bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of the interaction of the C-reactive protein monomer with the U937 monocyte
Authors: Zhao Jing , Shi Xin-He 
Published: June 2010

AbstractC-reactive protein (CRP) has two structurally distinct isoforms, the CRP pentamer and the CRP monomer. A role for the CRP monomer in atherosclerosis is emerging, but the underlying mechanisms are only beginning to be understood. Monocytes are an important contributor to atherosclerosis, and foam cell formation is the hallmark of atherogenesis. However, whether the CRP monomer can directly interact with the monocytes and modulate their responses remains unknown. Furthermore, although FcγRIII (CD16) has been identified as the receptor for the CRP monomer on neutrophils, its role in mediating the CRP monomer’s biological effects in other cell types has been questioned. In this study, we investigated the interaction of the CRP monomer with the monocytes using the U937 monocytic cell line. The CRP monomer specifically binds to U937 cells. This binding is unique in that it is independent of FcγRs and insensitive to protease digestion of the cell surface proteins. Further assays revealed that the CRP monomer directly incorporates into the plasma membrane. Interestingly, the presence of the CRP monomer efficiently retards oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation of PMA-differentiated U937 macrophages and peripheral blood monocytic cell-derived macrophages. These findings provide additional evidence for the notion that the CRP monomer is an active CRP isoform that plays a role in atherogenesis via the direct modulation of the behavior of the monocytes.
How Moving to Quebec Has Affected My Theology
Authors: Baum Gregory 
Published: June 2010

Abstract: In this lecture given at the 2009 meeting of the American Academy of Religion in Montreal, Gregory Baum reports how moving to Quebec has affected his practical theology. He mentions three issues of great importance to this French-speaking society that demanded new ethical reflection on his part: the character of an ethically acceptable nationalism, the appropriate response to the cultural weight of English in North America, and an acceptable alternative to Canadian multiculturalism. Thanks to the Montreal-based Karl Polanyi Institute, Baum discovered Karl Polanyi's socio-economic thought critical of the unregulated market system, that differs from Marxism, attends to cultural and ethical issues, and reveals a certain affinity with Catholic social teaching. Polanyi offers a theoretical foundation for the social economy and community efforts to reform society from the bottom up.
Magnetic resonance imaging dynamics of contrast medium uptake in vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Rampp Stefan , Scheller Christian , Prell Julian , Engelhorn Tobias , Strauss Christian , Rachinger Jens 
Published: June 2010

Object
Efficacy of radiosurgery in vestibular schwannoma (VS) is usually documented by changes of tumor size and by loss of contrast enhancement in MR imaging within the central portion of the lesion. Until now, however, correlation between contrast enhancement and timing of image acquisition in nontreated VS has not been analyzed systematically. The authors undertook this study to investigate changes in contrast enhancement with respect to latency of image acquisition after contrast agent administration.

Methods
The dynamics of contrast medium uptake were evaluated with T1-weighted VIBE MR imaging sequences performed immediately and 1.5, 3.5, 4.5, 9.5, and 11.5 minutes after administration of single dose of Gd in 21 patients with nontreated medium- to large-sized VSs. Signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of tumors were evaluated, and volumes of central nonenhancing areas (NEAs) were determined.

Results
The interior appearance of the tumors changed considerably over time. The NEA significantly diminished in size (p < 0.0001, Friedman test) and almost completely disappeared in all but 2 patients. Compared to images at 1.5 minutes, NEA volumes decreased to a median of 36% at 3.5 minutes and 34% at 4.5 minutes, showing smaller changes after that—9% at 9.5 minutes and 3% at 11.5 minutes. Tumor SNR and CNR increased over time. The maximum change in the median values for SNR and CNR were a 72% increase and 117% increase, respectively; both occurred at 1.5 minutes after Gd administration.

Conclusions
Contrast enhancement in VS MR imaging varies according to the duration of the delay between contrast agent administration and image acquisition. Postradiotherapy changes in contrast enhancement of VS can therefore not be attributed only to effective radiotherapy. So-called “loss of central contrast enhancement” may be falsely detected because of timing. A standardized protocol with defined timing of image acquisition may increase comparability of contrast uptake in VS.
Variation in leaf stomatal traits of 28 tree species in relation to gas exchange along an edaphic gradient in a Bornean rain forest
Authors: Russo Sabrina E. , Cannon Whitney Logan , Elowsky Christian , Tan Sylvester , Davies Stuart J. 
Published: June 2010

