bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinoic Acid–inducible Gene 1–like Receptors in the Upper Respiratory Tract
Authors: Bogefors Jesper , Kvarnhammar Anne Månsson , Latif Leith , Petterson Terese , Uddman Rolf , Cardell Lars Olaf 
Published: December 2011

Background Retinoic acid–inducible gene 1–like receptors (RLRs) are a novel family of pattern recognition receptors that include retinoic acid–inducible gene 1 (RIG-1), melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5), and laboratory of genomics and physiology 2 (LGP-2). The knowledge of RLRs and their function in the human airway is limited. This study explores the role of RLRs in the upper respiratory tract. Methods Tonsils, adenoids, nasal polyps, and biopsy specimens from the nasal mucosa were examined for the occurrence of the RIG-1, MDA-5, and LGP-2 using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line FaDu was cultured with the RIG-1/MDA-5 ligand poly(I:C)/LyoVec (Invivogen, San Diego, CA) and analyzed for cytokine release using ELISA. Results RIG-1, MDA-5, and LGP-2 mRNA were found in all tissues tested. The airway epithelium appeared to be their most prominent location. The RIG-1 and MDA-5 mRNA levels were higher in nasal polyps than in normal nasal mucosa, a state that seemed to be reversed by local steroid treatment. Culture of FaDu with poly(I:C)/LyoVec resulted in IL-6 and IL-8 release. No alteration in RLR expression in tonsils was seen on infection. Conclusion This study shows the presence and functional activity of RLRs in the human upper airways. It also suggests a role for RLRs in nasal polyposis.
Reliability of Basophil Activation Test Using CD203c Expression in Diagnosis of Pollen Allergy
Authors: Özdemir Seçil Kepil , Güloğlu Deniz , Sin Betül A. , Elhan Atilla H. , İkincioğulları Aydan , Mısırlıgil Zeynep 
Published: December 2011

Background CD203c is a basophil surface marker and its expression is rapidly up-regulated after cross-linking of high-affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor (FcepsilonR1) by an allergen. CD203c basophil activation tests have been studied for the in vitro diagnosis of several allergic conditions. However, there is limited data about its diagnostic usefulness. The optimum allergen concentrations for stimulation and allergen specific cutoff values remain unknown for a number of allergens. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of basophil activation test via CD203c in the diagnosis of pollen allergy. Methods The CD203c basophil activation was determined in 31 allergic rhinitis patients with pollen allergy and 9 healthy nonatopic controls during the off-season. CD203c expression was evaluated using three-color staining protocol by flow cytometry. Results After an in vitro stimulation with grass pollen extract, the CD203c assay clearly discriminated pollen-allergic patients from controls (p < 0.001). A dose-dependent increase in the percentages of CD203c-activated basophils was shown in rhinitis patients with pollen allergy (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity was 100% and optimal cutoff values were 14.05 and 10.05% with 45.1 and 4.5 μg/mL Phl p 5 stimulation, respectively. Although the specificity was also 100%, the sensitivity was 93 and 87% and the cutoff values were 5.40 and 5.35% with 4.5 x 10– 4 and 4.5 x 10– 5 micrograms/mL Phl p 5 stimulation, respectively. Conclusion The CD203c basophil activation test seems to be a reliable tool in the diagnosis of grass pollen allergy. It could be used when conventional diagnostic tests fail or can not be performed.
