bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HPK1 competes with ADAP for SLP‐76 binding and via Rap1 negatively affects T‐cell adhesion
Authors: Patzak Irene M. , Königsberger Sebastian , Suzuki Akira , Mak Tak W. , Kiefer Friedemann 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) signals into MAPK and NFκB pathways downstream of immunoreceptors, but enigmatically is a negative regulator of leukocytes. Here, we report a novel role for HPK1 in regulating the activation of the adhesion molecule leukocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 (LFA‐1). Upon TCR stimulation, mediated by binding of adhesion and degranulation promoting adaptor protein (ADAP) to SLP‐76, a ternary complex composed of ADAP/55‐kDa src kinase associated phosphoprotein (SKAP‐55) and RIAM translocates to the membrane and causes membrane recruitment of the active small GTPase Ras‐related protein 1 (Rap1). Active Rap1, via its binding to RapL (regulator for cell adhesion and polarization enriched in lymphoid tissues), mediates LFA‐1 integrin activation. We show here that HPK1, which also binds SLP‐76, compete with ADAP for SLP‐76 binding. In addition, HPK1 dampens Rap1 activation, resulting in decreased LFA‐1 activity. Analysis of HPK1‐deficient T cells revealed increased ADAP recruitment to SLP‐76 and elevated Rap1 activation in those cells, leading to increased adhesion to ICAM‐1 and cell spreading. Altogether, these results describe a novel function for HPK1 in linking TCR signaling to cell adhesion regulation and provide a mechanistic explanation for the negative regulatory role of HPK1 in T‐cell biology.
A dynamic immunological synapse mediates homeostatic TCR‐dependent and ‐independent signaling
Authors: Storim Julian , Bröcker Eva B. , Friedl Peter 
Published: September 2010

AbstractFor homeostasis, T cells integrate non‐cognate TCR‐dependent and ‐independent signals to survive and weakly proliferate. In contrast to antigen‐specific, stable, and long‐lived contacts, signaling in short‐lived homeostatic interactions depends upon the coordination of ongoing T‐cell migration on the surface of DC and signaling at the cell–cell junction. To mimic peripheral tissues and analyze how T‐cell migration and cell–cell signaling are integrated, we used live‐cell imaging and 3‐D reconstruction of fixed conjugates between DO11.10 T cells and DC in 3‐D low‐density collagen matrices. T cells simultaneously maintained amoeboid migration and polarized towards the DC, leading to a fully dynamic interaction plane that delivered signals for homeostatic T‐cell survival and proliferation. The contact plane comprised three zones, the actin‐rich leading edge poor in signal but driving migration, a mid‐zone mediating TCR/MHC‐induced signal associated with proliferation, and the rear uropod mediating predominantly MHC‐independent signals. Thus a dynamic immunological synapse with distinct signaling sectors enables moving T cells to serially sample resident tissue cells and acquire molecular information “en passant”.
Ghana's national health insurance scheme in the context of the health MDGs: an empirical evaluation using propensity score matching
Authors: Mensah Joseph , Oppong Joseph R. , Schmidt Christoph M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn 2003 the Government of Ghana established a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve health‐care access for Ghanaians and eventually replace the cash‐and‐carry system. This study evaluates an important aspect of its promise in the context of the Millennium Development Goals ♯4 and ♯5 which deal with the health of women and children. We use Propensity Score Matching techniques to balance the relevant background characteristics in our survey data and compare health indicators of recent mothers who are enrolled in the NHIS with those who are not. Our findings suggest that NHIS women are more likely to receive prenatal care, deliver at a hospital, have their deliveries attended by trained health professionals, and experience less birth complications. We conclude that NHIS is an effective tool for improving health outcomes among those who are covered, which should encourage the Ghanaian government to promote further enrolment, in particular among the poor. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teacher training and HIV/AIDS prevention in West Africa: regression discontinuity design evidence from the Cameroon
