('test set') with AAV and other systemic rheumatic and infectious diseases were tested for ANCA patterns using the novel pattern recognition algorithms and conventional fluorescence microscopy.

Results
Interpretation software employing pattern recognition algorithms was developed enabling positive/negative discrimination and classification of cytoplasmic ANCA (C-ANCA) and perinuclear ANCA (P-ANCA). Comparison of visual reading of the 'test set' samples with automated interpretation revealed Cohen's kappa (κ) values of 0.955 on ethN and 0.929 on formN for positive/negative discrimination. Analysis of the 'test set' with regard to the discrimination between C-ANCA and P-ANCA patterns showed a high agreement for ethN (κ = 0.746) and formN (κ = 0.847). There was no significant difference between visual and automated interpretation regarding positive/negative discrimination on ethN and formN, as well as ANCA pattern recognition (P > 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions
Pattern recognition algorithms can assist in the automated interpretation of ANCA IIF. Automated reading of ethN and formN IIF patterns demonstrated high consistency with visual ANCA assessment.
Spatiotemporal evolution of early innate immune responses triggered by neural stem cell grafting
Authors: Reekmans Kristien , De Vocht Nathalie , Praet Jelle , Fransen Erik , Le Blon Debbie , Hoornaert Chloé , Daans Jasmijn , Goossens Herman , Van der Linden Annemie , Berneman Zwi , Ponsaerts Peter 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) is increasingly suggested to become part of future therapeutic approaches to improve functional outcome of various central nervous system disorders. However, recently it has become clear that only a small fraction of grafted NSCs display long-term survival in the (injured) adult mouse brain. Given the clinical invasiveness of NSC grafting into brain tissue, profound characterisation and understanding of early post-transplantation events is imperative to claim safety and efficacy of cell-based interventions.

Methods
Here, we applied in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and post-mortem quantitative histological analysis to determine the localisation and survival of grafted NSCs at early time points post-transplantation.

Results
An initial dramatic cell loss (up to 80% of grafted cells) due to apoptosis could be observed within the first 24 hours post-implantation, coinciding with a highly hypoxic NSC graft environment. Subsequently, strong spatiotemporal microglial and astroglial cell responses were initiated, which stabilised by day 5 post-implantation and remained present during the whole observation period. Moreover, the increase in astrocyte density was associated with a high degree of astroglial scarring within and surrounding the graft site. During the two-week follow up in this study, the NSC graft site underwent extensive remodelling with NSC graft survival further declining to around 1% of the initial number of grafted cells.

Conclusions
The present study quantitatively describes the early post-transplantation events following NSC grafting in the adult mouse brain and warrants that such intervention is directly associated with a high degree of cell loss, subsequently followed by strong glial cell responses.
Petrophysical properties of saprolites from the Oak Ridge Integrated Field Research Challenge site, Tennessee
Authors: Revil André , Skold Magnus , Hubbard Susan S. , Wu Yuxin , Watson David B. , Karaoulis Marios 
Published: December 2012

At the Oak Ridge Integrated Field Research Challenge site, near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the shallow saprolitic aquifer is contaminated by nitric acid, uranium, and metals originating from the former S3 settling ponds. To interpret low-frequency geophysical methods used to image contaminant plumes, we have characterized the petrophysical properties of three representative saprolite core samples. Their hydraulic conductivity ranges from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] in agreement with field data. Complex conductivity measurements, in the frequency range of 1 mHz to 45 kHz, were performed with NaCl solutions with electrical conductivities in the range [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], a range representative of field conditions. The electrical conductivity data were well reproduced with a simple linear conductivity model between the saprolite conductivity and the pore water conductivity. The conductivity plots were used to estimate the formation factor (the cementation exponent was about [Formula: see text]) and the surface conductivity ([Formula: see text]). The magnitude of the surface conductivity depended on the degree of weathering and therefore on the amount of smectite and mixed layer (illite-smectite) clays present in the saprolite. The chargeability of the core samples was in the range of [Formula: see text] and is strongly dependent on the salinity. We also performed streaming potential measurements with the same pore fluid composition as that used for the complex conductivity measurements. We found an excess of movable electrical charges on the order of 100 to [Formula: see text] in agreement with previous investigations connecting the movable excess charge density to permeability. The zeta potential was in the range of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] independent on the salinity. The electrical measurements were consistent with an average cation exchange capacity in the range of 1.4 to [Formula: see text] and a specific surface area on the order of 4000 to about 30,000 [Formula: see text].
Prognostic Validity of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Classification for Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Strosberg Jonathan R. , Weber Jill M. , Feldman Max , Coppola Domenico , Meredith Kenneth , Kvols Larry K. 
Published: December 2012

