bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling the performance of a continuously variable supercharger drive system
Authors: Rose A T J M , Akehurst S , Brace C J 
Published: July 2011

This paper details a simulation-based investigation into a novel forced-induction boosting system with a centrifugal-type supercharger driven from the engine crankshaft via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This system acts as a pre-boost to a traditional fixed-geometry turbocharger and has been identified as a possible solution to improving the low-speed engine torque and transient response of future downsized and existing turbocharged engines. The concept was modelled around an existing baseline high-speed direct-injection diesel engine model featuring a variable-geometry turbocharger. Conclusions are drawn comparing the potential of the proposed system with the baseline engine in terms of the brake specific fuel consumption, and both the steady state and the transient performance. A design-of-experiments approach is applied to investigate the effects of the supercharger compressor size, the turbocharger compressor and turbine size, the CVT ratio, and the engine compression ratio on the system performance. Optimization techniques are then applied to identify the best settings for these parameters in the proposed system. Transient simulation was undertaken in a MATLAB/Simulink Ricardo WAVE co-simulation environment to develop the required control strategies for the CVT supercharger. The proposed system demonstrates a significant improvement in the low-speed engine torque and transient response of the boosting system during tip-in pedal events, which it is proposed will result in a significant improvement in the vehicle performance and driveability.
Effect of fixed-dose losartan/hydrochlorothiazide on brain natriuretic peptide in patients with hypertension
Authors: Shiga Yuhei , Miura Shin-ichiro , Mitsutake Ryoko , Uehara Yoshinari , Inoue Asao , Saku Keijiro 
Published: July 2011

Objective: Losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (Preminent®) is a fixed-dose combination of angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and the thiazide diuretic HCTZ that has consistently been shown to be more effective than either losartan or HCTZ. Little is known about the relationship between losartan/HCTZ and blood levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Methods and results: In this study, 44 patients with hypertension who were being treated with ARB were enrolled. The ARB was changed to losartan/HCTZ because of uncontrolled hypertension. Blood pressure (BP), pulse rate (PR), plasma levels of BNP and other biochemical parameters were analyzed at baseline and 6 and 12 months after the change from ARB. Of the total 44 patients, 33 (75%) achieved the target BP at 12 months. While there was no significant change in PR, systolic and diastolic BP were significantly reduced (−23 ± 3 mmHg and −10 ± 2 mmHg, respectively) during this period. Although there were no significant changes in biochemical parameters, plasma levels of BNP were significantly decreased, especially in patients who had higher levels of BNP at baseline, during this period. Conclusion: Losartan/HCTZ therapy significantly reduced not only BP but also plasma levels of BNP in patients with hypertension. These findings suggest that losartan/HCTZ might have cardioprotective effects in patients with higher levels of BNP.
Equipoise should be amended, not abandoned
Authors: van der Graaf Rieke , van Delden Johannes JM 
Published: July 2011

Background Benjamin Freedman has argued in 1987 that before a controlled trial is started, there should be ‘genuine uncertainty in the expert medical community about the preferred treatment’. Freedman’s definition of the concept is widespread in clinical research, but has been controversial since its start. Over the past decade, the equipoise controversy has become increasingly complex. Purpose This article aims: (1) to identify and clarify the main points of contention in the equipoise controversy, and (2) to reconcile the opposing views by pointing at areas of overlap between proponents and opponents in the equipoise debate. Methods We analyze the positions of the leading authors in the equipoise debate in the past decade. Results There is substantial overlap between the opponents and proponents of equipoise. Both should be able to accept the following answers to points of contention in the debate: (1) the therapeutic obligation can remain the basis for equipoise as long as it is conceived as an obligation to provide participants with competent care, (2) equipoise is grounded in a competent care and an epistemological dilemma, (3) equipoise does not as a rule prohibit placebo-controlled trials when proven effective treatment exists, (4) patient equipoise and individual physician equipoise are irrelevant, and (5) having to stop a trial is not always equivalent to disturbing equipoise. Clarification of these points of contention leads to a sharpened definition of equipoise: ‘a state of genuine agnosticism or conflict in the expert medical community about the net preferred medically established procedure for the condition under study’. This definition asks of physician-researchers and members of IRBs to meet two conditions: (1) to genuinely evaluate to what extent a proposed randomized clinical trial solves a state of agnosticism or a knowledge conflict in the expert medical community and (2) to respect the standard of competent care, meaning that they consider whether the regular clinical standard from an all-things considered perspective is also the preferred standard in the research context. Equipoise is a specification of two general ethical principles for clinical research: scientific validity and a favorable risk benefit ratio. As a specification equipoise adds substance to these principles since they do not explicitly ask for the two conditions. Equipoise is a prima facie obligation rather than a morally authoritative principle for determining the acceptability of clinical trials. It needs to be balanced against other norms for clinical research. Violation of equipoise is therefore not always unethical. Limitations This study is limited to the context of randomized clinical trials. Conclusions There is no decisive reason to give up on the equipoise requirement.
Quantifying physical activity in daily life with questionnaires and motion sensors in COPD
Authors: Pitta F. , Troosters T. , Probst V. S. , Spruit M. A. , Decramer M. , Gosselink R. 
Published: July 2011

