bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recovery Of Heavy Oils Using Vaporized Hydrocarbon Solvents: Further Development Of The Vapex Process
Authors: Butler A.M. , Mokrys I.J. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
There are extensive deposits of heavy oil in Saskatchewan and Alberta which can only be recovered with low efficiency by conventional methods. Primary recovery in the best of these heavy oil reservoirs can yield about 6 percent of the OOIP. Waterflooding can improve the recovery, but only to an extent of f-2 percent because of the adverse mobility ratio. Thermal recovery processes using steam can be effective, but these are uneconomic in many Lloydminster type reservoirs because the deposits are relatively thin and heat losses to the overburden and underburden are excessive.
One potential means for overcoming the problem of heat loss is to make use of vapourized hydrocarbon solvents at their dew point. This paper discusses the results of experiments with Tangleflags heavy oil and propane carried out in a large, scaled, physical model. It focuses on the area of potential problems encountered with the use of saturated hydrocarbon vapours as a solvent. In particular, it addresses the issue of precipitation of asphaltenes which may lead to reduced permeability and lower production rates. Rates, recoveries, gas to oil ratios and other important parameters will be presented and field performance of the process will be predicted from the data obtained in the scaled laboratory model.

Introduction
Production of heavy oils and bitumens from the extensive deposits in Alberta and Saskatchewan is hampered by the high viscosity of these materials caused by the high content of asphaltenes. After these heavy crudes have been produced, often by thermal methods, dilution with light hydrocarbons is required to facilitate transport through pipelines to upgrading plants and refineries. The cost of steam injection to mobilize the heavy crude is large, mostly because there are inherent heat losses associated with heating surrounding rock formations that do not bear oil. This situation is further exacerbated in thinner reservoirs.
A new idea is to recover heavy oils using saturated hydrocarbon vapours under carefully controlled conditions which lead to separation of asphaltenes from the heavy crude. The asphaltenes are thus left behind deposited on the reservoir matrix while the much lighter oil is recovered. The handling, processing and transport of such in situ upgraded oil is easier and more economical.
In our previous paper[l] we described a new process for recovering heavy oil with the aid of a saturated hydrocarbon vapour. In this paper we present further experimental data to support the feasibility of the process and explore the benefits of in situ upgrading by asphaltene removal and deposition on the rock matrix.
STAT3 knockdown by siRNA induces apoptosis in human cutaneous T-cell lymphoma line Hut78 via downregulation of Bcl-xL
Authors: Verma Navin , Davies Anthony , Long Aideen , Kelleher Dermot , Volkov Yuri 
Published: March 2010

AbstractCutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas resulting from clonal expansion and localization of malignant T-lymphocytes to the skin. CTCL cells have defective apoptosis. Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) are a family of transcription factors known to play important roles in the development and progression of several human cancers by promoting cell proliferation and protecting against apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the specific role of STAT3, a major component of the STAT family, in growth and survival of human CTCL cell line Hut78. Western immunoblot analysis showed elevated expression of STAT3 and phospho-STAT3(Y705) in human CTCL cells as compared to freshly isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Specific knockdown of STAT3 expression in Hut78 cells by RNA interference induced morphological and biochemical changes indicating apoptotic cell death. Moreover, STAT3 inhibition downregulated the expression of Bcl2 family of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-xL. These observations suggest that STAT3 is required for the survival of CTCL cells and strongly indicate that targeting STAT3 using siRNA techniques may serve a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CTCL.
Sulis: An Open Source Transfer Decoder for Deep Syntactic Statistical Machine Translation
Authors: Graham Yvette 
Published: March 2010

Sulis: An Open Source Transfer Decoder for Deep Syntactic Statistical Machine Translation
In this paper, we describe an open source transfer decoder for Deep Syntactic Transfer-Based Statistical Machine Translation. Transfer decoding involves the application of transfer rules to a SL structure. The N-best TL structures are found via a beam search of TL hypothesis structures which are ranked via a log-linear combination of feature scores, such as translation model and dependency-based language model.
