bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preclinical characterization of DEKAVIL (F8-IL10), a novel clinical-stage immunocytokine which inhibits the progression of collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Schwager Kathrin , Kaspar Manuela , Bootz Frank , Marcolongo Roberto , Paresce Erberto , Neri Dario , Trachsel Eveline 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Introduction
In this article, we present a comparative immunohistochemical evaluation of four clinical-stage antibodies (L19, F16, G11 and F8) directed against splice isoforms of fibronectin and of tenascin-C for their ability to stain synovial tissue alterations in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Furthermore we have evaluated the therapeutic potential of the most promising antibody, F8, fused to the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL) 10.

Methods
F8-IL10 was produced and purified to homogeneity in CHO cells and shown to comprise biological active antibody and cytokine moieties by binding assays on recombinant antigen and by MC/9 cell proliferation assays. We have also characterized the ability of F8-IL10 to inhibit arthritis progression in the collagen-induced arthritis mouse model.

Results
The human antibody F8, specific to the extra-domain A of fibronectin, exhibited the strongest and most homogenous staining pattern in synovial biopsies and was thus selected for the development of a fully human fusion protein with IL10 (F8-IL10, also named DEKAVIL). Following radioiodination, F8-IL10 was able to selectively target arthritic lesions and tumor neo-vascular structures in mice, as evidenced by autoradiographic analysis and quantitative biodistribution studies. The subcutaneous administration route led to equivalent targeting results when compared with intravenous administration and was thus selected for the clinical development of the product. F8-IL10 potently inhibited progression of established arthritis in the collagen-induced mouse model when tested alone and in combination with methotrexate. In preparation for clinical trials in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, F8-IL10 was studied in rodents and in cynomolgus monkeys, revealing an excellent safety profile at doses tenfold higher than the planned starting dose for clinical phase I trials.

Conclusions
Following the encouraging preclinical results presented in this paper, clinical trials with F8-IL10 will now elucidate the therapeutic potential of this product and whether the targeted delivery of IL10 potentiates the anti-arthritic action of the cytokine in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Sepsis-associated microvascular dysfunction measured by peripheral arterial tonometry: an observational study
Authors: Davis Joshua S , Yeo Tsin W , Thomas Jane H , McMillan Mark , Darcy Christabelle J , McNeil Yvette R , Cheng Allen C , Celermajer David S , Stephens Dianne P , Anstey Nicholas M 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Sepsis has a high mortality despite advances in management. Microcirculatory and endothelial dysfunction contribute to organ failure, and better tools are needed to assess microcirculatory responses to adjunctive therapies. We hypothesised that peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT), a novel user-independent measure of endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity, would be impaired in proportion to sepsis severity and related to endothelial activation and plasma arginine concentrations.

Methods
Observational cohort study in a 350-bed teaching hospital in tropical Australia. Bedside microvascular reactivity was measured in 85 adults with sepsis and 45 controls at baseline and 2-4 days later by peripheral arterial tonometry. Microvascular reactivity was related to measures of disease severity, plasma concentrations of L-arginine (the substrate for nitric oxide synthase), and biomarkers of endothelial activation.

Results
Baseline reactive hyperaemia index (RH-PAT index), measuring endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity; (mean [95% CI]) was lowest in severe sepsis (1.57 [1.43-1.70]), intermediate in sepsis without organ failure (1.85 [1.67-2.03]) and highest in controls (2.05 [1.91-2.19]); P < 0.00001. Independent predictors of baseline RH-PAT index in sepsis were APACHE II score and mean arterial pressure, but not plasma L-arginine or markers of endothelial activation. Low baseline RH-PAT index was significantly correlated with an increase in SOFA score over the first 2-4 days (r = -0.37, P = 0.02).

