bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Platelets Express Functional α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Authors: Schedel Angelika , Thornton Sophia , Schloss Patrick , Klüter Harald , Bugert Peter 
Published: November 2010

Objective—Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, especially α7 (nAChRα7), form Ca2+channels and are expressed on a variety of neuronal and nonneuronal cells. Also, megakaryocytic cells have been shown to contain components of a nonneuronal cholinergic system, including acetylcholine and acetylcholine esterase. However, the corresponding nAChRs and their role in platelet function have not been demonstrated until now. Our previous platelet transcriptome data indicated the presence of nAChR gene transcripts.Methods and Results—Here, we present evidence that human platelets and megakaryocytic precursor cells express nAChRα7 subunits, as revealed by mRNA and protein expression. The subunits form functional Ca2+channels, as demonstrated by Ca2+entry in platelets induced by the nAChRα7-selective agonist PNU-282987. PNU-282987 also enhanced fibrinogen receptor activation induced by classical platelet agonists (the thromboxane A2analog U46619 and ADP). Furthermore, agonist-induced platelet aggregation was significantly inhibited by the nAChRα7-selective antagonists α-bungarotoxin and methyllycaconitine.Conclusion—Ca2+influx via nAChRα7 channels represents a novel pathway for human platelets with significant impact on platelet function. Because platelets were suggested to contain acetylcholine, we conclude that on activation, stored acetylcholine is released, which activates nAChRα7 channels and thereby contributes to maintaining intracellular Ca2+levels and supporting platelet activation.
R2P and the Protection Obligations of Peacekeepers
Authors: Hassler Sabine 
Published: November 2010

AbstractOne concept, an almost endless range of applications. Or so it may seem. Since R2P was first formulated it has attracted attention from all quarters, especially from those who see it imperative to intervene for humanitarian reasons, owing to a humanitarian impulse. For R2P's advocates, the concept ensures that help is provided for the "right" reasons and, at the same time, avoid the stigma that came with humanitarian intervention. For others, it is merely a smokescreen and thus nothing more than new wine in old bottles. As such, R2P is subject to much misinterpretation and misconceptions about its scope and applicability. Thus, its usefulness depends very much on the perspective taken. Although there are potentially positive elements, the concept's development into a norm, despite the best efforts of its advocates to declare it so, is at best doubtful as its parameters remain largely unclear. This is no more apparent than when trying to forcefully marry peacekeeping missions and their protection obligations vis-á-vis civilians and R2P.
Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Responses to Recent Freshwater Flux Changes over the Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension Region
Authors: Zhang Liping , Wu Lixin , Zhang Jiaxu 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Observations have indicated a trend of freshwater loss in the global western boundary current extension regions over several recent decades. In this paper, the coupled ocean–atmosphere response to the observed freshwater flux trend [defined as evaporation minus precipitation (EmP)] over the Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension (KOE) region is studied in a series of coupled model experiments. The model explicitly demonstrates that the positive EmP forcing in the KOE region can set up a cyclonic gyre straddling the subtropical and the subpolar gyre, which induces anomalous southward cold advection in the west and northward warm advection in the interior. This leads to the formation of a temperature dipole in the midlatitudes with a cooling in the west and a warming in the east. With the positive EmP forcing in the KOE, the response of the extratropical atmospheric circulation in the North Pacific sector is characterized by an equivalent barotropic low originating primarily from the western tropical Pacific changes and countered by the extratropical SST forcing. The positive EmP forcing also strengthens the tropical zonal SST gradient and thus ENSO through several competing processes including the surface-coupled wind–evaporative–SST (WES) mechanism, subduction of extratropical warm anomalies, and spinup of the density-driven meridional overturning circulation. Applications to recent Pacific climate changes are discussed.
Effect of Donor Age on Bone Mineral Density in Irradiated Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Allografts of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Kang Richard W. , Strauss Eric J. , Barker Joseph U. , Bach Bernard R. 
Published: November 2010

