bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of binding constant of toll‐like receptor 4 and lipopolysaccharide using capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Fu Huiqing , Li Jimin , Meng Weiwei , Dong Runan , Dai Rongji , Deng Yulin 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis short communication describes the interaction between toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, its specific ligand) using analytical methods. Their interaction has been evidenced in many reports. Nevertheless, there are few reports focused on their binding constant. In this research, the interaction between TLR4 and LPS is investigated using mobility shift method by CZE. To optimize the electrophoresis conditions, the effecting factors, running buffer, sample concentration, injection duration, and operation voltage of electrophoretic on the mobility shift are studied in detail. Electrophoresis conditions were described as follows: borate buffer (pH 7.4, 20 mM), 5 s for 50 mbar pressure injection duration, and 13 kV of separation voltage in 41.5 cm fused silica capillary with 75 μm id and 375 μm od. The combination constant of TLR4 and LPS is calculated using Scatchard methods. The Scatchard liner correlation is y=−0.0165x+0.1456, binding constant is K=1.65×104 (g/mL)−1.
Residues of PBDEs in northeastern Pacific marine fish: Evidence for spatial and temporal trends
Authors: Ikonomou Michael G , Teas Howard J , Gerlach Robert , Higgs Dave , Addison Richard F 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
In the flesh (skinless fillet) of chinook, chum, coho, pink, and sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, O. keta, O. kisutch, O. gorbuscha, and O. nerka, respectively), sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) and walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) from several sites in the northeast Pacific sampled between 2002 and 2008, tetra- and pentabrominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) (BDE 47, 49, 99, and 100) dominated the congener distribution. Chinook and sablefish contained the highest concentrations, followed by sockeye, coho, and pink salmon, and pollock. In sockeye from the Bering Sea – Aleutians and from the Gulf of Alaska, total tri- to hepta-BDE concentrations fell significantly between 2002 and 2005; in sablefish from Gulf of Alaska, there was a steady but statistically nonsignificant decline in BDE concentrations between 2002 and 2008. Relative proportions of the main BDE congeners did not change appreciably over time, within species or location. All species except sockeye salmon showed a clear southeastward increase in BDE concentrations, implying an increasing gradient in general ecosystem contamination. In chinook, coho, and sablefish, especially, the southeastward trend in increasing total concentrations was associated with increasing proportions of BDEs 47 and 100. Chinook returning to western North American natal streams appeared to accumulate most of their PBDE burden towards the end of their migration. Fish from more northern sampling sites often had higher proportions of more highly brominated congeners than those from more southern sites, perhaps reflecting contamination from Asian sources where higher-brominated commercial PBDE formulations are used. In sablefish and pollock, the relative proportions of BDEs 99 and 47 varied inversely in almost a 1:1 ratio, implying debromination of BDE 99 to 47. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1261–1271. © 2011 SETAC
Approach for an integral power transformer reliability model
Authors: van Schijndel A. , Wouters P.A.A.F. , Steennis E.F. , Wetzer J.M. 
Published: March 2011

SUMMARYIn electrical power transmission and distribution networks power transformers represent a crucial group of assets both in terms of reliability and investments. In order to safeguard the required quality at acceptable costs, decisions must be based on a reliable forecast of future behaviour. The aim of the present study is to develop an integral transformer lifetime model which involves degradation mechanisms for most relevant subsystems, applicable to individual power transformers and transformer populations. In this paper, we present a predictive model for power transformer reliability which involves three essential ingredients: failure statistics, physical understanding of the degradation process, and actual knowledge of the present condition. The model is based on evaluation of existing literature and past experience on degradation mechanisms, failure modes and diagnostic techniques. The model is illustrated for integral reliability of three transformer failure modes, related to the degradation of the transformer winding insulation, of bushings and of tap‐changers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of ordinal optimization on reliability centered maintenance of distribution system
Authors: Park Geun‐Pyo , Yoon Yong T. 
Published: March 2011