Conclusions
Endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity is impaired in proportion to sepsis severity and suggests decreased endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability in sepsis. Peripheral arterial tonometry may have a role as a user-independent method of monitoring responses to novel adjunctive therapies targeting endothelial dysfunction in sepsis.
A Comparison of Warm Asphalt Binder Aging with Laboratory Aging Procedures
Authors: Gandhi Tejash , Akisetty Chandrakiran , Amirkhanian Serji 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Warm asphalt has been gaining increasing popularity in recent years; however there are several characteristics about warm asphalt that are still unknown. While several studies have been conducted to study the performance of warm asphalt mixtures, aging characteristics of warm mix asphalt (WMA) binders are not known in great detail. This paper presents the results of a limited study to evaluate the aging characteristics of two WMA binders artificially aged in the rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and the pressure aging vessel and comparing them with binder extracted from freshly prepared and artificially aged warm asphalt mixtures. RTFO aging was performed at 163°C and a lower temperature to simulate warm asphalt aging. Tests on binders aged in the laboratory and binders extracted from freshly mixed and aged mixtures indicated that the WMA binders extracted from WMA mixtures had significantly lower viscosities and G∗/sin δ compared to binders extracted from hot mix asphalt (HMA) and binders aged in the RTFO at 163°C (325°F). This indicates that the lower mixing and compaction temperatures reduce the aging of the warm asphalt binders. Also, binders extracted from WMA had significantly lower creep stiffness values and significantly higher m-values compared to warm asphalt binders aged in the RTFO at 163°C (325°F) and binders extracted from HMA. Binders containing WMA additives did not have higher G∗ sin δ values, indicating that the warm asphalt additives do not negatively affect the fatigue properties of the binders. Gel permeation chromatography analysis indicated that the addition of the warm asphalt additives did not have any significant effect on the %LMS of the binders used in this study.
Distress Evolution in Highway Flexible Pavements: A 5-Year Study at the Korea Highway Corporation Test Road
Authors: Seo Youngguk 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
In Korea, a 7.7 km-long test road was constructed with an aim to better understand the behavior of pavements and to develop a mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG). This two lane highway consisted of asphalt and concrete pavements that were further divided into diverse sections: 33 asphalt sections and 25 concrete sections. Construction of the test road began in 1997 and ended in 2002. It opened to traffic in March 2004. So far, many field tests have been carried out to evaluate the response and performance of pavements. At asphalt sections, the first attempt was made to correlate design parameters with the performance of pavements, and this is the focus of this paper. Performance was characterized by the evolution of failures, such as rutting, cracking, and longitudinal road profile. Design parameters included surface type, base type, base thickness, and anti-frost layer. Field surveys were made with an automatic road analyzer for the 2002–2007 period, and trends in pavement failures were analyzed with respect to individual design parameters. Also, a highway present condition index (HPCI) was adopted to assess the overall performance of individual sections. Findings of this study are being used to validate pavement performance models incorporated into the MEPDG that is scheduled to be released in 2010.
Brinell and Vickers Hardness Measurement Using Image Processing and Analysis Techniques
Authors: Filho Pedro Pedrosa Rebouças , Cavalcante Tarique da Silveira , de Albuquerque Victor Hugo C. , Tavares João Manuel R. S. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Mechanical hardness testing is fundamental in the evaluation of the mechanical properties of metallic materials due to the fact that the hardness values allow one to determine the wear resistance of the material involved, as well as the approximate values of its ductility and flow tension, among a number of other key characteristics. As a result, the main objective of the present work has been the development and analysis of a computational methodology capable of determining the Brinell and Vickers hardness values from hardness indentation images, which are based on image processing and analysis algorithms. In order to validate the methodology that has been developed, comparisons of the results resulting from the consideration of ten indentation image samples obtained through the conventional manual hardness measurement approach and a computational methodology have been carried out. This analysis allows one to conclude that the semi-automatic measurement of Vickers and Brinell hardnesses by the computational approach is easier, faster, and less dependent on the operator’s subjectivity.
Ultrasonic Monitoring Technology for Polymer Compounding Extrusion
Authors: Chen Youxing , Wang Zhaoba , Zhao Xia , Jin Yong 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
In order to optimize control of the extrusion process of polymer compounds in the screw extruder, it is necessary to monitor the compounding state in-line. Therefore a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) buffer rod with a cooling device is analyzed and designed. The ultrasound probe, whose performance is tested at high temperature, is composed of a newly developed PEEK buffer rod and ultrasonic transducer. Then the ultrasonic probe is applied for the in-line ultrasonic monitoring of polymer extrusion of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/CaCO3 compounds and LDPE/BaSO4 compounds. The results show that the attenuation has a relation to the composition of the polymer compounds and filler concentration. The results also indicate that the presented ultrasonic technique may be used for determining the mixing status of polymer/filler systems with multi-probes at different locations inside the extruder barrel during the extrusion processes.
Benchmarking and Performance Modeling of Event-Based SystemsModellierung und Bewertung von Ereignis-basierten Systemen
Authors: Kounev Samuel , Sachs Kai 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Event-based systems are used increasingly often to build loosely-coupled distributed applications. With their growing popularity and gradual adoption in mission critical areas, the need for novel techniques for benchmarking and performance modeling of event-based systems is increasing. In this article, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in this area considering both centralized systems based on message-oriented middleware as well as large-scale distributed publish/subscribe systems. We consider a number of specific techniques for benchmarking and performance modeling, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and provide references for further information. The techniques we review help to ensure that systems are designed and sized to meet their quality-of-service requirements.
Security in Multi-domain Event-based SystemsSicherheit in ereignis-basierten Mehrdomänensystemen
Authors: Bacon Jean , Eyers David , Singh Jatinder , Shand Brian , Migliavacca Matteo , Pietzuch Peter 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Event-based systems give the potential for active information sharing. The event-based paradigm, if used for event transport, provides loose coupling between components, many-to-many communication and mutual anonymity of event producers and event consumers. This communication style has been adopted enthusiastically for convenience of programming; particularly for financial processing, healthcare applications and sensor-based systems. But some data is sensitive, and its visibility must be controlled carefully for personal and legal reasons. Our research projects have explored this space for some time, investigating application domains in which the event-based paradigm is appropriate yet where security is an issue. We discuss security issues for multi-domain, event-based systems, considering the requirements of applications and the risk associated with failure. We provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in secure event-based systems: research already carried out, work in progress and issues still to be addressed. This is of relevance to emerging large-scale systems required by government and public bodies for domains such as healthcare, police, transport and environmental monitoring.
Intelligent Medical Image SearchIntelligente Bildsuche in der Medizin
Authors: Zillner Sonja , Huber Martin 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Due to vast progress of medical image devices, clinicians today rely deeply on images for screening, diagnosis, treatment planning and follow up. However, these medical images are still indexed by keywords and can not be searched and retrieved for their content. In this article we present the project MEDICO that strives to implement intelligent medical image search by means of machine learning algorithms and semantic technologies.
Inhibition Performance of a New Series of Mono-/Diamine-Based Corrosion Inhibitors for HCl Solutions
Authors: Al-Taq Ali A. , Ali Shaikh A. , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A. 
Published: September 2009

