bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estrogen Receptor α Signaling in T Lymphocytes Is Required for Estradiol-Mediated Inhibition of Th1 and Th17 Cell Differentiation and Protection against Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Lélu Karine , Laffont Sophie , Delpy Laurent , Paulet Pierre-Emmanuel , Périnat Therese , Tschanz Stefan A. , Pelletier Lucette , Engelhardt Britta , Guéry Jean-Charles 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Estrogen treatment exerts a protective effect on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and is under clinical trial for multiple sclerosis therapy. Estrogens have been suspected to protect from CNS autoimmunity through their capacity to exert anti-inflammatory as well as neuroprotective effects. Despite the obvious impacts of estrogens on the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis and EAE, the dominant cellular target that orchestrates the anti-inflammatory effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) in EAE is still ill defined. Using conditional estrogen receptor (ER) α-deficient mice and bone marrow chimera experiments, we show that expression of ERα is critical in hematopoietic cells but not in endothelial ones to mediate the E2 inhibitory effect on Th1 and Th17 cell priming, resulting in EAE protection. Furthermore, using newly created cell type-specific ERα-deficient mice, we demonstrate that ERα is required in T lymphocytes, but neither in macrophages nor dendritic cells, for E2-mediated inhibition of Th1/Th17 cell differentiation and protection from EAE. Lastly, in absence of ERα in host nonhematopoietic tissues, we further show that ERα signaling in T cells is necessary and sufficient to mediate the inhibitory effect of E2 on EAE development. These data uncover T lymphocytes as a major and nonredundant cellular target responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of E2 in Th17 cell-driven CNS autoimmunity.
Log‐Transformation Improves the Prognostic Value of Serial NT‐proBNP Levels in Apparently Stable Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Soon Elaine , Doughty Natalie J. , Treacy Carmen M. , Ross Robert M. , Toshner Mark , Upton Paul D. , Sheares Karen , Morrell Nicholas W. , Pepke‐Zaba Joanna 
Published: August 2011

N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) is a product of cleavage of the cardiac prohormone pro B‐type natriuretic peptide into its active form. It has proven to be a useful biomarker in left heart failure. However, studies examining the utility of serial measurements of NT‐proBNP in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients have shown mixed results. We compared three methods of predicting adverse clinical outcomes in PAH patients: the change in 6 minute walk distance (6MWD), the change in absolute levels of NT‐proBNP and the change in log‐transformed levels of NT‐proBNP. All PAH patients presenting from March–June 2007 were screened. Patients who were clinically unstable, had abnormal renal function or hemoglobin levels or lacked a prior NT‐proBNP were excluded. 63 patients were followed up for adverse clinical outcomes (defined as death, transplantation, hospitalisation for right heart failure, or need for increased therapy). Three methods were used to predict adverse events, i.e.: (a) comparing a 6MWD performed in March–June 2007 and a previous 6MWD. A decrease in 6MWD of ≥30m was used to predict clinical deterioration; (b) comparing a NT‐proBNP value measured in March–June 2007 and a previous NT‐proBNP. An increase in NT‐proBNP of ≥250pg/ml was used to predict clinical deterioration (250pg/ml represented approximately 30% change from the baseline median value of NT‐proBNP for this cohort); and (c) comparing the loge equivalents of two consecutive NT‐proBNP values. We used the formula: loge(current NT‐proBNP) ‐ loge(previous NT‐proBNP)=x. A value of x≥+0.26 was used to predict adverse events. This is equivalent to a 30% change from baseline, and hence is comparable to the chosen cut‐off for absolute levels of NT‐proBNP. A loge difference of ≥+0.26 identifies patients at risk of adverse events with a specificity of 98%, a sensitivity of 60%, a positive predictive value of 89%, and a negative predictive value of 90%. A drop in 6MWD of ≥30m has a specificity of 29%, a sensitivity of 73%, a positive predictive value of 24% and a negative predictive value of 24%. It seems possible to risk‐stratify apparently stable PAH patients by following the changes in their serial log‐transformed NT‐proBNP values. In this small pilot study, this method was better than relying on changes in the actual levels of NT‐proBNP or changes in 6MWD. This needs to be validated prospectively in a larger cohort.
Numerical Methods for Balance Laws with Space Dependent Flux: Application to Radiotherapy Dose Calculation
Authors: Berthon Christophe , Frank Martin , Sarazin Céline , Turpault Rodolphe 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe present work is concerned with the derivation of numerical methods to approximate the radiation dose in external beam radiotherapy. To address this issue, we consider a moment approximation of radiative transfer, closed by an entropy minimization principle. The model under consideration is governed by a system of hyperbolic equations in conservation form supplemented by source terms. The main difficulty coming from the numerical approximation of this system is an explicit space dependence in the flux function. Indeed, this dependence will be seen to be stiff and specific numerical strategies must be derived in order to obtain the needed accuracy. A first approach is developed considering the 1D case, where a judicious change of variables allows to eliminate the space dependence in the flux function. This is not possible in multi-D. We therefore reinterpret the 1D scheme as a scheme on two meshes, and generalize this to 2D by alternating transformations between separate meshes. We call this procedure projection method. Several numerical experiments, coming from medical physics, illustrate the potential applicability of the developed method.
