bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TLR-mediated B cell activation results in ectopic CLIP expression that promotes B cell-dependent inflammation
Authors: Newell M K , Tobin R P , Cabrera J H , Sorensen M B , Huckstep A , Villalobos-Menuey E M , Burnett M , McCrea E , Harvey C P , Buddiga A , Bar-Or A , Freedman M S , Nalbantoglu J , Arbour N , Zamvil S S , Antel J P 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
TLR stimulation results in polyclonal B cell activation, ectopic CLIP expression, release of T cell-derived TNFα, and reversal with high affinity peptide treatment.
Infectious pathogens produce compounds called Toll ligands that activate TLRs on lymphocytes. Acute activation triggered by certain TLRs appears to “jump start” the innate immune response, characterized by the release of inflammatory cytokines and cellular expansion. In some individuals, there is a failure to control acute inflammation, resulting in postinfectious, chronic inflammation. Susceptibility to chronic inflammation is strongly associated with an individualˈs MHC genes. Recent clinical trials for several autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic inflammation suggest that B lymphocyte depletion therapies dampen chronic immune activation. However, currently, there is no known mechanism that accounts for the correlation among TLR activation, MHC genetics, and a pathological role for B-lymphocytes. Our hypothesis is that TLR-activated B cells (B cells that have been polyclonally activated in the absence of antigen-specific signals) are not controlled properly by T cell-dependent B cell death, thereby causing B cell-dependent chronic inflammation. Here, we show that treatment with Toll ligands results in polyclonal B cell activation accompanied by ectopic expression of CLIP. Furthermore, by adoptively transferring purified CLIP+ B cells in syngeneic animals, we find that CLIP+ B cells induce production of TNF-α by host T cells. Finally, we demonstrate that CLIP-targeted peptide competition results in the death of polyclonally activated CLIP+ B cells.
Effects of Parathyroid Hormone Treatment on Circulating Sclerostin Levels in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Drake Matthew T. , Srinivasan Bhuma , Mödder Ulrike I. , Peterson James M. , McCready Louise K. , Riggs B. Lawrence , Dwyer Denise , Stolina Marina , Kostenuik Paul , Khosla Sundeep 
Published: July 2010