Validation of a New Device to Measure Postsurgical Scar Adherence
Authors: Ferriero Giorgio , Vercelli Stefano , Salgovic Ludovit , Stissi Valeria , Sartorio Francesco 
Published: March 2010

Background and PurposeScarring after surgery can lead to a wide range of disorders. At present, the degree of scar adhesion is assessed manually and by ordinal scales. This article describes a new device (the Adheremeter) to measure scar adhesion and assesses its validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change.DesignThis was a reliability and validity study.SettingThe study was conducted at the Scientific Institute of Veruno.Participants and MethodsTwo independent raters, a physical therapist and a physical therapist student, used the Adheremeter to measure scar mobility and contralateral normal skin in a sample of 25 patients with adherent postsurgical scars before (T1) and after (T2) physical therapy. Two indexes of scar mobility, the adherence's surface mobility index (SMA) and the adherence severity index (AS), were calculated. Their correlation with the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and its pliability subscale (PL-VSS) was assessed for the validity analysis.ResultsBoth the SMA and the AS showed good-to-excellent intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=.96) and interrater reliability (SMA: ICC=.97 and .99; AS: ICC=.87 and .87, respectively, at T1 and T2), correlated moderately with the VSS and PL-VSS only at T1 (rs=−.58 to −.66), and were able to detect changes (physical therapist/physical therapist student): z score=−4.09/−3.88 for the SMA and −4.32/−4.24 for the AS; effect size=0.6/0.4 for the SMA and 1.4/1.2 for the AS; standard error of measurement=4.59/4.79 mm2 for the SMA and 0.05/0.06 for the AS; and minimum detectable change=12.68/13.23 mm2 for the SMA and 0.14/0.17 for the AS.LimitationsThe measurement is based on the rater's evaluation of force to stretch the skin and on the patient's judgment of comfort.Discussion and ConclusionsThe Adheremeter showed a good level of reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in larger cohorts and to assess the device's validity for other types of scars.
Relationship Between Dynamic Balance Measures and Functional Performance in Community-Dwelling Elderly People
Authors: Desai Ankur , Goodman Valerie , Kapadia Naaz , Shay Barbara L. , Szturm Tony 
Published: March 2010

BackgroundPoor balance control, mobility restrictions, and fall injuries are serious problems for many older adults.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate a new dynamic standing balance assessment test for identifying individuals at risk for falling in a group of community-dwelling older adults.DesignThis was a cross-sectional observational study of 72 community-dwelling older adults who were receiving rehabilitation in a geriatric day hospital.MethodA Dynamic Balance Assessment (DBA) test protocol was developed based on the concept of the Sensory Organization Test and the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance. The DBA consists of 6 tasks performed on a normal floor surface and repeated on a sponge surface. A flexible pressure mat was used to record the foot's center of pressure (COP) on both surfaces, and loss of balance was recorded. Balance performance also was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed “Up & Go” Test, gait speed, and the Six-Minute Walk Test. Participants were classified as “fallers” or “nonfallers” based on a self-report.ResultsNo significant differences were noted between the faller group (n=47) and the nonfaller group (n=25) for demographic variables or medications. The DBA composite scores, which were derived from analysis of COP excursions of the 6 tasks performed on the sponge surface, were able to distinguish between fallers and nonfallers. Of the clinical tests, only the Timed “Up & Go” Test was able to differentiate between the faller and nonfaller groups.LimitationsA prospective study is needed to confirm the current findings and to expand testing to a larger and more diverse sample.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that analysis of the extent and amount of COP displacements during selected tasks and under different surface conditions is an appropriate method to assess dynamic standing balance controls and can discriminate between fallers and nonfallers among community-dwelling elderly people.