SUMMARYThe problem of distribution system maintenance has a combinatorial explosion of choices. It may not be worthwhile to solve this problem using the analytical method that require too much time and cost. Ordinal optimization is a prime candidate of stochastic optimization problem. Ordinal optimization is used to quickly narrow the search space and find a good enough solution with reasonable confidence. This paper proposes the reliability centered maintenance model of distribution systems, and the solution of this problem through the application of ordinal optimization. A numerical examples are performed to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed ordinal optimization and to find a maintenance strategy of distribution systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The majority of infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes in multiple sclerosis lesions is insensitive to enhanced PD‐L1 levels on CNS cells
Authors: Pittet Camille L. , Newcombe Jia , Antel Jack P. , Arbour Nathalie 
Published: March 2011

AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) cells locally modulate immune responses using numerous molecules that are not fully elucidated. Engagement of programmed death‐1 (PD‐1), expressed on activated T cells, by its ligands (PD‐L1 or PD‐L2) suppresses T‐cell responses. Enhanced CNS PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expression has been documented in inflammatory murine models; however, human CNS data are still incomplete. We determined that human primary cultures of astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, or neurons expressed low or undetectable PD‐L1 under basal conditions, but inflammatory cytokines significantly induced such expression, especially on astrocytes and microglia. Blocking PD‐L1 expression in astrocytes using specific siRNA led to significantly increased CD8 T‐cell responses (proliferation, cytokines, lytic enzyme). Thus, our results establish that inflamed human glial cells can express sufficient and functional PD‐L1 to inhibit CD8 T cell responses. Extensive immunohistochemical analysis of postmortem brain tissues demonstrated a significantly greater PD‐L1 expression in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions compared with control tissues, which colocalized with astrocyte or microglia/macrophage cell markers. However, more than half of infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes in MS lesions did not express PD‐1, the cognate receptor. Thus, our results demonstrate that inflamed human CNS cells such as in MS lesions express significantly elevated PD‐L1, providing a means to reduce CD8 T cell responses, but most of these infiltrating immune cells are devoid of PD‐1 and thus insensitive to PD‐L1/L2. Strategies aimed at inducing PD‐1 on deleterious activated human CD8 T cells that are devoid of this receptor could provide therapeutic benefits since PD‐L1 is already increased in the target organ. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating the net contribution of interleukin-28B variation to spontaneous hepatitis C virus clearance
Authors: di Iulio Julia , Ciuffi Angela , Fitzmaurice Karen , Kelleher Dermot , Rotger Margalida , Fellay Jacques , Martinez Raquel , Pulit Sara , Furrer Hansjakob , Günthard Huldrych F. , Battegay Manuel , Bernasconi Enos , Schmid Patrick , Hirschel Bernard , Barnes Eleanor , Klenerman Paul , Telenti Amalio , Rauch Andri 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

The identification of associations between interleukin-28B (

IL-28B

) variants and the spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) raises the issues of causality and the net contribution of host genetics to the trait. To estimate more precisely the net effect of

IL-28B

genetic variation on HCV clearance, we optimized genotyping and compared the host contributions in multiple- and single-source cohorts to control for viral and demographic effects. The analysis included individuals with chronic or spontaneously cleared HCV infections from a multiple-source cohort (n = 389) and a single-source cohort (n = 71). We performed detailed genotyping in the coding region of

IL-28B

and searched for copy number variations to identify the genetic variant or haplotype carrying the strongest association with viral clearance. This analysis was used to compare the effects of

IL-28B

variation in the two cohorts. Haplotypes characterized by carriage of the major alleles at

IL-28B

single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were highly overrepresented in individuals with spontaneous clearance versus those with chronic HCV infections (66.1% versus 38.6%,

P

= 6 × 10−9). The odds ratios for clearance were 2.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6–3.0] and 3.9 (95% CI = 1.5–10.2) in the multiple- and single-source cohorts, respectively. Protective haplotypes were in perfect linkage (

r

2 = 1.0) with a nonsynonymous coding variant (rs8103142). Copy number variants were not detected.

