bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability of BTEX in Residential Indoor Air of Kolkata Metropolitan City
Authors: Majumdar (neé Som) D. , Mukherjee A.K. , Mukhopadhaya K. , Sen S. 
Published: June 2011

Mono-aromatic hydrocarbons, namely benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and isomers of xylene (BTEX) were studied within a group of typical urban residences. The average residential indoor levels of BTEX were 42.0, 69.3, 22.8, 52.1 and 21.6 µg·m−3, respectively. The indoor level was found to be significantly dependent on the type of fuel used and extent of ventilation but not on location of the residence or kitchen placement inside the residence. The average indoor/outdoor concentration ratio observed for BTEX > 1; and this indicates the presence of indoor sources for these compounds along with infiltration of outdoor air. The relative variability of the target compounds reveals that indoor sources, other than domestic fuel, like consumer products, cooking, etc., contribute significantly for xylenes and least for benzene. Also with increasing ventilation, the intrusion of outdoor air has definite contribution in increasing the indoor level in descending order for benzene, toluene, m-, p-xylene and ethylbenzene. For o-xylene, a removal effect was observed with increasing rate of ventilation. The human health risk estimation reveals that the average integrated lifetime cancer risk considering the exposure to benzene and ethylbenzene due to residing for only 15 years in such indoor conditions is 2.9 E−05, which is sufficiently higher than the acceptable risk of 1.0 E−06.
Foxp3+ regulatory T cells exert asymmetric control over murine helper responses by inducing Th2 cell apoptosis
Authors: Tian Lei , Altin John A. , Makaroff Lydia E. , Franckaert Dean , Cook Matthew C. , Goodnow Christopher C. , Dooley James , Liston Adrian 
Published: June 2011

AbstractFoxp3+ regulatory T cells play a pivotal role in maintaining self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. In the absence of regulatory T cells, generalized immune activation and multiorgan T cell–driven pathology occurs. Although the phenomenon of immunologic control by Foxp3+ regulatory T cells is well recognized, the comparative effect over different arms of the immune system has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we generated a cohort of mice with a continuum of regulatory T-cell frequencies ranging from physiologic levels to complete deficiency. This titration of regulatory T-cell depletion was used to determine how different effector subsets are controlled. We found that in vivo Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell frequency had a proportionate relationship with generalized T-cell activation and Th1 magnitude, but it had a surprising disproportionate relationship with Th2 magnitude. The asymmetric regulation was associated with efficient suppression of Th2 cells through additional regulations on the apoptosis rate in Th2 cells and not Th1 cells and could be replicated by CTLA4-Ig or anti–IL-2 Ab. These results indicate that the Th2 arm of the immune system is under tighter control by regulatory T cells than the Th1 arm, suggesting that Th2-driven diseases may be more responsive to regulatory T-cell manipulation.
Directional RNA deep sequencing sheds new light on the transcriptional response of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 to combined-nitrogen deprivation
Authors: Flaherty Britt L , Van Nieuwerburgh F , Head Steven R , Golden James W 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundCyanobacteria are potential sources of renewable chemicals and biofuels and serve as model organisms for bacterial photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and responses to environmental changes.Anabaena(Nostoc) sp. strain PCC 7120 (hereafterAnabaena) is a multicellular filamentous cyanobacterium that can "fix" atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia when grown in the absence of a source of combined nitrogen. Because the nitrogenase enzyme is oxygen sensitive,Anabaenaforms specialized cells called heterocysts that create a microoxic environment for nitrogen fixation. We have employed directional RNA-seq to map theAnabaenatranscriptome during vegetative cell growth and in response to combined-nitrogen deprivation, which induces filaments to undergo heterocyst development. Our data provide an unprecedented view of transcriptional changes inAnabaenafilaments during the induction of heterocyst development and transition to diazotrophic growth.ResultsUsing the Illumina short read platform and a directional RNA-seq protocol, we obtained deep sequencing data for RNA extracted from filaments at 0, 6, 12, and 21 hours after the removal of combined nitrogen. The RNA-seq data provided information on transcript abundance and boundaries for the entire transcriptome. From these data, we detected novel antisense transcripts within the UTRs (untranslated regions) and coding regions of key genes involved in heterocyst development, suggesting that antisense RNAs may be important regulators of the nitrogen response. In addition, many 5' UTRs were longer than anticipated, sometimes extending into upstream open reading frames (ORFs), and operons often showed complex structure and regulation. Finally, many genes that had not been previously identified as being involved in heterocyst development showed regulation, providing new candidates for future studies in this model organism.ConclusionsDirectional RNA-seq data were obtained that provide comprehensive mapping of transcript boundaries and abundance for all transcribed RNAs inAnabaenafilaments during the response to nitrogen deprivation. We have identified genes and noncoding RNAs that are transcriptionally regulated during heterocyst development. These data provide detailed information on theAnabaenatranscriptome as filaments undergo heterocyst development and begin nitrogen fixation.
