bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of corticosteroids on the clinical course of community-acquired pneumonia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fernández-Serrano Silvia , Dorca Jordi , Garcia-Vidal Carolina , Fernández-Sabé Núria , Carratalà Jordi , Fernández-Agüera Ana , Corominas Mercè , Padrones Susana , Gudiol Francesc , Manresa Frederic 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The benefit of corticosteroids as adjunctive treatment in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring hospital admission remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of corticosteroid treatment on outcomes in patients with CAP.

Methods
This was a prospective, double-blind and randomized study. All patients received treatment with ceftriaxone plus levofloxacin and methyl-prednisolone (MPDN) administered randomly and blindly as an initial bolus, followed by a tapering regimen, or placebo.

Results
Of the 56 patients included in the study, 28 (50%) were treated with concomitant corticosteroids. Patients included in the MPDN group show a more favourable evolution of the pO2/FiO2 ratio and faster decrease of fever, as well as greater radiological improvement at seven days. The time to resolution of morbidity was also significantly shorter in this group. Six patients met the criteria for mechanical ventilation (MV): five in the placebo group (22.7%) and one in the MPDN group (4.3%). The duration of MV was 13 days (interquartile range 7 to 26 days) for the placebo group and three days for the only case in the MPDN group. The differences did not reach statistical significance. Interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) showed a significantly quicker decrease after 24 h of treatment among patients treated with MPDN. No differences in mortality were found among groups.

Conclusions
MPDN treatment, in combination with antibiotics, improves respiratory failure and accelerates the timing of clinical resolution of severe CAP needing hospital admission.

Trial Registration
International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials Register, ISRCTN22426306.
Association between serum soluble CD40 ligand levels and mortality in patients with severe sepsis
Authors: Lorente Leonardo , Martín María M , Varo Nerea , Borreguero-León Juan María , Solé-Violán Jordi , Blanquer José , Labarta Lorenzo , Díaz César , Jiménez Alejandro , Pastor Eduardo , Belmonte Felipe , Orbe Josune , Rodríguez José A , Gómez-Melini Eduardo , Ferrer-Agüero José M , Ferreres José , LLimiñana María C , Páramo José A 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Introduction
CD40 Ligand (CD40L) and its soluble counterpart (sCD40L) are proteins that exhibit prothrombotic and proinflammatory properties on binding to their cell surface receptor CD40. The results of small clinical studies suggest that sCD40L levels could play a role in sepsis; however, there are no data on the association between sCD40L levels and mortality of septic patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether circulating sCD40L levels could be a marker of adverse outcome in a large cohort of patients with severe sepsis.

Methods
This was a multicenter, observational and prospective study carried out in six Spanish intensive care units. Serum levels of sCD40L, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10, and plasma levels of tissue factor were measured in 186 patients with severe sepsis at the time of diagnosis. Serum sCD40L was also measured in 50 age- and sex-matched controls. Survival at 30 days was used as the endpoint.

Results
Circulating sCD40L levels were significantly higher in septic patients than in controls (P = 0.01), and in non-survivors (n = 62) compared to survivors (n = 124) (P = 0.04). However, the levels of CD40L were not different regarding sepsis severity. Logistic regression analysis showed that sCD40L levels >3.5 ng/mL were associated with higher mortality at 30 days (odds ratio = 2.89; 95% confidence interval = 1.37 to 6.07; P = 0.005). The area under the curve of sCD40L levels >3.5 ng/mL as predictor of mortality at 30 days was 0.58 (95% CI = 0.51 to 0.65; P = 0.03).

Conclusions
In conclusion, circulating sCD40L levels are increased in septic patients and are independently associated with mortality in these patients; thus, its modulation could represent an attractive therapeutic target.
Innovative EcoCloud™ Helps Silicon Valley Companies Adopt Sustainable Practices
Authors: Rosenblum Eric , Davis Martina , Grossman Marianna , Clark Drew , Davis Jim , Risberg Jeff 
Published: March 2011