Split Local Artificial Boundary Conditions for the Two-Dimensional Sine-Gordon Equation on R2
Authors: Han Houde , Zhang Zhiwen 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIn this paper the numerical solution of the two-dimensional sine-Gordon equation is studied. Split local artificial boundary conditions are obtained by the operator splitting method. Then the original problem is reduced to an initial boundary value problem on a bounded computational domain, which can be solved by the finite difference method. Several numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method, and some interesting propagation and collision behaviors of the solitary wave solutions are observed.
Simulation of Three-Dimensional Strained Heteroepitaxial Growth Using Kinetic Monte Carlo
Authors: Schulze Tim P. , Smereka Peter 
Published: August 2011

AbstractEfficient algorithms for the simulation of strained heteroepitaxial growth with intermixing in 2+1 dimensions are presented. The first of these algorithms is an extension of the energy localization method [T. P. Schulze and P. Smereka, An energy localization principle and its application to fast kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of heteroepitaxial growth, J. Mech. Phys. Sol., 3 (2009), 521-538] from 1+1 to 2+1 dimensions. Two approximations of this basic algorithm are then introduced, one of which treats adatoms in a more efficient manner, while the other makes use of an approximation of the change in elastic energy in terms of local elastic energy density. In both cases, it is demonstrated that a reasonable level of fidelity is achieved. Results are presented showing how the film morphology is affected by misfit and deposition rate. In addition, simulations of stacked quantum dots are also presented.
Dynamical Coupling Atomistic and Continuum Simulations
Authors: Ren Guowu , Zhang Dier , Gong Xin-Gao 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe propose a new multiscale method that couples molecular dynamics simulations (MD) at the atomic scale and finite element simulations (FE) at the continuum regime. By constructing the mass matrix and stiffness matrix dependent on coarsening of grids, we find a general form of the equations of motion for the atomic and continuum regions. In order to improve the simulation at finite temperatures, we propose a low-pass phonon filter near the interface between the atomic and continuum regions, which is transparent for low frequency phonons, but dampens the high frequency phonons.
Numerical Entropy and Adaptivity for Finite Volume Schemes
Authors: Puppo Gabriella , Semplice Matteo 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe propose an a-posteriori error/smoothness indicator for standard semi-discrete finite volume schemes for systems of conservation laws, based on the numerical production of entropy. This idea extends previous work by the first author limited to central finite volume schemes on staggered grids. We prove that the indicator converges to zero with the same rate of the error of the underlying numerical scheme on smooth flows under grid refinement. We construct and test an adaptive scheme for systems of equations in which the mesh is driven by the entropy indicator. The adaptive scheme uses a single nonuniform grid with a variable timestep. We show how to implement a second order scheme on such a space-time non uniform grid, preserving accuracy and conservation properties. We also give an example of ap-adaptive strategy.
Acute Kidney Injury Due to Rhabdomyolysis in Narcotic Drug Users
Authors: Kosmadakis George , Michail Otho , Georgoulias Christodoulos , Filiopoulos Vasileios , Papadopoulou Panoraia , Michail Spiridon 
Published: August 2011

Background Regular or illegal drugs and toxins are the most frequent non-physical causes of rhabdomyolysis (RM) in peacetime. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a serious and, sometimes, fatal complication of RM. It occurs in 8–20% of RM incidents. Methods In this prospective study we evaluated the severity of RM and AKI in narcotic drug users. From January 2001 to December 2007, 21 patients (17 males, mean age 27.8±4.8 years) with RM associated with AKI were classified into two groups: 11 heroin users (HU) and 10 non-heroin users (NHU). The severity of RM was evaluated by estimation, on admission, of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), phosphate (PO4) and calcium (Ca) and by the presence of paraplegia (PPL). The severity of AKI during hospitalization was evaluated by estimation of serum creatinine (CR), the presence of oligoanuria (OA), the days of hospitalization (DH), the total of hemodialysis treatments (THD) and the number of patients who received blood transfusions (BT). Results RM was much more severe in HU than in NHU. Mean SGOT, CPK, LDH, and P values on admission were higher in HU. Hypocalcemia was statistically more severe in HU. Nine HU were admitted with PPL vs. 1 NHU. Serum CR levels were higher and oligoanuria was much more common in HU. HU had a longer hospitalization period and underwent a bigger number of HT. More HU took BT. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that both RM and ARF are more severe in HU than in NHU possibly due to an additional myotoxic effect of heroin.
