bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of osteoclast function reduces hematopoietic stem cell numbers in vivo
Authors: Lymperi Stefania , Ersek Adel , Ferraro Francesca , Dazzi Francesco , Horwood Nicole J. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractOsteoblasts play a crucial role in the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche; however, an overall increase in their number does not necessarily promote hematopoiesis. Because the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts is coordinately regulated, we hypothesized that active bone-resorbing osteoclasts would participate in HSC niche maintenance. Mice treated with bisphosphonates exhibited a decrease in proportion and absolute number of Lin−cKit+Sca1+ Flk2− (LKS Flk2−) and long-term culture–initiating cells in bone marrow (BM). In competitive transplantation assays, the engraftment of treated BM cells was inferior to that of controls, confirming a decrease in HSC numbers. Accordingly, bisphosphonates abolished the HSC increment produced by parathyroid hormone. In contrast, the number of colony-forming-unit cells in BM was increased. Because a larger fraction of LKS in the BM of treated mice was found in the S/M phase of the cell cycle, osteoclast impairment makes a proportion of HSCs enter the cell cycle and differentiate. To prove that HSC impairment was a consequence of niche manipulation, a group of mice was treated with bisphosphonates and then subjected to BM transplantation from untreated donors. Treated recipient mice experienced a delayed hematopoietic recovery compared with untreated controls. Our findings demonstrate that osteoclast function is fundamental in the HSC niche.
High-dose dexamethasone shifts the balance of stimulatory and inhibitory Fcγ receptors on monocytes in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Liu Xin-guang , Ma Shi-hui , Sun Jian-zhi , Ren Juan , Shi Yan , Sun Lin , Dong Xiao-yuan , Qin Ping , Guo Cheng-shan , Hou Ming , Peng Jun 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe human Fcγ receptor (FcγR) system is composed of 2 opposing families, the activating FcγRs (FcγRI, FcγRIIa, and FcγRIII) and the inhibitory FcγR (FcγRIIb). The disturbed balance of the activating and inhibitory FcγRs has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. In this study, the expression of FcγRs on monocytes was determined in 23 patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) before and after high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) treatment. The FcγRI expression was significantly higher in ITP patients and decreased after HD-DXM treatment. The ratio of FcγRIIa/IIb mRNA expression on monocytes was significantly higher in untreated patients than in healthy controls. After HD-DXM therapy, the ratio decreased and the increased expression of FcγRIIb mRNA and protein coincided with a remarkable decrease in the expression of FcγRIIa, FcγRI, and monocyte phagocytic capacity. There was no significant difference in FcγRIII expression on monocytes between patients and controls. In vitro cell-culture experiments showed that DXM could induce FcγRIIa and FcγRIIb expression in monocytes from ITP patients, with FcγRIIb at higher amplitudes. These findings suggested that the disturbed FcγR balance might play a role in the pathogenesis of ITP, and that HD-DXM therapy could shift monocyte FcγR balance toward the inhibitory FcγRIIb in patients with ITP.
Proteolytic antibodies activate factor IX in patients with acquired hemophilia
Authors: Wootla Bharath , Christophe Olivier D. , Mahendra Ankit , Dimitrov Jordan D. , Repessé Yohann , Ollivier Véronique , Friboulet Alain , Borel-Derlon Annie , Levesque Hervé , Borg Jeanne-Yvonne , Andre Sebastien , Bayry Jagadeesh , Calvez Thierry , Kaveri Srinivas V. , Lacroix-Desmazes Sébastien 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAcquired hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by the spontaneous occurrence of inhibitory antibodies against endogenous factor VIII (FVIII). IgG from some patients with acquired hemophilia hydrolyze FVIII. Because of the complex etiology of the disease, no clinical parameter, including the presence of FVIII-hydrolyzing IgG, has been associated with patient's survival or death. Here, we demonstrate the presence of anti-FIX antibodies in acquired hemophilia patients. IgG from some patients were found to hydrolyze FIX. In most cases, IgG-mediated FIX-hydrolysis resulted in FIX activation. IgG-mediated hydrolysis of FIX thus led to the significant generation of activated FIX in 25 of 65 patients. Based on the estimated kinetic parameters, patients' IgG activated up to 0.3nM FIX in 24 hours, an amount that restored thrombin generation in vitro provided the presence of more than or equal to 3% residual FVIII activity in plasma. This work identifies proteolytic IgG as novel molecules able to activate FIX under pathologic conditions. IgG-mediated FIX activation is a prevalent phenomenon among acquired hemophilia patients. The presence of FIX-activating IgG may partly compensate for the antibody-mediated inhibition of endogenous FVIII in restoring thrombin generation. This clinical trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00213473.
MK2 SUMOylation regulates actin filament remodeling and subsequent migration in endothelial cells by inhibiting MK2 kinase and HSP27 phosphorylation
Authors: Chang Eugene , Heo Kyung-Sun , Woo Chang-Hoon , Lee Hakjoo , Le Nhat-Tu , Thomas Tamlyn N. , Fujiwara Keigi , Abe Jun-ichi 
Published: December 2010

