bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The solution existence and convergence analysis for linear and nonlinear differential-operator equations in Banach spaces within the Calogero type projection-algebraic scheme of discrete approximations
Authors: Lustyk Miroslaw , Janus Julian , Pytel-Kudela Marzenna , Prykarpatsky Anatoliy 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
The projection-algebraic approach of the Calogero type for discrete approximations of linear and nonlinear differential operator equations in Banach spaces is studied. The solution convergence and realizability properties of the related approximating schemes are analyzed. For the limiting-dense approximating scheme of linear differential operator equations a new convergence theorem is stated. In the case of nonlinear differential operator equations the effective convergence conditions for the approximated solution sets, based on a Leray-Schauder type fixed point theorem, are obtained.
A note on a Brill-Noether locus over a non-hyperelliptic curve of genus 4
Authors: Huh Sukmoon 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
We prove that a certain Brill-Noether locus over a non-hyperelliptic curve C of genus 4, is isomorphic to the Donagi-Izadi cubic threefold in the case when the pencils of the two trigonal line bundles of C coincide.
Positive and maximal positive solutions of singular mixed boundary value problem
Authors: Agarwal Ravi , O’Regan Donal , Staněk Svatoslav 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
The paper is concerned with existence results for positive solutions and maximal positive solutions of singular mixed boundary value problems. Nonlinearities h(t;x;y) in differential equations admit a time singularity at t=0 and/or at t=T and a strong singularity at x=0.
X/XY Chromosome Mosaicism: Turner Syndrome and Other Clinical Conditions
Authors: Andriuškevičiūtė Irena , Šalomskienė Loreta , Jurkėnienė Lina , Sinkus Algimantas 
Published: October 2009

X/XY Chromosome Mosaicism: Turner Syndrome and Other Clinical Conditions
The 45,X/46,XY mosaicism shows a wide spectrum of phenotypes ranging from females with Turner syndrome, male or female pseudohermaphroditism, to appearently normal male development. Chromosome anomalies accompanying Turner syndrome were found in lymphocyte cultures of 236 patients. Chromosomal analysis revealed the karyotype 45,X in 118 (50.0%) patients. X monosomy mosaics or structural rearrangements of the X chromosome was established in 112 (47.5%) patients. The Y chromosome was found in six (2.5%) patients with typical features of Turner syndrome. In five mosaics 45,X/46,XY the proportion of the XY clone ranged from 46% to 76%. In one Turner syndrome patient only 47,XYY cells were found (solely blood culture investigated). In most cases of 45,X/46,XY mosaicism, the cause is considered to be the loss of the Y chromosome because of nondisjunction after normal disomic fertilisation. Five other patients with X/XY chromosome mosaicism showed mixed gonadal dysgenesis (two patients), one male pseudohermafroditism, one male with Pierre Robin syndrome, and one normal male phenotype. In two non Turner syndrome patients nondisjunction of the primary clone 46,XY was obvious and resulted in mosaicism 45,X/46,XY/47,XYY, the one patient contained dicentric Y. The similarities between X/XY Turner syndrome and other nosological entity of females possessing Y chromosome — the Swyer syndrome — are discussed.
Cut and Paste: Sutureless Conjunctival Closure in Strabismus Surgery
Authors: Guo Suqin , Wagner Rudolph S. , Forbes Brian J. , Derespinis Patrick A. , Caputo Anthony R. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose:
This study investigated the use of fibrin glue and compared its effect with traditional sutures for conjunctival closure in strabismus surgery.

Methods:
The study included 12 patients undergoing horizontal strabismus surgery, of whom 5 underwent bilateral medial rectus muscle recessions and 7 underwent bilateral lateral rectus muscle recessions. For each patient, fibrin glue was used to close the conjunctiva of one eye and 6-0 plain sutures were used to close the other.

Results:
All eyes maintained adequate closure of the conjunctiva postoperatively and there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications for any eye. However, the average surgical time needed to apply fibrin glue was considerably less than that required for closure with sutures. Furthermore, eyes closed with fibrin glue were associated with significantly less postoperative inflammation and patient discomfort than those closed with sutures. All patients and parents reported significantly less discomfort from the eyes treated with fibrin glue.