Comparison of Efficacy of Mometasone Furoate versus Clarithromycin in the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Nasal Polyps in Chinese Adults
Authors: Zeng Ming , Long Xiao-Bo , Cui Yong-Hua , Liu Zheng 
Published: December 2011

Background Although both nasal steroids and macrolide antibiotics have been recommended for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNPs), whether there is any difference in their clinical efficacy remains unexplored. In addition, few studies have investigated their clinical efficacy in a Chinese population living in China, who present distinct inflammatory patterns compared with white patients in western countries. This study compares the efficacy of mometasone furoate and clarithromycin treatment in CRSsNP in Chinese adults in a preliminary prospective, open-label, randomized trial. Methods Forty-three CRSsNP patients were randomized to receive mometasone furoate nasal spray at 200 μg (n = 21) or clarithromycin tablet at 250 mg (n = 22) once daily for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed before the treatment and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. Subjective symptoms were scored on a visual analog scale. Endoscopy physical findings were scored according to Lanza-Kennedy scoring system. Moreover, smoking and atopic status and coexistence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma were recorded. Results Before the treatment, no significant difference in symptoms and nasal endoscopic physical findings were found between mometasone furoate and clarithromycin group. As early as 4 weeks after dosing, a significant reduction of total symptom scores, nasal obstruction, headache, rhinorrhea and overall burden scores, and mucosal swelling and nasal discharge scores were observed in both groups. No significant difference in symptom or endoscopic scores was observed between these two groups at any posttreatment observation time point. The coexistence of AR was correlated with lower scores of mucosal edema and nasal secretion in the mometasone furoate group after 12-week treatment. Conclusion Mometasone furoate and clarithromycin show a comparable clinical effect for CRSsNPs in Chinese adults. Mometasone furoate is more effective in improving edema and secretion for CRSsNP patients with concomitant AR.
The Emergence of the Bus Industry
Authors: Filarski Ruud 
Published: December 2011

During the interwar period, the emergence of the bus industry presented many governments with a dilemma: should they intervene in the market to establish a level playing field for fair competition between the buses and rail transport, should they protect the loss-making railways or should they take a laissez-faire approach to the developments?At first glance, promoting fair competition or, as it was called during those days, a "co-ordination policy" seems relatively simple. The government could impose conditions on the bus industry, which regulated safety, quality, services, and allocation of the infrastructure costs in a similar way as the railways. However, an analysis of the developments in The Netherlands reveals a number of obstacles that complicated policy implementation.Therefore, this article focuses on two questions: how did bus transport develop in The Netherlands? And what obstacles made it so difficult for the Dutch government to implement fair competition?
Modelling of Diffusing Capacity Measurement Results in Lung Microangiopathy Patients
Authors: Słomiński W. , Kuziemski K. , Kalicka R. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBackground: Lung microangiopathy is a little known negative influence of diabetes mellitus on the functioning of the lungs. In current medical practice lung microangiopathy is diagnosed by comparing two measurements of lung diffusing capacity – once with the subject standing and once with the subject lying down. The necessity to take two measurements is inconvenient.Objectives: The aim of this study is to design a supportive method for diagnosing lung microangiopathy. This will be based on routinely performed pulmonary measurements as well as on investigation of process modelling and data processing.Methods: A model of the diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli to the blood has been described with a set of differential equations. The idea of the proposed model is based on the physiological analysis of the oxygen flow (caused by a concentration gradient) and on general knowledge regarding the kinetics of associating oxygen with haemoglobin. The model parameters are estimated using diffusing capacity and alveolar volume measurements – routinely performed in pulmonary tests.Results: The model parameter estimates proved good candidates for the binary classification of the presence or absence of micro-angiopathy. The proposed classification procedure, based on parameter values and established diagnostic thresholds, gives sensitivity Sens = 79.34% and specificity Spec = 87.08%. The results of classification with the use of diffusing capacity measurement are worse: Sens = 62.12% and Spec = 79.89%.Conclusions: The proposed classification procedure is based on the model parameters. These have proved to be sensitive indicators of lung microangiopathy. Close to 80% of micro-angiopathy cases have been classified as such. Less than 20% were false alarms. The oxygen pathway model allows for simulations. Blood saturation and oxygen partial pressure have been simulated for the organism’s various needs for oxygen, both for the normal and the impaired alveoli-capillary barrier.
