bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Two-Level Approach for the Optimal Design of Morphing Wings Based On Compliant Structures
Authors: De Gaspari Alessandro , Ricci Sergio 
Published: August 2011

The great interest in developing morphing airfoils is mainly based on their capability to adapt their shape to optimize some specific aircraft performance indices during the mission. Nevertheless, the design of these kinds of devices requires the availability of ad hoc-developed procedures able to tackle the conflicting requirements such as the high deformability requested to change the airfoil shape coupled to the load-carrying capability and to the low weight. The article proposes an approach for optimal airfoil-morphing design based on a compactapproach to describe the airfoil geometry coupled to a two-level optimization procedure. In the first one, the best deformed airfoil configuration is determined as the most efficient aerodynamic shape which at the same time limits the requested energy to deform the airfoil skin. In the second optimization level, the best internal structural configuration is obtained using an ad hoc-developed topology optimization tool based on genetic algorithms that synthesize a compliant structure able to adapt itself in order to match the optimal shape coming out from the first level. The procedure has been applied to design the morphing leading and trailing edges for an NACA 63_2215 airfoil.
Changes in the dynamics of the excess mortality rate in chronic phase-chronic myeloid leukemia over 1990-2007: a population study
Authors: Corm Selim , Roche Laurent , Micol Jean-Baptiste , Coiteux Valérie , Bossard Nadine , Nicolini Franck-Emmanuel , Iwaz Jean , Preudhomme Claude , Roche-Lestienne Catherine , Facon Thierry , Remontet Laurent 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Imatinib has transformed the prognosis and the management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and has probably changed the patterns of mortality rates. We explored this change at each disease severity level (Sokal score) through a flexible statistical modeling of the effect of the year of diagnosis on the excess mortality rate. The study included 691 chronic-phase patients from Nord-Pas-de-Calais French CML registry diagnosed from 1990 to 2007. Imatinib was given to 93% of the patients diagnosed after 2000. Comparing the 1990-1994, 1995-1999, and 2000-2007 periods of diagnosis, the 5-year relative survival improved from 64% to 66% and 88%. The year of diagnosis was associated with a significant reduction of the excess mortality, but only in patients with intermediate to high Sokal scores. In high-risk patients diagnosed in the early 1990s, a peak of excess mortality was observed during the second year of follow-up. That peak decreased progressively over the years of diagnosis until disappearing in patients diagnosed after 2000. This study showed different effects according to Sokal scores of the use of imatinib on mortality in patients with chronic-phase CML and showed that since 2000 the pattern of mortality of high-risk patients became similar to that of intermediate-risk ones.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress causes EBV lytic replication
Authors: Taylor Gwen Marie , Raghuwanshi Sandeep K. , Rowe David T. , Wadowsky Robert M. , Rosendorff Adam 
Published: August 2011

AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggers a homeostatic cellular response in mammalian cells to ensure efficient folding, sorting, and processing of client proteins. In lytic-permissive lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), pulse exposure to the chemical ER-stress inducer thapsigargin (TG) followed by recovery resulted in the activation of the EBV immediate-early (BRLF1, BZLF1), early (BMRF1), and late (gp350) genes, gp350 surface expression, and virus release. The protein phosphatase 1 a (PP1a)–specific phosphatase inhibitor Salubrinal (SAL) synergized with TG to induce EBV lytic genes; however, TG treatment alone was sufficient to activate EBV lytic replication. SAL showed ER-stress–dependent and –independent antiviral effects, preventing virus release in human LCLs and abrogating gp350 expression in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)–treated B95-8 cells. TG resulted in sustained BCL6 but not BLIMP1 or CD138 expression, which is consistent with maintenance of a germinal center B-cell, rather than plasma-cell, phenotype. Microarray analysis identified candidate genes governing lytic replication in LCLs undergoing ER stress.
Increased risk of venous thrombosis in persons with clinically diagnosed superficial vein thrombosis: results from the MEGA study
Authors: van Langevelde Kirsten , Lijfering Willem M. , Rosendaal Frits R. , Cannegieter Suzanne C. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) is regarded a self-limiting disorder, although the authors of recent studies showed that ultrasonographically diagnosed SVT is a precursor for venous thrombosis. We aimed to determine whether the same holds true for clinically diagnosed SVT and to what extent it is associated with thrombophilia in a population-based case-control study (ie, Multiple Environmental and Genetic Assessment of risk factors for venous thrombosis). We found that a history of clinical SVT was associated with a 6.3-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.0-8.0) increased risk of deep-vein thrombosis and a 3.9-fold (95% CI 3.0-5.1) increased risk of pulmonary embolism. Blood group non-O and factor V Leiden showed a small increase in SVT risk in controls, with odds ratios of 1.3 (95% CI 0.9-2.0) and 1.5 (95% CI 0.7-3.3), respectively. In conclusion, clinically diagnosed SVT was a risk factor for venous thrombosis. Given that thrombophilia was only weakly associated with SVT, it is likely that other factors (varicosis, obesity, stasis) also play a role in its etiology.
Activated protein C inhibits high mobility group box 1 signaling in endothelial cells
Authors: Bae Jong-Sup , Rezaie Alireza R. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA pathogenic role for high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein has been postulated in severe sepsis. Activated protein C (APC) is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for severe sepsis; however, its effect on HMGB1 signaling has never been investigated. Here, we monitored the effect of APC on the lipopolysaccharide-mediated release of HMGB1 and the HMGB1-mediated modulation of proinflammatory responses in HUVECs. APC potently inhibited the release of HMGB1 and down-regulated the adhesion of the monocytic cell line, THP-1, to HMGB1-activated endothelial cells. HMGB1 up-regulated proinflammatory responses by interacting with 3 pathogen-related pattern recognition receptors: TLR2 and TLR4 and the receptor for advanced glycation end products. APC not only inhibited HMGB1 release but also down-regulated the cell surface expression of all 3 HMGB1 receptors in endothelial cells. The protective effects of APC were mediated through endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) and protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1). Interestingly, a thrombin derivative containing the Gla-domain of APC recapitulated all protective effects of APC with a 20- to 50-fold higher efficacy. These results suggest that the EPCR- and PAR-1–dependent protective effects of APC in severe sepsis may partially be mediated through the inhibition of HMGB1 signaling and that the chimeric thrombin mutant has potential therapeutic utility for severe sepsis.
Localization of chondromodulin-I at the feto-maternal interface and its inhibitory actions on trophoblast invasion in vitro
Authors: Miura Shigenori , Shukunami Chisa , Mitsui Kaori , Kondo Jun , Hiraki Yuji 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Chondromodulin-I (ChM-I) is an anti-angiogenic glycoprotein that is specifically localized at the extracellular matrix of the avascular mesenchyme including cartilage and cardiac valves. In this study, we characterized the expression pattern of ChM-I during early pregnancy in mice in vivo and its effect on invasion of trophoblastic cells into Matrigel in vitro.

Results
Northern blot analysis clearly indicated that ChM-I transcripts were expressed in the pregnant mouse uterus at 6.5-9.5 days post coitum. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that ChM-I was localized to the mature decidua surrounding the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)-expressing trophoblasts. Consistent with this observation, the expression of ChM-I mRNA was induced in decidualizing endometrial stromal cells in vitro, in response to estradiol and progesterone. Recombinant human ChM-I (rhChM-I) markedly inhibited the invasion through Matrigel as well as the chemotactic migration of rat Rcho-1 trophoblast cells in a manner independent of MMP activation.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the inhibitory action of ChM-I on trophoblast migration and invasion, implying the potential role of the ChM-I expression in decidual cells for the regulated tissue remodeling and angiogenesis at feto-maternal interface.
Genome-wide copy number variation (CNV) in patients with autoimmune Addison's disease
Authors: Brønstad Ingeborg , Wolff Anette SB , Løvås Kristian , Knappskog Per M , Husebye Eystein S 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Addison's disease (AD) is caused by an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex. The pathogenesis is multi-factorial, involving genetic components and hitherto unknown environmental factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate if gene dosage in the form of copy number variation (CNV) could add to the repertoire of genetic susceptibility to autoimmune AD.

