bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins induce rapid release of mature IL-1β from murine macrophages in a NLRP3 inflammasome and cathepsin B-dependent manner
Authors: Chu Jessica , Thomas L Michael , Watkins Simon C , Franchi Luigi , Núñez Gabriel , Salter Russell D 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
This study explores the mechanism by which a bacterial toxin induces the secretion of a proinflammatory cytokine from innate immune cells.
CDC are exotoxins secreted by many Gram-positive bacteria that bind cholesterol and oligomerize to form pores in eukaryotic cell membranes. We demonstrate that CDC TLO induces caspase-1 cleavage and the rapid release of IL-1β from LPS-primed murine BMDM. IL-1β secretion depends on functional toxin pore formation, as free cholesterol, which prevents TLO binding to cell membranes, blocks the cytokine release. Secretion of the mature forms of IL-1β and caspase-1 occurs only at lower TLO doses, whereas at a higher concentration, cells release the biologically inactive proforms. IL-1β release at a low TLO dose requires potassium efflux, calcium influx, and the activities of calcium-independent PLA2, caspase-1, and cathepsin B. Additionally, mature IL-1β release induced by a low TLO dose is dependent on the NLRP3 inflammasome, and pro-IL-1β release induced by a high TLO dose occurs independently of NLRP3. These results further elucidate a mechanism of CDC-induced IL-1β release and suggest a novel, immune evasion strategy in which IL-1β-containing macrophages might release primarily inactive cytokine following exposure to high doses of these toxins.
Association of serum glycated albumin to haemoglobin A1C ratio with hepatic function tests in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Bando Yukihiro , Kanehara Hideo , Toya Daisyu , Tanaka Nobuyoshi , Kasayama Soji , Koga Masafumi 
Published: August 2009