Conclusion:
These results are promising and demonstrate a safe and effective alternative to traditional suture closure in strabismus surgery. When compared to traditional suture closure, conjunctival closure with glue includes the following advantages: less postoperative patient discomfort, diminished postoperative inflammation, and potentially reduced surgical time with corresponding reduced time under general anesthesia.
Macular Abnormality Observed by Optical Coherence Tomography in Children With Amblyopia Failing to Achieve Normal Visual Acuity After Long-Term Treatment
Authors: Liu Hong , Zhong Lu , Zhou Xin , Jin Qing-Zi 
Published: October 2009

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

1.
To explore whether there is any explanation for children with amblyopia who fail to achieve normal visual acuity.

2.
To discuss the optical coherence tomography application in observing the macular abnormality in children with amblyopia.

3.
To diagnose and evaluate the potential curable effect on treatment of amblyopia using optical coherence tomography examination.

Purpose:
To investigate why some children with amblyopia fail to achieve normal visual acuity.

Methods:
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed to observe the morphology of the macular tissue of children with various types of amblyopia who failed to achieve normal visual acuity (⩽ 20/25). Average thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) of the foveola and fovea (1-mm diameter range) was then assessed by macular retinal tomography map measurement. The data obtained were compared with those considered normal to detect any abnormality.

Results:
Fifteen patients (24 eyes) were examined. Images showed abnormality with thickened RNFL in the macular area in which either the fovea was not observed or the wave lines were flattened or unformed. The average RNFL thickness measured 201.5 ± 17.9 µm for the foveola and 226.9 ± 11.4 µm for the fovea (1-mm diameter range). The differences were highly statistically significant compared with normal values. Five cases were ametropic amblyopia, 5 were anisometropic amblyopia, and 5 were idiopathic amblyopia. Eleven cases showed improvement and 4 cases showed no response to the treatment. Twelve cases were myopic, 1 was mixed astigmatism, and 2 were normal. Nine cases were binocular amblyopia and 6 cases were uniocular amblyopia.

Conclusion:
Some children with various types of amblyopia who failed to achieve normal visual acuity after treatment showed macular abnormality on OCT examination.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2010;47:17–23.]
Is Buckle Surgery Still the State of the Art for Retinal Detachments Due to Retinal Dialysis?
Authors: Stoffelns Bernhard M. , Richard Gisbert 
Published: October 2009

Purpose:
Retinal dialysis is a frequent cause of retinal detachment in infants and young adults. The authors report long-term results obtained with conventional detachment surgery in a large consecutive series.

Methods:
Fifty-two eyes of 50 patients with retinal detachment due to dialysis underwent a segmental buckling procedure between January 1990 and December 1998. Patient characteristics and surgical results at 1 year of follow-up were evaluated. In 2007, 40 eyes from these groups were reexamined for long-term results (follow-up: 9 to 17 years; median: 13.4 years).

Results:
The mean age of the patients was 12.8 years (range = 6 to 28 years). Preferred locations of the dialyses were inferotemporal (72%) and superonasal (16%). The macula was detached in 82%. At 1 year of follow-up, the retina was completely reattached after one surgical procedure in 87% and after two procedures in 97%. Long-term follow-up of 40 of 52 eyes revealed no retinal redetachment, but additional surgeries had been performed. Visual acuity improved in 70% of the eyes, but only 40% reattained reading vision due to the high rate of macula-off retinal detachment preoperatively.