Nafamostat Mesilate as an Anticoagulant during Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodialysis: A Three-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Maruyama Yukio , Yoshida Hiraku , Uchino Shigehiko , Yokoyama Keitaro , Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Takinami Masanori , Hosoya Tatsuo 
Published: August 2011

Introduction Although nafamostat mesilate, a synthetic serine protease inhibitor, has been commonly used in Japan as an anticoagulant during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), its clinical utility has not been well determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy (filter survival) and safety (bleeding complications) of nafamostat mesilate in CRRT for acute kidney injury (AKI) among critically ill patients. Methods We retrospectively studied consecutive patients with AKI treated with continuous veno-venous hemodialysis and nafamostat mesilate from April 2005 to March 2008. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were extracted from the clinical chart. Results Fifty-eight patients were enrolled in this study (45 males with an average age of 66±15 years). The median filter survival was 21.8 h (range: 2.8–55.5 h), and the mean was 20.8±8.4 h. Only 38 out of 181 filters (21%) were interrupted because of filter failure within 24 hours and 89 filters (49%) were electively renewed within 24 hours. Activated partial thromboplastin time was elevated especially during the first 24 hours (46.7±13.1 s at baseline versus 73.9±24.3 s at day 1; ANOVA p<0.01). Hematocrit level was kept around 30% and did not change significantly (ANOVA p=0.69). No patients experienced major bleeding while treated with CRRT. Conclusions Nafamostat mesilate provided sufficient filter survival without causing major bleeding complications despite the prolongation of APTT.
Channel bar dynamics on multi‐decadal timescales in an active meandering river
Authors: Hooke J. M. , Yorke L. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTOccurrence and development of channel bars are major components of the morphodynamics of rivers and their relation to river meandering has been much explored through theory and experimentation. However, field and documentary data of characteristics and evolution over timescales from years to several decades are lacking. Four sets of aerial photographs in the period 1984–2007 were used to map and quantify bar numbers and areas in GIS on an active meandering reach. Bar types were classified. Additional temporal resolution was provided by annual ground photography and mapping for 1981–2010. Analysis was extended backward by use of large scale Ordnance Survey maps from 1873 onwards. As expected, point bars are the most common type but ‘free’ bars of several types are major components of bar deposition. Point bars and attached bars are significantly larger in size than mid‐channel and side bars. Spatial distribution of bars varies down the reach and over time but is related to channel sinuosity, gradient and mobility and to bend evolution. Different types of bar occur in distinctive channel locations, with point and concave‐bend bars in zones of high curvature. Bar activity shows a relation with discharge events and phases and possibly with changing riparian conditions, but superimposed on this is a common sequence of bar evolution from incipient gravel mid‐channel bars to full floodplain integration. This life‐cycle is identified as 7–9 years on average. No evidence for mobility of free bars within the course is found. The results are compared with bar and bend theory; the bars are forced and conform in general to bend theory but detailed variation relates to geomorphic factors and to autogenic sequences of bends and bars. Mid‐channel bars are width induced. Variability of bar occurrence needs to be taken into account in river management and ecological evaluation, including for the EU WFD. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Method development for aquatic ecotoxicological characterization factor calculation for hydrocarbon mixtures in life cycle assessment
Authors: Bamard Emilie , Bulle Cécile , Deschênes Louise 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Most pollutants are released into the environment in the presence of other contaminants, creating complex mixtures. In life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods, characterization factors (CFs) are used to obtain the potential impacts associated with each contaminant emission. Current LCIA methods do not include CFs to evaluate the potential impacts of complex organic mixtures on ecosystems. This study explores the possibility of developing new CFs for petroleum mixtures. Petroleum products are an example of mixtures whose constituents have a common toxic mode of action: the narcosis effect. Characterization factors were calculated for a series of representative constituents of a specific petroleum mixture and also for different fractions of the same mixture developed using the hydrocarbon block (HBM) and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Criteria Working Group (TPHWG) methods. Finally, CFs were developed for the mixture itself as a whole by using experimental property measurements and estimations. The soil-water partitioning coefficient, water solubility, degradation kinetic constant in soil, octanol-water partitioning coefficient, and vapor pressure were measured while the molar weight and the degradation kinetic constants in air, water, and sediments were estimated. The highest aquatic ecotoxicological CFs, no matter the approach chosen, were obtained for an emission to freshwater up to 2.2 × 10+07 PAF·m3·d/kg for the highest CF. CF distributions obtained using the different blocking method and experimental CFs obtained for oil as a whole are, on average, not significantly different, given the known uncertainty of ecotoxicological models in LCIA. Consequently, all the CFs obtained using the different blocking methods from the literature are considered relevant for characterizing the potential impact for aquatic ecotoxicity of petroleum substances. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2342–2352. © 2011 SETAC
