bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Residential indoor humidity control in tropics and sub-tropics
Authors: Chan MY , Deng SM , Xu XG 
Published: April 2009

The use of direct expansion (DX) air conditioning (A/C) systems is widely seen in residential buildings in tropics and sub-tropics. However, most DX A/C systems are equipped with single-speed compressor and supply fan, relying on On—Off cycling as a low-cost approach to maintain only indoor dry-bulb temperature, whereas the indoor air humidity is not controlled directly. This also leads to potential inefficient energy use due to space over-cooling. This paper suggests a novel control strategy (termed Hi—Lo strategy) of using two-speed compressors in DX A/C systems for better indoor thermal environment control and higher energy efficiency. Experimental work has been carried out to test the Hi—Lo control strategy. Experimental results suggested that the novel control strategy can help improve the indoor humidity control without sacrificing energy efficiency. Practical application: The use of ON/OFF control at part load conditions in conventional DX A/C systems will lead to undesirable relative humidity levels. The problem is more prominent when the latent load is dominant. In order to have a better dehumidification effect, a lower indoor dry bulb temperature has been often set. On the other hand, the use of variable speed compressors in DX A/C systems can be a solution to the problem of humidity control, but its cost is comparatively high. The suggested novel control strategy is a low cost approach, which can save energy and provide a better indoor humidity control using DX A/C systems.
Cavitation, aeration and negative pressures in siphonic roof drainage systems
Authors: Lucke Terry , Beecham Simon 
Published: April 2009

The main purpose of this study was to examine negative pressures in siphonic downpipes and to see whether these can be controlled through breaking the siphonic action by injecting air at certain points in a vertical downpipe. The study also investigated cavitation and its propagation through a prototype scale siphonic system. The paper presents methods for limiting the minimum pressure in siphonic downpipes in tall buildings. A distinctive drop in pressure between approximately —70 kN/m2 and —96 kN/m2 occurred in a 80 mm diameter downpipe and it was not possible to sustain pressures between these limits. The pressure drop to -96 kN/m2 caused the formation of a distinctive cavitation zone. Any increase in downpipe length, beyond the cavitation zone, produced a proportional increase in the cavitation zone length. Practical application: Cavitation is perceived to be a serious problem for designers of siphonic drainage systems to be installed in tall buildings. Using full-scale testing this paper provides evidence that in practice cavitation in plastic downpipes is unlikely to cause damage. The paper also provides guidelines for maximum spacing of air inlets to limit the minimum pressure to ∼70 kN/m 2 below atmospheric pressure without significantly decreasing the system capacity.
An energy consumption benchmarking system for residential buildings in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong LT , Mui KW , Law LY 
Published: April 2009

Since the energy crisis in the 1970s, the government and policymakers have endeavoured to promote energy conservation policy on sustainable building designs and operations. Various benchmarks of building energy consumption were developed. Unfortunately, the complicated benchmarking models would impose difficulties in general adaptation. This study proposes a simple sustainability benchmark using a 5-star rating system for electricity and fuel gas consumption in residential buildings. With this system, the least sustainable households, i.e. the top 10% of the survey samples in consumption, would be awarded with the lowest sustainability rating of `1 star', while the most sustainable households (i.e. the bottom 10%) would be awarded with the highest rating of `5 stars'. This simple model would be useful for identifying the extreme cases of energy consumption and promoting the policy on sustainable building practices without inclusive measurements. Practical application: A simple sustainability benchmark model using a 5-star rating system for electricity and fuel gas consumption in residential buildings is proposed. This model would be useful for promoting the policy on sustainable building practices without inclusive measurements by identifying the extreme cases of consumption.
Proof of concept studies for tissue-protective agents in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mehta LR , Schwid SR , Arnold DL , Cutter GR , Aradhye S , Balcer LJ , Calabresi PA , Cohen JA , Cole PE , Glanzman R , Goelz S , Inglese M , Kapoor R , Kappos L , Kreitman R , Lublin FD , Mann A , Marrie RA , O'Looney P , Polman CH , Ravina BM , Reingold SC , Richert JR , Sandrock AW , Waubant E 
Published: April 2009

