bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serological diagnosis of autoimmune bullous skin diseases: Prospective comparison of the BIOCHIP mosaic-based indirect immunofluorescence technique with the conventional multi-step single test strategy
Authors: van Beek Nina , Rentzsch Kristin , Probst Christian , Komorowski Lars , Kasperkiewicz Michael , Fechner Kai , Bloecker Inga M , Zillikens Detlef , Stöcker Winfried , Schmidt Enno 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundVarious antigen-specific immunoassays are available for the serological diagnosis of autoimmune bullous diseases. However, a spectrum of different tissue-based and monovalent antigen-specific assays is required to establish the diagnosis. BIOCHIP mosaics consisting of different antigen substrates allow polyvalent immunofluorescence (IF) tests and provide antibody profiles in a single incubation.MethodsSlides for indirect IF were prepared, containing BIOCHIPS with the following test substrates in each reaction field: monkey esophagus, primate salt-split skin, antigen dots of tetrameric BP180-NC16A as well as desmoglein 1-, desmoglein 3-, and BP230gC-expressing human HEK293 cells. This BIOCHIP mosaic was probed using a large panel of sera from patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV, n = 65), pemphigus foliaceus (PF, n = 50), bullous pemphigoid (BP, n = 42), and non-inflammatory skin diseases (n = 97) as well as from healthy blood donors (n = 100). Furthermore, to evaluate the usability in routine diagnostics, 454 consecutive sera from patients with suspected immunobullous disorders were prospectively analyzed in parallel using a) the IF BIOCHIP mosaic and b) a panel of single antibody assays as commonly used by specialized centers.ResultsUsing the BIOCHIP mosaic, sensitivities of the desmoglein 1-, desmoglein 3-, and NC16A-specific substrates were 90%, 98.5% and 100%, respectively. BP230 was recognized by 54% of the BP sera. Specificities ranged from 98.2% to 100% for all substrates. In the prospective study, a high agreement was found between the results obtained by the BIOCHIP mosaic and the single test panel for the diagnosis of BP, PV, PF, and sera without serum autoantibodies (Cohen’s κ between 0.88 and 0.97).ConclusionsThe BIOCHIP mosaic contains sensitive and specific substrates for the indirect IF diagnosis of BP, PF, and PV. Its diagnostic accuracy is comparable with the conventional multi-step approach. The highly standardized and practical BIOCHIP mosaic will facilitate the serological diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases.
Bayesian model selection validates a biokinetic model for zirconium processing in humans
Authors: Schmidl Daniel , Hug Sabine , Li Wei Bo , Greiter Matthias B , Theis Fabian J 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
In radiation protection, biokinetic models for zirconium processing are of crucial importance in dose estimation and further risk analysis for humans exposed to this radioactive substance. They provide limiting values of detrimental effects and build the basis for applications in internal dosimetry, the prediction for radioactive zirconium retention in various organs as well as retrospective dosimetry. Multi-compartmental models are the tool of choice for simulating the processing of zirconium. Although easily interpretable, determining the exact compartment structure and interaction mechanisms is generally daunting. In the context of observing the dynamics of multiple compartments, Bayesian methods provide efficient tools for model inference and selection.

Results
We are the first to apply a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach to compute Bayes factors for the evaluation of two competing models for zirconium processing in the human body after ingestion. Based on in vivo measurements of human plasma and urine levels we were able to show that a recently published model is superior to the standard model of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The Bayes factors were estimated by means of the numerically stable thermodynamic integration in combination with a recently developed copula-based Metropolis-Hastings sampler.

Conclusions
In contrast to the standard model the novel model predicts lower accretion of zirconium in bones. This results in lower levels of noxious doses for exposed individuals. Moreover, the Bayesian approach allows for retrospective dose assessment, including credible intervals for the initially ingested zirconium, in a significantly more reliable fashion than previously possible. All methods presented here are readily applicable to many modeling tasks in systems biology.
Mixed trichuroid infestation in a dog from Italy
Authors: Di Cesare Angela , Castagna Giuseppe , Meloni Silvana , Otranto Domenico , Traversa Donato 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background

Capillaria aerophila, Capillaria boehmi and Trichuris vulpis are trichuroid nematodes affecting wild and companion animals all over the World. The canine intestinal whipworm, T. vulpis, is the most common and well- known in veterinary practice, whereas the respiratory C. aerophila and C. boehmi have been rarely reported in pets as a likely consequence of overlapping morphometric and morphological features of the eggs, which impair a correct etiological diagnosis.