Performance and sensitivity of rapid sublethal sediment toxicity tests with the amphipod Melita plumulosa and copepod Nitocra spinipes
Authors: Simpson Stuart L , Spadaro David A 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Sublethal whole-sediment toxicity tests are an important tool for assessing the potential effects of contaminated sediments. However, the longer duration required for evaluating potential chronic effects may increase endpoint variability and test costs compared to survival endpoints. In the present study we compare the performance and sensitivity to contaminants of 10-d sublethal sediment toxicity tests with the amphipod Melita plumulosa and harpacticoid copepod Nitocra spinipes. For both tests, sublethal effects were consistently observed when sediment contaminant concentrations exceeded sediment quality guideline (SQG) concentrations. The response of these bioassays in metal-contaminated sediments was shown to conform ideally with respect to the mean SQG quotient calculated on the basis of the Australian and New Zealand lower SQG trigger value, with toxicity being observed only in those sediments where the mean quotient exceeded one. Better predictions of nontoxicity were obtained when dilute acid-extractable rather than total metal concentrations were used. Using the upper SQG, toxicity frequently occurred at mean quotients below one. The effects were generally consistent with predictions from the acid-volatile sulfide and simultaneously extracted metal model. Effects on reproduction of M. plumulosa were detected for sediments that did not cause effects on survival and highlighted the environmental relevance and importance of using these sublethal endpoints. When using four replicates for M. plumulosa and five replicates for N. spinipes, the endpoint variability (standard error) was less than 10%. Variations in sediment particle size and organic carbon content did not affect endpoint variability. Both species are relatively easily cultured in the laboratory, and the estimated effort and cost of achieving the sublethal endpoints is 1.5 times that of the acute survival test endpoints. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2326–2334. © 2011 SETAC
Oxidative stress in zebrafish embryos induced by short-term exposure to bisphenol A, nonylphenol, and their mixture
Authors: Wu Minghong , Xu Hai , Shen Yang , Qiu Wenhui , Yang Ming 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) and nonylphenol (NP) are well-known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) present in the aquatic environment, but little is known about their oxidative stress effects on fish embryos. In the present study, we examined the oxidative stress indices and antioxidant parameters of zebrafish embryos after a short-term exposure to various concentrations of BPA, NP, and their mixture (BPA-NP) for 4 h postfertilization (hpf) to 168 hpf. Exposure to the chemicals was found to enhance the production of hydroxyl radicals and lipid peroxidation in a concentration-dependent manner. The content of total glutathione (TG), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSH), as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase were all significantly inhibited after exposure to BPA, NP, and BPA-NP, indicating the occurrence of oxidative stress. Coexposure to BPA-NP resulted in an additive effect on some antioxidant parameters. In addition, the alkaline phosphatase activity was also significantly inhibited after exposure to BPA, NP, and their mixtures. Our results demonstrated that BPA, NP, and BPA-NP in aquatic systems can affect antioxidant responses in zebrafish embryos. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2335–2341. © 2011 SETAC
Toxicity of sodium tungstate to earthworm, oat, radish, and lettuce
Authors: Bamford Josie E , Butler Alicia D , Heim Katherine E , Pittinger Charles A , Lemus Ranulfo , Staveley Jane P , Lee K. Brian , Venezia Carmen , Pardus Michael J 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Due to unknown effects of the potential exposure of the terrestrial environment to tungsten substances, a series of toxicity studies of sodium tungstate (Na2WO4) was conducted. The effect on earthworm (Eisenia fetida) survival and reproduction was examined using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guideline 222. No effect on either endpoint was seen at the highest concentration tested, resulting in a 56-d no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) of ≥586 mg tungsten/kg dry soil (nominal concentrations). The effect of sodium tungstate on emergence and growth of plant species was examined according to OECD Guideline 208: oat (Avena sativa), radish (Raphanus sativus), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). No effects on emergence, shoot height, and dry shoot weight were observed in oats exposed to the highest concentration, resulting in a 21-d NOEC of ≥586 mg tungsten/kg dry soil. The NOECs for radish and lettuce were 65 and 21.7 mg tungsten/kg dry soil (nominal concentrations), respectively. Respective 21-d median effective concentration values (EC50) for radish and lettuce were &gt;586 and 313 mg tungsten/kg dry soil (based on shoot height) (confidence level [CL] −8.5–615); EC25 values were 152 (CL 0–331) and 55 (CL 0–114) mg tungsten/kg dry soil. Results are consistent with the few other tungsten substance terrestrial toxicity studies in the literature. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2312–2318. © 2011 SETAC