Background There is considerable interest in tissue-protective treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods and Objectives We convened a group of MS clinical trialists and related researchers to discuss designs for proof of concept studies utilizing currently available data and assessment methods. Results Our favored design was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study of active treatment versus placebo focusing on changes in brain volume from a post-baseline scan (3–6 months after starting treatment) to the final visit 1 year later. Study designs aimed at reducing residual deficits following acute exacerbations are less straightforward, depending greatly on the anticipated rapidity of treatment effect onset. Conclusions The next step would be to perform one or more studies of potential tissue-protective agents with these designs in mind, creating the longitudinal data necessary to refine endpoint selection, eligibility criteria, and sample size estimates for future trials.
Association between MRI parameters and the MS severity scale: a 12 year follow-up study
Authors: Minneboo A , Uitdehaag BMJ , Jongen P , Vrenken H , Knol DL , van Walderveen MAA , Polman CH , Castelijns JA , Barkhof F 
Published: April 2009

Background Several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters are known to be associated with short-term outcome in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. MS-related disability typically progresses over decades, stressing the need for longer follow-up studies. Until now, these studies are relatively sparse and, therefore, the predictive value of MRI parameters for clinical disability remains largely unknown. Objective To assess the predictive value of brain MRI parameters, which are obtained during the first 3.3 years of the study for overall disease severity as measured by the MS Severity Score (MSSS) after 12.2 years follow-up. Methods Forty-six MS patients were included in the study. MRI parameters included both lesion loads and atrophy measures. Average and change parameters were calculated for MRI parameters and subsequently used as independent variables in regression models, while MSSS was the dependent variable. Results Follow-up (FU) was obtained in 43/46 patients (94%) and median expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score increased significantly from 2.5 to 4.0. At last FU median MSSS was 4.3 (range 2.2–6.9). In univariate analyses, both change and cross-sectional T1-hypointense lesion load and ventricular atrophy measures were associated with MSSS. A multiple regression model included the change parameter of hypointense T1-lesion load (BHLL). This model explained 20% of variance in MSSS, which increased to 34% when type of disease (relapsing remitting or secondary progressive), age, and sex were entered additionally. Conclusion MRI measures of axonal loss are associated with higher overall disease severity in MS patients.
Screening for pulmonary and cerebral arteriovenous malformations in children with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Al-Saleh S. , Mei-Zahav M. , Faughnan M. E. , MacLusky I. B. , Carpenter S. , Letarte M. , Ratjen F. 
Published: April 2009

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disease characterised by vascular dysplasia complicated by visceral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). To date, the diagnostic yield of screening procedures for pulmonary and cerebral AVMs in children with definite or potential HHT is not well defined. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the diagnostic yield of a screening protocol for pulmonary and cerebral AVMs in children with either a definite or potential HHT diagnosis.All children referred for evaluation for HHT between 1996 and 2008 were included in the present analysis. Screening tests for AVMs included chest computed tomography and brain magnetic resonance imaging.61 children with a definite clinical and/or genetic diagnosis of HHT were asymptomatic for visceral AVMs at their first baseline assessment (mean±sdage 8.7±4.7 yrs; range 0–17.0 yrs). Of these, 15 (25%) had pulmonary and/or cerebral AVMs diagnosed on initial screening tests. Pulmonary AVMs predominated in paediatric HHT patients (14 out of 15 patients) and were found in eight children aged <10 yrs. 55 children had a potential HHT diagnosis as they fulfilled only one or two HHT clinical diagnostic criteria and did not have a confirmatory genetic diagnosis (age 10.9±4.8 yrs; range 0–17.9 yrs). None of these children had pulmonary or cerebral AVMs on initial screening tests.The present data suggest that children with a definite HHT diagnosis have a high frequency of pulmonary AVMs even when clinically asymptomatic. In contrast, no AVMs were observed in children not fulfilling HHT diagnostic criteria. Genetic testing appears to be useful in defining an at-risk group for pulmonary AVMs in childhood.
CTLA4gene polymorphisms are associated with chronic bronchitis
Authors: Zhu G. , Agusti A. , Gulsvik A. , Bakke P. , Coxson H. , Lomas D. A. , Silverman E. K. , Pillai S. G. 
Published: April 2009