AbstractActin filament remodeling regulates several endothelial cell (EC) processes such as contraction, migration, adhesion, and shape determination. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)–activated protein kinase 2 (MK2)–mediated phosphorylation of heat-shock protein 27 kDa (HSP27) promotes actin filament remodeling, but little is known about the regulation of this event in ECs. We found that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) SUMOylated MK2 at lysine (K)-339 affected EC actin filament organization and migration. Loss of the MK2 SUMOylation site (MK2-K339R) increased MK2 kinase activity and prolonged HSP27 phosphorylation, enhancing its effects on actin filament-dependent events. Both TNF-α–mediated EC elongation and steady laminar shear stress–mediated EC alignment were increased by MK2-K339R. Moreover, kinase-dead dominant-negative MK2 (DN-MK2) inhibited these effects. Cell migration is a dynamic process regulated by actin filament remodeling. Both wild-type MK2 (WT-MK2) and DN-MK2 significantly enhanced TNF-mediated inhibition of EC migration, and MK2-K339R further augmented this effect. Interestingly, the p160-Rho–associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 reversed this effect by MK2-K339R, which strongly suggests that both excessive and insufficient levels of actin filament remodeling can block EC migration. Our study shows that MK2 SUMOylation is a new mechanism for regulating actin filament dynamics in ECs.
Prothrombin activation on the activated platelet surface optimizes expression of procoagulant activity
Authors: Wood Jeremy P. , Silveira Jay R. , Maille Nicole M. , Haynes Laura M. , Tracy Paula B. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractEffective hemostasis relies on the timely formation of α-thrombin via prothrombinase, a Ca2+-dependent complex of factors Va and Xa assembled on the activated platelet surface, which cleaves prothrombin at Arg271 and Arg320. Whereas initial cleavage at Arg271 generates the inactive intermediate prethrombin-2, initial cleavage at Arg320 generates the enzymatically active intermediate meizothrombin. To determine which of these intermediates is formed when prothrombin is processed on the activated platelet surface, the cleavage of prothrombin, and prothrombin mutants lacking either one of the cleavage sites, was monitored on the surface of either thrombin- or collagen-activated platelets. Regardless of the agonist used, prothrombin was initially cleaved at Arg271 generating prethrombin-2, with α-thrombin formation quickly after via cleavage at Arg320. The pathway used was independent of the source of factor Va (plasma- or platelet-derived) and was unaffected by soluble components of the platelet releasate. When both cleavage sites are presented within the same substrate molecule, Arg271 effectively competes against Arg320 (with an apparent IC50 = 0.3μM), such that more than 90% to 95% of the initial cleavage occurs at Arg271. We hypothesize that use of the prethrombin-2 pathway serves to optimize the procoagulant activity expressed by activated platelets, by limiting the anticoagulant functions of the alternate intermediate, meizothrombin.
Ectopic opening of the common bile duct and duodenal stenosis: an overlooked association
Authors: Parlak Erkan , Dişibeyaz Selçuk , Cengiz Cem , Çiçek Bahattin , Özin Yasemin , Kacar Sabite , Şaşmaz Nurgül , Şahin Burhan 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
Ectopic opening of the common bile duct into the duodenal bulb (EO-CBD-DB) is a rare disease that may be complicated by duodenal ulcer, deformity, stenosis and biliary stones. The aim of this study is to report clinical presentations, endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of this entity as well as to investigate its association with duodenal stenosis.