Background: Allograft tissue remains a valuable alternative for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. No study to date has correlated the effect of donor age to bone mineral density (BMD) in a large series of irradiated bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) allograft tissue. Hypothesis/Purpose: The authors attempted to correlate donor age with BMD in a large group of BPTB allograft specimens treated with low-dose gamma irradiation (1.0-1.3 Mrad) collected over a 4-year period. They hypothesized there would be no effect of donor age on the BMD of irradiated BPTB allografts. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 110 BPTB allograft specimens from 44 male and 66 female donors with a mean age of 46 years (range, 21-58 years) were analyzed. Bone mineral density data were obtained from both the patellar and tibial bone plugs of the BPTB complex. Statistical analyses were conducted using linear regression for correlations and 2-tailed Student t tests for comparisons between groups. Results: The mean BMD of the patellar bone plug (0.471 g/cm2) was significantly greater than the mean BMD of the tibial bone plug (0.328 g/cm2) ( P < .001). No correlation was identified between donor age and BMD for either the patella or tibial bone plugs ( R2 = .014 and .011, respectively). Both patellar and tibial BMD was significantly greater for the male grafts than the female ones. Conclusion: No correlation was found between donor age and BMD for irradiated BPTB allograft tissue. The patellar bone plugs were noted to have a greater BMD than the tibial bone plugs. Allograft tissue from male donors had higher BMD values than that harvested from female donors.
Toll-like receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to graves' ophthalmopathy in Taiwan males
Authors: Liao Wen-Ling , Chen Rong-Hsing , Lin Hui-Ju , Liu Yu-Huei , Chen Wen-Chi , Tsai Yuhsin , Wan Lei , Tsai Fuu-Jen 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern-recognition receptors, which plays a role in eliciting innate/adaptive immune responses and developing chronic inflammation. The polymorphisms of TLRs have been associated with the risk of various autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis and rheumatorid arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TLR genes could be used as genetic markers for the development of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO).

Methods
6 TLR-4 and 2 TLR-9 gene polymorphisms in 471 GD patients (200 patients with GO and 271 patients without GO) from a Taiwan Chinese population were evaluated.

Results
No statistically significant difference was observed in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of TLR-4 and TLR-9 gene polymorphisms between the GD patients with and without GO. However, sex-stratified analyses showed that the association between TLR-9 gene polymorphism and GO phenotype was more pronounced in the male patients. The odds ratios (ORs) was 2.11 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-3.91) for rs187084 AàG polymorphism and 1.97 (95% CI = 1.07-3.62) for rs352140 AàG polymorphism among the male patients. Increasing one G allele of rs287084 and one A allele of rs352140 increased the risk of GO (p values for trend tests were 0.0195 and 0.0345, respectively). Further, in haplotype analyses, the male patients carrying the GA haplotype had a higher risk of GO (odds ratio [OR] = 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-3.73) than those not carrying the GA haplotype.

Conclusion
The present data suggest that TLR-9 gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with increased susceptibility of ophthalmopathy in male GD patients.
Explaining Health Care System Change: Problem Pressure and the Emergence of “Hybrid” Health Care Systems
Authors: Schmid Achim , Cacace Mirella , Götze Ralf , Rothgang Heinz 
Published: November 2010