Accurate assessment of the amount and intensity of physical activity in daily life is considered very important due to the close relationship between physical activity level, health, disability and mortality. For this reason, assessment of physical activity in daily life has gained interest in recent years, especially in sedentary populations, such as patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).The present article aims to compare and discuss the two kinds of instruments more commonly used to quantify the amount of physical activity performed by COPD patients in daily life: subjective methods (questionnaires, diaries) and motion sensors (electronic or mechanical methods). Their characteristics are summarised and evidence of their validity, reliability and sensitivity is discussed, when available.Subjective methods have practical value mainly in providing the patients' view on their performance in activities of daily living and functional status. However, care must be taken when using subjective methods to accurately quantify the amount of daily physical activity performed. More accurate information is likely to be available with motion sensors rather than questionnaires. The selection of which motion sensor to use for quantification of physical activity in daily life should depend mainly on the purpose of its use.
A rare case of "switch on and off" multi-system Langerhans cell histiocytosis in an adult patient
Authors: Karpathiou Georgia , Koutsopoulos Anastasios , Froudarakis Marios E 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Introduction
We report the case of a 24-year-old Greek woman with histologically proven osseous and pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis whose lesions had progressively regressed with a "switch on and off" mode. This is the first report in the literature of this mode of presentation of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Case presentation
The patient had first presented at the age of 20 years with a solitary lesion of the humerus which spontaneously regressed. At that time, no therapy or smoking cessation was indicated. Four years later she presented with bilateral pneumothorax and pulmonary lesions of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. She had pleurodesis for this disease-related complication, and no further systemic treatment was applied, except with regard to smoking cessation. During the follow-up period, her pulmonary lesions regressed without recurrence six years after the initial lung involvement.

Conclusion
This uncommon case of remission of multi-system Langerhans cell histiocytosis indicates the unpredictable evolution of the disease, raising the question of conservative management in such a patient.
Stromal Cell–Derived Factor‐1 Significantly Induces Proliferation, Migration, and Collagen Type I Expression in a Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cell Subpopulation
Authors: Du Lingqian , Yang Pishan , Ge Shaohua 
Published: July 2011

Background: The pivotal role of chemokine stromal cell–derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells recruitment and tissue regeneration has already been reported. However, its roles in human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) remain unknown. PDLSCs are regarded as candidates for periodontal tissue regeneration and are used in stem cell–based periodontal tissue engineering. The expression of chemokine receptors on PDLSCs and the migration of these cells induced by chemokines and their subsequent function in tissue repair may be a crucial procedure for periodontal tissue regeneration.Methods: PDL tissues were obtained from clinically healthy premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons and used to isolate single‐cell colonies by the limited‐dilution method. Immunocytochemical staining was used to detect the expression of the mesenchymal stem cell marker STRO‐1. Differentiation potentials were assessed by alizarin‐red staining and oil‐red O staining. The expression of SDF‐1 receptor CXCR4 was evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunocytochemical staining. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay were used to determine the viability and proliferation of the PDLSC subpopulation. Expression of collagen type I and alkaline phosphatase was detected by real‐time PCR to determine the effect of SDF‐1 on cells differentiation.Results: Twenty percent of PDL single‐cell colonies expressed STRO‐1 positively, and this specific subpopulation was positive for CXCR4 and formed minerals and lipid vacuoles after 4 weeks induction. SDF‐1 significantly increased proliferation and stimulated the migration of this PDLSC subpopulation at concentrations between 100 and 400 ng/mL. CXCR4 neutralizing antibody could block cell proliferation and migration, suggesting that SDF‐1 exerted its effects on cells through CXCR4. SDF‐1 promoted collagen type I level significantly but had little effect on alkaline phosphatase level.Conclusion: SDF‐1 may have the potential of promoting periodontal tissue regeneration by the mechanism of guiding PDLSCs to destructive periodontal tissue, promoting their activation and proliferation and influencing the differentiation of these stem cells.
The use of a Kalman filter in geodesy and navigation
Authors: Bezručka J. 
Published: July 2011