Methods
A genome-wide study using the Affymetrix GeneChip® Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 was conducted in 26 patients with AD. CNVs in selected genes were further investigated in a larger material of patients with autoimmune AD (n = 352) and healthy controls (n = 353) by duplex Taqman real-time polymerase chain reaction assays.

Results
We found that low copy number of UGT2B28 was significantly more frequent in AD patients compared to controls; conversely high copy number of ADAM3A was associated with AD.

Conclusions
We have identified two novel CNV associations to ADAM3A and UGT2B28 in AD. The mechanism by which this susceptibility is conferred is at present unclear, but may involve steroid inactivation (UGT2B28) and T cell maturation (ADAM3A). Characterization of these proteins may unravel novel information on the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.
A novel transferrin receptor-targeted hybrid peptide disintegrates cancer cell membrane to induce rapid killing of cancer cells
Authors: Kawamoto Megumi , Horibe Tomohisa , Kohno Masayuki , Kawakami Koji 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundTransferrin receptor (TfR) is a cell membrane-associated glycoprotein involved in the cellular uptake of iron and the regulation of cell growth. Recent studies have shown the elevated expression levels of TfR on cancer cells compared with normal cells. The elevated expression levels of this receptor in malignancies, which is the accessible extracellular protein, can be a fascinating target for the treatment of cancer. We have recently designed novel type of immunotoxin, termed "hybrid peptide", which is chemically synthesized and is composed of target-binding peptide and lytic peptide containing cationic-rich amino acids components that disintegrates the cell membrane for the cancer cell killing. The lytic peptide is newly designed to induce rapid killing of cancer cells due to conformational change. In this study, we designed TfR binding peptide connected with this novel lytic peptide and assessed the cytotoxic activityin vitroandin vivo.MethodsIn vitro: We assessed the cytotoxicity of TfR-lytic hybrid peptide for 12 cancer and 2 normal cell lines. The specificity for TfR is demonstrated by competitive assay using TfR antibody and siRNA. In addition, we performed analysis of confocal fluorescence microscopy and apoptosis assay by Annexin-V binding, caspase activity, and JC-1 staining to assess the change in mitochondria membrane potential.In vivo: TfR-lytic was administered intravenously in an athymic mice model with MDA-MB-231 cells. After three weeks tumor sections were histologically analyzed.ResultsThe TfR-lytic hybrid peptide showed cytotoxic activity in 12 cancer cell lines, with IC50values as low as 4.0-9.3 μM. Normal cells were less sensitive to this molecule, with IC50values > 50 μM. Competition assay using TfR antibody and knockdown of this receptor by siRNA confirmed the specificity of the TfR-lytic hybrid peptide. In addition, it was revealed that this molecule can disintegrate the cell membrane of T47D cancer cells just in 10 min, to effectively kill these cells and induce approximately 80% apoptotic cell death but not in normal cells. The intravenous administration of TfR-lytic peptide in the athymic mice model significantly inhibited tumor progression.ConclusionsTfR-lytic peptide might provide a potent and selective anticancer therapy for patients.
Taping patients with clinical signs of subacromial impingement syndrome: the design of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kalter Joeri , Apeldoorn Adri T , Ostelo Raymond W , Henschke Nicholas , Knol Dirk L , van Tulder Maurits W 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Shoulder problems are a common complaint of the musculoskeletal system. Physical therapists treat these patients with different modalities such as exercise, massage, and shoulder taping. Although different techniques have been described, the effectiveness of taping has not yet been established. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of usual physical therapy care in combination with a particular tape technique for subacromial impingement syndrome of the shoulder compared to usual physical therapy care without this tape technique in a primary healthcare setting.