• Premise of the study: Quantifying variation in functional traits associated with shifts in the species composition of plant communities along resource gradients helps identify environmental attributes important for community assembly. Stomates regulate the balance between carbon assimilation and water status in plants. If environmental attributes affecting photosynthetic water‐use efficiency govern species distribution along an edaphic gradient, then adaptive variation in stomatal traits of plant species specializing on different soils should reflect belowground resource availability.• Methods: We tested this hypothesis by quantifying stomatal trait variation in understory saplings of 28 Bornean tree species in relation to gas exchange and water‐use efficiency (WUE).• Key results: Comparisons between congeneric specialists of the more fertile, moister clay and the less fertile, well‐drained sandy loam revealed little evidence of similar shifts in stomatal traits across genera, nor was stomatal pore index correlated with gmax, Amax, or WUE (Amax/gmax or Δ13C), suggesting that stomates may be overbuilt in these shaded juveniles. Amax was higher on sandy loam, likely due to higher understory irradiance there, but there were no other significant differences in gas exchange or WUE.• Conclusions: Despite substantial diversity in stomatal anatomy, there were few strong relationships between stomatal, photosynthetic, and WUE traits in relation to soil resources. Routine differences in water availability therefore may not exert a dominant control on the distributions of these Bornean tree species. Furthermore, the clades represented by these 12 genera may possess alternative functional designs enabling photosynthetic WUE that is sufficient to these humid, understory environments, due to whole plant‐functional integration of stomatal traits with other, unmeasured traits influencing gas exchange.
Invasive fungal disease in patients treated for newly diagnosed acute leukemia
Authors: Hammond Sarah P. , Marty Francisco M. , Bryar Julie M. , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Baden Lindsey R. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractInvasive fungal disease (IFD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing treatment for acute leukemia (AL). Antifungal prophylactic strategies are associated with significant toxicities and cost. We performed a retrospective study of the incidence and risk factors for IFD among patients newly diagnosed with and treated for AL between January 1, 2004 and July 1, 2006. Patient follow up concluded January 1, 2007. Among 231 patients with newly diagnosed AL, 31 (13.4%) developed IFD by the end of follow up, 24 (10.4%) of whom developed IFD within the first 100 days after diagnosis of AL. The cumulative probability of developing IFD was 5.9% by 30 days and 11.1% at 100 days after AL diagnosis. Patients who had persistent leukemia after an initial course of induction chemotherapy were significantly more likely to develop IFD than those who did not have evidence of persistent leukemia (14/65 (21.5%) vs. 15/148 (10.1%), P = 0.03). In a time‐dependent Cox model, the adjusted hazard ratio for developing IFD within the first 100 days of AL diagnosis based on the number of days of neutropenia in that period was 4.85 (95% confidence interval: 1.52, 15.4). Those patients with more days of neutropenia in the first 100 days after AL diagnosis, such as those who did not achieve remission after a first course of induction chemotherapy, were more likely to develop IFD. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conservation problems with hypothelminorheic Niphargus species (Amphipoda: Niphargidae)
Authors: Fišer Cene , Konec Marjeta , Kobe Zala , Osanič Miha , Gruden Pina , Potočnik Hubert 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
The hypothelminorheic is a unique superficial subterranean habitat, harbouring troglomorphic species that are unique to this habitat or share species with other subterranean habitats. These species are especially vulnerable to disturbance and human impact.
The ecological needs of the sympatric Niphargus slovenicus and Niphargus sphagnicolus from central Slovenia were examined in order to assess whether similar conservation strategies could be applied for the two species.
Their habitat patches appeared to be variable with respect to abiotic factors, and the ecological requirements of the two species differ. A major discriminatory factor is pH.
The results imply that the conservation strategies for sympatric hypothelminorheic species cannot be generalized; additional research for the case study is discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytoglycoprotein (75 kDa) inhibits expression of interleukin‐1β stimulated by DEHP in human mast cells
Authors: Oh Phil‐Sun , Lim Kwang , Lim Kye‐Taek 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of a glycoprotein (CTB glycoprotein, 75 kDa) isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (CTB) on the di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) induced expression of allergic‐inflammation‐related mediators in human mast cells. The changes on the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), transcription factor [nuclear factor (NF)‐κB], and allergic inflammatory mediators [cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and interleukin (IL)‐1β] were evaluated using Western blot and RT‐PCR. Our results showed that the CTB glycoprotein in the presence of DEHP inhibits the production of intracellular ROS, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK in HMC‐1 cells. In addition, the CTB glycoprotein has suppressive effects on the transcriptional activation of NF‐κB, and on the expression levels of COX‐2 and IL‐1β in DEHP‐treated HMC‐1 cells. In conclusion, the CTB glycoprotein has a strong anti‐inflammatory effect on the activities of allergic inflammatory mediators indirectly caused by DEHP in HMC‐1 cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth and thermal studies on pure ADP, KDP and mixed K1‐x(NH4)xH2PO4 crystals
Authors: Shenoy P. , Bangera K. V. , Shivakumar G. K. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe investigations on the formation of mixed crystals of ammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate (ADP) and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (KDP) i.e. potassium ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, K1‐x(NH4)xH2PO4 have been presented in this paper. Pure and mixed crystals of ADP and KDP have been grown by slow evaporation technique from the supersaturated solution at an ambient temperature 26±1 °C for ammonium concentration x in the range 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 in the case of mixed crystals. Crystal compositions were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and chemical analysis. The results of the X‐ray analysis of the grown crystals are also reported. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were used to study the kinetic process of dehydration and the high temperature phase behaviour. DTA showed the distinct thermal events attributed to dehydration of ADP, KDP and K1‐x(NH4)xH2PO4. The results of thermal analysis and chemical analysis are consistent with each other. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Morphology of silver bromide crystals produced at presence ofN,N‐dimethylformamide