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by chronic and progressive dyspnoea, cough and sputum production. T-lymphocytes may play a key role in the pathogenesis of COPD and chronic bronchitis. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA) 4 is a potential candidate gene because it modulates T-cell activation.Genetic association between nineCTLA4single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and chronic bronchitis was assessed in 606 pedigrees (1,896 individuals) from the International COPD Genetics Network (ICGN) population. We then replicated the associations in 342 COPD subjects with chronic bronchitis and 511 COPD subjects without chronic bronchitis from Bergen, Norway. Family-based association tests were used to analyse the ICGN cohort, and a logistic regression model was used for the Bergen cohort.SixCTLA4SNPs were significantly associated with chronic bronchitis in the ICGN cohort (0.0079≤p≤0.0432), with three being replicated with the same directionality of association in the Bergen cohort (0.0325≤p≤0.0408). One of these replicated SNPs (rs231775) encodes the Thr to Ala substitution at amino acid position 17. Haplotype analyses supported the results of single SNP analyses.Thus,CTLA4is likely to be a genetic determinant of chronic bronchitis among COPD cases.
CXCR3 ligands are augmented during the pathogenesis of pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Busuttil A. , Weigt S. S. , Keane M. P. , Xue Y. Y. , Palchevskiy V. , Burdick M. D. , Huang C. , Zisman D. A. , Fishbein M. , Lynch J. P. , Strieter R. M. , Elashoff R. M. , Belperio J. A. 
Published: April 2009

We and other investigators have hypothesised that the CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)3/CXCR3 ligand biological axis is involved in the formation of sarcoid lung granulomas; however, significant discrepancies in the current literature remain. In an effort to clarify previous conflicting findings, we performed the largest observational study to date of interferon-inducible ELR-(lacking the sequence glutamic acid–leucine–arginine) CXC chemokines in sarcoid bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF).BALF chemokine levels from sarcoid patients (n = 72) and healthy controls (n = 8) were measured with the ELISA method. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for CXCR3 and its ligands.BALF CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)10 levels from sarcoid patients were not significantly increased compared with controls. BALF CXCL11 levels from sarcoid patients demonstrated a trend towards elevation; subgroup analysis by stage showed significant BALF CXCL11 elevation in stage I sarcoid patients compared with controls. BALF CXCL9 levels were elevated from sarcoid patients compared with controls. CXC11, CXCL9 and CXCR3 were expressed from epithelioid histiocytes, multinucleated giant cells and other inflammatory cells forming sarcoid lung granulomas.Our data suggest that CXCL9 and CXCL11 are important mediators in recruiting CXCR3-expressing cells. Importantly, we have made the novel observation that both lymphocytes and cells of monocyte linage express CXCR3 and are involved in the formation of sarcoid lung granulomas.
Alveolar macrophages and CC chemokines are increased in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Brennan S. , Sly P. D. , Gangell C. L. , Sturges N. , Winfield K. , Wikstrom M. , Gard S. , Upham J. W. 
Published: April 2009