Prevalence and Intensity of Hookworm Infections in Ekiti, Nigeria; A Cross Sectional Study in State Specialist Hospital and Federal Medical Centre
Authors: Adewole SO , Akingbolu IA 
Published: March 2010

Prevalence of hookworm and other helminthes infections from year 2004 till May, 2007 was carried out in both the State Specialist Hospital and Federal Medical Centre, in Ekiti State. Of the 2,686 recorded and examined, 1,246 persons representing 46.3% were infected with helminthes while 53.7% were infected with other helminthes like Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichura. At State Specialist Hospital (Ado-Ekiti), 646 persons representing 47.1% were infected with hookworm while 600 persons representing 45.5% were infected with hookworm at Federal Medical Centre, (Ido-Ekiti). There is a significant difference (X2=8.9; P< 0.05) in the prevalence and susceptibility of males and females to infections in the State Specialist hospital, Ado-Ekiti. Also, there is no significant difference (X2=3.82; P > 0.05) in the prevalence and susceptibility of males and females to hookworm infections. Key words: Prevalence; Epidemiology; Helminthes; Infections Hospital. DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i4.4588 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(4), 399-402, 2009
Microbiological Quality of Local Market Vended Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juices in Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed M Shakir Uddin , Nasreen Tania , Feroza Badrunnessa , Parveen Sahana 
Published: March 2010

Freshly squeezed or freshly prepared fruit juices sold by local market vendors in Dhaka city were analyzed for the microbiological quality. Total viable bacterial counts, fungal counts, total coliform, faecal coliform and the presence of pathogenic microorganisms such as E. coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Streptococcus were analyzed by standard methods. The total viable count of samples ranged from 3.00×102 to 9.60×108 and fungal counts ranged from 1.00×102 to 8.05×104. Out of 114 freshly prepared fruit juices samples collected 113 samples (99%) showed the presence of coliform and E. coli. The other bacteria like B. cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Streptococcus were found in 64.91%, 6.14%, 7.89% and (5.26%) of the tested samples. The number and type of microorganisms recovered from the freshly squeezed fruit juices made them unsafe for drinking. It was concluded that due to unhygienic fruit handling in the unsanitary environmental conditions under which the vendors operate the juices become contaminated with harmful bacteria. The results of this study demonstrate the unhygienic quality of popular types of market vended freshly squeezed fruit juices and their risk to the consumers. Key Words: Fruit juices; Microorganisms; Contamination; E. coli; Microbiological quality standards. DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i4.4591 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(4), 421-424, 2009
CD47 Is Required for Suppression of Allograft Rejection by Donor-Specific Transfusion
Authors: Wang Hui , Wu Xiaojian , Wang Yuantao , Oldenborg Per-Arne , Yang Yong-Guang 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
CD47 is a ligand of the inhibitory receptor, signal regulatory protein (SIRP)α, and its interaction with SIRPα on macrophages prevents phagocytosis of autologous hematopoietic cells. CD47–SIRPα signaling also regulates dendritic cell (DC) endocytosis, activation, and maturation. In this study, we show that CD47 expression on donor cells plays an important role in suppression of allograft rejection by donor-specific transfusion (DST). DST was performed by i.v. injection of splenocytes from C57BL/6 donors into MHC class I-disparate bm1 mice 7 d prior to donor skin grafting. Administration of wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 donor splenocytes markedly prolonged donor skin survival in bm1 mouse recipients. In contrast, bm1 mice receiving DST from CD47 knockout (KO) donors showed no inhibition or even acceleration of donor skin graft rejection compared with non-DST control (naive) bm1 mice. T cells from bm1 mice receiving CD47 KO, but not WT, DST exhibited strong anti-donor responses. The ability of DST to suppress alloresponses was positively correlated with the density of CD47 molecules on donor cells, as CD47+/− DST was able to prolonged donor skin survival, but to a significantly less extent than WT DST. Furthermore, DCs from CD47 KO, but not WT, DST recipients showed rapid activation and contributed to donor skin rejection. These results show for the first time that CD47 on donor cells is required to repress recipient DC activation and suppress allograft rejection after DST, and suggest CD47 as a potential target for facilitating the induction of transplant tolerance.
