bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor Levels Are Associated with Insulin Resistance and Decrease after Weight Loss
Authors: Sabater Mònica , Moreno-Navarrete Jose M. , José Ortega Francisco , Pardo Gerard , Salvador Javier , Ricart Wifredo , Frühbeck Gema , Fernández-Real José Manuel 
Published: July 2010

Objective: We aimed to study circulating pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in vivo in association with insulin resistance and in vitro in human adipocytes.
Methods: Circulating PEDF (ELISA) and metabolic profile were assessed in 125 Caucasian men. PEDF levels were also assessed in an independent cohort of subjects (n = 33) to study the effects of changing insulin action. PEDF gene expression and secretion were measured during differentiation of human preadipocytes.
Results: In all subjects, PEDF was positively associated with body mass index (r = 0.326; P &lt; 0.0001), waist-to-hip ratio (r = 0.380; P &lt; 0.0001), HbA1c, and fasting triglycerides and negatively with insulin sensitivity (r = −0.320; P &lt; 0.0001). PEDF levels were significantly increased in subjects with altered glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. Of the inflammatory markers measured, PEDF levels were positively associated with serum soluble TNF-α receptor 1 and IL-10 in obese subjects. Interestingly, weight loss led to significantly decreased PEDF concentration from 34.8 ± 19.3 to 22.5 ± 14.2 μg/ml (P &lt; 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that insulin sensitivity contributed independently to explain 14% of the variance in PEDF levels after controlling for the effects of body mass index, age, and log fasting triglycerides. Differences in PEDF observed after weight loss were related to changes in obesity, insulin resistance, and blood pressure measures. PEDF gene expression and secretion increased during differentiation of human preadipocytes.
Conclusion: Circulating PEDF is associated with insulin sensitivity. The findings show, for the first time in humans, that PEDF concentrations decrease significantly after weight loss in association with blood pressure. PEDF seems to be involved in human adipocyte biology.
The effects of heat transfer on performance and exergy destruction for a turbocharged, spark-ignition engine
Authors: Lawand V J , Caton J A 
Published: July 2010