Methods and design
An economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial will be conducted. A sample of 140 patients between 18 and 65 years of age with a diagnosis of subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) as assessed by physical therapists will be recruited. Eligible patients will be randomized to either the intervention group (usual care in combination with the particular tape technique) or the control group (usual care without this tape technique). In both groups, usual care will consist of individualized physical therapy care. The primary outcomes will be shoulder-specific function (the Simple Shoulder Test) and pain severity (11-point numerical rating scale). The economic evaluation will be performed using a societal perspective. All relevant costs will be registered using cost diaries. Utilities (Quality Adjusted Life Years) will be measured using the EuroQol. The data will be collected at baseline, and 4, 12, and 26 weeks follow-up.

Discussion
This pragmatic study will provide information about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of taping in patients presenting with clinical signs of SAIS.

Trial registration
Trial registration number: NTR2575
Test-retest of computerized health status questionnaires frequently used in the monitoring of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Gudbergsen Henrik , Bartels Else M , Krusager Peter , Wæhrens Eva E , Christensen Robin , Danneskiold-Samsøe Bente , Bliddal Henning 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
To compare data based on touch screen to data based on traditional paper versions of questionnaires frequently used to examine patient reported outcomes in knee osteoarthritis patients and to examine the impact of patient characteristics on this comparison

Methods
Participants were recruited from an ongoing trial (http://ClinicalTrials.Gov Identifier: NCT00655941). 20 female participants, mean age 67 (SD 7), completed KOOS, VAS pain, function and patient global, SF-36, Physical Activity Scale, painDETECT, and the ADL Taxonomy. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two subgroups, completing either the paper or touch screen version first. Mean, mean differences (95% CI), median, median differences and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for all questionnaires.

Results
ICCs between data based on computerized and paper versions ranged from 0.86 to 0.99. Analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between versions of the ADL Taxonomy, but not for the remaining questionnaires. Age, computer experience or education-level had no significant impact on the results. The computerized questionnaires were reported to be easier to use.

Conclusion
The computerized questionnaires gave comparable results to answers given on paper. Patient characteristics did not influence results and implementation was feasible.
A cohort study of short-term functional outcomes following injury: the role of pre-injury socio-demographic and health characteristics, injury and injury-related healthcare
Authors: Langley John , Derrett Sarah , Davie Gabrielle , Ameratunga Shanthi , Wyeth Emma 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Injury outcome studies have tended to collect limited pre-injury characteristics, focus on a narrow range of injury types, predictors and outcomes, and be restricted to high threat to life injuries. We sought to identify the role of pre-injury socio-demographic and health characteristics, injury and injury-related healthcare in determining short-term functional outcomes for a wide range of injuries.

Methods
Study participants (aged 18-64 years inclusive) were those in the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study, a cohort of 2856 persons who were injured and registered with New Zealand's national no-fault injury insurance agency. All information used in this paper was obtained directly from the participants, primarily by telephone interviews, approximately three months after their injury. The functional outcomes of interest were the five dimensions of the EQ-5D plus a cognitive dimension. We initially examined bivariate relationships between our independent measures and the dependent measures. Our multivariate analyses included adjustment for pre-injury EQ-5D status and time between injury and when information was obtained from participants.

Results
Substantial portions of participants continued to have adverse outcomes approximately three months after their injury. Key pervasive factors predicting adverse outcomes were: being female, prior chronic illness, injuries to multiple body regions, being hospitalized for injury, self-perceived threat to life, and difficulty accessing health services.

Conclusion
Future injury outcome studies should include participants whose injuries are considered 'minor', as judged by acute health service utilization, and also consider a wider range of potential predictors of adverse outcomes.
Ghost Ileostomy with or without abdominal parietal split
Authors: Cerroni Michele , Cirocchi Roberto , Morelli Umberto , Trastulli Stefano , Desiderio Jacopo , Mezzacapo Mario , Listorti Chiara , Esperti Luigi , Milani Diego , Avenia Nicola , Gullà Nino , Noya Giuseppe , Boselli Carlo 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
In patients who undergo low anterior rectal resection, the fashioning of a covering stoma (CS) is still controversial. In fact, a covering stoma (ileostomy or colostomy) is worsened by major complications related to the procedure, longer recovery time, necessity of a re-intervention under general anesthesia for stoma closure and poorer quality of life. The advantage of Ghost Ileostomy (GI) is that an ileostomy can be performed only when there is clinical evidence of anastomotic leakage, without performing further interventions with related complications when anastomotic leak is absent and therefore the procedure is not necessary. Moreover, in case of anastomotic dehiscence and necessity of delayed stoma opening, mortality and morbidity in patients with GI are comparable with the ones that occur in patients which had a classic covering stoma. On the other hand, is simple to think about the possible economic saving: avoiding an admission for performing the closure of the ileostomy, with all the costs connected (OR, hospitalization, post-operative period, treatment of possible complications) represents a huge saving for the hospital management and also raise the quality of life of the patients.