In this article, we will further the explanation of the state's changing role in health care systems belonging to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). We build on our analysis of twenty-three OECD countries, which reveals broad trends regarding governments' role in financing, service provision, and regulation. In particular, we identified increasing similarities between the three system types we delineate as National Health Service (NHS), social health insurance, and private health insurance systems. We argue that the specific health care system type is an essential contributor to these changes. We highlight that health care systems tend to feature specific, type-related deficiencies, which cannot be solved by routine mechanisms. As a consequence, non-system-specific elements and innovative policies are implemented, which leads to the emergence of “hybrid” systems and indicates a trend toward convergence, or increasing similarities.We elaborate this hypothesis in two steps. First, we describe system-specific deficits of each health care system type and provide an overview of major adaptive responses to these deficits. The adaptive responses can be considered as non-system-specific interventions that broaden the portfolio of regulatory policies. Second, we examine diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) as a common approach for financing hospitals efficiently, which are nevertheless shaped by type-specific deficiencies and reform requirements. In the United States' private insurance system, DRGs are mainly used as a means of hierarchical cost control, while their implementation in the English NHS system is to increase productivity of hospital services. In the German social health insurance system, DRGs support competition as a means to control self-regulated providers. Thus, DRGs contribute to the hybridization of health care systems because they tend to strengthen coordination mechanisms that were less developed in the existing health care systems.
Development of a Homogeneous Assay for Measurement of Small Dense LDL Cholesterol
Authors: Ito Yasuki , Fujimura Miki , Ohta Motoko , Hirano Tsutomu 
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUNDPlasma concentrations of small dense (sd)-LDL are associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular events. However, the special equipment and long assay times required for sd-LDL measurement have hindered its clinical application. Herein, we report development of a simple homogeneous assay for sd-LDL-cholesterol (C) adaptable to autoanalyzers.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe identified suitable surfactants and phospholipases by screening for those selective for the sd-LDL fraction (d 1.044–1.063 kg/L) and for the dissociation of other lipoproteins, including large buoyant LDL (lb-LDL). Principal characteristics of this assay were compared with ultracentrifugal isolation of LDL subfractions and with our previous heparin-magnesium precipitation assay for sd-LDL. We measured sd-LDL-C concentrations in 460 healthy, normolipidemic individuals.RESULTSWe used a polyoxyethylene benzylphenyl ether derivative to dissociate triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and HDLs, whereas sphingomyelinase proved most effective for dissociation of lb-LDL from LDL owing to the higher sphingomyelin content in the lb-LDL subfractions. A polyoxyethylene styrenephenyl ether derivative protected sd-LDL against the dissociative actions of sphingomyelinase and cholesterol oxidase/esterase during an initial incubation step. Next, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether dissociated sd-LDL-C and the cholesterol released from sd-LDL were subsequently measured by using cholesterol oxidase/esterase. The homogeneous method correlated excellently with ultracentrifugation for sd-LDL-C (y = 0.99x – 0.09, R2 = 0.91, n = 60) and exhibited within-run precision CVs &lt;1.1%. The distribution of sd-LDL-C was skewed, and the central 95% of sd-LDL-C concentrations ranged from 0.24 to 0.88 mmol/L (9.4–34.0 mg/dL).CONCLUSIONSThe homogeneous assay allows reproducible measurement of sd-LDL-C within 10 min and appears promising in further investigations of the clinical significance of sd-LDL-C.
Tilting modules and universal localization
Authors: Angeleri Hügel Lidia , Archetti Maria 
Published: November 2010

Abstract.
We show that every tilting module of projective dimension one over a ring R is associated in a natural way to the universal localization at a set
of finitely presented modules of projective dimension one. We then investigate tilting modules of the form . Furthermore, we discuss the relationship between universal localization and the localization given
by a perfect Gabriel topology . Finally, we give some applications to Artin algebras and to Prüfer domains.
On some Banach spaces of martingales associated with function spaces
Authors: Kikuchi Masato 
Published: November 2010