Summary
New mono- and diamine compounds were synthesized from dodecylamine and 1,12-dodacanediamine and evaluated as acid corrosion inhibitors for low-carbon steel. The inhibition behavior of these compounds was examined using gravimetric and electrochemical methods (linear polarization and Tafel plot). Weight-loss tests were conducted in 1M HCl at 60°C for six hours. To simulate acid stimulation treatments, other weight-loss tests were conducted using typical acid stimulation concentrations of 4.1 and 7.7M HCl at 60°C for 2 hours. The effects of corrosion inhibitor type, concentration, and acid concentration were investigated.
Aromatic and multiple bonds substituents introduced to mono-and diamine compounds were found to enhance inhibition performance compared to the starting materials (dodecylamine and 1,12-dodacanediamine). This is attributed to the π-electrons present in aromatic and to polymerization of substituents with multiple bonds. Both dodecylamine derivatives with a triple bond or an aromatic substituent exhibited excellent protection in 4.1M HCl. However, the derivative with a triple bond showed the best protection (98%) at 7.7M HCl. This result is very promising and suggests that this corrosion inhibitor has a good potential to be used in acid stimulation treatments conducted in oil and gas wells.
Long-term outcome following ilioinguinal neurectomy for chronic pain
Authors: Zacest Andrew C. , Magill Stephen T. , Anderson Valerie C. , Burchiel Kim J. 
Published: September 2009