Context: Intermittent PTH treatment stimulates bone formation, but the mechanism(s) of this effect remain unclear. Sclerostin is an inhibitor of Wnt signaling, and animal studies have demonstrated that PTH suppresses sclerostin production.
Objective: The objective of the study was to test whether intermittent PTH treatment of postmenopausal women alters circulating sclerostin levels.
Design: Prospective study.
Setting: The study was conducted at a clinical research unit.
Participants and Interventions: Participants included 27 postmenopausal women treated with PTH (1-34) for 14 d and 28 control women.
Main Outcome Measures: Serum sclerostin levels were measured.
Results: Circulating sclerostin levels decreased significantly in the PTH-treated subjects, from (mean ± SEM) 551 ± 32 to 482 ± 31 pg/ml (−12.7%, P &lt; 0.0001) but did not change in the control women (baseline, 559 ± 34 pg/ml; end point, 537 ± 40 pg/ml, P = 0.207; P = 0.017 for difference in changes between groups). Bone marrow plasma was obtained in a subset of the control and PTH-treated subjects (n = 19 each) at the end of the treatment period, and marrow plasma and peripheral serum sclerostin levels were significantly correlated (R = 0.64, P &lt; 0.0001). Marrow plasma sclerostin levels were 24% lower in PTH-treated compared with control women, but perhaps due to the smaller sample size, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.173).
Conclusions: Circulating sclerostin levels correlate with bone marrow plasma levels and are reduced by intermittent PTH therapy in postmenopausal women. Further studies are needed to assess the extent to which decreases in sclerostin production contribute to the anabolic skeletal response to PTH.
Influence of Colour Lightness Differences in Patients With Left Unilateral Spatial Neglect
Authors: Sato Shinsuke , Tsubahara Akio , Aoyagi Yoichiro , Hiraoka Takashi , Hasegawa Sumire , Mizuma Masazumi 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe used desk-based tasks to evaluate and clarify the effects of colour lightness differences (Liebmann effect) in patients with left unilateral spatial neglect (USN) following stroke. Participants were 30 adults with USN (16 men and 14 women; mean age = 72.3 years,SD= 8.9 years). They took the ‘Letter Cancellation Test’ of the Japanese version of the Behavioral Inattention Test using two types of paper: black letters with a yellow background (‘black on yellow’) and red letters with a green background (‘red on green’). They also took the Line Bisection Test and their laterality index (LI) was also determined. Pairedt-tests were computed comparing the LI by colour displays. LI was higher for ‘black on yellow’ than for ‘red on green’ in patients with mild left USN. However, LI for ‘red on green’ was higher in patients with severe left USN. Colour lightness differences are likely on the left side in patients with relatively mild left USN, but not in those with severe left USN.
Prevention of Post-Concussional Syndrome in North American Workers: The Importance of Early Intervention on Vocational Outcome
Authors: LeBlanc Jeanne M. , McLachlan Kaitlyn 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to: (1) Establish whether or not specific rehabilitation for mild brain injury is effective for return to work; and (2) compare the efficacy of an impairment-focused model of treatment versus an early education approach in respect to ability to return to work. Two different approaches to intervention and treatment for those with a suspected concussion from a work-related injury were utilised by an urban, interdisciplinary, outpatient rehabilitation facility. The first approach, Group Treatment (GT), provided minimal early education at time of initial intake, emphasising an extensive group-focused interdisciplinary assessment and treatment. The second approach, Individualized Education and Treatment, (IET) emphasised early education, instead coupled with specific individualised services. Both groups received employment services. Post-discharge, GT (N= 26) resulted in 46% (n= 12) of individuals returning to competitive employment, while IET (N= 23) resulted in 78% (n= 18) of individuals returning to competitive employment. An asset-oriented early individualised educational approach appears to be a more effective for employment re-engagement.
Comparing and Contrasting Employers' Concerns on People with Substance Abuse in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago
Authors: Jin Shenghua , Tsang Hector W.H. , Jiang Yuna , Fong Mandy W.M. , Corrigan Patrick W. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe study explored and compared employers' concerns on hiring individuals with substance abuse in Chinese and Western work settings. One hundred employers from Beijing (n = 30), Hong Kong (n = 30), and Chicago (n = 40) were randomly recruited from small-sized firms and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guideline. The interview considered the following aspects: backgrounds of employers, their business and employees, hiring process and considerations, and hiring concerns towards people with substance abuse. Data were analysed using frequency count approach. Employers' concerns on hiring individuals with substance abuse in Beijing and Hong Kong focused more on communication abilities. In contrast, employers in Chicago focused more on job performance and productivity.
Localization of apoptosis proteins and lymphocyte subsets in chronic rejection of human liver allograft
Authors: Nemes Balázs , Sótonyi P. , Lotz G. , Heratizadeh A. , Gelley F. , Doege C. , Hubay M. , Schaff Zs. , Nashan B. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn chronic liver rejection lymphocyte mediated processes lead to chronic inflammation, necrosis and repair mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of apoptosis related proteins (FAS/APO-1, FAS-L, Bcl-2, Bax, TNF-α, and INF-γ). ApopTag reaction and immunohistochemistry were performed on liver samples of chronically rejected allografts and compared with normal donor livers. In chronic rejection, apoptosis was detected in pericentral hepatocytes and in the biliary epithelium. Bcl-2 was strongly expressed on lymphocytes around the bile ducts, but not on the biliary epithelium itself. Bax, FAS, TNF-αand INF-γwere present in pericentral areas. T-cells showed up around bile ducts, whereas macrophages around pericentral areas. In pericentral areas apoptosis seems to be fostered through TNF-αand INF-γand by the lack of Bcl-2. Based on these results both downregulation and upregulation of apoptotic proteins can be observed in chronic liver allograft rejection: FAS is upregulated in biliary epithelium and zone 2, protein levels of FASL remain unchanged, BAX is upregulated in zone 3, BCL2 is downregulated in both biliary epithelium and zone 1 and both TNFa and IFN are upregulated in zone 3. Our results suggest that the balance between pro- and antiapoptotic patterns was shifted to the proapoptotic side, mainly in the centrilobular area of the hepatic lobule, and in the bile ducts. According to these findings in chronic rejection the predictive sites of apoptosis are the biliary epithelium and the pericentral areas.
Successful coil embolization of an arterioportal fistula evolving 12 years after gastrojejunostomy
Authors: Csobay-Novák Cs. , Nemes B. , Balázs Gy. , Hüttl Kálmán 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Arterioportal fistula — either acquired or congenital — is a rare syndrome, which is a real challenge in gastroenterologic diagnostics. We report a case of a 76-year-old female, who was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of permanent abdominal pain and a bruit in the epigastric region. Twelve years prior she underwent Billroth II gastrojejunostomy due to a perforating duodenal ulcer, followed by cholecystectomy 6 months later. CT and MR angiography showed a fistula between the gastroduodenal artery and the portal vein. Successful treatment of the arterioportal fistula was achieved by intravascular coil embolization resulting in the resolution of the symptoms. After six years of follow-up, abdominal ultrasonography did not show any novel findings and our patient is still doing well with no recurrence.
Designing Smarter Regulation with Improved Benefit-Cost Analysis
Authors: Hahn Robert 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBenefit-cost analysis is required for many regulatory decisions in the United States and in other countries. In this paper, I examine a standard textbook model that is used in benefit-cost analysis as it is actually applied to environmental policy and other areas of regulation. My primary objective is to suggest how including some key factors in the analysis could promote the development of smarter regulation.I begin by presenting a standard economic model for government intervention in markets, which balances benefits and a narrow definition of costs. I then introduce a richer normative theory that considers several political and economic costs that are frequently not considered in analyzing real-world applications. Examples include costs associated with rent seeking, design and implementation, and raising revenues. The richer theory suggests that the government should supply less of a good, or ask the private sector to provide less of that good, than the standard economic model suggests. The reason is that intervening in markets is often more costly than the standard model assumes. In special cases, the theory provides guidance on the setting of socially optimal taxes and subsidies. I then explore how the theory needs to be modified in the presence of biased estimates of benefits and costs. I conclude with a discussion of how the theoretical framework can be applied to the actual design of regulatory policy.
A Synthesis of Random Assignment Benefit-Cost Studies of Welfare-to-Work
Programs
Authors: Greenberg David H. , Deitch Victoria , Hamilton Gayle 
Published: July 2010