South Bay Water Recycling (SBWR) is a regional recycled water distribution system serving industrial and commercial customers in the area of northern California (USA) known as "Silicon Valley." In early 2008 the City of San José, as administering agency of the San José/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant, implemented a Cooling Tower Initiative to encourage recycled water use by commercial and industrial facilities. In 2009, Sustainable Silicon Valley, a non-profit organization dedicated to a sustainable future, convened a meeting of utilities, high-tech and academics to discuss how local stakeholders might collaborate to improve the sustainable use of water in Silicon Valley. Out of these discussions emerged the concept of the EcoCloud™, a coalition of private companies, public utilities, environmental organizations and academic researchers who encourage each other to adopt sustainable practices, supported by the latest social networking and data analysis tools. While the initial focus of the EcoCloud™ is to help industrial facilities use water sustainably—especially by using recycled water for cooling—its long-term goal is to support all aspects of sustainability, including energy reduction, materials management and land use. The EcoCloud™ allowed the City of San José to move from a serial marketing to a group marketing model, reaching more potential customers and connecting more facilities to the recycled water system.Inspired by the concept of industrial ecology, the EcoCloud™ is designed to be a "virtual" industrial ecosystem where industry, government and educational institutions can work together to share information about all aspects of sustainability. Although industries in the EcoCloud™ are not located next to each other, they share a common interest in reducing energy usage, conserving resources, eliminating waste, and cutting costs to improve their bottom line. Just as "cloud computing" uses the distributed power of the internet for more efficient data processing, the EcoCloud™ harnesses the power of web-based social networking tools so local business leaders and facility managers can work with industry experts, technology innovators, university researchers and government agencies to make their enterprises more sustainable and more profitable.
Human aldo-keto reductases: structure, substrate specificity and roles in tumorigenesis
Authors: Ma Jun , Cao Deliang 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily consists of over 150 protein members sharing similar structure and enzymatic activities. To date, 13 human AKRs have been identified, and they participate in xenobiotic detoxification, biosynthesis and metabolism. Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of human AKR proteins in cancer development, progression and treatment. Some proteins demonstrate multiple functional features in addition to being a reductase for carbonyl groups. This review article discusses the most recent progress made in the study of humans AKRs.
Some views on proteomics in diabetes
Authors: Lapolla Annunziata , Porcu Simona , Traldi Pietro 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Mass spectrometry has been widely used in the field of diabetes. The development of new ionization methods and the effective coupling of mass spectrometry with liquid chromatography have enabled the protein modifications due to glycation processes to be investigated. Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI/MS) has been used to evaluate the degree of glycation of specific plasma proteins. In contrast, the classic proteomic approach has been used to identify glycation sites and condensed sugar modifications. The same methods have been applied to studies on urinary protein profiles, enabling changes due to the development of long-term, diabetes-induced nephropathy to be identified. Published studies demonstrate that mass spectrometry is an important analytical tool for monitoring diabetes, capable of providing physicians with a new, more complete view of the physiopathological changes occurring as the disease develops.
Plasma concentrations of angiogenetic factors and angiogenetic inhibitors in patients with ductal pancreatic neoplasms. A pilot study
Authors: Pezzilli Raffaele , Fabbri Dario , Corsi Massimiliano M. , Imbrogno Andrea , Barassi Alessandra , Morselli-Labate Antonio M. , Dogliotti Giada , Casadei Riccardo , Corinaldesi Roberto , d’Eril Gianvico Melzi 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the circulating concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) and endostatin in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and in those with ductal adenocarcinomas.

Methods: Sixty patients (32 males, 28 females, mean age 69.3±11.3 years) were enrolled: 31 (51.7%) had IPMNs and 29 (48.3%) had histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Thirty blood donors were also studied as controls. In all study subjects, the concentrations of VEGF, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2, and endostatin were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results: Serum concentrations of VEGF, VEGF-D, and VEGFR-2 were significantly higher in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and those with IPMNs compared with healthy subjects, while endostatin was significantly higher only in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma compared with healthy subjects. Within the group of patients, VEGFR-2 was significantly higher in patients with ductal adenocarcinoma compared to those with IPMNs. The sensitivity and the specificity of VEGFR-2 in differentiating patients with ductal adenocarcinomas from those with IPMN at a cut-off range of 4003–4034 pg/mL was 86.2% and 54.8%, respectively.

Conclusions: IPMNs have serum VEGFR-2 concentra-tions different from those in patients with ductal adenocarcinomas. However, serum VEGFR-2 cannot be routinely utilized to differentiate IPMNs from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.
In Vitro Recovery of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels in β-Cells From Patients With Congenital Hyperinsulinism of Infancy
Authors: Powell Philippa D. , Bellanné-Chantelot Christine , Flanagan Sarah E. , Ellard Sian , Rooman Raoul , Hussain Khalid , Skae Mars , Clayton Peter , de Lonlay Pascale , Dunne Mark J. , Cosgrove Karen E. 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE
Congenital hyperinsulinism in infancy (CHI) is characterized by unregulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells; severe forms are associated with defects in ABCC8 and KCNJ11 genes encoding sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) and Kir6.2 subunits, which form ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels in β-cells. Diazoxide therapy often fails in the treatment of CHI and may be a result of reduced cell surface expression of KATP channels. We hypothesized that conditions known to facilitate trafficking of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) and other proteins in recombinant expression systems might increase surface expression of KATP channels in native CHI β-cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Tissue was isolated during pancreatectomy from eight patients with CHI and from adult cadaver organ donors. Patients were screened for mutations in ABCC8 and KCNJ11. Isolated β-cells were maintained at 37°C or 25°C and in the presence of 1) phorbol myristic acid, forskolin and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, 2) BPDZ 154, or 3) 4-phenylbutyrate. Surface expression of functional channels was assessed by patch-clamp electrophysiology.