Background In patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) levels have been shown to be apparently lower than real values, whereas serum glycated albumin (GA) levels are apparently higher. The present study was aimed to examine whether both glycaemic indices are influenced by hepatic function. Methods Subjects consisted of 82 patients with CLD. Various indicators for hepatic function as well as HbA1C and GA were also measured. Estimated HbA1C values were calculated from the mean plasma glucose levels. Two hundred and two type 2 diabetic patients without CLD were studied as controls. Results Although GA was strongly correlated with HbA1C in patients with CLD as well as diabetic patients, GA levels in patients with CLD were relatively higher than those in diabetic patients. In patients with estimated HbA1C ≤5.8%, GA levels significantly increased but HbA1C levels decreased as a function of decreasing hepaplastin test (HPT). The ratio of GA/HbA1C (G/H ratio) increased as a function of decreasing HPT. In patients with estimated HbA1C >5.8%, in contrast, GA levels were independent of HPT levels. In the patients with CLD, GA and HbA1C were associated with mean plasma glucose levels and some indicators for hepatic function. The multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of G/H ratio with HPT, cholinesterase and direct bilirubin. The G/H ratio was not associated with the mean plasma glucose but with HPT and cholinesterase levels. Conclusions The G/H ratio correlates with hepatic function but not with plasma glucose levels. Therefore, CLD should be suspected for diabetic patients with an elevated G/H ratio.
Short- and Long-Term Risk Stratification Using a Next-Generation, High-Sensitivity Research Cardiac Troponin I (hs-cTnI) Assay in an Emergency Department Chest Pain Population
Authors: Kavsak Peter A , Wang Xuesong , Ko Dennis T , MacRae Andrew R , Jaffe Allan S 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Background: The next-generation, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays can measure quantifiable concentrations of cTn in a majority of individuals, but there are few studies assessing these assays for risk stratification. The present study was undertaken to determine if a research hs-cTnI assay can be useful for predicting death/myocardial infarction (MI), both short- and long-term, in an emergency department acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population.
Methods: In a cohort of 383 subjects, originally recruited in 1996, presenting to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of ACS, the heparin plasma obtained at initial presentation was thawed and measured in 2007 with a research hs-cTnI assay. AccuTnI (Beckman Coulter) measurements were made on these same samples in 2003. The population was divided into 4 groups by hs-cTnI: &lt;5.00, 5.00–9.99, 10.00–40.00, and &gt;40.00 ng/L. Kaplan–Meier, Cox proportional hazards, ROC curves, and logistic regression analyses were used to identify which hs-cTnI concentrations were predictive of death/MI within 10 years after presentation.
Results: There were significant differences between the hs-cTnI groups for the probability of death/MI up to 10 years after presentation (P &lt; 0.05). At 6 months, patients with hs-cTnI ≥10.00 ng/L were at higher risk for death/MI (hazard ratio &gt;3.7; P &lt; 0.05) compared with those having hs-cTnI &lt;5.00 ng/L. ROC curve analysis for death/MI at 30 days with the hs-cTnI assay had an area under the curve of 0.74 (95% CI 0.65–0.82), with logistic models yielding an optimal assay threshold of 12.68 ng/L.
Conclusions: This research hs-cTnI assay appears useful for risk stratification for death/MI in an ACS population.
Surveillance during labour
Authors: Steer Philip J. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
The technology of intrapartum surveillance made rapid strides from the 1960s through the 1980s but then stagnated as increasing resort to caesarean section was made rather than improving measures of fetal condition and labour progress. However, despite caesarean section rates commonly over 30%, medicolegally expensive mistakes continue to be made because it is difficult to teach clinicians to make reliable use of existing technology. It may be that as with aircraft navigation, the safest solution is to replace human judgement with the obstetric equivalent of automatic pilots.
Limit of viability in Japan: ethical consideration
Authors: Nishida Hiroshi , Sakuma Izumi 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Viability means “the quality or state of being able to live, grow and develop.” Limit of viability has been changed along with the advancement of perinatal and neonatal medicine. The viability limit defined in the Japanese Motherhood Protection Act was amended from 24 to 22 completed weeks of gestation in 1991 based on the survival rate of extremely preterm infants. Survival rates of infants at 22 and 23 weeks' gestation born between 2002 and 2004 in Japan were 31% and 56%, respectively. Though medical data are the most important means to define viability, socio-economical and ethical factors should be also considered, especially when we discuss the group of marginally viable infants. We think there are two different categories of viability limits, one from biological survival limit and another from social agreement of providing active medical intervention. Currently in Japan, the former viability definition based on purely medical data is 22 completed weeks and the latter definition is the social consensus of about 24–28 weeks' gestation.
Indicators of compliance for developmental follow-up of infants discharged from a regional NICU
Authors: Nehra Vedika , Pici Maria , Visintainer Paul , Kase Jordan S. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Aim: To identify factors associated with compliance of scheduled outpatient developmental follow-up appointments in an effort to better ensure future care.

Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study looked at patients born between January 7th 2006 and June 30th 2007 and discharged from a regional neonatal intensive care unit (RNICU). Discharge summaries were reviewed to attain information regarding 16 patient descriptives and 12 patient morbidities. Data were recorded and analyzed utilizing the statistical software SPSS 11.5.

Results: Children of older mothers were more likely to attend follow-up (compliant: 30 years vs. non-compliant: 27 years). Factors which significantly improved compliance with follow-up care were patient contact after discharge (compliant: 65% vs. non-compliant: 35%) and early intervention referral (compliant: 64% vs. non-compliant: 36%). Factors which significantly hindered compliance were maternal drug use during pregnancy (compliant: 11.8% vs. non-compliant: 88%), and patient transfer to outside NICUs [(transferred out: compliant: 3 (10.3%), non-compliant 25 (89.3%)].

Conclusions: Several factors associated with compliance have been identified. Direct patient contact after discharge positively correlated with improved follow-up attendance. The severity of patient disease in the NICU did not impact follow-up rates. As a result close attention needs to be paid to factors which influence compliance with outpatient follow-up for developmental screening.
A new obstetrical polyurethane versus stainless steel forceps: a comparison of forces generated to the base of the fetal skull during simulated deliveries
Authors: Hale Theodore M. , Shi Zhengzhuan , Idangodage Hasitha , Mercado Ray , Skupski Daniel , Veilastegui Zoila 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background: Decreasing the maximum force applied during traction to the base of the fetal skull using a less rigid polyurethane forceps is the basis of this study. Our hypothesis was that less force would be generated with polyurethane forceps than with steel forceps.