Relationship of serum bilirubin concentration to kidney function and 24-hour urine protein in Korean adults
Authors: Shin Ho Sik , Jung Yeon Soon , Rim Hark 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
The relationships among serum bilirubin concentration, kidney function and proteinuria have yet to be fully elucidated, nor have these relationships been investigated in Korean adults.

Method
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of Korean adults who were evaluated at Kosin University Gospel Hospital (Busan, Republic of Korea) during a five-year period from January 2005 to December 2009. We evaluated the relationships among serum bilirubin concentration, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and 24-hour urinary protein excretion in a sample of 1363 Korean adults aged 18 years or older.

Results
The values of eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 24-hour urine albumin ≥150 mg/day were observed in 26.1% (n = 356) and 40.5% (n = 553) of subjects, respectively. Fasting glucose levels ≥126 mg/dL were observed in 44.9% (n = 612) of the total sample. After adjustment for potential confounding factors including demographic characteristics, comorbidities and other laboratory measures, total serum bilirubin was positively associated with eGFR and negatively associated with proteinuria both in the whole cohort and in a subgroup of diabetic individuals.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first hospital-based study specifically aimed at examining the relationships among serum total bilirubin concentration, 24-hour urine protein and kidney function in Korean adults. We demonstrated that serum total bilirubin concentration was negatively correlated with 24-hour urine protein and positively correlated with eGFR in Korean non-diabetic and diabetic adults.
Elevated transforming growth factor β and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways mediate fibrotic traits of Dupuytren's disease fibroblasts
Authors: Krause Carola , Kloen Peter , ten Dijke Peter 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundDupuytren's disease is a fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar fascia. The treatment used to date has mostly been surgery, but there is a high recurrence rate. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has been implicated as a key stimulator of myofibroblast activity and fascial contraction in Dupuytren's disease.ResultsWe studied Dupuytren's fibroblasts in tissuesex vivoand in cells culturedin vitroand found increased TGF-β expression compared to control fibroblasts. This correlated not only with elevated expression and activation of downstream Smad effectors but also with overactive extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signalling. Treatment with the TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor SB-431542 and bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) led to inhibition of elevated Smad and ERK1/2/MAP kinase signalling as well as to inhibition of the increased contractility of Dupuytren's fibroblasts. BMP6 attenuated TGF-β expression in Dupuytren's fibroblasts, but not in control fibroblasts. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) expression was strongly promoted by TGF-β in Dupuytren's fibroblasts and was curbed by SB-431542 or BMP6 treatment. High basal expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 MAP kinase and fibroproliferative markers was attenuated in Dupuytren's fibroblasts by a selective PDGF receptor kinase inhibitor. Cotreatment of Dupuytren's fibroblasts with SB-431542 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 inhibitor PD98059 was sufficient to abrogate proliferation and contraction of Dupuytren's fibroblasts.ConclusionsBoth TGF-β and ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathways cooperated in mediating the enhanced proliferation and high spontaneous contraction of Dupuytren's fibroblasts. Our data indicate that both signalling pathways are prime targets for the development of nonsurgical intervention strategies to treat Dupuytren's disease.