Cutting Edge: Novel Function of B Cell-Activating Factor in the Induction of IL-10–Producing Regulatory B Cells
Authors: Yang Min , Sun Lingyun , Wang Shengjun , Ko King-Hung , Xu Huaxi , Zheng Bo-Jian , Cao Xuetao , Lu Liwei 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Although B cells have been shown to possess a regulatory function, microenvironmental factors or cytokines involved in the induction of regulatory B cells remain largely uncharacterized. B cell-activating factor (BAFF), a member of TNF family cytokines, is a key regulator for B cell maturation and function. In this study, we detected significantly increased numbers of IL-10–producing B cells in BAFF-treated B cell cultures, an effect specifically abrogated by neutralization of BAFF with TACI-Fc. BAFF-induced IL-10–producing B cells showed a distinct CD1dhiCD5+ phenotype, which were mainly derived from marginal zone B cells. Moreover, BAFF activated transcription factor AP-1 for binding to IL-10 promoter. Notably, BAFF treatment in vivo increased the number of IL-10–producing B cells in marginal zone regions. Furthermore, BAFF-induced IL-10–producing B cells possess a regulatory function both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings identify a novel function of BAFF in the induction of IL-10–producing regulatory B cells.
Cutting Edge: The Membrane Type Matrix Metalloproteinase MMP14 Mediates Constitutive Shedding of MHC Class I Chain-Related Molecule A Independent of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinases
Authors: Liu Gang , Atteridge Catherine L. , Wang Xuanjun , Lundgren Ashley D. , Wu Jennifer D. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Engagement of tumor cell surface MHC class I chain-related molecule A (MICA) to NKG2D stimulates NK and T cell antitumor immunity. Shedding of MICA by tumor cells facilitates tumor immune evasion, which may in part contribute to tumor progression. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms by which tumors shed MIC is of great importance for therapy to reinforce NK and T cell antitumor immunity. In this study, we report that the membrane type matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)14 mediates MICA shedding. Suppression of MMP14 expression blocks MICA shedding. Concomitantly, overexpression of MMP14 enhances MICA shedding. The regulation of MICA shedding by MMP14 is independent of the activity of a disintegrin and metalloproteinases, which have been reported to mediate MICA shedding. Finally, MMP14 expression in MICA-positive tumor cells regulates the sensitivity of tumor cells to NK cell killing. These findings suggest that MMP14 may be a new target for tumor immune therapy.
Functionalized Poly(D,L‐lactide) for Pulmonary Epithelial Cell Culture
Authors: Lin Yuan‐Min , Chrzanowski Wojciech , Knowles Jonathan , Bishop Anne , Bismarck Alexander 
Published: March 2010

AbstractFunctional groups on a material surface affect the response of many cell types. As part of our strategy aimed at engineering lung tissue, we introduced functional groups into the surface of Poly(D,L‐lactide) (PDLLA) films to improve its suitability for the culture of mature pulmonary epithelial cells (A549 line) using two different methods. The first method, aminolysis, can introduce primary amines into PDLLA films by transesterification using 1–15% of ethylenediamine in isopropanol. The second method, a branching modification, can generate amine‐terminated or carboxylic acid‐terminated tree‐like branched architectures. All modified PDLLA surfaces exhibited lower water contact angles, i.e. are more hydrophilic than unmodified PDLLA. PDLLA treated with 15% ethylenediamine exhibited a rougher surface than the control, and PDLLA with branching modification had a droplet‐like surface topography as visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). PDLLA treated with 15% ethylenediamine and branching modification with two and three generations enhanced the attachment of pulmonary epithelial cells measured using Hoechst dye. Immunostaining demonsatrated that amine‐terminated branched architectures allowed for better focal adhesion point formation than the control 24 h after cell seeding. Furthermore, they also induced higher A549 cell populations and levels of activity after 4 days in culture measured using Hoechst dye and WST1 cell proliferation reagents, respectively. In contrast, carboxylic acid‐terminated branching architectures were found to reduce the cell population size after 4 days. It was concluded that the concentration, type and distribution of surface functional groups can affect significantly the behavior of pulmonary epithelial cells growing on a PDLLA surface, and PDLLA film modified with two or three generations of amine‐terminated branched architectures is a suitable 2D scaffold for the culture of of pulmonary epithelial cells.