Findings
In December 2011, a mixed infestation by T. vulpis, C. aerophila and C. boehmi was diagnosed in an asymptomatic dog living in central Italy. Morphometric and morphological findings and pictures of the eggs found at the copromicroscopic analysis are herein reported.

Conclusions
The present work demonstrates that when trichuroid eggs are found in a faecal sample from a dog, a careful morphological and morphometric analysis of individual parasite elements is mandatory. Key diagnostic features (i.e., size, wall surface pattern and aspects of plugs) should be carefully examined when eggs with overlapping shape and appearance are detected. In conclusion, given the importance in clinical practice of canine trichuroids and the zoonotic potential of C. aerophila, these nematodes should be included into the differential diagnosis of intestinal and respiratory parasitoses of dogs by a thorough microscopic analysis of all trichuroid ova present in microscopic fields.
Effect of sex and rearing system on the quality and mineral content of fiber from raeini cashmere goats
Authors: Shamsaddini-Bafti Mehrdad , Salehi Mahnaz , Maghsoudi Ali , Tehrani Ali Mostafa , Mirzaei Farhad , Momen Syed Mojtaba Syed 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the quality characteristics and mineral content of the fiber from male and female cashmere goats raised under different management systems. Male and female Raeini cashmere goats (<1.5 years of age, n = 48) were selected from flocks raised at a government breeding station or raised commercially under either rural or nomadic conditions. The staple length, cashmere fiber diameter, coefficient of variation for fiber diameter, percentage of cashmere in a fleece, percentage of guard hair in a fleece and cashmere tenacity averaged 4.6 ±0.1 cm, 18.0 ±0.1 μm, 20.9 ± 0.4%, 66.1 ± 1.5%, 33.8 ± 1.5% and 1.8 ± 0.2 gf/tex, respectively. The sulfur, copper and zinc content of the cashmere averaged 2.8 ± 0.1%, 0.00065 ± 0.00002% and 0.01276 ± 0.00025%, respectively. Rearing method significantly affected staple length, coefficient of variation of fiber diameter, cashmere tenacity and copper content. Males had a higher coefficient of variation of fiber diameter and cashmere tenacity than females (P < 0.05).
Determining rates of epithelial solute transport by optical measurement of fluorochrome concentration gradients in the unstirred layer
Authors: Seabrooke Sara , O'Donnell Michael J. 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYWe describe a method for calculating rates of fluorochrome transport from unstirred layer (USL) concentration gradients measured using confocal microscopy. Isolated Malpighian tubules or guts of Drosophila melanogaster were secured to depression slides and bathed in saline containing a fluorescent compound. By measuring the concentration gradient of fluorescent organic anions (fluorescein, Texas Red) or the P-glycoprotein substrate daunorubicin in the USL adjacent to the epithelium we were able to calculate the transepithelial flux of the fluorochrome using Fick's equation. Dose–response curves for fluorescein and Texas Red based on USL concentration gradients near the surface of the Malpighian tubule were comparable to those based on collection and analysis of secreted fluid droplets. Rates of Texas Red and daunorubicin secretion were also calculated for the gut of second instar D. melanogaster larvae, a tissue that is too small for measurement of transport rates by other in vitro techniques such as cannulation and perfusion. Our results suggest that measurement of USL concentration gradients by confocal microscopy may be applicable to any fluorescent indicator of rapidly transported compounds.
Hepatic confinement of newly produced erythrocytes caused by low-temperature exposure inXenopus laevis
Authors: Maekawa Shun , Iemura Hitomi , Kuramochi Yuko , Nogawa-Kosaka Nami , Nishikawa Hironori , Okui Takehito , Aizawa Youichi , Kato Takashi 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYDiminished erythrocyte count and erythropoiesis have been reported during hypothermia in some ectothermic animals. In this study, the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, was used to investigate the cause of hypothermia-induced anemia. We developed a new model of hypothermia at 5°C and monitored blood cell count and erythropoiesis on several days. Erythrocyte count declined by 30% on the first day following cold exposure (5°C) and mRNA expression of hemeoxygenase-1 was enhanced 10-fold; accumulation of iron as a result of heme degradation was observed in the liver. One day after low-temperature exposure, erythropoietin mRNA expression was elevated in the liver and lung compared with that at normal temperature (22°C) by qRT-PCR analysis. Examination of liver sections (i.e. the erythropoietic organ) showed an increase in o-dianisidine-positive erythrocytes in the hepatic sinusoid 5 days after the onset of low-temperature exposure compared with normal liver. Peripheral erythrocyte count remained low, indicating that newly produced erythrocytes did not migrate from the liver to the circulation during hypothermia. In conclusion, this study reveals hypothermic anemia as being associated with hepatic erythrocyte destruction; prolonged anemia during low-temperature exposure is concomitant with newly produced erythrocytes being confined to the liver and may lead to new insights into vertebrate hematopoiesis.
Effectiveness of Solar Heat Reflective Coatings in Reducing Asphalt Concrete Temperature
Authors: Chen Zheng , Ma Dengcheng 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In order to reduce asphalt pavements temperature and mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect, a solar heat reflective coating (HRC) was introduced and applied to the surface of asphalt pavement. Main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the temperature reduction and UHI effect of HRC on asphalt pavement. On the basis of the principles of heat reflection, the HRC was synthesized. The antiskid performance and water permeability of the concretes covered with and without HRC were monitored and compared. Meanwhile, an accelerated loading test with loaded vehicles was performed for these two asphalt concretes. The influence of the reduction in the surface temperature on the air temperature was simulated. The research results indicate that the HRC features a good waterproof ability, as well as it can obviously reduce the surface temperature of asphalt concrete for its high light-reflection rate. Furthermore, the accelerated loading test also suggests that the HRC improves the rutting resistance of the asphalt concrete when exposed to the same irradiation strength. Friction coefficient had slightly reduction, and hence the skid-resistant granular should be recommended to added in asphalt pavement. Therefore, this HRC on asphalt pavement could be adopted as a countermeasure against the UHI effect.
Be-Gehbare Interaktion: Dynamische Persönliche Bereiche für Interaktive Tische
Authors: Nitsche Markus , Klinkhammer Daniel , Reiterer Harald 
Published: August 2012