Post-operative infection and sepsis in humans is associated with deficient gene expression of γccytokines and their apoptosis mediators
Authors: White Mary , Mahon Vivienne , Grealy Robert , Doherty Derek G , Stordeur Patrick , Kelleher Dermot P , McManus Ross , Ryan Thomas 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Lymphocyte homeostasis is dependent on the γc cytokines. We hypothesised that sepsis in humans is associated with differential gene expression of the γc cytokines and their associated apoptosis mediators.

Methods
The study population consisted of a total of 60 patients with severe sepsis, 15 with gram negative bacteraemia, 10 healthy controls and 60 patients undergoing elective lung resection surgery. Pneumonia was diagnosed by CDC NNIC criteria. Gene expression in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) of interleukin (IL)-2, 7, 15 and interferon (IFN)-γ, Bax, Bim, Bcl-2 was determined by qRT-PCR and IL-2 and IL-7 serum protein levels by ELISA. Gene expression of IL-2, 7 and IFN-γ was measured in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), cultured in the presence of lipopolysacharide (LPS) and CD3 binding antibody (CD3ab)

Results
IL-2 gene expression was lower in the bacteraemia group compared with controls, and lower still in the sepsis group (P < 0.0001). IL-7 gene expression was similar in controls and bacteraemia, but lower in sepsis (P < 0.0001). IL-15 gene expression was similar in the three groups. Bcl-2 gene expression was less (P < 0.0001) and Bim gene expression was greater (P = 0.0003) in severe sepsis compared to bacteraemic and healthy controls. Bax gene expression was similar in the three groups.
In lung resection surgery patients, post-operative pneumonia was associated with a perioperative decrease in IL-2 mRNA (P < 0.0001) and IL-7 mRNA (P = 0.003). IL-2 protein levels were reduced in sepsis and bacteraemia compared to controls (P = 0.02) but similar in pneumonia and non-pneumonia groups. IL-7 protein levels were similar in all groups.
In cultured PBLs, IFN-γ gene expression was decreased in response to LPS and increased in response to CD3ab with sepsis: IL-7 gene expression increased in response to LPS in controls and to CD3ab with sepsis; Bcl-2 gene expression decreased in response to combined CD3ab and IL-2 with sepsis.

Conclusions
Patients with infection and sepsis have deficient IL-2 and IL-7 gene expression in PBLs. Aberrant cytokine gene expression may precede the onset of infection.
Potential Inaccuracy of Point-of-Care INR in Dabigatran-Treated Patients
Authors: Baruch Lawrence , Sherman Olga 
Published: June 2011

Objective: To report 2 cases in which point-of-care international normalized ratios (INRs) in dabigatran-treated patients were inaccurate. Case Summary: A 59-year-old woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was started on warfarin. After 3 days, warfarin was discontinued, and the decision was made to switch to dabigatran 150 mg twice a day, which was started 2 days after the warfarin was discontinued. As treatment was being converted from warfarin to dabigatran therapy, the woman's primary care physician referred her to our anticoagulation clinic, where her point-of-care INR was 7.2. A laboratory INR performed approximately 30 minutes later was 1.7. Several repeat point-of-care INRs were elevated and discordant with the laboratory INRs. A second patient, a 52-year-old man, was started on dabigatran after an ablation procedure, as a bridge to warfarin. Approximately 16 hours after a single dose of dabigatran etexilate 150 mg, the point-of-care INR was 1.6. Discussion: Dabigatran etexilate is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor that is approved for use in thromboprophylaxis of atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis. Dabigatran's predictable pharmacokinetic profile allows for a fixed-dose regimen without the need for coagulation monitoring. In certain clinical situations (eg, switching treatment between dabigatran and warfarin), INR testing is performed as part of routine clinical care. During the development program for dabigatran, laboratory testing of INR was performed, with INRs at therapeutic concentrations of dabigatran ranging from 1.1 to 1.7. Supratherapeutic concentrations of dabigatran elevated the INR to slightly higher levels, between 1.7 and 2.4. Even at extremely high dabigatran concentrations, the INR was generally in the range of 2.3-3.5. Conclusions: We advocate laboratory INR testing with simultaneous assessment of the activated partial thromboplastin time in patients who are receiving or who have recently received dabigatran. A prospective evaluation assessing the accuracy of the commonly used point-of-care INR devices in patients receiving dabigatran would confirm our findings with respect to this device and determine whether our findings extend to other commonly used devices.