The use of a Kalman filter in geodesy and navigation
A Kalman filter is an optimal linear estimator developed in 1960. It is a recursive algorithm, i.e. it uses its output as an input for the next cycle. It allows to effectively estimate the dynamic parameters and predict their future values.
Although huge number of papers have been written on this topic, this paper intends to introduce the processes within a Kalman filter and allow them to be fully understood without the need for a broad mathematical background. Several examples of a Kalman filter based on situations in geodesy, surveying and navigation are solved step by step to explicitly show the performance of this approach to linear estimations.
Le paysage scolaire à la veille de la restauration de Meiji : écoles et manuels
Authors: Galan Christian 
Published: July 2011

Plus que quantitatif, le bilan de l'époque d'Edo en matière d'éducation est avant tout qualitatif et tient en trois points : l'existence d'un réseau d'écoles couvrant tout le pays, l'acceptation par une grande partie de la population de la nécessité de l'éducation, l'existence de pratiques pédagogiques et d'ouvrages à finalité scolaire utilisés plusieurs siècles durant.
La présentation de l'instruction scolaire durant cette période souffre trop souvent de généralisations ou de simplifications qui empêchent notamment d'appréhender correctement la réalité des pratiques pédagogiques. Ne retenir, par exemple, que les oppositions écoles de fiefs/écoles du peuple (hankô / terakoya) ou études classiques /études pratiques n'est pas suffisant : non seulement il existait d'autres types d'institutions scolaires, mais à l'intérieur même d'une même catégorie d'écoles les enseignements dispensés pouvaient être très différents en fonction du lieu et de la période de l'époque d'Edo considérée.
L'objectif de cet article est donc d'essayer de donner une image un peu plus précise du paysage éducatif de l'époque d'Edo en présentant les différents types d'institutions scolaires qui existaient à la veille de la Restauration de Meiji, ainsi que les ouvrages qui y étaient utilisés en tant que manuels scolaires.
The Src Family Kinase Fgr Is Critical for Activation of Mast Cells and IgE-Mediated Anaphylaxis in Mice
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Kim Jie Wan , Kim Do Kyun , Kim Hyuk Soon , Park Hye Jin , Park Dong Ki , Kim A-Ram , Kim Bokyung , Beaven Michael A. , Park Kui Lea , Kim Young Mi , Choi Wahn Soo 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Mast cells are critical for various allergic disorders. Mast cells express Src family kinases, which relay positive and negative regulatory signals by Ag. Lyn, for example, initiates activating signaling events, but it also induces inhibitory signals. Fyn and Hck are reported to be positive regulators, but little is known about the roles of other Src kinases, including Fgr, in mast cells. In this study, we define the role of Fgr. Endogenous Fgr associates with FcεRI and promotes phosphorylation of Syk, Syk substrates, which include linkers for activation of T cells, SLP76, and Gab2, and downstream targets such as Akt and the MAPKs in Ag-stimulated mast cells. As a consequence, Fgr positively regulates degranulation, production of eicosanoids, and cytokines. Fgr and Fyn appeared to act in concert, as phosphorylation of Syk and degranulation are enhanced by overexpression of Fgr and further augmented by overexpression of Fyn but are suppressed by overexpression of Lyn. Moreover, knockdown of Fgr by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) further suppressed degranulation in Fyn-deficient bone marrow-derived mast cells. Overexpression of Fyn or Fgr restored phosphorylation of Syk and partially restored degranulation in Fyn-deficient cells. Additionally, knockdown of Fgr by siRNAs inhibited association of Syk with FcεRIγ as well as the tyrosine phosphorylation of FcεRIγ. Of note, the injection of Fgr siRNAs diminished the protein level of Fgr in mice and simultaneously inhibited IgE-mediated anaphylaxis. In conclusion, Fgr positively regulates mast cell through activation of Syk. These findings help clarify the interplay among Src family kinases and identify Fgr as a potential therapeutic target for allergic diseases.
Comparison of a Travoprost BAK-Free Formulation Preserved with Polyquaternium-1 with BAK-Preserved Travoprost in Ocular Hypertension or Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors:   Travoprost Bak-Free Clinical Study Group, Gandolfi Stefano , Paredes Tania , Goldberg Ivan , Coote Michael , Wells Anthony , Volksone Lasma , Pillai Manju R. , Stalmans Ingeborg , Denis Philippe 
Published: July 2011