Conclusion:
Scleral buckling for retinal detachment due to dialysis yields good results, even in the long term, and remains the treatment of choice for these usually young patients despite the increasing popularity of primary vitrectomy.
The Bile Acid Receptor FXR Is a Modulator of Intestinal Innate Immunity
Authors: Vavassori Piero , Mencarelli Andrea , Renga Barbara , Distrutti Eleonora , Fiorucci Stefano 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a bile acid-regulated nuclear receptor expressed in enterohepatic tissues. In this study we investigated whether FXR is expressed by cells of innate immunity and regulates inflammation in animal models of colitis. Acute (7 days) and chronic (8 wk) colitis were induced in wild-type and FXR−/− mice by intrarectal administration of trinitrobenzensulfonic acid or by 7-day administration of 5% dextran sulfate in drinking water. The results of this experiment demonstrate that FXR is expressed by and exerts counterregulatory effects on cells of innate immunity. Exposure of LPS-activated macrophages to 6-ethyl chenodeoxycholic acid (6E-CDCA; INT-747) a synthetic FXR ligand, results in a reciprocal regulation of NF-κB dependent-genes (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-1, COX-2, and iNOS) and induction of SHP, a FXR-regulated gene. FXR activation stabilizes the nuclear corepressor NCoR on the NF-κB responsive element on the IL-1β promoter. Colon inflammation in Crohn’s disease patients and in rodent models of colitis is associated with a reduced expression of FXR mRNA. Using two rodent models of colon inflammation, we show that progression of these immune-mediated disorders is exacerbated in FXR−/− mice (p &lt; 0.01). In vivo treatment with INT-747 attenuates organ injury and immune cell activation. FXR activation increased the colon expression of I-BABP, FXR, and SHP while reducing IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ mRNA expression and attenuating disease severity. In aggregate, these findings provide evidence that FXR is an essential component of a network of nuclear receptors that regulate intestinal innate immunity and homeostasis.
Recognition of Fungal Protease Activities Induces Cellular Activation and Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin Release in Human Eosinophils
Authors: Matsuwaki Yoshinori , Wada Kota , White Thomas A. , Benson Linda M. , Charlesworth M. Cristine , Checkel James L. , Inoue Yoshinari , Hotta Kyoko , Ponikau Jens U. , Lawrence Christopher B. , Kita Hirohito 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Eosinophils are multifunctional leukocytes implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma and in immunity to certain organisms. Associations between exposure to an environmental fungus, such as Alternaria, and asthma have been recognized clinically. Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are G protein-coupled receptors that are cleaved and activated by serine proteases, but their roles in innate immunity remain unknown. We previously found that human eosinophils respond vigorously to Alternaria organisms and to the secretory product(s) of Alternaria with eosinophils releasing their proinflammatory mediators. In this study, we investigated the roles of protease(s) produced by Alternaria and of PARs expressed on eosinophils in their immune responses against fungal organisms. We found that Alternaria alternata produces aspartate protease(s) and that human peripheral blood eosinophils degranulate in response to the cell-free extract of A. alternata. Eosinophils showed an increased intracellular calcium concentration in response to Alternaria that was desensitized by peptide and protease ligands for PAR-2 and inhibited by a PAR-2 antagonistic peptide. Alternaria-derived aspartate protease(s) cleaved PAR-2 to expose neo-ligands; these neo-ligands activated eosinophil degranulation in the absence of proteases. Finally, treatment of Alternaria extract with aspartate protease inhibitors, which are conventionally used for HIV-1 and other microbes, attenuated the eosinophils’ responses to Alternaria. Thus, fungal aspartate protease and eosinophil PAR-2 appear critical for the eosinophils’ innate immune response to certain fungi, suggesting a novel mechanism for pathologic inflammation in asthma and for host-pathogen interaction.
Defining the Turkey MHC: Sequence and Genes of the B Locus
Authors: Chaves Lee D. , Krueth Stacy B. , Reed Kent M. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
The MHC, the most polymorphic and gene dense region in the vertebrate genome, contains many loci essential to immunity. In mammals, this region spans ∼4 Mb. Studies of avian species have found the MHC to be greatly reduced in size and gene content with an overall locus organization differing from that of mammals. The chicken MHC has been mapped to two distinct regions (MHC-B and -Y) of a single chromosome. MHC-B haplotypes possess tightly linked genes encoding the classical MHC molecules and few other disease resistance genes. Furthermore, chicken haplotypes possess a dominantly expressed class I and class II B locus that have a significant effect on the progression or regression of pathogenic disease. In this study, we present the MHC-B region of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) as a similarly constricted locus, with 34 genes identified within a 0.2-Mb region in near-perfect synteny with that of the chicken MHC-B. Notable differences between the two species are three BG and class II B loci in the turkey compared with one BG and two class II B loci in the chicken MHC-B. The relative size and high level of similarity of the turkey MHC in relation to that of the chicken suggest that similar associations with disease susceptibility and resistance may also be found in turkey.
Ca2+ Waves Initiate Antigen-Stimulated Ca2+ Responses in Mast Cells