Methods
In this study we prospectively analyzed 20 patients who underwent anterior extra-peritoneal rectum resection for rectal carcinoma with TME and fashioning of GI realized with or without abdominal parietal split.

Results
In the group of patients that received a GI without split laparotomy mortality was absent and in one case an anastomotic leak occurred. In the group of patients in which GI with split laparotomy was fashioned, one death occurred and there were one case of infection and one respiratory complication. Clinical follow-up was 12 months.

Conclusions
The use of different techniques for fashioning a GI do not present significant differences when they are performed by expert surgeons, but further evidence is needed with more randomized trials, in order to have more data supporting the clinical observation.
Improved conversion efficiency of Ag2S quantum dot-sensitized solar cells based on TiO2 nanotubes with a ZnO recombination barrier layer
Authors: Chen Chong , Xie Yi , Ali Ghafar , Yoo Seung Hwa , Cho Sung Oh 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
We improve the conversion efficiency of Ag2S quantum dot (QD)-sensitized TiO2 nanotube-array electrodes by chemically depositing ZnO recombination barrier layer on plain TiO2 nanotube-array electrodes. The optical properties, structural properties, compositional analysis, and photoelectrochemistry properties of prepared electrodes have been investigated. It is found that for the prepared electrodes, with increasing the cycles of Ag2S deposition, the photocurrent density and the conversion efficiency increase. In addition, as compared to the Ag2S QD-sensitized TiO2 nanotube-array electrode without the ZnO layers, the conversion efficiency of the electrode with the ZnO layers increases significantly due to the formation of efficient recombination layer between the TiO2 nanotube array and electrolyte.
III-Nitride grating grown on freestanding HfO2 gratings
Authors: Wang Yongjin , Wu Tong , Hu Fangren , Kanamori Yoshiaki , Zhu Hongbo , Hane Kazuhiro 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe report here the epitaxial growth of III-nitride material on freestanding HfO2 gratings by molecular beam epitaxy. Freestanding HfO2 gratings are fabricated by combining film evaporation, electron beam lithography, and fast atom beam etching of an HfO2 film by a front-side silicon process. The 60-μm long HfO2 grating beam can sustain the stress change during the epitaxial growth of a III-nitride material. Grating structures locally change the growth condition and vary indium composition in the InGaN/GaN quantum wells and thus, the photoluminescence spectra of epitaxial III-nitride grating are tuned. Guided mode resonances are experimentally demonstrated in fabricated III-nitride gratings, opening the possibility to achieve the interaction between the excited light and the grating structure through guided mode resonance.PACS: 78.55.Cr; 81.65.Cf; 81.15.Hi.
Catalytic pyrolysis of Laminaria japonica over nanoporous catalysts using Py-GC/MS
Authors: Lee Hyung Won , Jeon Jong-Ki , Park Sung Hoon , Jeong Kwang-Eun , Chae Ho-Jeong , Park Young-Kwon 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The catalytic pyrolysis of Laminaria japonica was carried out over a hierarchical meso-MFI zeolite (Meso-MFI) and nanoporous Al-MCM-48 using pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The effect of the catalyst type on the product distribution and chemical composition of the bio-oil was examined using Py-GC/MS. The Meso-MFI exhibited a higher activity in deoxygenation and aromatization during the catalytic pyrolysis of L. japonica. Meanwhile, the catalytic activity of Al-MCM-48 was lower than that of Meso-MFI due to its weak acidity.