The use of the second law of thermodynamics is a powerful means for assessing the performance of engines, and is the only way to determine the destruction of exergy. This work has examined a turbocharged, spark-ignition engine in some detail, and in particular, has quantified the effects of varying the engine cylinder heat transfer. A thermodynamic simulation was developed to investigate these effects from both the first law and second law perspectives. The engine used for this study was a 3.8l, V-6, turbocharged engine with an intercooler. The engine was examined for various levels of heat transfer. The exergy values associated with the components of the turbocharger along with the engine components were quantified as a percentage of fuel exergy. For the base case operating conditions (full load, 2000r/min) about 20.5 per cent of the exergy was destroyed during the combustion process, and the turbocharger components were responsible for less than 1 per cent of the exergy destruction. As the heat transfer level decreased, work increased only slightly while the exhaust energy and exergy increased much more significantly. Although engine performance was altered as the heat transfer level was changed, the destruction of exergy remained nearly constant.
Large Scale Laboratory Testing of Low Mobility Compaction Grouts for Drilled Shaft Tips
Authors: Pooranampillai Suthan , Elfass Sherif , Vanderpool Walt , Norris Gary 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
While post grouting of drilled shaft tips is an acknowledged means of mobilizing shaft base resistance at low values of displacement, much uncertainty exists among engineering professionals as to the conditions under which this option may be entertained. The impact of diverse factors such as soil gradation and soil relative density, overburden pressures, and grouting methods utilized needs to be properly understood. This paper details the laboratory test set-up utilized by researchers toward studying the impact of such factors on post grouting and resultant shaft base capacity increase. The focus of this paper is on the different components of the test set-up considered during the design and implementation stage. Several unique aspects dealt with as a part of this study and elaborated on herein include the testing chamber dimensions, method of overburden pressure application, soil deposition technique, grouting methodology employed for the low mobility compaction grout utilized, load testing protocol, and instrumentation. Sample test results included indicate satisfactory load resistance increase through grouting with a low mobility compaction grout. The performance of this set-up during the testing phase indicated applicability for use in large scale laboratory testing of low mobility grouts and drilled shaft foundations.
Statistical Calibration of ASTM C150 Bogue-Derived Phase Limits to Directly Determined Phases by Quantitative X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Authors: Stutzman Paul , Leigh Stefan 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Statistical analyses of companion Bogue (ASTM C150-07) and quantitative X-ray powder diffraction (QXRD) estimates for cement phases are used to establish the most likely linear relationship between these two measurement techniques for alite, belite, aluminate, ferrite, and for the combinations (C3S+4.75⋅C3A) and (C4AF+2⋅C3A) used to characterize heat of hydration and sulfate resistance, respectively. This cross-calibration was performed using published data from more than 194 Portland cements, spanning more than 50 years of manufacture. Each resulting calibration is a linear relationship, reported with 99 % Working–Hotelling–Scheffé confidence limits from the least-squares regression. Fieller calibration intervals are used to report bounds for the QXRD values corresponding to the Bogue limits given in ASTM C150-07, Table 1. Such bounds could allow either technique to be used for phase estimation to assess the compliance of a Portland cement.
Explosion Cladding: An Enabling Technology for Zirconium in the Chemical Process Industry
Authors: Banker John G. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractZirconium is a commonly used material for containment of corrosive media by the chemical process industry (CPI). Zirconium’s corrosion resistance is exceptional in a broad range of aggressively corrosive environments. However, zirconium is significantly more expensive than most of the alternative, but often inferior, corrosion resistant alloys. Explosion cladding has enabled CPI companies to cost effectively benefit from the superior performance features of zirconium in heavy-wall pressure vessels and heat exchangers. Explosion cladding is a unique technology that uses the energy of an explosive detonation to produce a metallurgical bond between metal plates. Since its discovery and industrialization in the 1960s, explosion cladding has proven to be a highly reliable, robust manufacturing technology. Zirconium clad has become a broadly accepted material of construction for a significant range of chemical process equipment. Zirconium clad equipment is used in manufacture of an extensive range of chemical products or intermediates including nitric acid, acetic acid, urea, and various organic acids. Zirconium clad and related design, manufacture, and fabrication processes have been shown to be highly reliable and to reduce both capital and operating cost.
Experiences of the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy of Semmelweis University during the 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza outbreak
Authors: Iványi Zsolt , Valkó L. , Hauser B. , Kristóf K. , Hargitai Z. , Lorx A. , Madách K. , Gál J. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Introduction:
The 2009 pandemic 2009 H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza A virus shows a markedly different disease pattern than seasonal strains, causing critical illness in relatively young, female, pregnant individuals as well as in comorbid patients. Materials and methods: The Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy of Semmelweis University served as a regional influenza center for the adult critically ill during the winter of pH1N1 outbreak. We analyzed data collected from 26 suspected pH1N1 critically ill patients treated in our unit during this period. Results: Sixteen cases were confirmed as pH1N1 infection with RT-PCR, while the other 10 patients with influenza like illness showed tendency to a different age and comorbidity, as well as outcome characteristics, suggesting a different pathogenesis. Confirmed pH1N1 patients showed a mean age of 50.5 years (median: 44; range: 20–85), with female predominancy (69%). Comorbidity was present in 69% of cases (chronic heart conditions, chronic pulmonary disease, previous history of malignancy present in 31; 25 and 19%, respectively). Twenty-five percent of the patients were pregnant women. Nineteen percent of the cases received previous pH1N1 vaccination. But two patients were later readmitted for worsening chronic conditions that led to death, which resulted in a total mortality rate of 31%. Mean APACHE II and SOFA scores on admittance were 12.2 and 5.3, respectively. Average length of treatment was 11.5 days (median: 6.5; range 2–50 days). All patients received ventilatory assistance, 69% of patients received invasive, while 31% of patients received non-invasive ventilatory assistance. The average number of days of invasive ventilation was 10.5 days (median: 5.5; range: 2–45). Forty-five percent of ventilated patients required rescue ARDS therapy. Complications included hemodynamic instability (56%); acute renal failure (13%) and pneumothorax (13%). Superinfection with other microbes were observed in 56% of the patients. Conclusions: In our study, pH1N1 infected critically ill patients had a wide age range, but were more commonly female, pregnant, or had a previously described underlying disease. Mortality, length of treatment, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, length of mechanical ventilation, major complication rates were similar to those previously described. A previously not reported relatively high occurrence of pneumothorax was noted, which is possibly a long-term complication of severe viral pneumonitis.
Hepatitis C infected hemodialysis and renal transplant patients with elevated α-glutathione S-transferase have increased risk for liver damage
Authors: Sárváry Enikő , Gerlei Zs. , Dinya E. , Tóth E. , Varga M. , Chmel R. , Molnar M. , Remport A. , Nemes B. , Kobori L. , Görög D. , Fazakas J. , Gaal I. , Járay J. , Perner F. , Langer R. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPatients on hemodialysis (HD) and renal transplant recipients (RT) have a high prevalence of HCV infection. Theaimof our study was to determine the prevalence of HCV-RNA in the anti-HCV positive patients and to compare the biochemical parameters of PCR(+) and PCR(−) subgroups.Methods:The 525 sera were screened for anti-HCV. HCV-RNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and liver enzymes [SGOT, SGPT, GGT,α-glutathione S-transferase (GST)] were measured.Results:Active viraemia was found only in 187 of 289 (65%) seropositive HD patients in contrast to 53 of 53 (100%) of seropositive RT patients. Significantly increased (p<0.05) GST values (9.9 μg/l) were found in the PCR(+) subgroups compared to GST levels (2.7 μg/l) of the PCR(−) subgroups. Elevated GST concentration was found in 80% (208/251) of PCR(+) patients. The measured enzymes were not elevated in HCV infected patients. Six percent of HD and 11% of RT patients were screened before seroconversion. Diagnostic sensitivity (80%) and specificity (79%) of GST were calculated as good for early liver damage caused by HCV. In contrast, the sensitivity of the measurement of other liver enzymes were very weak (SGOT: 8%; SGPT: 10%; GGT: 42%).Conclusion:The significantly higher viraemia of the RT subgroup could be related to the immunosuppressive therapy. Increased GST level may be a useful indicator of tissue damage during HCV infection. If HCV infection is suspected, PCR and GST measurement should be performed, even if anti-HCV result is negative.
Stream networks and knickpoints in the Sanjiangyuan Region
Authors: Wang Zhaoyin , Yu Guo-An , Brierley Gary , Liu Le 
Published: July 2010