Conclusion:

We identified

IL-28B

haplotypes highly predictive of spontaneous HCV clearance. The high linkage disequilibrium between

IL-28B

SNPs indicates that association studies need to be complemented by functional experiments to identify single causal variants. The point estimate for the genetic effect was higher in the single-source cohort, which was used to effectively control for viral diversity, sex, and coinfections and, therefore, offered a precise estimate of the net host genetic contribution. (Hepatology 2011;)
Higher busulfan dose intensity does not improve outcomes of patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation following fludarabine, busulfan‐based reduced toxicity conditioning
Authors: Hamadani Mehdi , Craig Michael , Phillips Gary S. , Abraham Jame , Tse William , Cumpston Aaron , Gibson Laura , Remick Scot C. , Bunner Pamela , Leadmon Sonia , Elder Patrick , Hofmeister Craig , Penza Sam , Efebera Yvonne , Andritsos Leslie , Garzon Ramiro , Benson Don M. , Blum William , Devine Steven M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe evaluated the impact of busulfan dose intensity in patients undergoing reduced toxicity/intensity conditioning allogeneic transplantation in a multicenter retrospective study of 112 consecutive patients. Seventy‐five patients were conditioned with busulfan (0.8 mg/kg/dose IV × 8 doses), fludarabine (30 mg/m2/day, days −7 to −3), and 6 mg/kg of ATG [reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) group], while 37 patients received a more‐intense conditioning with busulfan (130 mg/m2/day IV, days −6 to −3), fludarabine (40 mg/m2/day, days −6 to −3) and 6 mg/kg of ATG [reduced toxicity conditioning (RTC) group]. At baseline both groups were matched for median age, unrelated donor allografts, and human leukocyte antigen‐mismatched allografts. More patients in RIC group had high‐risk disease, and higher median comorbidity index. There were no graft rejections. Median time to neutrophil (17 days vs. 15 days; p = 0.003) and platelet engraftment (16 days vs. 11 days; p < 0.001) was significantly longer in the RIC group. RTC group had significantly more bacterial (62.2% vs. 32%; p = 0.004) and fungal infections (13.5% vs. 1.3% p = 0.01). For RIC and RTC groups rates of grades II–IV acute GVHD (34% vs. 40%; p‐value = 0.54), and chronic GVHD (45% vs. 57%; p‐value = 0.30) were not significantly different. In similar order at 1 year the cumulative‐incidence of non‐relapse mortality (NRM; 12% vs. 21%; p‐value = 0.21) and relapse rates (38% vs. 39%; p = 0.96) were not significantly different. Patients in RIC and RTC groups had similar 1‐year overall survival (61% vs. 50%, p = 0.11) and progression‐free survival (50% vs. 36%, p‐value = 0.39). Our data suggest that the merits of higher busulfan dose intensity in the context of fludarabine/busulfan‐based RTC may be offset by higher early morbidity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Snowmelt energy balance in a burned forest plot, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Burles Katie , Boon Sarah 
Published: March 2011