Airway inflammation is an important component of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. We sought to determine whether alveolar macrophages were involved in early CF lung disease.Children with CF (median age 3.1 yrs) participated in a surveillance programme that included annual bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Control samples were obtained from non-CF children (median age 3.1 yrs; n = 24) investigated for persistent respiratory symptoms.Pulmonary infection was detected in 31% (16 out of 51) and 38% (nine out of 24) of children from the CF and non-CF groups, respectively. Alveolar macrophages in BAL were increased in CF compared with non-CF in the absence of infection (223×103versus85×103 cells·mL−1; p = 0.001) and were associated with elevations in the CC chemokines (macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3α (chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)20; 355.8versus46.0 pg·mL−1; p<0.001), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (CCL2; 263.5versus25.3 pg·mL−1; p<0.001), MIP-1α (CCL3; 38.2versus4.9 pg·mL−1; p<0.001) and MIP-1β (CCL4; 326.6versus27.5 pg·mL−1; p<0.001)). Total cell counts and neutrophil numbers increased in the presence of infection; however, there was no additional effect of CF.Alveolar macrophages and CC chemokines are elevated in the lungs in young children with CF even in the absence of pulmonary infection. Longitudinal studies are required to determine the clinical relevance of these findings.
Incidence and aetiology of eosinophilic pleural effusion
Authors: Krenke R. , Nasilowski J. , Korczynski P. , Gorska K. , Przybylowski T. , Chazan R. , Light R. W. 
Published: April 2009

Although eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) has been a subject of numerous studies, its clinical significance still remains unclear. The aim of our study was to evaluate: 1) the relative incidence and aetiology of EPE; 2) the predictors of malignancy in patients with EPE; and 3) the relationship between repeated thoracentesis and pleural fluid eosinophilia.A retrospective analysis of 2,205 pleural fluid samples from 1,868 patients treated between 1995 and 2007 was performed.We identified 135 patients with EPE (7.2% of all patients with pleural effusion) and 153 EPE samples. The most common condition associated with EPE was malignancy (34.8%) followed by infectious (19.2%), unknown (14.1%), post-traumatic (8.9%) and miscellaneous (23.0%) pleural effusions. The incidence of malignancy was significantly higher in patients with a lower (≤40%) pleural fluid eosinophil percentage. 40 patients with EPE underwent a second thoracentesis. In 16, eosinophilia was present in both pleural fluid samples, 14 revealed pleural fluid eosinophilia only after the second thoracentesis and 10 had eosinophilia only in the first pleural fluid sample.Pleural fluid eosinophilia should not be regarded as a predictor of nonmalignant aetiology. Probability of malignancy is lower in effusions with a high eosinophil percentage. The incidence of EPE in patients undergoing second thoracentesis is not different to that found during the first thoracentesis.
Stilbene glycosides are natural product inhibitors of FGF-2-induced angiogenesis
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Slevin Mark , Ahmed Nessar , West David , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal , Naz Humera , Gaffney John 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from the pre-existing vasculature is associated with pathological processes, in particular tumour development, and is a target for the development of new therapies. We have investigated the anti-angiogenic potential of two naturally occurring stilbene glycosides (compounds 1 and 2) isolated from the medicinal plant Boswellia papyriferai using large and smallvessel-derived endothelial cells. Compound 1 (trans-4',5'-dihydroxy-3-methoxystilbene-5-O-{α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)}-β-D-glucopyranoside was the more hydrophilic and inhibited FGF-2-induced proliferation, wound healing, invasion in Matrigel, tube formation and angiogenesis in large and small vessel-derived endothelial cells and also in the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Using a binding assay we were able to show compound 1 reduced binding of FGF-2 to fibroblast growth factor receptors-1 and -2. In all cases the concentration of compound 1 which caused 50% inhibition (IC50) was determined. The effect of compound 1 on EGF and VEGF-induced proliferation was also investigated.

Results
Compound 1 inhibited all stages of FGF-2 induced angiogenesis with IC50 values in the range 5.8 ± 0.18 – 48.90 ± 0.40 μM but did not inhibit EGF or VEGF-induced angiogenesis. It also inhibited FGF-2 binding to FGF receptor-1 and -2 with IC50 values of 5.37 ± 1.04 and 9.32 ± 0.082 μM respectively and with concommotant down-regulation of phosphorylated-ERK-1/-2 expression. Compound 2 was an ineffective inhibitor of angiogenesis despite its structural homology to compound 1.