Personal Adaptive Method to Assess Mental Tension during Daily Life Using Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Matsuoka K. , Yoshino K. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryObjectives: The aim of this study is to present a method of assessing psychological tension that is optimized to every individual on the basis of the heart rate variability (HRV) data which, to eliminate the influence of the inter-individual variability, are measured in a long time period during daily life.Methods: HRV and body accelerations were recorded from nine normal subjects for two months of normal daily life. Fourteen HRV indices were calculated with the HRV data at 512 seconds prior to the time of every mental tension level report. Data to be analyzed were limited to those with body accelerations of 30 mG (0.294 m/s2) and lower. Further, the differences from the reference values in the same time zone were calculated with both the mental tension score (Δtension) and HRV index values (ΔHRVI). The multiple linear regression model that estimates Δtension from the scores for principal components of ΔHRVI were then constructed for each individual. The data were divided into training data set and test data set in accordance with the twofold cross validation method. Multiple linear regression coefficients were determined using the training data set, and with the optimized model its generalization capability was checked using the test data set.Results: The subjects’ mean Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.52 with the training data set and 0.40 with the test data set. The subjects’ mean coefficient of determination was 0.28 with the training data set and 0.11 with the test data set.Conclusion: We proposed a method of assessing psychological tension that is optimized to every individual based on HRV data measured over a long period of daily life.
Localizing the Accessory Pathway in Ventricular Preexcitation Patients Using a Score Based Algorithm
Authors: Stühlinger M. C. , Nowak C. N. , Spuller K. , Etsadashvili K. , Stühlinger X. , Berger T. , Dichtl W. , Gothe R. M. , Fischer G. , Hintringer F. , Rantner L. J. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryObjectives: Clinical data was analyzed to find an efficient way to localize the accessory pathway in patients with ventricular preexcitation.Methods: The delta wave morphologies and ablation sites of 186 patients who underwent catheter ablation were analyzed and an algorithm (“locAP”) to localize the accessory pathway was developed from the 84 data sets with a PQ interval ≤ 0.12 s and a QRS width ≥ 0.12 s. Fifty additional patients were included for a prospective validation. The locAP algorithm ranks 13 locations according to the likelihood that the accessory pathway is localized there. The algorithm is based on the locAP score which uses the standardized residuals of the available data sets.Results: The locAP algorithm’s accuracy is 0.54 for 13 locations, with a sensitivity of 0.84, a specificity of 0.97, and a positive likelihood ratio of 24.94. If the two most likely locations are regarded, the accuracy rises to 0.79, for the three most likely locations combined the accuracy is 0.82. This new algorithm performs better than Milstein’s, Fitzpatrick’s, and Arruda’s algorithm both in the original study population as well as in a prospective study.Conclusions: The locAP algorithm is a valid and valuable tool for clinical practice in a cardiac electrophysiology laboratory. It could be shown that use of the locAP algorithm is favorable over the localizing algorithms that are in clinical use today.
Biomedical Informatics Publications: a Global Perspective
Authors: Garcia-Remesal M. , Bielza C. , Crespo J. , Perez-Rey D. , Kulikowski C. , Maojo V. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBackground: In the past decade, Medical Informatics (MI) and Bioinformatics (BI) have converged towards a new discipline, called Biomedical Informatics (BMI) bridging informatics methods across the spectrum from genomic research to personalized medicine and global healthcare. This convergence still raises challenging research questions which are being addressed by researchers internationally, which in turn raises the question of how biomedical informatics publications reflect the contributions from around the world in documenting the research.Objectives: To analyse the worldwide participation of biomedical informatics researchers from professional groups and societies in the best-known scientific conferences in the field. The analysis is focused on their geographical affiliation, but also includes other features, such as the impact and recognition of the conferences.Methods: We manually collected data about authors of papers presented at three major MI conferences: Medinfo, MIE and the AMIA symposium. In addition, we collected data from a BI conference, ISMB, as a comparison. Finally, we analyzed the impact and recognition of these conferences within their scientific contexts.Results: Data indicate a predominance of local authors at the regional conferences (AMIA and MIE), whereas other conferences with a worldwide scope (Medinfo and ISMB) had broader participation. Our analysis shows that the influence of these conferences beyond the discipline remains somewhat limited.Conclusions: Our results suggest that for BMI to be recognized as a broad discipline, both in the geographical and scientific sense, it will need to extend the scope of collaborations and their interdisciplinary impacts worldwide.