AbstractForested headwater basins in western North America are subject to major change from natural and anthropogenic disturbance, including wildfire, insect infestation, disease, and forest harvesting. These changes have subsequent impacts on sub‐canopy snow processes, particularly snow accumulation and melt, with cascading effects on downstream systems. We apply a simple, process‐based point energy balance model to quantify differences in energy balance characteristics between a burned and a control plot. In the burned plot, more snow accumulated on the ground surface, there was more energy available for snowmelt, the snow melted more rapidly, and complete snowpack removal occurred sooner than in the control plot. Although results are comparable to cleared forest stands, standing dead trees in burned forest stands attenuate incoming short‐wave radiation, wind speed, temperature, and snow accumulation on the surface to a greater degree than is observed in cleared stands. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding and treating hoarding: A biopsychosocial perspective
Authors: Tolin David F. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis article offers a practice‐friendly review of conceptualizing and treating hoarding based on biological and psychological research. Although hoarding has commonly been conceptualized as a variant of obsessive‐compulsive disorder, research suggests a more complex pattern of overlap with attention deficit‐hyperactivity disorder, organic brain disease, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and impulsivity. The phenomenon of hoarding is discussed in terms of familial and environmental vulnerabilities, maladaptive cognitive process, maladaptive cognitive content, and maladaptive behavioral patterns. The article concludes with a summary of treatment efficacy and 10 promising clinical practices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 67:1–10, 2011.
Working with families of people who hoard: A harm reduction approach
Authors: Tompkins Michael A. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractApproximately, 3%–5% of the U.S. population suffers from compulsive hoarding but others suffer as well, in particular, the family members who care about them. This article describes the manifold ways family members suffer because of their loved one's hoarding behavior, including the frustration and hopelessness many family members experience in the face of their loved one's steadfast refusal to accept help for their hoarding problem. The article presents harm reduction as a way for family members to help a loved one who is unwilling to accept treatment of the hoarding problem. The article then presents two clinical examples—a private hoarding situation and a public hoarding situation—to illustrate the application of harm reduction to hoarding. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 67:1–10, 2011.
L1 Cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) expression at the cancer invasive front is a novel prognostic marker of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tsutsumi Shinji , Morohashi Satoko , Kudo Yasuyuki , Akasaka Harue , Ogasawara Hiroshi , Ono Masashi , Takasugi Kaori , Ishido Keinosuke , Hakamada Kenichi , Kijima Hiroshi 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most extremely aggressive cancers with a poor prognosis after curative resection. L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a 200–220 kDa type I transmembrane glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily, which has been shown to affect the prognosis of several cancers. No clinicopathological significance of L1CAM expression has been examined at the invasive front of PDAC. In this study, we examined the relationship between L1CAM expression and clinicopathological features in PDAC by immunohistochemistry.MethodsOne hundred seven surgically resected specimens of PDAC were immunohistochemically examined using a monoclonal antibody against L1CAM.ResultsPositive expression of L1CAM was found in 23 of 107 cases with PDAC. In most cases (21/23), L1CAM expression was localized at the invasive front of the tumor tissue. Positive expression of L1CAM was significantly correlated with the histological grade, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis. In univariate analysis, a positive expression of L1CAM was associated with short overall survival (P = 0.0002), and this was significant in multivariate analysis (P = 0.009).ConclusionsL1CAM could play an important role in the invasive process in vivo, and is thought to be a good indicator of prognosis in PDAC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:669–673. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Irreversible electroporation of the pancreas: Definitive local therapy without systemic effects
Authors: Bower Matthew , Sherwood Leslie , Li Yan , Martin Robert 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe use of thermal tumor ablative techniques in the pancreas is limited due to the risk of pancreatitis and damage to major vascular structures. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a non‐thermal ablation technique that could allow ablation in the pancreas while preserving vital surrounding blood vessels. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and ablation volume of IRE in porcine pancreatic tissue.MethodsIRE of swine pancreases was performed using an open technique and ultrasound guidance and the animals were followed for 72 hr, 7 days, and 14 days post‐IRE.ResultsAll pigs underwent IRE, with one pig was unsuccessful after three attempts using at 3,000 V due to inability to achieve a stable current. All animals recovered well and revealed only mild adhesions, no ascites, and no pancreatic necrosis. All animals had transient increases in amylase and lipase that normalized on post‐IRE day 3. Pathologic analysis revealed that ablation defects (median size 3 cm × 2.8 cm) were seen in electroporated areas with significant destruction of the pancreatic tissue with patent vascular structures.ConclusionsThis animal model demonstrates that IRE of the pancreas performed at an optimal voltage is well tolerated, with rapid resolution of pancreatic inflammation and preservation of vascular structures. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;104:22–28. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of silanol activity on the modified silica surfaces using microcalorimetric measurements
Authors: Buszewski Bogusław , Bocian Szymon , Rychlicki Gerhard 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA detailed description of the stationary‐bonded phase surface in reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) is a topic of great interest in separation sciences. For this purpose, the thermal effects connected with solvent adsorption on the series of octadecyl stationary‐bonded phases were investigated. Microcalorimetric study of organic solvent heat of immersion of the stationary‐phase and chromatographic measurements of the silanol activity were executed. Good correlation between the heat of immersion of different solvents and the residual silanol activity obtained from chromatographic tests of various stationary phases are observed. The present data suggest that measurement of solvent adsorption heat governed by polar interaction with residual silanols may be a useful tool for the determination of silanol activity and surface topography. The present methodology allows determining the access of the solvent molecules to the residual silanols on the chemically bonded phase surface based on silica gel.
Pulmonary vein inflow artifact reduction for free‐breathing left atrium late gadolinium enhancement
Authors: Moghari Mehdi H. , Peters Dana C. , Smink Jouke , Goepfert Lois , Kissinger Kraig V. , Goddu Beth , Hauser Thomas H. , Josephson Mark E. , Manning Warren J. , Nezafat Reza 
Published: March 2011