RESULTS
Mutations in ABCC8 were detected for all patients tested (n = 7/8) and included three novel mutations. In five of eight patients, no changes in KATP channel activity were observed under different cell culture conditions. However, in three patients, in vitro recovery of functional KATP channels occurred. Here, we report the first cases of recovery of defective KATP channels in human β-cells using modified cell culture conditions.

CONCLUSIONS
Our study establishes the principle that chemical modification of KATP channel subunit trafficking could be of benefit for the future treatment of CHI.
CubeSats: A bright future for nanosatellites
Authors: Shiroma Wayne , Martin Larry , Akagi Justin , Akagi Jason , Wolfe Byron , Fewell Bryan , Ohta Aaron 
Published: March 2011

AbstractInterest in the CubeSat class of nanosatellites has surged in recent years. The reduced development time and launch cost of these platforms, compared to conventional large satellites, have made them attractive for applications ranging from technology demonstrations to biological experiments to space weather research. This paper surveys recent and upcoming missions pursued by a variety of academic and government groups around the world.
Joint shear strength of FRP reinforced concrete beam-column joints
Authors: Saravanan Jagadeesan , Kumaran Ganapathy 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAn assessment of the joint shear strength of exterior concrete beam-column joints reinforced internally with Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforcements under monotonically increasing load on beams keeping constant load on columns is carried out in this study. Totally eighteen numbers of specimens are cast and tested for different parametric conditions like beam longitudinal reinforcement ratio, concrete strength, column reinforcement ratio, joint aspect ratio and influence of the joint stirrups at the joint. Also finite element analysis is performed to simulate the behaviour of the beam-column joints under various parametric conditions. Based on this study, a modified design equation is proposed for assessing the joint shear strength of the GFRP reinforced beam-column specimens based on the experimental results and the review of the prevailing design equations.
Prediction of moisture content of natural gases using simple Arrhenius-type function
Authors: Bahadori Alireza 
Published: March 2011

AbstractNatural gas extracted from underground reservoirs is saturated with water. The accurate prediction of moisture content in natural gas is extremely important. The presence of water vapor can lead to potentially disastrous consequences. The lifetime of a pipeline is governed by the rate at which corrosion occurs, which is directly linked to the available moisture in the gas resulting in oxidation. In addition, the formation of hydrates due to presence of water in natural gas can lead to safety hazards to production/transportation systems and to substantial economic risks. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop an easy-to-use Arrhenius-type asymptotic exponential function combined with the Vandermonde matrix to arrive at an appropriate estimation of saturated water content of sour natural gases for pressures up to 69000 kPa and the temperature range between 20 to 180°C. Percent average absolute deviation of the proposed method is found to be around 2%, demonstrating the excellent performance of the developed predictive tool. The tool will be of great practical value for chemical and petroleum engineers to have a quick check on the water content of sour natural gases at various temperatures and pressures without performing any experimental measurements.
Accumulation et régulation en longue période : emploi, revenu salarial, prix et profit
Authors: Baslé Maurice , Bautier Philippe , Mazier Jacques , Vidal Jean-François 
Published: March 2011

Long range accumulation and regulation: employment, wage income, prices and profit,
by Maurice Basle, Philippe Bautier, Jacques Mazier et Jean- François Vidal.
Long range transformations of accumulation systems and regulation procedures are studied in the context of French growth. Until the end of the 1930s, accumulation remained principally extensive and the productivity gains of the 1920s were primarily related to catch-up following World War I. Regulation of wages and prices remained broadly competitive and heavily dependent on fluctuations in economic activity. Only after the Second World War did the intensive accumulation system really flourish in France, entailing an unprecedented acceleration of productivity. The transition to more monopolistic regulation also took clear shape while labor relations underwent a sea change with wages becoming more independent of the ups and downs of economic activity, escalation being generalized, and more weight being assigned to indirect wages. In regard to prices and profit, a margin behavior characteristic of monopolist regulation prevailed.
These changes are compatible with a degree stability of the lang range wage/profit allocation which appears to be necessary for the over-all reproduction of the system.
Réglementation sociale et vie des entreprises : mise en œuvre des ordonnances de janvier 1982 sur les 39 heures et la cinquième semaine de congé
Authors: Pépin Michel , Tonneau Dominique 
Published: March 2011