L'argument du De Re publica et le Songe de Scipion
Authors: Atkins Jed W. 
Published: December 2011

Résumé Le Songe de Scipion est une énigme pour les lecteurs du De re publica de Cicéron. Pourquoi Cicéron conclut-il un dialogue qui traite manifestement de politique dans la Rome républicaine par une vision des cieux et du cosmos ? Quel est son lien avec le reste du dialogue ? Je soutiendrai que le Songe de Scipion joue en fait un rôle clé en menant à son terme l’argument central de l’œuvre. Par le biais du Songe , Cicéron examine la nature et les limites de la science politique, met en lumière l’irrationalité qui caractérise les affaires politiques, et présente un modèle idéal de gouvernement par la raison. Le Songe vient compléter la psychologie politique du dialogue en dévoilant au politique la vision du bien tout en mettant en même temps en question la possibilité de sa réalisation.
La vertu politique : Cicéron versus Macrobe
Authors: Labarrière Jean-Louis 
Published: December 2011

Résumé L’objet de cet article est de montrer que, malgré sa de plus en plus grande notoriété du ix e siècle au xvi e siècle, le Commentaire au Songe de Scipion dû à Macrobe a plus obscurci les choses qu’il ne les a éclairées tant il voulait voir en Cicéron un philosophe grec cherchant, sur un mode néoplatonicien, à se défaire au plus vite des choses de ce bas monde. Mais la leçon cicéronienne est tout autre : s’il faut certes se garder de tout excès de vanité relatif à la gloire terrestre, il n’en reste pas moins que c’est à une véritable exhortation à la pratique de la vertu politique que nous assistons dans le Songe , qui vient ainsi fort bien conclure littérairement la République : sois un grand « Homme d’État » et tu gagneras, pour l’éternité, la « Cité des Bienheureux », i.e . la « Voix lactée ».
Inducing Polar Phase in Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) with a Molecular Ferroelectric Copper(II) Complex for Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting
Authors: Haldar Rajashi , Sarkar Utsa , Kumar Ajay , Mandal Dipankar , Shanmugam Maheswaran 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPiezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs), the current pathway to sustainable energy harvesting, are mostly comprised of bulk oxide ceramics which are toxic, rigid, and costly to synthesize. A suitable alternative to them is flexible polar polymers like polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), but stabilizing its polar phase is also a daunting task. all these aforementioned issues by employing a biocompatible have been solved, above‐room‐temperature (Tc > 390 K) ferroelectric discrete molecular complex [Cu(L‐His)(bpy)]ClO4.1.5H2O (Cu‐FE) which is not only suitable for piezoelectric energy harvesting due to its large values of piezoelectric co‐efficient (d33 = 17 pm V−1) but also is capable of imparting polar β‐phase in PVDF via hydrogen bonding interactions under mild condition (60 °C). Among the PENG devices prepared with the composite films of PVDF and various weight % (w/V) compositions of Cu‐FE, the highest output voltage of 8 V (peak to peak) has been obtained, a power density of 4 µW cm−2, and an output current of 3 µA from the 1 wt.% composite film. The fabricated PENG device also exhibits swift capacitor charging in 40 s, and acts as an excellent pressure sensor, with exceptional sensitivity to low pressures (7 kPa), giving an output of 0.4 V.