Objective: To test a new soft polyurethane obstetrical forceps for maximal force generated to the base of the skull during simulated occiput anterior deliveries and to compare this to a similar shaped steel forceps.

Methods: After designing a prototype polyurethane forceps, we used a pelvic manikin model and a fetal manikin model. Force and load sensors were attached at the inner tips of the distal forceps blade. A Tekscan 201 (accurate for measuring 0–25 pounds of force) 0.0008 inches flexible printed circuit was used that measured contact forces. Forceps with an attached calibrated sensor were applied to the fetal head while inside the pelvic model.

Results: The median maximum traction force at the base of the fetal skull was 4.60 pounds (range 4.3–4.62) for polyurethane forceps vs. 9.52 pounds (range 9.22–9.52) for steel forceps (P=0.027).

Conclusion: The polyurethane forceps applied 50% less overall mechanical force than the steel forceps at the tip of the forceps and base of the skull during simulated occiput anterior outlet deliveries.
Utility of two-dimensional echocardiography in pregnancy and post-partum period and impact on management in an inner city hospital
Authors: Dharmarajan Lekshmi , Hale Theodore M. , Velastegui Zoila , Castillo Emerita , Kanna Balavenkatesh 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Aim: Evaluate the practice and appropriateness of requesting echocardiograms in patients with suspected or documented cardiac disease during gestation and puerperium, using the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) appropriateness criteria, in conjunction with clinical picture.

Methods: Retrospective observational study, to analyze echocardiograms performed during pregnancy and puerperium at a teaching hospital from 2001 to 2006 for appropriateness criteria and studying its impact on management. Sixty-seven patients pregnant or in the puerperal stage had an echocardiogram performed during that period; 58 met our criteria for inclusion.

Results: Based on clinical information and criteria of the ACCF, 51 of the 58 echocardiograms met the appropriateness criteria. Of the 51, results of 40 impacted on management; 14 of the 40 echocardiograms that had an impact were abnormal.

Conclusions: Although the ACCF appropriateness criteria have not been specifically studied in pregnancy, our study demonstrates that the criteria are applicable if used appropriately in pregnancy. Most indications in our study correlated with the appropriateness criteria. Although most findings were normal, information from echocardiograms impacted on management in the majority of patients, contributing to therapeutic decision-making. The reliability of echocardiograms performed according to appropriate criteria to assist clinical decisions was excellent even in patients with physiologic cardiovascular changes.
Up/Down in (Im)possible Flight Attitude Indicators - Some Effects of Colour, Shape and Pattern -
Authors: Dahlstedt Sven 
Published: August 2009

Based upon general complaints from pilots, as well as suspicions that misinterpretations of the flight attitude indicator(FAI) had contributed to some crashes, some research was initiated. The first studies concerned minor revisions of the layout of the current electromechanical spherical FAI. The results indicated that many pilots wanted some improvements of the FAI and that the present colour combination (black and white) could not be considered optimal for the Swedish pilot population. The studies were continued with more hypothetical constructs, aiming at finding possible coding principles for future computer-generated flight attitude information. The basic idea was to try to find some visual coding dimension(s) that would trigger spontaneous interpretations of the spatial up/down dimension. In a series of experiments a number of combinations of colours, shapes and patterns were tested on both volontary civilian subjects and military pilots. It was found that most of the tested people expressed very strong spatial associations to some of the combinations, but also that the agreement between individuals sometimes was practically negligible. Colour and shape tended to elicit the strongest responses, with the tested patterns acting more as minor moderators. Unfortunately, however, the large individual differences do not indicate that the design of a single “optimal” combination would be easy.
The National Plan for Aviation Human Factors: Maintenance Research Issues
Authors: Johnson William B. 
Published: August 2009