Effect of oxalic acid pretreatment of wood chips on manufacturing medium-density fiberboard
Authors: Li Xianjun , Cai Zhiyong , Horn Eric , Winandy Jerrold E. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oxalic acid (OA) wood chips pretreatment prior to refining, which is done to reduce energy used during the refining process. Selected mechanical and physical performances of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) – internal bonding (IB), modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) – made from this OA-pretreated wood were tested and the effect of the OA treatment on carbohydrates investigated. The results showed that the OA treatment significantly reduced refining energy usage, and improved MDF dimensional stability and lightness. However, the OA treatment had a negative effect on the internal bonding strength of MDF panels. The amount of extracted carbohydrates was dramatically increased, up to 24 times, by the OA pretreatment. Carbohydrates extracted from wood chips could be a potential sustainable resource for biofuel or bio-based chemicals. This paper is a contribution to the so-called “value prior to pulping (VPP)” concept.
Anaerobic baffled reactor treatment of biodiesel-processing wastewater with high strength of methanol and glycerol: reactor performance and biogas production
Authors: Phukingngam Darin , Chavalparit Orathai , Somchai Dararat , Ongwandee Maneerat 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBiodiesel-processing factories employing the alkali-catalyzed transesterification process generate a large amount of wastewater containing high amount of methanol, glycerol, and oil. As such, wastewater has high potential to produce biogas using anaerobic treatment. The aim of this research was to investigate the performance of an anaerobic baffled reactor for organic removal and biogas production from biodiesel wastewater. The effect of different organic loading rates, varying from 0.5 kg m−3 d−1 to 3.0 kg m−3 d−1 of chemical oxygen demand, was determined using three 22 L reactors, each comprising five separate compartments. Wastewater was pretreated with chemical coagulants to partially remove oil prior to experimentation. Results show that the anaerobic baffled reactor operated at 1.5 kg m−3 d−1 of chemical oxygen demand and ten days of hydraulic retention time provided the best removal efficiencies of 99 % of chemical oxygen demand, 100 % of methanol, and 100 % of glycerol. Increasing the organic loading rate over 1.5 kg m−3 d−1 of chemical oxygen demand led to excessive accumulation of volatile fatty acids thereby making the pH drop to a value unfavorable for methanogenesis. The biogas production rate was 12 L d−1 and the methane composition accounted for 64–74 %. Phase-separated characteristics revealed that the highest chemical oxygen demand removal percentage was achieved in the first compartment and the removal efficiency gradually decreased longitudinally. A scanning electron microscopic study indicated that the most predominant group of microorganisms residing on the external surface of the granular sludge was Methanosarcina.
4β-Isocyanopodophyllotoxins: valuable precursors for the synthesis of new podophyllotoxin analogues
Authors: Liu Ying-Qian , Li Lin-Hai , Li Wen-Qun , Feng Gang , Yang Liu 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA new and efficient method for the synthesis of novel 4β-isocyanopodophyllotoxins as a valuable building block for the synthesis of versatile bioactive podophyllotoxin analogues under both classical and ultrasonic conditions was developed. In general, significant improvements in rates of reaction and yields of sonochemical reactions relative to the classical ones were observed.