Abstract.
Let X be a Banach function space over a nonatomic probability space
and let be a filtration. We consider two Banach spaces of
martingales and that are associated with X and .
One of our results is a characterization of Banach function spaces X
such that for every filtration .
Detecting Compromised Nodes in Wireless Sensor Networks: Misbehavior-based Detection versus Attestation-based Detection
Authors: Krauß Christoph 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
In this article, we give an overview of two possible approaches to detect compromised nodes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs): misbehavior-based detection and attestation-based detection. The different types of these approaches are presented and compared to each other according to several evaluation criteria, and their applicability in WSNs is discussed.
Security in Border Control and Area Monitoring
Authors: Krüger Daniela , Haas Christian , Rothenpieler Peter , Dudek Denise , Pfisterer Dennis 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Area monitoring is one of the most popular application scenarios for wireless sensor networks. The pure task of distributed object tracking has often been investigated, but little attention has been given to secure object tracking. This article contains a security analysis and an attacker model for the scenario of secure border surveillance and describes security mechanisms and protocols as well as a realization of such a system.
Privacy-compliant Disclosure of Personal Data to Third Parties
Authors: Wohlgemuth Sven , Echizen Isao , Müller Günter , Sonehara Noboru 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Privacy in cloud computing is at the moment simply a promise to be kept by the software service providers. Users are neither able to control the disclosure of personal data to third parties nor to check if the software service providers have followed the agreed-upon privacy policy. Therefore, disclosure of the users´ data to the software service providers of the cloud raises privacy risks. This project focuses on enhancing the trust model of the practice so that users and auditors, e. g., data protection officers, can check whether software service providers have followed the agreed-upon privacy policy for a disclosure of personal data to third parties. As a countermeasure by an ex post enforcement of privacy policies, we propose to observe disclosures of personal data to third parties by using data provenance history and digital watermarking.
Dexrazoxane as a Cardioprotectant in Children Receiving Anthracyclines
Authors: Sepe Dana M. , Ginsberg Jill P. , Balis Frank M. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify children who may be at relatively higher risk of developing cardiotoxicity as a result of treatment with anthracyclines.Cite considerations for administering dexrazoxane prior to anthracycline treatment to mitigate anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity in children.
This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com.
Anthracyclines play a critical role in the treatment of a variety of childhood cancers. However, the cumulative cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines limit the use of these agents in many treatment regimens. Dexrazoxane is a cardioprotectant that significantly reduces the incidence of adverse cardiac events in women with advanced breast cancer treated with doxorubicin-containing regimens. Clinical evidence for the efficacy of dexrazoxane as a cardioprotectant in children, especially from randomized clinical trials, is limited, but the available data support a short-term cardioprotective effect. Long-term follow-up in children treated with dexrazoxane has not been reported. Dexrazoxane's impact on the antitumor effect and toxicity profile of the anthracyclines and the role of dexrazoxane in the development of secondary malignant neoplasms in patients who received dexrazoxane are reviewed. Based on the available data, dexrazoxane appears to be a safe and effective cardioprotectant in children, and it does not appear to alter overall survival times in children with cancer. Continued follow-up from previous trials is needed to determine the long-term effect of dexrazoxane on cardiac outcomes and quality of life.
Meta-Analyses and Orthodontic Evidence-Based Clinical Practice in the 21st Century
Authors: Papadopoulos Moschos A. 
Published: November 2010

Introduction:Aim of this systematic review was to assess the orthodontic related issues which currently provide the best evidence as documented by meta-analyses, by critically evaluating and discussing the methodology used in these studies.Material and Methods:Several electronic databases were searched and handsearching was also performed in order to identify the corresponding meta-analyses investigating orthodontic related subjects. In total, 197 studies were retrieved initially. After applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 articles were identified as meta-analyses treating orthodontic-related subjects.Results:Many of these 27 papers presented sufficient quality and followed appropriate meta-analytic approaches to quantitatively synthesize data and presented adequately supported evidence. However, the methodology used in some of them presented weaknesses, limitations or deficiencies. Consequently, the topics in orthodontics which currently provide the best evidence, include some issues related to Class II or Class III treatment, treatment of transverse problems, external apical root resorption, dental anomalies, such as congenital missing teeth and tooth transposition, frequency of severe occlusal problems, nickel hypersensitivity, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and computer-assisted learning in orthodontic education.Conclusions:Only a few orthodontic related issues have been so far investigated by means of MAs. In addition, for some of these issues investigated in the corresponding MAs no definite conclusions could be drawn, due to significant methodological deficiencies of these studies. According to this investigation, it can be concluded that at the begin of the 21stcentury there is evidence for only a few orthodontic related issues as documented by meta-analyses, and more well-conducted high quality research studies are needed to produce strong evidence in order to support evidence-based clinical practice in orthodontics.
No Higher Risk of CRPS After External Fixation of Distal Radial Fractures – Subgroup Analysis Under Randomised Vitamin C Prophylaxis§
Authors: Zollinger Paul E. , Kreis Robert W. , van der Meulen Hub G. , van der Elst Maarten , Breederveld Roelf S. , Tuinebreijer Wim E. 
Published: November 2010