Object
Ilioinguinal neuralgia is one cause of chronic groin pain following inguinal hernia repair, and it affects ~ 10% of patients. Selective ilioinguinal neurectomy is one proposed treatment option for carefully selected patients. The goal of this study was to determine the long-term outcome of patients who underwent selective ilioinguinal neurectomy for chronic post-hernia pain.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical assessment, surgical treatment, and long-term outcome in 26 patients with ilioinguinal neuralgia who underwent selective ilioinguinal neurectomy performed by the senior author (K.J.B.) at Oregon Health & Science University between 1998 and 2008. Data were collected from patient charts and a follow-up telephone questionnaire.

Results
Twenty-six patients (14 men and 12 women) had a clinical diagnosis of ilioinguinal neuralgia based on a history of radiating neuropathic groin, medial thigh, and genitalia pain. One patient had bilateral disease (therefore there were 27 surgical cases). A selective nerve block was performed in 21 (81%) of 26 patients and was positive in 20 (77%) of the 26. In all but 2 patients, pain onset followed abdominal surgery (for hernia repair in 18 patients), and was immediate in 16 (67%) of 24 patients. The mean patient age was 48.7 years, and the mean duration of pain prior to neurosurgical consultation was 3.9 years. Surgery was performed after induction of local or general anesthesia in 17 and 10 cases, respectively. The ilioinguinal nerve was identified in 25 cases, and the genitofemoral nerve in 2, either entrapped in mesh, scar, or with obvious neuroma (22 of 27 cases). The identified nerve was doubly ligated, cut, and buried in muscle at its most proximal point. At the 2-week follow-up evaluations, 14 (74%) of 19 patients noted definite pain improvement.
Nineteen (73%) of the 26 patients were contacted by telephone and agreed to participate in completing long-term follow-up questionnaires. The mean follow-up duration was 34.78 months. Return of pain was reported by 13 (68%) of 19 patients. Using a verbal numerical rating scale (0–10), pain was completely relieved in 27.8%, better in 38.9%, no better in 16.7%, and worse in 16.7% of patients.

Conclusions
Ilioinguinal neurectomy is an effective and appropriate treatment for selected patients with iatrogenic ilioinguinal neuralgia following abdominal surgery. Although a high proportion of patients reported some long-term recurrence of pain, complete or partial pain relief was achieved in 66.7% of the patients observed.
Novel technique to improve vessel mismatch when using saphenous vein bypass grafts for intracranial revascularization procedures
Authors: Marhold Franz , Rosen Charles L. 
Published: September 2009

Cerebral bypass procedures in the posterior circulation are difficult to perform and are considered to be high-risk surgery. Venous grafts, like that formed using the saphenous vein (SV), are simple to obtain without posing a high risk of morbidity. The main disadvantage of these high-flow grafts is the mismatch in vessel diameter between donor and recipient vessels in the posterior circulation.
The authors performed a retrospective case study based of data from intraoperative video, patient charts, axial images, and cerebral angiograms.
They treated a 66-year-old man who presented with a giant aneurysm of the vertebrobasilar junction and another large aneurysm of the basilar tip. They chose to create a vertebral artery (VA)–superior cerebellar artery anastomosis with a tapered-down SV graft. It was necessary to reengineer the SV graft to include a gentle taper that would allow for this anastomosis. The vein was incised for a distance of 2.5 cm. A triangular section of the vein, 2 mm at the base and 20 mm high, was then excised from the opened end of the SV. The 2.5-cm-long venotomy was then closed with interrupted 9-0 Prolene sutures creating a gentle taper to the vein down to ~ 2.5 mm in diameter. Thereafter, the authors created a standard end-to-side anastomosis of the VA to the SV with 8-0 Prolene. Postoperatively both VAs were obliterated with coils just proximal to the vertebrobasilar aneurysm. The bypass was patent; after a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit, the patient recovered gradually.
This technique of linear venotomy along the distal 2.5 cm of the vein and subsequent tapering down of the diameter diminishes the circumference of the distal end of the graft, facilitating bypass to smaller vessels. This is a novel and feasible technique to eliminate vessel mismatch in cerebral bypass procedures in the difficult accessible vessels of the posterior circulation.
A Theoretical Analysis Proposal on Mobile Phone Use by Adolescents
Authors: García-Galera Mª Carmen , Monferrer-Tomás Jordi Manel 
Published: September 2009