Purpose The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual has introduced a TNM staging classification for jejunal-ileal (midgut) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This classification has not been validated in a population consisting solely of midgut NETs. The purpose of this study was to test the prognostic validity of the classification in such a population. Methods Patients with jejunal and ileocecal NETs who were treated at the Moffitt Cancer Center between 2000 and 2010 were assigned stages (I through IV). Kaplan-Meier analyses for overall survival (OS) were performed on the basis of TNM stage and pathologic grade. Multivariate modeling was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results We identified 691 patients with jejunal-ileocecal NETs. The AJCC classification in aggregate was highly prognostic for OS (P < .001). Five-year OS rates for stages I through IV were 100%, 100%, 91%, and 72%, respectively. The survival difference between stages III and IV was significant (P < .001); the difference between stages I/II versus III was not statistically significant (P = .1). Among patients with stage IIIB tumors, 5-year survival rates were 95% for resectable tumors versus 78% for unresectable mesenteric tumors (P = .02). A proliferative threshold of five mitoses per 10 high-power fields (HPF) was of greater prognostic value than a threshold of two mitoses per 10 HPF for discriminating between low- and intermediate-grade tumors. Conclusion Stage I and II midgut NETs are associated with identical survival rates. Stage IIIB tumors are heterogeneous, with significant differences in survival observed between resectable mesenteric lymph nodes versus unresectable masses in the root of the mesentery. A higher mitotic cutoff of five per 10 HPF may lead to improved prognostic differentiation between low- and intermediate-grade tumors. Revisions to the current AJCC staging and grading classification may be warranted.
Vierges blessées: Représentations de la virginité féminine dans les œuvres et témoignages d’écrivaines (franco)algériennes et (franco)marocaines depuis 2000
Authors: Charpentier Isabelle 
Published: December 2012