Zusammenfassung
Multitouch-Tische sind eine vielversprechende Technologie um Gruppenarbeit zu unterstützen. Jedoch gibt es dabei viele Faktoren und Prozesse, die es zu berücksichtigen gilt. Dazu zählt unter anderem die Einteilung des Arbeitsbereiches in unterschiedliche Territorien, sowie die Anwendung vor Koordinationsmechanismen zur Konfliktlösung. Des Weiteren hat die bisherige Forschung gezeigt, dass für unterschiedliche Aufgabentypen unterschiedliche räumliche Arrangements um einen Tisch bevorzugt werden. Um diese Aspekte zu adressieren wird das Konzept der Dynamischen persönlichen Bereiche (DPB) vorgestellt. Basierend auf einem integrierten Trackingsystem werden den Benutzern dynamische Arbeitsbereiche zur Verfügung gestellt, welche den Bewegungen der Nutzer folgen und somit Arbeits- und Gruppenprozesse unterstützen. Aufbauend auf dieser technischen Umsetzung wird eine Evaluation vorgestellt die untersucht, welche Auswirkungen die Anwendung eines solchen Systems auf die Benutzer hat.
Begreifbare sich bewegende Objekte in Tisch-basierten Interaktionsszenarien
Authors: Riedenklau Eckard , Hermann Thomas , Ritter Helge 
Published: August 2012