The current study analyzes the different ways in which teenagers use their mobile phones, and, based on several theoretical conceptualizations, it provides an approach to the instrumental and symbolic dimensions of this form of communication, as well as the functions– ludic-expressive, referential and communicative –derived from it. The theoretical contributions put forward here lay the ground for further investigations on how minors use mobile telephony, the influences of new technologies on social relations and the responsibilities of the social agents involved, mainly families and mobile phone operators themselves. This work also intends to be a starting point for future empirical studies on the habits and new ways in which young people interact with mobile telephony, and the risks associated with improper uses of this new technology.
El presente estudio analiza los diferentes usos de la telefonía móvil por parte de los adolescentes, tomando como punto de partida diferentes conceptualizaciones teóricas para una aproximación a las dimensiones instrumentales y simbólicas de esta nueva forma de comunicación, así como las funciones (lúdico-expresiva, referencial y comunicativa) que de ellas se derivan. Las aportaciones teóricas que aquí se exponen fundamentan una investigación más amplia sobre los usos que los menores realizan de la telefonía móvil, la influencia que las nuevas tecnologías tienen en sus relaciones sociales y las responsabilidades de los agentes sociales implicados en el proceso, fundamentalmente, las familias como educadores digitales y las propias operadoras de telefonía. El trabajo pretende ser, además, punto de partida para posteriores estudios empíricos centrados en los hábitos y nuevas formas de relación de los menores con la telefonía móvil, y los posibles riesgos asociados a un uso indebido de estas nuevas tecnologías.
Mobile Learning as a Tool for the Development of Communication Skills in Virtual Discussion Boards
Authors: Marcos-López Liliana , Támez-Almaguer Rosina , Lozano-Rodríguez Armando 
Published: September 2009

Technology has revolutionized all aspects of human life and the educational field is no exception. This research proposes the use of mobile learning (m-learning) as a tool for development of communication skills in virtual discussion boards. It took place inside the virtual classrooms of the Virtual University of Tecnológico de Monterrey with 80 20-to-22-year-old undergraduates. Podcasts of the assigned readings were made. The control group performed the activity in the traditional way, while the sample group used the podcasts to perform the activity. The findings show that mobile learning doesn´t provide significant changes in the student's skills. However, it can be an alternative for the development of critical analysis in undergraduate students.La tecnología ha venido a revolucionar en todo sentido la vida del ser humano y el ámbito educativo no ha sido la excepción. En la presente investigación se propone el uso del aprendizaje móvil (m-learning) como herramienta para el desarrollo de habilidades de debate en foros asincrónicos de comunicación. Se llevó a cabo en las aulas de la Universidad Virtual del Tecnológico de Monterrey con 80 alumnos de Formación Profesional de entre 20 y 22 años de edad. Se generaron podcasts con las lecturas que se utilizaron para realizar las aportaciones en los foros. La muestra del grupo control siguió la actividad de manera tradicional mientras que el grupo muestra experimental utilizó los podcasts. Los hallazgos obtenidos muestran que el aprendizaje móvil no proporciona cambios significativos en las calificaciones de los alumnos; sin embargo, logra ser una herramienta alternativa para el desarrollo profesional de los alumnos en el análisis crítico.