Authors: Arcand Jean‐Louis , Wouabe Eric Djimeu 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe assess the impact on teenage childbearing as well as student knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of a typical HIV/AIDS teacher training program in the Cameroon. Applying a regression discontinuity design identification strategy based on the key administrative criterion that determined program deployment, we find that 15–17 year old girls in teacher training schools are between 7 and 10 percentage points less likely to have started childbearing, an objective proxy for the incidence of unprotected sex. They are also significantly more likely to have used a condom during their last sexual intercourse. For 12–13 year old girls, the likelihood of self‐reported abstinence and condom use is also significantly higher in treated schools, while the likelihood of having multiple partners is significantly lower. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of bacterial meningitis‐associated conditions on pediatric inpatient resource utilization
Authors: Mongelluzzo Jillian , Mohamad Zeinab , Ten Have Thomas R. , Shah Samir S. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractOBJECTIVE:To define the epidemiology of systemic complications and focal infections associated with bacterial meningitis and quantify how the presence of such complications affects in‐hospital healthcare resource utilization.METHODS:Retrospective cohort study using administrative data from 27 children's hospitals. Children <18 years of age diagnosed with bacterial meningitis from 2001 to 2006 were eligible. The primary exposure of interest was the presence of a bacterial meningitis‐associated condition, classified as either systemic complications (eg, sepsis), associated focal infections (eg, pneumonia) or both. The primary outcomes were total in‐hospital charges and length of stay (LOS).RESULTS:A total of 574 of 2319 (25%) of children had a systemic complication or an associated focal infection. Compared with children without complications, in‐hospital charges were significantly higher in children with systemic complications (136% increase), associated focal infections (118% increase), and both conditions (351% increase). LOS was also significantly increased in those with systemic complications (by 72%), associated focal infections (by 78%), or both conditions (by 211%). The presence of systemic complications was more common in younger children while the presence of an associated focal infection was more common in older children.CONCLUSIONS:Children with bacterial meningitis often have additional morbidity due to systemic complications or associated focal infections indicated by increase use of acute in‐hospital resource utilization. The apparent increase in in‐hospital morbidity related to these conditions should be considered in future evaluations of vaccine efficacy, novel therapeutics, and hospital resource allocation. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:E1–E7. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Pediatric Hospital Medicine Core Competencies: Development and methodology
Authors: Stucky Erin R. , Ottolini Mary C. , Maniscalco Jennifer 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground:Pediatric hospital medicine is the most rapidly growing site‐based pediatric specialty. There are over 2500 unique members in the three core societies in which pediatric hospitalists are members: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Academic Pediatric Association (APA) and the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM). Pediatric hospitalists are fulfilling both clinical and system improvement roles within varied hospital systems. Defined expectations and competencies for pediatric hospitalists are needed.Methods:In 2005, SHM's Pediatric Core Curriculum Task Force initiated the project and formed the editorial board. Over the subsequent four years, multiple pediatric hospitalists belonging to the AAP, APA, or SHM contributed to the content of and guided the development of the project. Editors and collaborators created a framework for identifying appropriate competency content areas. Content experts from both within and outside of pediatric hospital medicine participated as contributors. A number of selected national organizations and societies provided valuable feedback on chapters. The final product was validated by formal review from the AAP, APA, and SHM.Results:The Pediatric Hospital Medicine Core Competencies were created. They include 54 chapters divided into four sections: Common Clinical Diagnoses and Conditions, Core Skills, Specialized Clinical Services, and Healthcare Systems: Supporting and Advancing Child Health. Each chapter can be used independently of the others. Chapters follow the knowledge, skills, and attitudes educational curriculum format, and have an additional section on systems organization and improvement to reflect the pediatric hospitalist's responsibility to advance systems of care.Conclusion:These competencies provide a foundation for the creation of pediatric hospital medicine curricula and serve to standardize and improve inpatient training practices. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010; 5:339–343. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine
15N chemical shifts of a series of isatin oxime ethers and their corresponding nitrone isomers
Authors: Liu Xiaohong , Huang Xiaohua Stella , Sin Ny , Venables Brian L. , Roongta Vikram 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn this article, we describe the characteristic 15N chemical shifts of isatin oxime ethers and their isomer nitrone. These oxime ethers and nitrones are the alkylation reaction products of isatin oximes. In our study, the 15N chemical shifts observed in these oxime ethers were in the 402–408 (or 22–28) ppm range, although those for their corresponding nitrone series were in the 280–320 (or −100 to −60) ppm range. This remarkable difference in 15N NMR chemical shift values could potentially be used to determine the O‐ versus N‐alkylation of oximes, even when only one isomer is available. In this paper, the differences in 15N NMR chemical shifts serve as the basis for a discussion about how to distinguish both regioisomers derived from the oximes alkylation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete assignment of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of antimicrobial 4‐arylamino‐ 3‐nitrocoumarin derivatives
Authors: Dekić Vidoslav , Radulović Niko , Vukićević Rastko , Dekić Biljana , Skropeta Danielle , Palić Radosav 
Published: September 2010

AbstractHerein, we describe the synthesis and complete assignment of the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of a series of antimicrobial 4‐arylamino‐3‐nitrocoumarin derivatives based on a combination of 1H and 13C NMR, 1H‐1H‐COSY, NOESY, HSQC and HMBC experiments. Conformational effects upon the chemical shifts of the coumarin moiety arising from the anisotropy of the aryl side group are briefly discussed. This study provides the first complete and fully assigned NMR data for this important group of antimicrobial compounds and bridges the gap existing in the literature with regard to NMR structural data for 4‐arylamino‐3‐nitrocoumarins. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐TE 1H MRS suggests that liver fat is more saturated than subcutaneous and visceral fat
Authors: Lundbom Jesper , Hakkarainen Antti , Söderlund Sanni , Westerbacka Jukka , Lundbom Nina , Taskinen Marja‐Riitta 
Published: September 2010

AbstractCross‐talk between adipose tissue and liver is disturbed in the metabolic syndrome. Moreover, the relative fatty acid composition of adipose and liver fat is poorly characterized. Long‐TE 1H MRS can determine the unsaturation and polyunsaturation of adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to use long‐TE 1H MRS to determine the composition of liver fat and its relation to adipose tissue composition. Sixteen subjects with increased liver fat (>5%) were recruited for the study. Using TE = 200 ms, we were able to resolve the olefinic (CH, 5.3 ppm) and water (H2O, 4.7 ppm) resonances in liver spectra and to obtain a repeatable estimate of liver fat unsaturation (coefficient of variation, 2.3%). With TE = 135 ms, the diallylic (CCH2C, 2.8 ppm) resonance was detectable in subjects with a liver fat content above 15%. Long‐TE 1H MRS was also used to determine the unsaturation in subcutaneous (n = 16) and visceral (n = 11) adipose tissue in the same subjects. Liver fat was more saturated (double bonds per fatty acid chain, 0.812 ± 0.022) than subcutaneous (double bonds per fatty acid chain, 0.862 ± 0.022, p < 0.0004) or visceral (double bonds per fatty acid chain, 0.865 ± 0.033, p < 0.0004) fat. Liver fat unsaturation correlated with subcutaneous unsaturation (R = 0.837, p < 0.0001) and visceral unsaturation (R = 0.879, p < 0.0004). The present study introduces a new noninvasive method for the assessment of the composition of liver fat. The results suggest that liver fat is more saturated than subcutaneous or visceral adipose tissue, which may be attributed to differences in de novo lipogenesis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of interdigitated back contact silicon heterojunction solar cells: tailoring hetero‐interface band structures while maintaining surface passivation
Authors: Lu Meijun , Das Ujjwal , Bowden Stuart , Hegedus Steven , Birkmire Robert 
Published: September 2010