Zusammenfassung
Begreifbare Interaktion ist ein sich etablierendes Forschungsfeld der Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion. Ein längst noch nicht vollständig untersuchter Zweig dieses Feldes stellen sich selbst bewegende Objekte dar, die völlig neue, bisher nicht erschöpfend untersuchte Interaktionsmöglichkeiten bieten. Vorgestellt werden unter anderem Mechanismen zum Speichern und automatischen Laden von Anordnungen der begreifbaren Objekte, zwei verschiedene Konzepte zur Kommunikation, sowie ein Datenanalysesystem für Blinde und weitere Ansätze für den Einsatz multi-modaler Interaktionstechniken.
Schnittstelle Hand – Kommunikation mit Gefühl
Authors: Bieling Tom , Gollner Ulrike , Joost Gesche 
Published: August 2012

Zusammenfassung
Gesellschaftlich marginalisierte Gruppen wie die der taubblinden Menschen werden von unterschiedlichen Formen der Kommunikation mitunter stark ausgeschlossen. Um diesen die Kommunikation zu erleichtern und somit ihre Unabhängigkeit zu fördern, entwickeln wir am Design Research Lab der Berliner Universität der Künste (UdK) den Mobile Lorm Glove. Der Prototyp ist ein mobiles Kommunikationsgerät in Form eines Handschuhs, mit dessen Hilfe sich das deutsche Tastalphabet Lorm in digitalen Text übersetzen lässt und umgekehrt. Textile Drucksensoren ermöglichen dem taubblinden Benutzer Textnachrichten zu verfassen, welche automatisch an das mobile Endgerät oder den Computer weitergeleitet werden. Mit Hilfe kleiner Vibrationsmotoren auf der Rückseite des Handschuhs kann der/die BenutzerIn empfangene Nachrichten wahrnehmen. Dabei findet der Datentransfer zwischen den unterschiedlichen Geräten via Bluetooth statt.
Laminate MEMS for Heterogeneous Integrated Systems
Authors: Li G. P. , Bachman Mark 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTPost semiconductor manufacturing processes (PSM), including packaging and printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing are now capable of producing trace widths of a few micrometers, high aspect ratio vias, three-dimensional constructions, and highly integrated systems in a single small package. Such PSM technology can in principle be used to manufacture micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) for sensing and actuation applications. Although MEMS are traditionally produced using silicon processes, the broad array of manufacturing approaches available in the packaging industry, including lamination, lithography, etching, electroforming, machining, bonding, etc., and the large number of available materials such as polymers, ceramics, metals, etc., provides greater design freedom for producing functional microdevices. The results of such processes applied to fabricating small systems are heterogeneously integrated MEMS devices. Since lamination of stacked layers is a critical component of this process, we refer to these devices as “laminate MEMS.”In many cases laminate MEMS devices are more suited to their applications than their silicon counterparts, especially for applications such as biomedical, optical, and human computer interface. Furthermore, such microdevices can be built with a high degree of integration, pre-packaged, and at low cost. Indeed, the PCB and packaging industries stand to benefit greatly by expanding their offerings beyond serving the semiconductor industry and developing their own devices and products. This paper illustrates that good quality MEMS devices can be manufactured using packaging style fabrication, particularly using stacks of laminates, and discusses some of the unique benefits of such devices. This laminate MEMS technology promises not only improved methods for manufacturing microdevices but also for heterogeneously integrating them with silicon microelectronics and other components into a single package.
A Low-Voltage and High Uniformity NEMS Tunable Color Filter Based on Subwavelength Grating
Authors: Honma Hiroaki , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Ishida Makoto , Sawada Kazuaki 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper reports a NEMS (Nano Electro Mechanical Syetems) tunable color filter based on subwavelength grating with high color uniformity and low drive voltage. We newly proposed a GVG (Ground-Voltage-Ground) type tunable color filter deployed with a parallel-plate actuator with three pairs of electrode to decrease a crosstalk of an electrostatic attraction force between each actuator. The proposed structure was fabricated using an SOI wafer. The color tuning using was demonstrated by applying the drive voltage of 6.7 V. The reflected light intensity was decreased by 34 % at 680 nm wavelength. The color uniformity was also obtained in the filter area by reducing the variation of the displacement on one-dimensional arrayed actuators.
Diamond-Like Carbon Thin Films with Extremely High Compressive Stress (>8~12GPa) for Advanced CMOS Strain Engineering
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Yin Huaxiang , Fu Zuozhen , Zhang Haiqiang , Zhang Xu , Yan Jiang , Zhao Chao , Chen Dapeng , Ye Tianchun 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTDiamond-like carbon (DLC) films as a new strain-capping material with compressive stress up to 12GPa for strained silicon technology were fabricated by filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) deposition system. The films’ compositions and bonding structures were characterized using multi-wavelength Raman spectroscopy. The relationship between intrinsic stress and G peak dispersion of the films’ Raman spectra were discussed. The results showed that the bias voltage applied to substrate during deposition determines films’ sp3 bonding content and intrinsic stress. Process compatibility of the DLC films with standard CMOS technology was confirmed by using WDXRF measurement. Also diffusion behavior of carbon atoms in DLC films with copper and silicon was studied with a Cu(200nm)/DLC(40nm)/silicon multilayer structure annealed at 500℃ in N2 atmosphere for an hour. At last, stress induced on silicon surface by DLC strips was characterized using surface sensitive UV-Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that DLC films with extremely high compressive stress have potential application in future CMOS strain engineering.
Quality Assessment of Systematic Reviews on Short Dental Implants
Authors: Elangovan Satheesh , Mawardi Hani H. , Karimbux Nadeem Y. 
Published: August 2012