Methods
Gastroduodenoscopic findings and radiological imaging were evaluated for ectopic papilla and duodenal stenosis. Diagnostic methods, endoscopic procedures and long-term outcomes of the endoscopic treatment were presented.

Results
EO-CBD-DB was found in 74 (77.1%) of the 96 patients with duodenal deformity/stenosis (79 male, 17 female, mean age: 58.5, range: 30-87 years). The papilla with normal appearance was retracted to the bulb in 11 while it was at its usual location in the remaining 11. The history of biliodigestive surgery was more common in patients with EO-CBD-DB who were frequently presented with the common bile duct stone-related symptoms than the other patients. Thirteen (17.6%) of the patients with EO-CBD-DB were referred to surgery. Endoscopic treatment was completed in 60 (81.1%) patients after an average of 1.7 (range: 1-6) procedures. These patients were on follow-up for 24.8 (range: 2-46) months. Endoscopic intervention was required in 12 (20%) of them because of recurrent biliary problems. Treatment of the patient who had stricture due to biliary injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still continued.

Conclusions
The presence of EO-CBD-DB should be considered particularly in middle-aged male patients who have duodenal deformity/stenosis. Endoscopic treatment is feasible in these patients. The long-term outcomes of endoscopic therapy need to be compared with surgical treatment.
Psychological response of family members of patients hospitalised for influenza A/H1N1 in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Elizarrarás-Rivas Jesús , Vargas-Mendoza Jaime E , Mayoral-García Maurilio , Matadamas-Zarate Cuauhtémoc , Elizarrarás-Cruz Anaid , Taylor Melanie , Agho Kingsley 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
The A/H1N1 pandemic originated in Mexico in April 2009, amid high uncertainty, social and economic disruption, and media reports of panic. The aim of this research project was to evaluate the psychological response of family primary caregivers of patients hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with suspected influenza A/H1N1 to establish whether there was empirical evidence of high adverse psychological response, and to identify risk factors for such a response. If such evidence was found, a secondary aim was to develop a specific early intervention of psychological support for these individuals, to reduce distress and possibly lessen the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the longer term.

Methods
Psychological assessment questionnaires were administered to the family primary caregivers of patients hospitalised in the ICU in the General Hospital of Zone 1 of the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS), Oaxaca, Mexico with suspected influenza A/H1N1, during the month of November 2009. The main outcome measures were ratings of reported perceived stress (PSS-10), depression (CES-D), and death anxiety (DAQ). Data were subjected to simple and multiple linear regression analysis to identify risk factors for adverse psychological response.

Results
Elevated levels of perceived stress and depression, compared to population normative data, and moderate levels of death anxiety were noted. Levels of depression were similar to those found in comparable studies of family members of ICU patients admitted for other conditions. Multiple regression analysis indicated that increasing age and non-spousal family relationship were significantly associated with depression and perceived stress. Female gender, increasing age, and higher levels of education were significantly associated with high death anxiety. Comparisons with data collected in previous studies in the same hospital ICU with groups affected by a range of other medical conditions indicated that the psychological response reported in this study was generally lower.

Conclusions
Data indicated that, contrary to widely publicised reports of 'panic' surrounding A/H1N1, that some of those most directly affected did not report excessive psychological responses; however, we concluded that there was sufficient evidence to support provision of limited psychological support to family caregivers.
Detection of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in oral mucosa of women with cervical lesions and their relation to oral sex practices
Authors: Sánchez-Vargas Luis O , Díaz-Hernández Cecilia , Martinez-Martinez Alejandro 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have either investigated the relationship of HPV with oral cancer or the prevalence of HPV on the oral cavity. The purpose of this investigation was to study the prevalence of HPV in oral cavity of women with oral sex practices and cervical lesions.

Methods
Forty six (46) non-smokers and non-alcoholic patients attended the "Clínica de Displasias" of "Ciudad Juarez" were sampled. This population had a CIN diagnosis sometime between the previous six months. On previous consent they filled out a questionnaire related to their oral sex practices. Afterwards one swab from cheeks and another from palate/gum were taken; PCR was used to determine generic HPV, HPV16 and HPV18.