AbstractOver the past two decades, federal and state policymakers have dramatically reshaped
the nation’s system of cash welfare assistance for low-income families. During this
period, there has been considerable variation from state to state in approaches to
welfare reform, which are often collectively referred to as “welfare-to-work
programs.” This article synthesizes an extraordinary body of evidence: results from
28 benefit-cost studies of welfare-to-work programs based on random assignment
evaluation designs. Each of the 28 programs can be viewed as a test of one of six
types of welfare reform approaches: mandatory work experience programs, mandatory
job-search-first programs, mandatory education-first programs, mandatory
mixed-initial-activity programs, earnings supplement programs, and time-limit-mix
programs. After describing how benefit-cost studies of welfare-to-work programs are
conducted and considering some limitations of these studies, the synthesis addresses
such questions as: Which welfare reform program approaches yield a positive return on
investments made, from the perspective of program participants and from the
perspective of government budgets, and the perspective of society as a whole? Which
approaches make program participants better off financially? In which approaches do
benefits exceed costs from the government’s point of view? The last two of these
questions coincide with the trade-off between reducing dependency on government
benefits and ensuring adequate incomes for low-income families. Because the
benefit-cost studies examined program effects from the distinct perspectives of
government budgets and participants’ incomes separately, they address this trade-off
directly. The article thus uses benefit-cost findings to aid in assessing the often
complex trade-offs associated with balancing the desire to ensure the poor of
adequate incomes and yet encourage self-sufficiency.
An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Literature for the Reduction of PICC Line Occlusions
Authors: Bartock Linda 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are known to have difficulties with catheter occlusions. This paper evaluates the scope of PICC occlusions, their prevalence and severity, and potential interventions to decrease incidence. A systematic review of the literature is performed and demonstrates three potential interventions: utilization of a dedicated PICC insertion team, implementation of a valved PICC, and nursing education of PICC care. The evidence from the literature is evaluated, and implementation of the proposed interventions is discussed.
The Maslov correction in the semiclassical Feynman integral
Authors: Horváthy Peter. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
The Maslov correction to the wave function is the jump of $$
\left( { - \frac{\pi }
{2}} \right)
$$ in the phase when the system passes through a caustic. This can be explained by studying the second variation and the geometry of paths, as conveniently seen in Feynman’s path integral framework. The results can be extended to any system using the semiclassical approximation. The 1-dimensional harmonic oscillator is used to illustrate the different derivations reviewed here.
Starch graft copolymers as superabsorbents obtained via reactive extrusion processing
Authors: Zdanowicz Magdalena , Schmidt Beata , Spychaj Tadeusz 
Published: July 2010