Authors: Cohen Roy , Torres Alexis , Ma Hong-Tao , Holowka David , Baird Barbara 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Ca2+ mobilization is central to many cellular processes, including stimulated exocytosis and cytokine production in mast cells. Using single cell stimulation by IgE-specific Ag and high-speed imaging of conventional or genetically encoded Ca2+ sensors in rat basophilic leukemia and bone marrow-derived rat mast cells, we observe Ca2+ waves that originate most frequently from the tips of extended cell protrusions, as well as Ca2+ oscillations throughout the cell that usually follow the initiating Ca2+ wave. In contrast, Ag conjugated to the tip of a micropipette stimulates local, repetitive Ca2+ puffs at the region of cell contact. Initiating Ca2+ waves are observed in most rat basophilic leukemia cells stimulated with soluble Ag and are sensitive to inhibitors of Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum stores and to extracellular Ca2+, but they do not depend on store-operated Ca2+ entry. Knockdown of transient receptor potential channel (TRPC)1 and TRPC3 channel proteins by short hairpin RNA reduces the sensitivity of these cells to Ag and shifts the wave initiation site from protrusions to the cell body. Our results reveal spatially encoded Ca2+ signaling in response to immunoreceptor activation that utilizes TRPC channels to specify the initiation site of the Ca2+ response.
CMV-Specific TCR-Transgenic T Cells for Immunotherapy
Authors: Schub Andrea , Schuster Ingrid G. , Hammerschmidt Wolfgang , Moosmann Andreas 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Reactivation of CMV can cause severe disease after allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation. Adoptive T cell therapy was successfully used for patients who had received transplants from CMV-positive donors. However, patients with transplants from CMV-negative donors are at highest risk, and an adoptive therapy is missing because CMV-specific T cells are not available from such donors. To address this problem, we used retroviral transfer of CMV-specific TCR genes. We generated CMV-specific T cell clones of several HLA restrictions recognizing the endogenously processed Ag pp65. The genes of four TCRs were cloned and transferred to primary T cells from CMV-negative donors. These CMV-TCR-transgenic T cells displayed a broad spectrum of important effector functions (secretion of IFN-γ and IL-2, cytotoxicity, proliferation) in response to endogenously processed pp65 and could be enriched and expanded by strictly Ag-specific stimulation. Expansion of engineered T cells was accompanied by an increase in specific effector functions, indicating that the transferred specificity is stable and fully functional. Hence, we expect these CMV-TCR-transgenic T cells to be effective in controlling acute CMV disease and establishing an antiviral memory.
IL-22 Produced by Human NK Cells Inhibits Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Enhancing Phagolysosomal Fusion
Authors: Dhiman Rohan , Indramohan Mohanalaxmi , Barnes Peter F. , Nayak Ramesh C. , Paidipally Padmaja , Rao L. Vijaya Mohan , Vankayalapati Ramakrishna 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
We determined whether human NK cells could contribute to immune defenses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis through production of IL-22. CD3−CD56+ NK cells produced IL-22 when exposed to autologous monocytes and γ-irradiated M. tuberculosis, and this depended on the presence of IL-15 and IL-23, but not IL-12 or IL-18. IL-15-stimulated NK cells expressed 10.6 times more DAP10 mRNA compared with control NK cells, and DAP10 siRNA inhibited IL-15-mediated IL-22 production by NK cells. Soluble factors produced by IL-15-activated NK cells inhibited growth of M. tuberculosis in macrophages, and this effect was reversed by anti-IL-22. Addition of rIL-22 to infected macrophages enhanced phagolysosomal fusion and reduced growth of M. tuberculosis. We conclude that NK cells can contribute to immune defenses against M. tuberculosis through production of IL-22, which inhibits intracellular mycobacterial growth by enhancing phagolysosomal fusion. IL-15 and DAP-10 elicit IL-22 production by NK cells in response to M. tuberculosis.
Quantification of dynamic mixing performance of single screws of different configurations by visualization and image analysis
Authors: Wong A. C.‐Y. , Lam Y. , Wong A. C. M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe visualization and image analysis techniques developed by the authors for the study of quantifying the dynamic quality of mixing of a single‐screw extruder were employed to investigate the mixing performance of screws of different configurations. The mixing quality was quantified by calculating the variances of the light intensity of the bitmap files cropped from the films taken at the screw length of 15D and 17D of a 45‐mm screw diameter single‐screw extruder. Temperature and screw speed were the two variables studied. While temperature and back pressure were found to have little effect on the mixing quality, screw speed was demonstrated to be a major factor responsible for the mixing fluctuation observed during extrusion. In fact, screw speed and mixing fluctuation appeared to have a relationship that the higher the screw speed, the bigger the fluctuation (i.e., poorer quality of mixing). The experimental results also revealed that the secondary flight of a barrier screw might be essential to improve the quality of mixing. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 28:1–15, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20142
Drying‐induced birefringence of polyimide optical films
Authors: Chen Po‐Ju , Liu Ta‐Jo , Wu Ping‐Yao , Tseng Chi‐Fu , Leu Chyi‐Ming 
Published: October 2009