Study of Microcellular Injection Molding with Expandable Thermoplastic Microsphere
Authors: Peng J. , Yu E. , Sun X. , Turng L.-S. , Peng X.-F. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Injection molding with expandable thermoplastic microspheres (ETM) containing blowing chemicals is capable of fabricating lightweight, dimensionally stable plastic parts while using less material. This paper presents the study of microcellular injection molding of low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) parts with various ETM contents. It was found that the molded parts exhibit relatively better surface quality than conventional foamed parts. The microcellular morphology and cell density of the fractured cross-sectional surfaces were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). As reflected by the testing results, the cell microstructure – such as cell size, cell density, and a layered structure with a foamed core sandwiched by skin layers – play an important role in the weight reduction, surface quality, and mechanical properties. A smaller cell diameter and a thicker skin layer help to improve the surface quality and tensile properties of the injection molded parts with ETM. Finally, an appropriate ETM content has a positive effect on cell microstructure and weight reduction, whereas too high a concentration of microspheres adversely affects the tensile properties and surface quality.
The Effects of Various Variotherm Processes and Their Mechanisms on Injection Molding
Authors: Huang C.-T. , Hsien I.-S. , Tsai C.-H. , Chiou Y.-C. , Tang C.-C. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
To eliminate surface defects and improve the quality of molded parts, increasing the mold temperature is one of the solutions. Using high mold temperature can eliminate weld lines, reduce molding pressure, residual stress and clamping force and improve part surface quality. However, with the increasing of mold temperature, the cycle time will also be increased. Hence, people have paid the attention to mold temperature control technologies. Among them, the variotherm molding technologies, including Rapid Heat Cycle Molding (RHCM), Induction Heating Molding (IHM), and Electricity Heating Mold (E-mold), are some effective methods. Although those variotherm technologies have been proposed, how does the external or internal heating source affect the injection molding process and the final product? The true function and the efficiency study of each technology still remain vague. Hence, in this paper, we have systematically conducted various technologies, including Conventional Injection Molding (CIM), RHCM, IHM, and E-mold, by using true 3D transient cool technology. Through the inside mechanism investigation at various moments in time, the functions and the heating-cooling efficiency for each technology can be visualized. Besides, experimental study and verification of IHM are also performed.
Influence of Processing Parameters on the Fiber Length and Impact Properties of Injection Molded Long Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene
Authors: Rohde M. , Ebel A. , Wolff-Fabris F. , Altstädt V. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Injection molding of long fiber-reinforced thermoplastics is a well-established method in automotive industry to produce high quality structural parts in mass production without the need of further finishing, where the performance is strongly dependent on the fiber length. It is known that the processing parameters have to be carefully chosen as they directly influence the final fiber length and can therefore have a negative effect on the resulting mechanical properties of the part. Particularly in terms of impact behavior, the fiber length is seen as a key factor. The aim of the present work is to quantify the effects of the injection molding parameters on the impact behavior of long fiber reinforced compounds. In a first step the resulting fiber length of injection molded glass fiber reinforced polypropylene is analyzed as a function of the injection velocity, holding pressure, revolution speed and back pressure. The single steps of fiber length analysis are carefully investigated in terms of feasibility and accuracy, in order to assure that a reproducible and reliable test method is employed. Subsequently, the impact behavior of the PP-GF compounds is quantified by falling dart experiments, and the results are then correlated to the fiber length and the processing parameters to establish a fundamental processing-structure-property relationship. The investigation of the fiber length analysis shows that a high pyrolysis temperature leads to embrittlement of the glass fibers and a decrease of tensile strength of the single fibers. This may consequently lead to incorrect characterization of the fiber length due to fiber breakage. The results of the statistical investigation of the processing parameters indicate a significant influence of the back pressure on both impact energy and fiber length.