Purpose To demonstrate that the intraocular pressure (IOP)–lowering effect of travoprost 0.004% preserved with polyquaternium-1 (travoprost benzalkonium chloride [BAK]-free) is non-inferior to that of travoprost 0.004% preserved with benzalkonium chloride (travoprost BAK) in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. Methods A total of 371 patients randomly received travoprost BAK-free (n=185) or travoprost BAK (n=186) dosed once daily in the evening for 3 months. Patients were evaluated at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 4 PM at baseline, weeks 2 and 6, and month 3. Intraocular pressure was also evaluated 36 and 60 hours after the month 3 visit. Results Travoprost BAK-free is non-inferior to travoprost BAK. The 95% upper confidence limits for the difference in mean IOP at month 3 (primary efficacy) were 0.5 mmHg, 0.6 mmHg, and 0.5 mmHg, at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 4 PM, respectively. Mean IOP reductions from baseline ranged from 7.6 to 8.7 mmHg in the travoprost BAK-free group and from 7.7 to 9.2 mmHg in the travoprost BAK group. At 36 and 60 hours after the last dose, mean IOP remained 6.8 mmHg and 5.7 mmHg below baseline in the travoprost BAK-free group, vs 7.3 mmHg and 6.0 mmHg in the travoprost BAK group, respectively. The safety profile of travoprost BAK-free was similar to that of travoprost BAK. Conclusions Travoprost BAK-free safely and effectively lowers IOP in eyes with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This BAK-free formulation has comparable safety, efficacy, and duration of IOP-lowering effect to travoprost preserved with BAK. Travoprost BAK-free is an effective option for IOP reduction while avoiding BAK exposure.
Topical Cyclosporine a Administration after Pterygium Surgery
Authors: Özülken Kemal , Koç Mustafa , Ayar Orhan , Hasiripi Hikmet 
Published: July 2011

Purpose To evaluate the success rate of topical cyclosporine A (tCsA) (Restasis®, Allergan) in preventing the recurrence of pterygium excision and conjunctival flap rotation technique in patients applying to our clinic and diagnosed with pterygium. Methods A total of 56 eyes with primary pterygium in 56 patients were examined and operated with pterygium excision and conjunctival flap rotation technique between October 2008 and September 2009. A total of 26 eyes of these 56 patients were treated with tCsA (Restasis®, Allergan) for 6 months during the postoperative period and assigned as the treatment group. The other 30 eyes of 56 patients were assigned as the control group. The operated patients were followed up for approximately 11 months. Results The 2 groups were similar in age, sex, and pterygial size. The largest percentage of the patients were farmers (30.3%). The pterygium recurred in 8 (14.2%) of 56 patients; 2 of them were in the treatment group (7.7%) and 6 of them were in the control group (20.0%). There was not any complication threatening vision among operated patients. Recurrence rates between the control and treatment group were statistically significant (p<0.05). The complication and postoperative compliance rates were lower in the treatment group than the control group. The difference between preoperative and postoperative Schirmer I test results among the treatment and control group was statistically significant (p<0.05). The Schirmer I test results increased after tCsA treatment for patients assigned to the treatment group. Conclusions The results suggest that tCsA (Restasis®, Allergan) can be used safely and effectively after pterygium surgery to obtain lower rates of recurrence.
Butanol Production from Crystalline Cellulose by Cocultured Clostridium thermocellum and Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum N1-4
Authors: Nakayama Shunichi , Kiyoshi Keiji , Kadokura Toshimori , Nakazato Atsumi 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