Social regulations and firms behaviour:
the execution of the January 1982 decision about the
39 hour work week and the fifth week of holidays
with pay,
by Michel Pépin, Dominique Tonneau.
This study follows a research dealing with the way companies behave when working time decreases, and begun in 1981 among a sample of 20, from various characteristics ; then the logical attitudes they foreplan- ned had been analysed.
This second part of the study uses the same sample to observe the way the ordinances of January 1982 were really implemented, with a special focus on the 39 hours week and the 5 th holiday week. Reducing the legal working time brought, in a vast majority, a similar decreasing of the real working-time, which took various forms.
As to the economical point of view, the ordinances seemed to have very little effect: few consequences on activity, whatever was feared, but also few employment creations. For the greatest number of these companies, what we called the logic of productivity in our previous study was adopted, and it allowed the working time reductions to come out with nearly no cost, although the salaries were as a rule totally compensated.
Yet, ordinances had indirect effects that should be considered if working- time reducing should be carried on Social partners had to learn once more about the way working-time is technically detailed in the juridical dispositions: definition and reckoning of the working-time, of the vacation rights...
The importance given to these problems may in a way explain the disillusion that came out here and there when working-time was reduced. But, in the same time, the discussions in many companies, were led on a more general basis, and allowed the connexions between working-time, organisation, employment and efficiency to be brought into light As a result, this mass experience might be used as an acquired knowledge in the future.
Une étude intégrée de l'économie française en deux secteurs
Authors: Cohen Daniel , Rocca Marc 
Published: March 2011

An integrated study of french economy in two sectors, by Daniel Cohen, Marc Rocca.
This article presents the main econometric equations of an integrated model of the french economy. Financial variables play an important role through several channels. The liabilities of the firm which are divided into two sectors one of which is open to international competition, the other protected, are crucial in their investment stocking, and price fixing decisions.
Households saving depends not only on the classical effect of income but also on their financial wealth.
All these mainly financial stock variables are the essential means of determining of the Economy proposed by this model.
Une « maquette » du système financier français : le cas des banques inscrites
Authors: Deval-Guilly Evelyne , Renard François 
Published: March 2011

A model of the french financial system : the case of the «banques inscrites», by Evelyne Deval-Guilly, François Renard.
The model of the French financial system suggests a method of analysis and forecast in banking activity based on the proceedings of trading accounts. The emphasis has been laid on each operation's responsiveness to interest rates variations and a thorough study of the evolution of spreads.
The method enables one to bring into relief some features of the recent evolution of the banking system, especially its adaptability to high interest rates conjoncture which it has been faced with these last years; Besides, the method enables one to assess rigidities of this system, which contributes to keeping up interest rates.
The first part of the article lays down the principJes used to make up the analytical framework, limited for the time being to the only «banques inscrites». The way the framework has been made up is being dealt with in the second part. Lastly, the third part is devoted to the survey of retrospective accounts (1980 82) and the making up of an estimated account for 1983.
Le modèle multinational Atlas deuxième partie : le commerce international
Authors: Boniface Hervé , Cellier François , Davanne Olivier , Le Berre Ronan , Mansuy Michèle 
Published: March 2011

The Multinational model Atlas.
Part two: international trade,
by Hervé Boniface, François Cellier, Olivier Davanne,
Ronan Le Berre, Michèle Mansuy.
The multinational model Atlas, developed at the "Direction de la prévision " (*). has been in use since Autumn 1 982 for forecasts and studies dealing with the international environment of France. It is made up of models for the nine major Oecd states described in issue 62 of "Economie et Prévision", linked by a trade model including a simplified representation of the other countries and areas of the world and to which this issue is dedicated.
The introductory description of the trade model and the main choices which went into designing it is followed by two sections on bilateral prices and market shares. Original features have been added to the usual models with a view to enhancing their explanatory value without detracting from the coherence of the system. This is done by determining bilateral coefficients for each trade flow to show the behaviour of the countries of origin and of destination.
A fourth chapter considers the subject of non petroleum imports. The various standard formulae were examined and a solution adopted which takes into account not only the effects of prices but also the range of lo weights of imports in the différents components of demand. The study led to the discarding of the capacity utilization rate variable since its effect on imports was not significant for most of the countries considered. The brunt of the effects of the economic cycle on demand for imported products seems to be attributable to stocks.
The model for petroleum trade flows —(petroleum is separate from other goods in the Atlas model)— is the subject of chapter five, which stresses the peculiar logic which governs this sector, imports being determined as the difference between consumption and exportations which themselves depend on the world oil market and production. The results obtained by studying different types of models for consumption are extensively developed in order to explain the choices which were made.
The final section concludes with an eleven-year simulation of the complete model, illustrating how it fits the sample period (1967-1979) and beyond, how it works right up to 1982.
(•) Economic Forecasting Services — Ministry of Finance.