The National Plan for Aviation Human Factors addresses Human Factors research associated with pilots, controllers, maintenance technicians, and their respective work environments. In each of the sections the plan addresses issues related to topics such as automation and advanced technology, basic scientific knowledge about human performance, information transfer, performance measurement, training and selection, and certification. This paper describes the portions of the National Plan related to maintenance. It includes discussion of problems shared in the maintenance of aircraft and in the maintenance of the “electronic highways” called airway facilities. The paper describes the Plan's research recommendations. In addition the paper elaborates on the current Office of Aviation Medicine Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance research, associated with the National Aging Aircraft Research Program.
Microstructural Characterization of RPV Materials Irradiated to High Fluences at High Flux
Authors: Soneda Naoki , Dohi Kenji , Nishida Kenji , Nomoto Akiyoshi , Tomimatsu Minoru , Matsuzawa Hiroshi 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Understanding the embrittlement of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels at high fluence region is very important for the long term operation of nuclear power plants. In this study, extensive microstructural analyses were performed on the RPV steels irradiated to very high fluences beyond 1020n/cm2, E&gt;1 MeVat high fluxes under the Pressurized Thermal Shock and Nuclear Power Plant Integrity Management projects in Japan. Three dimensional atom probe analyses were performed to characterize the solute atom cluster formation in these materials. The effects of fluence, flux, and chemical compositions on the characteristics of clusters were analyzed. The formation of dislocation loops was identified in the transmission electron microscopy analyses of high and low Cu steels, and the changes in loop size and number density with fluence were studied. P segregation on grain boundaries was also studied by surface analyses as well as grain boundary chemical analyses. We found that nonhardening embrittlement due to grain boundary fracture is not a major contributor to the embrittlement in these materials and irradiation conditions. The correlation of the microstructural changes and the Charpy transition temperature shifts was studied. The volume fraction of solute atom clusters has an excellent correlation with the transition temperature shifts. The Orowan model calculations of the contributions of dislocation loops to the transition temperature shifts show that in low Cu materials, dislocation loops may be a major contributor, but in Cu containing materials its contribution is weak. Root-sum-square of the contributions of solute atom clusters and dislocation loops seems to be a reasonable model to describe the total ΔRTNDT.
Adaptation of the Micro-Deval Test for Assessing the Surface Weathering Degree of Granite
Authors: Takarli Mokhfi , Phelipot-Mardele Annabelle , Prince William 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
The paper summarizes recent results obtained from a new wear test performed on fresh and artificially aged rocks. Four different types of granitic rocks with different mineral compositions and grain sizes were selected for this study. Some important physical and mechanical properties of the rock specimens were also determined. Measurements performed on fresh specimens showed that the wear coefficient is affected by the mineralogical composition, especially the predominant mineral which constitutes the rock. It was determined that wear resistance increased with increasing quartz content. The results also show that there is a positive correlation between the micro-fragmentation rate, during the wear test, and the average grain sizes. Two specimens of the tested granites were subjected to an artificial hydro-physical ageing test. Based on the results of the experiment, it was concluded that the wear testing method is a good indicator of the weathering degree. It was shown that the imposed weathering process decreases the abrasion resistance of the rock and increases its micro-fragmentation ability.
High Pressure Quick Disconnect Particle Impact Tests
Authors: Rosales Keisa R. , Stoltzfus Joel M. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) performed particle impact testing to determine whether there is a particle impact ignition hazard in the quick disconnects (QDs) in the environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) on the International Space Station (ISS). Testing included standard supersonic and subsonic particle impact tests on 15–5 PH stainless steel, as well as tests performed on a QD simulator. This paper summarizes the particle impact tests completed at WSTF. Although there was an ignition in test series 4, it was determined that the ignition was caused by the presence of a machining imperfection. The sum of all the test results and analysis enabled NASA to conclude that the risk of particle impact ignition hazard in the ISS ECLSS QDs was acceptable.
Promoted Ignition Testing of Metallic Filters in High-Pressure Oxygen
Authors: Odom Greg A. , Chiffoleau Gwenael J. A. , Newton Barry E. , Fielding J. Ron 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Currently, no test standard exists for evaluating the ignition tolerance and fault tolerance of metallic filters in high-pressure oxygen. Filters are a critical component in oxygen systems to ensure system cleanliness and mitigate ignitions by particle impact and contamination. However, filters are at risk to these same ignition mechanisms and fires have occurred in service. A new test method was developed using ASTM Standard G175 Phase 2 as a basis. The test subjects a pre-contaminated filter to a forced ignition event using an ignition pill while the filter is maintained at elevated pressure. Prior to testing, contaminant was applied to the filter element and was also placed at the filter inlet. This additional contaminant was based on contaminant that could potentially accumulate in a filter over time. This contaminant consisted of aluminum powder, iron particles, and perfluorinated lubricant. An ignition pill, consistent with ASTM Standard G175 Phase 2, was located on the upstream side of the filter. A back pressure was applied downstream of the ignition pill to ensure that the filter was pressurized during the ignition and burning of the pill. Testing was performed on brass and stainless steel filters of the same design using an oxygen shock to ignite the ignition pill at a test pressure greater than the back pressure applied to the filter. The brass filters safely contained the ignition event without breaching through the filter element or body. For the stainless steel filters, the ignition event kindled the filter element and burned through the filter body. This testing showed that the ignition fault tolerance of the brass filters was far superior to that of the stainless steel filters, which was consistent with the relative flammability of these metallic materials, and therefore verified the test methodology.
Die mittelägyptische nfr-pw-Negation
Authors: Brose Marc 
Published: August 2009