AbstractDrying‐induced birefringence of polyimide film was investigated. The polyimide solutions were coated and dried on two different types of substrates and then removed for optical measurements. The operating window, which was a region for stable and uniform film formation, was determined experimentally. The out‐of‐plane birefringence (OPBR) was found to increase with decreasing dry film thickness, and the increase became more significant for films less than 10 μm thick. The experimental OPBR results were compared with the predictions of two theoretical models. The results agreed reasonably well with the one‐dimensional model of Lei et al. (J Appl Polym Sci. 2001;81:1000‐1013). On the other hand, a simple viscoelastic model, which is an extension of the elastic model of Croll (J Appl Polym Sci. 1979;23:847‐858), could provide clear physical insight, but its applicability was somewhat limited. The effects of several variables such as elasticity number, solidification concentration, yield stress, and mass transfer rate on OPBR were examined. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Kinetic study of the decomposition of 2‐butanol on carbon‐based acid catalyst
Authors: Bedia J. , Ruiz‐Rosas R. , Rodríguez‐Mirasol J. , Cordero T. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe catalytic conversion of 2‐butanol on a carbon‐based acid catalyst prepared by chemical activation of olive stone with phosphoric acid was investigated. The carbon catalyst showed a considerable amount of surface phosphorus, presumably in form of phosphate groups, as revealed by XPS, despite a washing step carried out after the activation process. Conversion of 2‐butanol yields mainly dehydration products, mostly cis‐2‐butene and trans‐2‐butene with lower amounts of 1‐butene, and a very small amount of mek as dehydrogenation product. Kinetic interpretation of the experimental data was performed using two elimination mechanisms for the dehydration reaction; an E1‐mechanism (two‐step mechanism) and an E2‐mechanism (one‐step mechanism). The rate expressions derived from both models fit properly the experimental results, suggesting that probably the two mechanisms occur simultaneously. This is supported by the similar rate constant obtained for the formation of the carbocation and the olefins in the E1 and E2 mechanisms, respectively. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Fluidization enhancement of agglomerates of metal oxide nanopowders by microjets
Authors: Quevedo Jose A. , Omosebi Ayokunle , Pfeffer Robert 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe quality of gas–solid fluidization of agglomerates of nanoparticles has been greatly enhanced by adding a secondary flow in the form of a high‐velocity jet produced by one or more micronozzles pointing vertically downward toward the distributor. The micronozzles produced a jet with sufficient velocity (hundreds of meters per second), turbulence, and shear to break‐up large nanoagglomerates, prevent channeling, curtail bubbling, and promote liquid‐like fluidization. For example, Aerosil R974, an agglomerate particulate fluidization (APF) type nanopowder, expanded up to 50 times its original bed height, and difficult to fluidize agglomerate bubbling fluidization (ABF) type nanopowders, such as Aeroxide TiO2 P25, were converted to APF type behavior, showing large bed expansions and homogeneous fluidization without bubbles. Microjet‐assisted nanofluidization was also found to improve solids motion and prevent powder packing in an internal, is easily scaled‐up, and can mix and blend different species of nanoparticles on the nanoscale. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010