For more than ten years, many francophone (Franco-)Algerian and (Franco-)Moroccan women writers have been breaking the silence on the persistent taboo of female virginity in their traditional patriarchal societies. At a time when the demands for certificates of virginity and hymen repairs
appear to be growing, and considering the lack of sociological studies conducted in Algeria or Morocco on sexual practices, they help to highlight the violent forms – physical or symbolic – of socialization and dominations which compelled or still constrain female sexuality
in an androcentrist system. Based on the works of some of these authors, as well as on unpublished interviews, this article seeks to shed light on the strategies of resistance and transgression that these writers – and their characters – implement speaking about this ‘ordinary’
violence against North African women.
The Unbundling of Advertising Agency Services: An Economic Analysis
Authors: Arzaghi Mohammad , Berndt Ernst R. , Davis James C. , Silk Alvin J. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
We address a puzzle surrounding the shift from bundling to unbundling of U.S. advertising agency services and the slow pace of change over several decades. We model an agency’s decision as a tradeoff between the fixed cost to the advertiser of establishing a relationship with an agency and pecuniary economies of scale from media services provision. Using micro-data from the U.S. Census of Services for 1982-2007, we find agencies are more likely to unbundle with increasing size, diversification and higher media prices, and less likely with increasing age, larger media volume, and an interaction between media prices and volume.
A Practitioner-Researcher Partnership to Develop and Deliver Operational Value of Threat, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Training to meet the Requirements of Emergency Responders
Authors: Turner Allan , Glantz Kenneth , Gall Julie 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The Department of Homeland Security has funded an array of threat, risk and vulnerability assessment methodologies for use by law enforcement jurisdictions throughout the United States. Yet, in spite of this effort, many law enforcement agencies either do not conduct assessments or do not understand and use operationally, the information gathered in assessments. This article discusses a practitioner/researcher partnership model which successfully developed and delivered a training course to assist homeland security professionals in understanding and using operationally, information gathered by various threat, risk, and vulnerability methodologies. The model takes into consideration not only what participants needed to learn but also how they were going to learn it. This article discusses initial background research, course development, implementation, delivery, and lessons learned. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of a model which incorporates the strength of both practitioners and researchers and can be replicated to provide effective training throughout homeland security.
Calculation of Power System Dynamic Frequency during Simulation Phase
Authors: Radman Ghadir , Aghazadeh Tabrizi Mehriar 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
New monitoring devices such as Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and Frequency Disturbance Recorders (FDRs) are being added to power systems for real time measurements of system variables including dynamic frequency at different locations (buses). These frequency measurements will be used for real time control of power systems in near future. It is necessary to examine the performance of such control systems through simulation before actual implementation. During simulation phase, one needs the dynamic frequency as would be measured by PMUs/FDRs. This paper proposes a technique, based on the speeds of system generators, to calculate such frequency. The frequency calculated by the proposed method is compared with the frequencies of the individual generator, the frequency related to system center-of-inertia, and bus frequency calculated by other method.
Why Don't You Two Get a Room? A Puzzle and Pricing Model of Extra Services in Hotels
Authors: Damianov Damian S. , Sanders Shane D. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
This case study focuses on the following �rational riddle� raised in a recent popular economics book: Hotels in Britain usually charge per guest while hotels in the US typically charge per room. What is the reason for this difference? We propose a pricing model for extra services which points to one possible explanation.
Justice, Work, and the Ghetto Poor
Authors: Shelby Tommie 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
In view of the explanatory significance of joblessness, some social scientists, policymakers, and commentators have advocated strong measures to ensure that the ghetto poor work, including mandating work as a condition of receiving welfare benefits. Indeed, across the ideological political spectrum, work is often seen as a moral or civic duty and as a necessary basis for personal dignity. And this normative stance is now instantiated in federal and state law, from the tax scheme to public benefits. This Article reflects critically on this new regime of work. I ask whether the normative principles to which its advocates typically appeal actually justify the regime. I conclude that the case for a pro tanto moral or civic duty to work is not as strong as many believe and that there are reasonable responses to joblessness that do not involve instituting a work regime. However, even if we grant that there is a duty to work, I maintain that the ghetto poor would not be wronging their fellow citizens were they to choose not to work and to rely on public funds for material support. In fact, I argue that many among the black urban poor have good reasons to refuse to work. Throughout, I emphasize what too few advocates of the new work regime do, namely, that whether work is an obligation depends crucially on whether background social conditions within the polity are just.
Developing a Collaborative Inquiry Programme to Promote Intercultural Education in a School in Cyprus
Authors: Hajisoteriou Christina , Angelides Panayiotis 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn the context of Cyprus’ accession to the European Union and a huge wave of immigration towards the country, Cypriot teachers are called upon to teach within constantly more diverse educational settings. In consideration of the increased attention paid to intercultural education within the Cypriot socio-political environment, teachers are called upon to teach in more intercultural ways. However, they are very often criticised for their inability to manage cultural diversity in their classrooms, which would result in the provision of equal learning opportunities for all students despite their origin. This paper reports on the implementation of a research programme of collaborative inquiry, which aims to examine the ways in which collaborative inquiry research could help the development of intercultural classroom practices. The research project was implemented in a primary school in Cyprus. The findings that emerged from the data analysis relate to three aspects of promoting greater inclusion of immigrant, namely: (a) the differentiation of planning; (b) the differentiation of teaching methodologies and practices; and (c) the tripartite collaboration among school, families and the community. Findings imply that collaborative inquiry is efficient in terms of having a positive impact on intercultural practices and in terms of preparing the ground for the success of new innovations in intercultural education.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy with Diverse Student Populations: Meeting the Mental Health Needs of All Students
Authors: Banks Tachelle I. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract Mental health curriculum should be delivered in classroom settings to address and remediate the socio-emotional needs of students with and without disabilities. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a comprehensive, universal, and humanistic approach that focuses on the emotional distress manifested by individuals has been used with children and adolescents in schools and found to be an effective intervention. This paper presents a brief rationale explaining how REBT can be implemented in concert with tiered academic and behavior intervention models, and provides applied examples of lessons detailing how special educators can apply REBT sessions in classroom environments.