We investigated butanol production from crystalline cellulose by cocultured cellulolytic
Clostridium thermocellum
and the butanol-producing strain,
Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum
(strain N1-4). Butanol was produced from Avicel cellulose after it was incubated with
C. thermocellum
for at least 24 h at 60°C before the addition of strain N1-4. Butanol produced by strain N1-4 on 4% Avicel cellulose peaked (7.9 g/liter) after 9 days of incubation at 30°C, and acetone was undetectable in this coculture system. Less butanol was produced by cocultured
Clostridium acetobutylicum
and
Clostridium beijerinckii
than by strain N1-4, indicating that strain N1-4 was the optimal strain for producing butanol from crystalline cellulose in this coculture system.
The Endolysin-Binding Domain Encompasses the N-Terminal Region of the Mycobacteriophage Ms6 Gp1 Chaperone
Authors: Catalão Maria João , Gil Filipa , Moniz-Pereira José , Pimentel Madalena 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

The intermolecular interactions of the mycobacteriophage Ms6 secretion chaperone with endolysin were characterized. The 384-amino-acid lysin (lysin
384
)-binding domain was found to encompass the N-terminal region of Gp1, which is also essential for a lysis phenotype in
Escherichia coli
. In addition, a GXXXG-like motif involved in Gp1 homo-oligomerization was identified within the C-terminal region.
An
acpXL
Mutant of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. phaseoli Lacks 27-Hydroxyoctacosanoic Acid in Its Lipid A and Is Developmentally Delayed during Symbiotic Infection of the Determinate Nodulating Host Plant Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Brown Dusty B. , Huang Yu-Chu , Kannenberg Elmar L. , Sherrier D. Janine , Carlson Russell W. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

Rhizobium leguminosarum
is a Gram-negative bacterium that forms nitrogen-fixing symbioses with compatible leguminous plants via intracellular invasion and establishes a persistent infection within host membrane-derived subcellular compartments. Notably, an unusual very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) is found in the lipid A of
R. leguminosarum
as well as in the lipid A of the medically relevant pathogens
Brucella abortus
,
Brucella melitensis
,
Bartonella henselae
, and
Legionella pneumophila
, which are also able to persist within intracellular host-derived membranes. These bacterial symbionts and pathogens each contain a homologous gene region necessary for the synthesis and transfer of the VLCFA to the lipid A. Within this region lies a gene that encodes the specialized acyl carrier protein AcpXL, on which the VLCFA is built. This study describes the biochemical and infection phenotypes of an
acpXL
mutant which lacks the VLCFA. The mutation was created in
R. leguminosarum
bv. phaseoli strain 8002, which forms symbiosis with
Phaseolus vulgaris
, a determinate nodulating legume. Structural analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry revealed that the mutant lipid A lacked the VLCFA. Compared to the parent strain, the mutant was more sensitive to the detergents deoxycholate and dodecyl sulfate and the antimicrobial peptide polymyxin B, suggesting a compromise to membrane stability. In addition, the mutant was more sensitive to higher salt concentrations. Passage through the plant restored salt tolerance. Electron microscopic examination showed that the mutant was developmentally delayed during symbiotic infection of the host plant
Phaseolus vulgaris
and produced abnormal symbiosome structures.
Multiple Types of 8-Vinyl Reductases for (Bacterio)Chlorophyll Biosynthesis Occur in Many Green Sulfur Bacteria
Authors: Liu Zhenfeng , Bryant Donald A. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

Two 8-vinyl reductases, BciA and BciB, have been identified in chlorophototrophs. The
bciA
gene of
Chlorobaculum tepidum
was replaced with genes similar to
bciB
from other green sulfur bacteria. Pigment analyses of the complemented strains showed that the
bciB
homologs encode 8-vinyl reductases similar to those of cyanobacteria.