AbstractInterdigitated back contact silicon heterojunction (IBC‐SHJ) solar cells have the potential for high open circuit voltage (VOC) due to the surface passivation and heterojunction contacts, and high short circuit current density (JSC) due to all back contact design. Intrinsic amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) buffer layer at the rear surface improve the surface passivation henceVOCandJSC, but degrade fill factor (FF) from an “S” shapeJ–Vcurve. Two‐dimensional (2D) simulation using “Sentaurus device” demonstrates that the low FF is related to the valence band offset (energy barrier) at the hetero‐interface. Three approaches to the buffer layer are suggested to improve the FF: (1) reduced thickness, (2) increased conductivity, and/or (3) reduced band gap. Experimental IBC‐SHJ solar cells with reduced buffer thickness (<5 nm) and increased conductivity with low boron doping significantly improves FF, consistent with simulation. However, this has only marginal effect on efficiency sinceJSCandVOCalso decrease due to poor surface passivation. A narrow band gap a‐Si:H buffer layer improves cell efficiency to 13.5% with unoptimized passivation quality. These results demonstrate that tailoring the hetero‐interface band structure is critical for achieving high FF. Simulations predicts that efficiences >23% are possible on planar devices with optimized pitch dimensions and achievable surface passivation, and 26% with light trapping. This work provides criterion to design IBC‐SHJ solar cell structures and optimize cell performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy prediction of Amonix CPV solar power plants
Authors: Kinsey Geoffrey S. , Stone Kenneth , Brown Joseph , Garboushian Vahan 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAmonix concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) solar power plants currently demonstrate AC efficiency of over 25% in the field. A model has been developed that predicts system performance based on the spectral response of the III–V multijunction cell corrected for environmental and atmospheric conditions. Historical meteorological data is used to predict future performance at target locations. With the cleaning schedule as the only adjustable variable, energy production has been within 2% of prediction after 9 months of operation. The model is used to improve performance, which is expected to increase by 10% in 2010. These improvements, combined with cost reductions in the MegaModule® design, put the Amonix CPV systems on track to achieve a levelized cost of electricity below US $100/MW‐hr by 2012. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scanning tunnelling spectroscopy on the local electronic structure of Gd@C82 peapods
Authors: Ohashi Kazunori , Imazu Naoki , Kitaura Ryo , Shinohara Hisanori 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe electronic structure of Gd@C82 metallofullerene peapods is studied experimentally by using scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM and STS). The spatial modulation of the nanotube electronic structure induced by Gd@C82 encapsulation has been observed depending on the position along the tube axis. Both STM and STS reveal a 1.2 nm periodicity which is consistent with the intermolecular distance of Gd@C82 inside single‐wall carbon nanotubes.
Enzyme assay and clinical assessment in subjects with a Chinese hotspot late‐onset Fabry mutation (IVS4 + 919G→A)
Authors: Lin Hsiang‐Yu , Huang Cheng‐Hung , Yu Hsiao‐Chi , Chong Kah‐Wai , Hsu Ju‐Hui , Lee Pi‐Chang , Cheng Kang‐Hsiang , Chiang Chuan‐Chi , Ho Huey‐Jane , Lin Shuan‐Pei , Chen Shih‐Jen , Lin Po‐Kang , Niu Dau‐Ming 
Published: September 2010

AbstractNewborn screening for Fabry disease in Taiwan Chinese has revealed a high incidence of the late‐onset GLA mutation IVS4 + 919G→A (∼1 in 1,500–1,600 males). We studied 94 adults with this mutation [22 men, 72 women; mean age: men 57.8 ± 6.0 (range 42–68), women 39.1 ± 14.1 years (range 19–82)]. Plasma α‐galactosidase A activity assay was 10.4 ± 11.2% of normal in the men and 48.6 ± 19.5% of normal in the women. Echocardiography in 90 of the adults revealed left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in 19 (21%), including 14 of 21 men (67%) and 5 of 69 women (7%). Microalbuminuria, based on the urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio measured on at least two occasions, was present in 17 of 86 subjects (20%) (men: 5/20, 25%; women 12/66, 18%). At least one ocular manifestation consistent with Fabry disease was present in 41 of 52 subjects (79%) who underwent ophthalmologic examination, including 8 (15%) with conjunctival vessel tortuosity, 15 (29%) with cornea verticillata, 10 (19%) with Fabry cataract, and 34 (65%) with retinal vessel tortuosity. Among subjects over 40 years of age, men were more likely than women to have LVH [14/21 (67%) vs 5/25 (20%), p < 0.001]. Cardiovascular, renal and ocular abnormalities are highly prevalent in adult Taiwan Chinese subjects with the Fabry mutation IVS4 + 919G→A. Our findings contribute to the limited understanding of the course of this late‐onset disease variant and underscore the need for close follow up in such patients.