Starch graft copolymers as superabsorbents obtained via reactive extrusion processing
Starch graft copolymers have been obtained via grafting of acrylic monomers i.e. acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AA) during the reactive extrusion processes. 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was used as a radical initiator and N'N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), mixture of pentaerythritol triacrylate and pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (trade name PETIA) and alkoxylated pentaerithritol acrylate (trade name Ebecryl 40) were applied as acrylic crosslinkers. The obtained materials were characterized by FTIR and their water sorption properties investigated using swelling (vol. %) and sorption (wt. %) tests. Sorption of water into these graft copolymer samples reached values of ca. 6-13 g of water per g of dry materials. It was also found that water sorption values were dependent on ratio of AAm and AA as well as on a type of the applied crosslinking agent.
Parametric studies and simulation of PSA process for oxygen production from air
Authors: Beeyani Ankit , Singh Kailash , Vyas Raj , Kumar Shashi , Kumar Surendra 
Published: July 2010

Parametric studies and simulation of PSA process for oxygen production from air
A numerical simulation and parametric studies for the separation of air using 5A zeolite for the production of oxygen are presented for a basic two bed pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process. The simulation is based on an in-house program ‘PSASOL’ developed in MATLABR. The transient process of PSA has been described by a set of partial differential equations, which were solved using a finite difference method. Simulation results have been validated with the experimental data from literature.
Based on the simulation results, an optimal set of operational parameter values has been obtained for the PSA bed. The values of the optimal parameters, viz. adsorption pressure, cycle time, feed rate, and product rate have been found to be 2.5 atm, 150 s, 15 cm3/s, and 2.55 cm3/s, respectively. For the optimal conditions, purity of 95.45% and recovery of 77.3% have been achieved. It has also been found that a longer tubular unit with the length to diameter (L/D) ratio of 10.5 is advantageous. The estimated pressure drop across the bed has been found to be negligible. Power consumption and productivity have also been computed.
Influence of the coating process parameters on the quality of PUR/PVP hydrogel coatings for PVC medical devices
Authors: Paradowska Anna , Kaźmierska Katarzyna , Ciach Tomasz 
Published: July 2010

Influence of the coating process parameters on the quality of PUR/PVP hydrogel coatings for PVC medical devices
To decrease friction factor and enhance the biocompatibility of medical devices manufactured from poly(vinyl chloride), PVC, the surface modification with wear resistant polyurethane/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PUR/PVP) hydrogel coating can be applied. In the present work substrates were dip-coated with PVP and PUR solutions and thermally cured. The variable process parameters were: solvent system; concentration of polymers (1, 2 or 3% w/v); coating baths temperature (22, 38 and 55°C); drying temperature (32, 50 and 67°C); length of break between process steps (5, 30 and 90 s); and solutions storage time (up to 72 hrs). The quality of coatings was determined by friction coefficients against porcine aorta, weights of the deposited layer and the swelling capacity. The solvent system and polymers concentration were crucial factors. The increased temperature of coating solutions caused increased deposition but decreased durability. The most lubricious samples were dried in 50°C. Coatings from the solutions prepared 24h prior to use had better properties than those from fresh solutions.
Temporal changes of sediment dynamics within the Nairobi River sub-basins between 1998-2006 time scale, Kenya
Authors: Kithiia Shadrack , Wambua Boniface 
Published: July 2010