Results
Seventy two percent (72%) of the patients stated to have oral sex practices regularly which all of them were positive to HPV either in oral mucus, palate/gum or both. The total of the given results showed that 35% had HPV16; among those distributed in 26% with regular oral sex practices and 9% stated as never practiced oral sex. An association was found between oral HPV16 positivity and progression to cervical CIN advanced lesions. On the other hand HPV18 was not detected. The frequency of HPV16 was higher in buccal mucosa (23%) versus palate/gum (16%).

Conclusions
This study suggests that buccal HPV16 infection is associated with CIN progression.
Do Auctioneers Pick Optimal Reserve Prices?
Authors: Davis Andrew M. , Katok Elena , Kwasnica Anthony M. 
Published: December 2010

We investigate how auctioneers set reserve prices in auctions. A well-established theoretical result, assuming risk neutrality of the seller, is that the optimal reserve price should not depend on the number of participating bidders. In a set of controlled laboratory experiments, we find that seller behavior often deviates from the theoretical benchmarks. We extend the existing theory to explore three alternative explanations for our results: risk aversion, anticipated regret, and probability weighting. After fitting our data to each of these models through parameter estimation techniques on both an aggregate and individual level, we find that all three models are consistent with some of the characteristics of our data, but that the regret model provides a slightly more favorable fit overall. This paper was accepted by Teck-Hua Ho, decision analysis.
Grammar-Based Integer Programming Models for Multiactivity Shift Scheduling
Authors: Côté Marie-Claude , Gendron Bernard , Rousseau Louis-Martin 
Published: December 2010

This paper presents a new implicit formulation for shift scheduling problems, using context-free grammars to model the rules for the composition of shifts. From the grammar, we generate an integer programming (IP) model having a linear programming relaxation equivalent to that of the classical set covering model. When solved by a state-of-the-art IP solver on problem instances with a small number of shifts, our model, the set covering formulation, and a typical implicit model from the literature yield comparable solution times. On instances with a large number of shifts, our formulation shows superior performance and can model a wider variety of constraints. In particular, multiactivity cases, which cannot be modeled by existing implicit formulations, can easily be handled with grammars. We present comparative experimental results on a large set of instances involving one work activity, as well as on problems dealing with up to 10 work activities. This paper was accepted by Dimitris Bertsimas, optimization.
Das Vorstellungsbild der ehemaligen Kolonie Grönland in dem dänischen Kinderbuch Sofie, Pullaq og den døde sæl von Pernille Kløvedal Helweg
Authors: Matz Anja 
Published: December 2010