Authors: Dyonizy A. , Nowak P. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe study deals with examination of conditions that are necessary to obtain flat crystals of silver bromide that grow in a water and gelatine crystallization environment whereN,N‐dimethylformamide is used as the agent that is conducive to complexing of sparingly soluble silver bromide. The examination focused on the issue how changes in volumetric concentration ofN,N‐dimethylformamide as well as concentration of excessive ions of silver bromide in the dispersive solution affect morphology and size of newly created of silver bromide. The completed experiments enabled to determine boundary limits of bothN,N‐dimethylformamide and bromide ions concentration where suspensions of silver bromide crystals exhibit predominant content of triangular, transient and hexagonal flat forms with very high aspect ratio. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Rill development and soil erosion: a laboratory study of slope and rainfall intensity
Authors: Berger Catherine , Schulze Marcel , Rieke‐Zapp Dirk , Schlunegger Fritz 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA total of 15 rainfall simulation experiments were conducted in a 1 m by 2 m box varying slope (10, 20, 30%) and rainfall intensity (60, 90, 120 mm h−1). The experiments were performed to study how rill networks initiate and evolve over time under controlled conditions with regard to the treatment variables considered, and to allow for input in a computer simulation model. Runoff and sediment yield samples were collected. Digital elevation models were calculated by means of photogrammetry for several time steps of most experiments. The soil used in the experiments was a basal till derived Cambisol typical for the Swiss Plateau. While significant differences were found for sediment yield, runoff did not vary significantly with treatment combinations. Increasing rainfall intensity had a larger effect on sediment yield than increasing slope. Rill density and energy expenditure decreased with time, suggesting that energy expenditure was a useful parameter to describe the emergence of rill network at the laboratory scale. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fire risks of burning asphalt
Authors: Schartel B. , Bahr H. , Braun U. , Recknagel C. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractEyewitnesses describe burning pavement surfaces in extreme fire scenarios. However, it was believed that the pavement plays a negligible role in comparison to other items feeding such an extreme fire at the same time. The asphalt mixtures used differ widely, thus raising the question as to whether this conclusion holds for all kinds of such materials. Three different kinds of asphalt mixtures were investigated with the aim of benchmarking the fire risks. Cone calorimeter tests are performed at an irradiance of 70kWm−2. All three investigated asphalts burn in extreme fire scenarios. The fire response (fire load, time to ignition, maximum heat release rate and smoke production) is quite different and varies by factors of up to 10 when compared to each other. The fire load per mass is always very low due to the high content of inert minerals, whereas the effective heat of combustion of the volatiles is quite typical of non‐flame retarded organics. The heat release rate and fire growth indices are strongly dependent on the fire residue and thus the kind of mineral filler used. Comparing with polymeric materials, the investigated Mastic Asphalt and Stone Mastic Asphalt may be called intrinsically flame resistant, whereas the investigated Special Asphalt showed a pronouncedly greater fire risk with respect to causing fire growth and smoke. Thus the question is raised as to whether the use of certain kinds of asphalts in tunnels must be reconsidered. Apart from the binder used, the study also indicates varying the kind of aggregate as a possible route to eliminate
the problem. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SIMULATION OF A GROUNDWATER ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE IN A SEMI‐ARID REGION OF IRAN
Authors: Tizro A. Taheri , Voudouris K. S. , Akbari K. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTThe Bahar aquifer is one of the most economically important aquifers in the western part of Iran, covering the water demands for irrigation supplies. Intensive pumping for irrigation has caused a water table decline. The local water organisation has constructed a water storage structure to augment the groundwater resources. Groundwater recharge using water from the river via 13 dug wells and a related structure has been estimated as 2.7 million m3, for the hydrological year 2002–2003. A three‐dimensional model was developed to predict the aquifer system response. The effect of radial flow was found to be 4 km, and the area covering this recharge more than 40 km2. The results of the numerical model could be used by local authorities and decision makers for groundwater resources management and planning. Finally, it is concluded that aquifer recharge is one environmental solution, as a part of integral water resources management. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining optimal groundwater table depth for maximizing cotton production in the Sardarya province of Uzbekistan
Authors: Qureshi Asad Sarwar , Eshmuratov D. , Bezborodov G. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPoor on‐farm irrigation practices and rising groundwater table depths are the major reasons for low cotton yields in the Sardarya province of Uzbekistan. To ensure sustainability of cotton production in the area, precise calculations of irrigation requirements are needed to optimize crop yields and to keep groundwater table depth below the root zone to avoid soil salinization. To determine optimal groundwater table depth and irrigation amounts for the Sardarya province of Uzbekistan, the Soil–Water–Atmosphere–Plant (SWAP) model was used. SWAP was calibrated and validated using measured data from an experimental cotton field during the agricultural year of 2006 and 2007. The calibrated SWAP model was then used to simulate optimal groundwater table depth and irrigation amounts. The simulation results show that for the existing conditions in the study area, a groundwater table depth of approximately 200 cm together with an irrigation application of 2500 m3 ha−1 will be the most appropriate combination for optimal cotton yields (≈ 3.0 t ha−1). However, to achieve maximum potential yields of cotton (5–6 t ha−1), leaching of excessive salts from the root zone through freshwater application would be imperative. This would require rehabilitation of the existing drainage network in the area. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical‐statistical downscaling and error correction of daily precipitation from regional climate models
Authors: Jakob Themeßl Matthias , Gobiet Andreas , Leuprecht Armin 
Published: June 2010