Operative and conservative treatment of wrist fractures might lead to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I.In our multicenter dose response study in which patients with distal radial fractures were randomly allocated to placebo or vitamin C in a daily dose of 200mg, 500mg or 1500mg during 50 days, an operated subgroup was analyzed.48 (of 427) fractures) were operated (11.2%). Twenty-nine patients (60%) were treated with external fixation, 14 patients (29%) with K-wiring according to Kapandji and five patients (10%) with internal plate fixation. The 379 remaining patients were treated with a plaster.In the operated group of patients who received vitamin C no CRPS (0/37) was seen in comparison with one case of CRPS (Kapandji technique) in the operated group who received placebo (1/11 = 9%, p=.23). There was no CRPS after external fixation.In the conservatively treated group 17 cases of CRPS (17/379 = 4.5%) occurred in comparison with one in case of CRPS in the operated group (1/48 = 2.1%, p=.71).External fixation doesn’t necessarily lead to a higher incidence of CRPS in distal radial fractures. Vitamin C may also play a role in this. This subgroup analysis in operated distal radial fractures showed no CRPS occurrence with vitamin C prophylaxis.
Climate Policy's Uncertain Outcomes for Households: The Role of Complex Allocation Schemes in Cap-and-Trade
Authors: Blonz Joshua , Burtraw Dallas , Walls Margaret A 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
The design and implementation of the allocation of CO2 emissions allowances in recent bills in the U.S. Congress introduces a new source of uncertainty to the climate policy debate. We examine the Waxman-Markey bill (H.R. 2454) with scenarios that vary outcomes associated with allocations to electricity local distribution companies, investments in energy efficiency and technology development. The average net household burden in 2016 ranges from $133, with a CO2 allowance price of $13.19, to $418, with an allowance price of $23.41. The uncertainty about average burdens does not carry over to the distribution of those burdens; both scenarios impose the greatest burden as a percentage of income on middle-income households. A third scenario that allocates a substantial portion of allowance value as lump-sum payments imposes an average net household burden of $206, with a price of $17.37 and with highly progressive distributional impacts.
Induced abortion: a means of postponing childbirth? Changes in maternal age at induced abortion and child birth in Norway during 1979–2007
Authors: Vlietman Marianne , Sarfraz Aashi Ambareen , Eskild Anne 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjective. The maternal age at child birth is increasing. If induced abortion is an important means of postponing childbirth in a population, it is to be expected that in young women the rate of conceived pregnancies is stable over time, but the induced abortion rate is increasing. We studied birth rates, induced abortion rates and the sum of these rates by maternal age during four decades. Design. Register‐based study. Setting and population. All women 15–49 years living in Norway. Methods. We present temporal changes in birth rates and induced abortion rates within age groups during the period 1979–2007. We also estimated the sum rate of births and induced abortions. Data were obtained from national statistics. Main outcome measures. Live births and induced abortions per 1000 women per year. Results. The induced abortion rates have been relatively stable within age groups, except for a decrease in women 15–19 years (from 24.2 in 1979 to 17.0 in 2007) and an increase in women 20–24 years (from 23.2 to 29.5). The birth rates however, have decreased dramatically in women 20–24 years old (from 113.6 to 60.5). Hence, the sum rate of births and induced abortions in women 20–24 years old has decreased from 136.8 to 90.0. In women 30 years old or older, the birth rates have increased. Conclusion. The induced abortion rate has been relatively stable in all age groups over time, suggesting a limited influence of induced abortions on the postponement of childbearing.