Temporal changes of sediment dynamics within the Nairobi River sub-basins between 1998-2006 time scale, Kenya
The city of Nairobi is the heart of both industrial production and the economic hub in Kenya and the Eastern Africa region. The city of Nairobi and its environs are drained by three streams, namely: Nairobi, Mathare and Ngong rivers. These streams drain areas of diverse land use activities. The land use changes in a spatial manner from the rich agricultural system through residential cum urban to industrial. The significance of these various land use systems to pollutants generation, pollution, sediment generation and hence water pollution and quality degradation is quite enormous and worth investigation. The land use changes in a spatial manner making the basin ideal for a temporal variation of sediments yields along the river profile and their impacts on the water quality status. This paper examines the results of study carried out within the basins in the years 1998-2006. The method of study involved water sampling and laboratory analysis to reveal the trends in sediment load increases downstream the investigated streams. Soil samples were also investigated to determine their relationship to soil erosion rates and sediment fluxes. The study attempts further to find the best sediment management strategies in reversing their increasing trends and restoring water quality within the basin.
Application of a particle swarm optimization to a physically-based erosion model
Authors: Santos Celso , Pinto Luiz , De Macedo Machado Freire Paula , Mishra Sudhanshu 
Published: July 2010

Application of a particle swarm optimization to a physically-based erosion model
The difficulties involved in calibration of physically based erosion models have been partly attributable to the lack of robust optimization tools. This paper presents the essential concepts and application to optimize channel and plane parameters in an erosion model, with a global optimization method known as Repulsive Particle Swarm (RPS), a variant of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method. The physically-based erosion model that which was chosen is called WESP (watershed erosion simulation program). The optimization technique was tested with the field data collected in an experimental watershed located in a semi-arid region of Brazil. On the basis of these results, the recommended erosion parameter values for a semi-arid region are given, which could serve as an initial estimate for other similar areas.
Variability of bedload transport rate during flood flows in the Zagożdżonka River
Authors: Popek Zbigniew 
Published: July 2010

Variability of bedload transport rate during flood flows in the Zagożdżonka River
The paper presents the measurement results of bedload sediment transport during the flood flows observed in the Zagożdżonka River. The point for measuring the bedload transport, equipped with sediment catcher, devices for continuous measurements, and automated data recording, was localized above the Czarna gauge station in catchment studied by the Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Environmental Restoration, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW. The results of bedload transport measurements during one of the flood flow waves were compared to those calculated by using the Bagnold's formula. To determine the critical bed-shear stress, the Author's formula resulting from laboratory experiments, was used. Calculated variability of bedload transport rate during analyzed flood flow wave apparently differed from that directly measured. Nevertheless, mass of bedload achieved from calculations was lower by 6% than that from measurements, which can be considered as good result consistence.
Basement of the alluvia influence on the channel pattern in example of selected reach of the Pilica River
Authors: Falkowski Tomasz 
Published: July 2010

Basement of the alluvia influence on the channel pattern in example of selected reach of the Pilica River
The type of the channel pattern is being considered as indicative element of the fluvial environment, especially for lowland, mature rivers. Investigations carried out in the Pilica River valley (example of such river) between Inowłódz and Domaniewice (grant no 2P04E 069 29, Ministry of Science) have shown that morphological features of the valley bottom (channel zone, as well as flood terrace) depends not only on river regime, but also on channel zone geological setting. Elements of the Pilica valley geology influencing on fluvial processes are protrusions of alluvia basement composed of deposits resistant to erosion, crop out in the channel zone.