AbstractAlthough regional climate models (RCMs) are powerful tools for describing regional and even smaller scale climate conditions, they still feature severe systematic errors. In order to provide optimized climate scenarios for climate change impact research, this study merges linear and nonlinear empirical‐statistical downscaling techniques with bias correction methods and investigates their ability for reducing RCM error characteristics. An ensemble of seven empirical‐statistical downscaling and error correction methods (DECMs) is applied to post‐process daily precipitation sums of a high‐resolution regional climate hindcast simulation over the Alpine region, their error characteristics are analysed and compared to the raw RCM results.Drastic reductions in error characteristics due to application of DECMs are demonstrated. Direct point‐wise methods like quantile mapping and local intensity scaling as well as indirect spatial methods as nonlinear analogue methods yield systematic improvements in median, variance, frequency, intensity and extremes of daily precipitation. Multiple linear regression methods, even if optimized by predictor selection, transformation and randomization, exhibit significant shortcomings for modelling daily precipitation due to their linear framework. Comparing the well‐performing methods to each other, quantile mapping shows the best performance, particularly at high quantiles, which is advantageous for applications related to extreme precipitation events. The improvements are obtained regardless of season and region, which indicates the potential transferability of these methods to other regions. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Stochastic micromechanical model of the deterioration of asphalt mixtures subject to moisture diffusion processes
Authors: Caro Silvia , Masad Eyad , Sánchez‐Silva Mauricio , Little Dallas 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe deleterious effect of moisture in the microstructure of asphalt mixtures, usually referred to as moisture damage, has been recognized as a main cause of early deterioration of asphalt pavements. The initiation and evolution of moisture‐related deterioration is strongly influenced by the internal air void structure of asphalt mixtures. Despite its importance, the majority of works conducted on the micromechanical modeling of asphalt mixtures overlook the role of the air void structure, mainly because of its high complexity and variability. This paper explores the influence of air void variability on the performance of asphalt mixtures subjected to moisture diffusion processes. A stochastic modeling technique based on random field theory was used to generate internal distributions of physical and mechanical properties of the asphalt matrix of the mixture that depend on probable air voids distributions. The analysis was conducted by means of a coupled numerical micromechanical model of moisture damage. The results showed that the variability and distribution of air voids are decisive in determining the moisture‐dependent performance of asphalt mixtures. Furthermore, it was also shown that a stochastic characterization of the diverse air void configurations is a feasible and useful approach to better represent and understand mechanically related deterioration processes in asphalt mixtures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.