Background: Critical analysis of published systematic reviews may help in understanding their strengths and weaknesses and identifying areas that need improvement. Short dental implants are becoming an important addition to the existing dental armamentarium. The aim of this overview is to analyze the quality of published systematic reviews focused on short dental implants using established checklists such as the assessment of multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR).Methods: A search was conducted to retrieve reviews that used a systematic approach in article selection focusing on short dental implants in humans. Based on a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 10 reviews were selected. Two independent reviewers appraised the quality of the selected reviews using AMSTAR and the checklist proposed by Glenny et al. in 2003. Each article was given a total score based on the number of criteria that it fulfilled.Results: Six reviews satisfied ≤4 of the 11 AMSTAR items, and only two reviews satisfied nine of the 11 items. This study shows that published systematic reviews on short dental implants exhibit significant structural and methodological variability. Quality assessment using the Glenny checklist further confirmed the variability in the way systematic reviews were conducted and/or reported. A high correlation was observed between the two checklists’ scores.Conclusions: Uniformity in the way systematic reviews are conducted and/or reported will increase the validity and clinical applicability of future reviews.
Sudden Cardiac Death After Myocardial Infarction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With No Residual Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Yeung Chun-Yip , Lam Karen Siu-Ling , Li Sheung-Wai , Lam Kwok-Fai , Tse Hung-Fat , Siu Chung-Wah 
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established risk factor for coronary artery disease. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether DM contributes to sudden cardiac death in patients who survive myocardial infarction (MI). The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of sudden cardiac death post-MI in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with no residual myocardial ischemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 610 consecutive post-MI patients referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program with negative exercise stress test were studied.

RESULTS
Of these, 236 patients had DM at baseline. Over a mean follow-up of 5 years, 67 patients with DM (28.4%) and 76 of 374 patients without DM (20.2%) had died with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.74 (95% CI: 1.28–2.56; P &lt; 0.001). Patients with DM also had a higher incidence of cardiac death (1.84 [1.16–3.21]; P = 0.01), principally due to a higher incidence of sudden cardiac death (2.14 [1.22–4.23]; P &lt; 0.001). Multiple Cox regression analysis revealed that only DM (adjusted HR: 1.9 [95% CI: 1.04–3.40]; P = 0.04), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤30% (3.6 [1.46–8.75]; P &lt; 0.01), and New York Heart Association functional class &gt;II (4.2 [1.87–9.45]; P &lt; 0.01) were independent predictors for sudden cardiac death. Among patients with DM, the 5-year sudden cardiac death rate did not differ significantly among those with LVEF ≤30%, LVEF 31–50%, or LVEF &gt;50% (8.8 vs. 7.8 vs. 6.8%, respectively; P = 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS
Post-MI patients with DM, even in the absence of residual myocardial ischemia clinically, were at higher risk of sudden cardiac death than their non-DM counterparts.