Topological Spin Textures: Basic Physics and Devices
Authors: Zhou Yuqing , Li Shuang , Liang Xue , Zhou Yan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the face of escalating modern data storage demands and the constraints of Moore's Law, exploring spintronic solutions, particularly the devices based on magnetic skyrmions, has emerged as a promising frontier in scientific research. Since the first experimental observation of skyrmions, topological spin textures have been extensively studied for their great potential as efficient information carriers in spintronic devices. However, significant challenges have emerged alongside this progress. This review aims to synthesize recent advances in skyrmion research while addressing the major issues encountered in the field. Additionally, current research on promising topological spin structures in addition to skyrmions is summarized. Beyond 2D structures, exploration also extends to 1D magnetic solitons and 3D spin textures. In addition, a diverse array of emerging magnetic materials is introduced, including antiferromagnets and 2D van der Waals magnets, broadening the scope of potential materials hosting topological spin textures. Through a systematic examination of magnetic principles, topological categorization, and the dynamics of spin textures, a comprehensive overview of experimental and theoretical advances in the research of topological magnetism is provided. Finally, both conventional and unconventional applications are summarized based on spin textures proposed thus far. This review provides an outlook on future development in applied spintronics.
Large‐Scale Synthesis of High‐Loading Single Metallic Atom Catalysts by a Metal Coordination Route
Authors: Duan Youyu , Wang Yang , Zhang Weixuan , Ban Chaogang , Feng Yajie , Tao Xiaoping , Li Ang , Wang Kaiwen , Zhang Xu , Han Xiaodong , Fan Wenjun , Zhang Bin , Zou Hanjun , Gan Liyong , Han Guang , Zhou Xiaoyuan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSingle atom catalyst (SAC) is one of the most efficient and versatile catalysts with well‐defined active sites. However, its facile and large‐scale preparation, the prerequisite of industrial applications, has been very challenging. This dilemma originates from the Gibbs–Thomson effect, which renders it rather difficult to achieve high single atom loading (< 3 mol%). Further, most synthesizing procedures are quite complex, resulting in significant mass loss and thus low yields. Herein, a novel metal coordination route is developed to address these issues simultaneously, which is realized owing to the rapid complexation between ligands (e.g., biuret) and metal ions in aqueous solutions and subsequent in situ polymerization of the formed complexes to yield SACs. The whole preparation process involves only one heating step operated in air without any special protecting atmospheres, showing general applicability for diverse transition metals. Take Cu SAC for an example, a record yield of up to 3.565 kg in one pot and an ultrahigh metal loading 16.03 mol% on carbon nitride (Cu/CN) are approached. The as‐prepared SACs are demonstrated to possess high activity, outstanding selectivity, and robust cyclicity for CO2 photoreduction to HCOOH. This research explores a robust route toward cost‐effective, massive production of SACs for potential industrial applications.
Ultrafast Interfacial Self‐Assembly toward Bioderived Polyester COF Membranes with Microstructure Optimization
Authors: Du Jingcheng , Yao Ayan , Sun Qian , Liu Linghao , Song Ziye , He Wen , Wang Chengming , Dou Pengjia , Guan Jian , Liu Jiangtao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe precise manipulation of the microstructure (pore size, free volume distribution, and connectivity of the free‐volume elements), thickness, and mechanical characteristics of membranes holds paramount significance in facilitating the effective utilization of self‐standing membranes. In this contribution, the synthesis of two innovative ester‐linked covalent–organic framework (COF) membranes is first reported, which are generated through the selection of plant‐derived ellagic acid and quercetin phenolic monomers in conjunction with terephthaloyl chloride as a building block. The optimization of the microstructure of these two COF membranes is systematically achieved through the application of three different interfacial electric field systems: electric neutrality, positive electricity, and negative electricity. It is observed that the positively charged system facilitates a record increase in the rate of membrane formation, resulting in a denser membrane with a uniform pore size and enhanced flexibility. In addition, a correlation is identified wherein an increase in the alkyl chain length of the surfactants leads to a more uniform pore size and a decrease in the molecular weight cutoff of the COF membrane. The resulting COF membrane exhibits an unprecedented combination of high water permeance, superior sieving capability, robust mechanical strength, chemical robustness for promising membrane‐based separation science and technology.