Zusammenfassung
Die nfr-pw-Negation ist als Negationsart in Texten der späten 12. bis mittleren 18. Dynastie nachweisbar, insbesondere in dokumentarischen Genres, aber auch in der Literatur und im Dekorum. Ihre Grundbedeutung ist Null / Ein Fehlen ist (es), die semantische Modifikation erfolgt durch das nachgestellte dritte Glied des dreigliedrigen pw-Satzes, das durch ein (echtes) Nomen, ein Partizip, einen Infinitiv oder ein perfektives sdm=f vertreten werden kann. Die Zeitlage des Satzes ist grundsätzlich neutral, doch werden überwiegend Vorgänge in der Vergangenheit wiedergegeben, mit sdm=f sogar obligatorisch. Die Negation selbst drückt die Nicht-Existenz in stärkerem Maße als die einfachen Negationen n / nn / tm aus, doch kann sich dieser Vorgang unter dem quantitativen Aspekt (zero) auf die einfache Stufe abschwächen und es wird zu einer Stilfigur. Die Beleglage schließlich lässt es möglicherweise als der gesprochenen Sprache nahe stehendes Idiom erscheinen.
Argument Clauses in Sahidic Coptic
Authors: Grossmann Eitan 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
In response to recent claims regarding the syntactic influence of Greek on Coptic, the present article argues that the empirical basis for such claims is founded on a misconception of Coptic syntactic structure. Specifically, the assumed complementary distribution between e-+infinitive and e-+causative infinitive is shown to be fallacious, and it is demonstrated that these two are found in mutually opposed constructions. In this context, it is argued that the causative infinitive, contrary to the claims found in grammatical literature, does mark causativity when opposed to other constructions. Additional argument clause types, which are generally neglected in grammars, are briefly surveyed.
Insight into the Intermolecular Interactions in Ionic Liquid-Ethanol-Water Mixtures by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Bo , Zhang Yumei , Wang Huaping 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
In this contribution, an insight into the interactions between 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim]BF4) and water/ethanol was offered using the Near-infrared (NIR) technique. It was found that the supermolecular structure of aqueous [Bmim]BF4 solution was destroyed as mole fraction of water surpasses 0.3979. The addition of ethanol is not favorable for water molecules to interacting with C2-H because of the competence of C2-H · · · O interactions with ethanol molecules, as well as the strong hydrogen-bond interactions between the BF4
− and the hydroxyls of the ethanol. Additionally, the most important is that both water and ethanol prefer to form hydrogen bonds with the proton H2 on imidazolium ring, rather than H4 and H5. These information would have important directive significance for studying the aggregation behavior and the structural organization of ILs in molecular solvents.