Occupational fatalities, injuries, illnesses, and related economic loss in the wholesale and retail trade sector
Authors: Anderson Vern Putz , Schulte Paul A. , Sestito John , Linn Herb , Nguyen Long S. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe wholesale and retail trade (WRT) sector employs over 21 million workers, or nearly 19% of the annual average employment in private industry. The perception is that workers in this sector are generally at low risk of occupational injury and death. These workers, however, are engaged in a wide range of demanding job activities and are exposed to a variety of hazards. Prior to this report, a comprehensive appraisal of the occupational fatal and nonfatal burdens affecting the retail and wholesale sectors was lacking. The focus of this review is to assess the overall occupational safety and health burden in WRT and to identify various subsectors that have high rates of burden from occupational causes. Ultimately, these findings should be useful for targeted intervention efforts.MethodsWe reviewed Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2006 fatality, injury, and illness data for the WRT sector and provide comparisons between the WRT sector, its' subsectors, and private industry, which serves as a baseline. The BLS data provide both counts and standardized incidence rates for various exposures, events, and injury types for fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. In an effort to estimate the economic burden of these fatalities, injuries, and illnesses, a focused review of the literature was conducted.Results and ConclusionIn 2006, WRT workers experienced 820,500 injuries/illnesses and 581 fatalities. The total case injury/illness rate for the retail sector was 4.9/100 FTE and for the wholesale sector 4.1/100 FTE. The WRT sector represents 15.5% of the private sector work population in 2006, yet accounts for 20.1% of nonfatal injuries and illnesses of the private sector. In 2003, the disparity was only 2% but increased to 3% in 2004 and 2005. Three WRT subsectors had injury/illness rates well above the national average: beer/wine/liquor (8.4/100); building materials/supplies (7.6/100); and grocery‐related products (7.0/100). Occupational deaths with the highest rates were found in gasoline stations (9.8/100,000), convenience stores (6.1/100,000), and used car dealers (5.5/100,000). In terms of actual numbers, the category of food and beverage stores had 82 fatalities in 2006. Based on 1993 data, costs, both direct and indirect, in the WRT sector for fatal injuries were estimated to exceed $8.6 billion. The full economic loss to society and the family has not been adequately measured. Overexertion and contact with objects/equipment represent the top two events or exposures leading to injury or illness. Together they account for 57% of the events or exposures for nonfatal WRT injuries and illnesses. This sector is important because it is large and pervasive as a result, even a relatively small increase in injury rates and accompanying days away from work will have significant impact on working families and society. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:673–685, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BDNF Val66Met polymorphism alters sympathovagal balance in healthy subjects
Authors: Yang Albert C. , Chen Tai‐Jui , Tsai Shih‐Jen , Hong Chen‐Jee , Kuo Chung‐Hsun , Yang Cheng‐Hung , Kao Ko‐Pei 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA common polymorphism of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (Val66Met) has been implicated in anxiety, which is associated with lower vagal activity. We hypothesize that the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism may have a modulatory effect on the cardiac sympathovagal balance. A total of 211 healthy Chinese‐Han adults (58 male, 153 female, aged 33.3 ± 10.3 years) were recruited with three BDNF genotypes: Val/Val (47, 22.3%), Val/Met (108, 51.2%), and Met/Met (56, 26.5%). Autonomic function was assessed via an analysis of heart rate variability. Reductions in high‐frequency power, an index for parasympathetic activity, and increases in the low‐frequency/high‐frequency ratio, an index for sympathovagal balance, were found in subjects bearing the Met/Met genotype as compared to the Val/Val group. These results suggest that an altered sympathovagal balance with relatively decreased parasympathetic activity is associated with the Met/Met genotype, suggesting a potential role for the studied BDNF polymorphism in modulating cardiac autonomic functions. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.