Sunflower Protein Concentrates and Isolates Prepared from Oil Cakes Have High Water Solubility and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Salgado Pablo R. , Molina Ortiz Sara E. , Petruccelli Silvana , Mauri Adriana N. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIncreasing the applications of industrial by‐products is of great interest. Therefore, in the present study, sunflower oil cake from a local oil manufacturing company was used to obtain soluble protein concentrates and isolates with different content of phenolic compounds. All the extraction procedures evaluated resulted in concentrates and isolates with water solubility higher than 75% but with different chemical composition, color and physicochemical properties (i.e. surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and polypeptide composition). Since no extraction process led to a complete extraction of phenolic compounds, all the products exhibited antioxidant activity, which depended on the concentration of such compounds. Phenolic compounds give a dark color to sunflower protein concentrates and isolates; nevertheless their final color tone was more dependent on the conditions used in the preparation process than on the amount of phenolic compounds in the product. The results demonstrate the value of sunflower industrial oil cake as a source of proteins with high water solubility, good physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity.
Total flavonoid fraction of the Herba epimedii extract suppresses urinary calcium excretion and improves bone properties in ovariectomised mice
Authors: Chen Wen-Fang , Mok Sao-Keng , Wang Xin-Luan , Lai Ka-Hang , Lai Wan-Ping , Luk Hon-Kit , Leung Ping-Chung , Yao Xin-Sheng , Wong Man-Sau 
Published: September 2010

Flavonoids are the active components of Herba epimedii (HEP), a commonly used herb for the management of osteoporosis in China over the centuries. The present study aims to characterise the in vivo effects of its total flavonoid (TF) fraction on bone properties and mineral metabolism as well as to study the mechanism involved in achieving its protective effects against ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss. TF suppressed OVX-induced increase in urinary Ca excretion as well as loss of bone mass and strength at the distal femur in mice in a dose-dependent manner. The changes in urinary Ca excretion were inversely correlated with the expressions of renal Ca transport protein (CaBP-28K) and vitamin D receptor mRNA in OVX mice. TF (100 μg/g) treatment prevented the deterioration of trabecular bone microarchitecture induced by OVX in mice. In addition, TF treatment increased the expression of type I collagen and osteocalcin mRNA and the ratio of osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand mRNA, and suppressed the increase in IL-6 mRNA induced by OVX in the femur of mice. The present results indicate that the optimal dosage of the TF fraction of HEP for the improvement of bone properties and mineral metabolism in OVX mice was between 50 and 100 μg/g. Mechanistic studies indicated that TF might increase renal Ca reabsorption, stimulate the process of osteoblast formation as well as suppress the process of osteoclastogenesis in OVX mice.
Dynamical phenomena induced by bottleneck
Authors: Gasser I. , Werner B. 
Published: September 2010

We study a microscopic follow-the-leader model on a circle of length
L
with a bottleneck. Allowing large bottleneck strengths we encounter very interesting traffic dynamics. Different types of waves—travelling and standing waves and combinations of both wave types—are observed. The way to find these phenomena requires a good understanding of the complex dynamics of the underlying (nonlinear) equations. Some of the phenomena, like the ponies-on-a-merry-go-round solutions, are mathematically well known from completely different applications. Mathematically speaking we use Poincaré maps, bifurcation analysis and continuation methods beside numerical simulations.
Fluid-dynamical and microscopic description of traffic flow: a data-driven comparison
Authors: Wagner Peter 
Published: September 2010

Much work has been done to compare traffic-flow models with reality; so far, this has been done separately for microscopic, as well as for fluid-dynamical, models of traffic flow.
This paper compares directly the performance of both types of models to real data. The results indicate that microscopic models, on average, seem to have a tiny advantage over fluid-dynamical models; however, one may admit that for most applications, the differences between the two are small.
Furthermore, the relaxation times of the fluid-dynamical models turns out to be fairly small, of the order of 2 s, and are comparable with the results for the microscopic models. This indicates that the second-order terms are weak; however, the calibration results indicate that the speed equation is, in fact, important and improves the calibration results of the models.