AbstractTwo‐dimensional “pencil‐beam” navigator, placed on the right hemidiaphragm, is used for free‐breathing late gadolinium enhancement of the left atrium in patients with atrial fibrillation. The pencil‐beam navigator creates an inflow artifact in the right pulmonary veins and atrial wall that may obscure local pulmonary vein and left atrium scars. To reduce this artifact, we propose a large slab right hemidiaphragm projection navigator that measures the respiratory motion while reducing the associated inflow artifact. Eighteen subjects underwent pulmonary vein late gadolinium enhancement using the pencil‐beam and projection navigator. Subjective inflow and respiratory motion artifact scores (1 = severe, 2 = moderate, 3 = mild, and 4 = none) from two blinded readers were compared. The artifact scores were 3.8 ± 0.4 and 2.1 ± 0.7 for the projection and pencil‐beam navigators, respectively (P < 0.001). Respiratory motion artifact scores were similar between the two techniques (3.0 ± 0.5 vs. 3.1 ± 0.5 for projection vs. pencil‐beam navigator). The proposed method greatly reduces the inflow artifact in free‐breathing pulmonary vein late gadolinium enhancement while allowing adequate respiratory motion compensation. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microstrip Butler matrix design and realization for 7 T MRI
Authors: Yazdanbakhsh Pedram , Solbach Klaus 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis article presents the design and realization of 8 × 8 and 16 × 16 Butler matrices for 7 T MRI systems. With the focus on low insertion loss and high amplitude/phase accuracy, the microstrip line integration technology (microwave‐integrated circuit) was chosen for the realization. Laminate material of high permittivity (εr = 11) and large thickness (h = 3.2 mm) is shown to allow the best trade‐off of circuit board size versus insertion loss, saving circuit area by extensive folding of branch‐line coupler topology and meandering phase shifter and connecting strip lines and reducing mutual coupling of neighboring strip lines by shield structures between strip lines. With this approach, 8 × 8 Butler matrices were produced in single boards of 310 mm × 530 mm, whereas the 16 × 16 Butler matrices combined two submatrices of 8 × 8 with two smaller boards. Insertion loss was found at 0.73 and 1.1 dB for an 8 × 8 matrix and 16 × 16 matrix, respectively. Measured amplitude and phase errors are shown to represent highly pure mode excitation with unwanted modes suppressed by 40 and 35 dB, respectively. Both types of matrices were implemented with a 7 T MRI system and 8‐ and 16‐element coil arrays for RF mode shimming experiments and operated successfully with 8 kW of RF power. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.