ResümeeAm Ende der 70er und Beginn der 80er Jahre waren hauptsächlich Grönländer die Protagonisten in den dänischen Kinderbüchern, deren Handlung nach Grönland verlegt worden war. Die Autoren beschäftigten sich vorwiegend mit den Unterschieden der Kulturen. Probleme im Verhältnis zueinander wurden vorrangig der Kolonialmacht zugeschrieben. Das Grönlandbild war häufig entweder von vornherein positiv oder es entwickelte sich dahingehend.In jüngeren Erzählungen seit den 90er Jahren ist eine zunehmende Harmonisierung zu beobachten. Es wird mehr Gewicht auf die Hervorhebung von Gemeinsamkeiten der verschiedenen Kulturen gelegt. Die Konfrontation der Protagonisten mit dem Fremden führt in der Regel zum Verstehen und Verständnis für einander. Häufig sind die Protagonisten jetzt die dänischen Kinder, die zunächst die Unwissenden und dann die Lernenden sind. Trotz des Bildes vom unbekannten und unberechenbaren Grönland ist die Botschaft ein Aufruf zur Auseinandersetzung mit der fremden Kultur. Die Kinderbücher vermitteln einerseits Informationen über die den dänischen Lesern nicht sehr vertraute oder gar völlig unbekannte Lebensweise der Grönländer. Andererseits tragen die Autoren zu einer multiperspektivischen Bildung der Kinder bei, indem z. B. verschiedene Wahrnehmungsweisen Grönlands durch unterschiedliche Sichtweisen der Figuren im Text angeboten werden. So auch im hier analysierten transkulturellen BuchDie Leser werden in die postkoloniale Perspektive versetzt. Durch die narrative Inszenierung der Begegnung der beiden Kulturen findet eine Reflexion über die andere Lebensform statt. Die dänischen Leser sollen mit einer Fremdheitserfahrung konfrontiert und für den Umgang mit anderen Kulturen sensibilisiert werden. Kinder sind eine Lesergruppe, die anfänglich in fast allen Schritten der Lektüre Hilfe benötigt. Ihre literarischen Bedürfnisse müssen von anderen erkannt und aus dem Angebot entsprechende Produkte für sie ausgewählt werden. Dadurch wird auch die Reflexion der erwachsenen Vermittler angeregt. Um so wertvoller ist die Produktion, Rezeption und Reflexion von Kinderbüchern, die den dänischen Lesern, sowohl Kindern als auch Erwachsenen, einen Zugang zu Grönland, seinen Bewohnern und deren Kultur ermöglichen können.
A New SiGeC Vertical MOSFET: Single-device CMOS (SD-CMOS)
Authors: Augusto Carlos J. , Forester Lynn 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA new type of silicon-based Vertical MOSFET concept is presented - Single-Device CMOS (SD-CMOS) - in which the same structure can be operated as NFET or as PFET, depending on the biasing conditions [1]. SD-CMOS offers new possibilities for CMOS integration schemes that are simpler - requiring only 5 masks for the “Front- End” - and less costly to manufacture, than any integration scheme requiring the fabrication of two devices with opposite polarities.In epitaxially grown Vertical MOSFETs, the source, channel and drain can have atomically sharp interfaces, well controlled doping, and channel length controlled by the epitaxial process rather than by lithography and ion-implantation. With epitaxial growth, it is straightforward to do bandgap engineering by incorporating films such as Si1-xGex, and/or Si1-yCy and/or Si1-x-yGexCy, into any of the aforementioned regions. Suitable band offsets at the source/channel interface [2] can suppress DIBL, which is a key limitation to CMOS scaling. These advantages of Vertical MOSFETs are crucial for future CMOS technology nodes, such as 22nm and below.SD-CMOS has a metallic drain region with work-function close to the mid-gap energy of the channel material, which can be a homogenous material, a random alloy, or a superlattice. The source region has a very narrow bandgap, achievable with (Si1-yCy)m-(Si1-xGex)n superlattices, whose mid-gap level is aligned with that of the channel region, and with band offsets with the channel region that are nearly symmetric for the conduction and valence bands. The source contact is a metal with a work-function close to the mid-gap level of the source and channel regions, which in turn are aligned with the work-function of the drain. The potential barrier, for electrons and holes from the source contact to the source region, is required to be just a few KT. For operation as NMOS and PMOS with nearly symmetric threshold voltages, the work-function of the gate electrode is also aligned with the mid-gap energy level of the channel.SD-CMOS is unique due to its band alignments: symmetric band edges, from source to drain, with respect to the mid-gap energy (the “mirror” line). Such configuration can only be obtained in the absence of doping, which if present would immediately break that symmetry. The conduction and valence band edges are required to be asymmetric with respect to a cross-section line crossing the channel through the middle of the gate.The conduction (valence) band offset between source and channel sets the barrier height for electrons (holes) in the OFF condition for NMOS (PMOS), while applying a voltage at the gate leads to the accumulation of electrons (holes) at the source/channel interface, thereby pushing the Fermi-Level in the source above (below) the conduction (valence) band edge of the channel for the ON condition. Band diagrams and a CMOS fabrication flow for SD-CMOS will be presented. [1] US Patent 6,674,099 [2] US Patent 5,914,504
Quantitative Two-Dimensional Carrier Mapping in Silicon Nanowire-Based Tunnel-Field Effect Transistors Using Scanning Spreading Resistance Microscopy
Authors: Schulze Andreas , Hantschel Thomas , Eyben Pierre , Vandooren Anne , Rooyackers Rita , Mody Jay , Verhulst Anne , Vandervorst Wilfried 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe successful implementation of silicon nanowire (NW)-based tunnel-field effect transistors (TFET) critically depends on gaining a clear insight into the quantitative carrier distribution inside such devices. Therefore, we have developed a method based on scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM) which allows quantitative two-dimensional (2D) carrier profiling of fully integrated NW-based TFETs with 2 nm spatial resolution. The keys in our process are optimized NW cleaving and polishing steps, in-house fabricated diamond tips with ultra-high resolution, measurements in high-vacuum and a dedicated calibration procedure accounting for dopant dependant carrier mobilities.