Conclusion
Compound 1 inhibited FGF-2 induced angiogenesis by binding to its cognate receptors and is an addition to the small number of natural product inhibitors of angiogenesis
Mitochondrial phylogeography of baboons (Papiospp.) – Indication for introgressive hybridization?
Authors: Zinner Dietmar , Groeneveld Linn F , Keller Christina , Roos Christian 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackgroundBaboons of the genusPapioare distributed over wide ranges of Africa and even colonized parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Traditionally, five phenotypically distinct species are recognized, but recent molecular studies were not able to resolve their phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, these studies revealed para- and polyphyletic (hereafter paraphyletic) mitochondrial clades for baboons from eastern Africa, and it was hypothesized that introgressive hybridization might have contributed substantially to their evolutionary history. To further elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among baboons, we extended earlier studies by analysing the complete mitochondrial cytochromebgene and the 'Brown region' from 67 specimens collected at 53 sites, which represent all species and which cover most of the baboons' range.ResultsBased on phylogenetic tree reconstructions seven well supported major haplogroups were detected, which reflect geographic populations and discordance between mitochondrial phylogeny and baboon morphology. Our divergence age estimates indicate an initial separation into southern and northern baboon clades 2.09 (1.54–2.71) million years ago (mya). We found deep divergences between haplogroups within several species (~2 mya, northern and southern yellow baboons, western and eastern olive baboons and northern and southern chacma baboons), but also recent divergence ages among species (< 0.7 mya, yellow, olive and hamadryas baboons in eastern Africa).ConclusionOur study confirms earlier findings for eastern Africa, but shows that baboon species from other parts of the continent are also mitochondrially paraphyletic. The phylogenetic patterns suggest a complex evolutionary history with multiple phases of isolation and reconnection of populations. Most likely all these biogeographic events were triggered by multiple cycles of expansion and retreat of savannah biomes during Pleistocene glacial and inter-glacial periods. During contact phases of populations reticulate events (i.e. introgressive hybridization) were highly likely, similar to ongoing hybridization, which is observed between East African baboon populations. Defining the extent of the introgressive hybridization will require further molecular studies that incorporate additional sampling sites and nuclear loci.
Use of the λ Red-recombineering method for genetic engineering of Pantoea ananatis
Authors: Katashkina Joanna I , Hara Yoshihiko , Golubeva Lyubov I , Andreeva Irina G , Kuvaeva Tatiana M , Mashko Sergey V 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background

Pantoea ananatis, a member of the Enterobacteriacea family, is a new and promising subject for biotechnological research. Over recent years, impressive progress in its application to L-glutamate production has been achieved. Nevertheless, genetic and biotechnological studies of Pantoea ananatis have been impeded because of the absence of genetic tools for rapid construction of direct mutations in this bacterium. The λ Red-recombineering technique previously developed in E. coli and used for gene inactivation in several other bacteria is a high-performance tool for rapid construction of precise genome modifications.

Results
In this study, the expression of λ Red genes in P. ananatis was found to be highly toxic. A screening was performed to select mutants of P. ananatis that were resistant to the toxic affects of λ Red. A mutant strain, SC17(0) was identified that grew well under conditions of simultaneous expression of λ gam, bet, and exo genes. Using this strain, procedures for fast introduction of multiple rearrangements to the Pantoea ananatis genome based on the λ Red-dependent integration of the PCR-generated DNA fragments with as short as 40 bp flanking homologies have been demonstrated.

Conclusion
The λ Red-recombineering technology was successfully used for rapid generation of chromosomal modifications in the specially selected P. ananatis recipient strain. The procedure of electro-transformation with chromosomal DNA has been developed for transfer of the marked mutation between different P. ananatis strains. Combination of these techniques with λ Int/Xis-dependent excision of selective markers significantly accelerates basic research and construction of producing strains.