Stream networks and knickpoints in the Sanjiangyuan RegionThe source area of the Lancang (Mekong), Yangtze and Yellow rivers is named in Chinese Sanjiangyuan (source of three rivers). Geographical characteristics of these rivers, and various rivers at the margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (Jialing, Minjiang, Dadu, Yalong and Jinsha) are summarized from field investigations along with digital elevation model (DEM) analyses and satellite images. Uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau has resulted in an asymmetrical distribution of tributaries for stream networks at the margins of the plateau. Almost all tributaries join the trunk stream from the northwest. Three types of drainage network are evident: plume, nervation and dendritic. In general, plume networks have a large number of first order streams. Nervation networks have a main stream and parallel tributaries. Dentritic networks are characrterized by continuous bifurcation and have a branch-like appearance. Most stream networks in the Sanjiangyuan region are of the nervation type. Several large knickpoints are evident along the longitudinal profiles of the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. Channel aggradation immediately upstream of these knickpoints marks a transition in river processes from vertical bed evolution (i.e. incision) to horizontal channel adjustment (and associated braided and anabranching channels).
Socio-economic aspects and impact of land use change on sediment production dynamics in the northeastern region of India
Authors: Sharma U. , Sharma Vikas 
Published: July 2010

Socio-economic aspects and impact of land use change on sediment production dynamics in the northeastern region of India
The northeastern region of India, with an area of 255 090 km2, is predominantly hilly. Major socio-economic factors affecting sediment production in the region are; shifting cultivation, land tenure system, fast growing population, small land-holdings, deforestation and free range grazing. A multi-disciplinary long-term study showed that 92.9 to 99.1% of rainwater can be retained in-situ, compared to 66.3% in shifting cultivation. Mean annual soil loss varied from 11.2 to 97.2 t km-2 in new land use systems as against 3621.3 t km-2 in shifting cultivation. The sediment load per litre of runoff from watersheds varied from 1250-20,300 mg suspended sediment, 5.4 to 23.6 mg NO3 - N, 2.3 to 6.5 mg P-PO4, 17.2 to 35.8 mg K2O, 0.4 to 1.8 mg Zn, 0.9 to 2.7 mg Mn, 6.5 to 12.0 mg Mg, 7.1 to 18.4 mg Fe and 4.0 to 7.2 mg SO4. The sediment transport from the catchments showed spatial and temporal variations.
A study on the sustainable management framework and the economic value evaluation for Taiwan Reservoir Watershed
Authors: Lu Shih-Chung , Peng Szu-Hsien , Ma Hwong-Wen 
Published: July 2010

A study on the sustainable management framework and the economic value evaluation for Taiwan Reservoir Watershed
Recently lack of sustainable management for the reservoir watershed becomes a predicament for the water issues in Taiwan. The study tried to recognize the framework of the sustainable management of the Taiwan reservoir watershed and its key factors by using the analytic hierarchy process and the Delphi method. Through the identification questionnaires and the CVM (contingent valuation method), it also discussed the gap of expert and public for the identification of satisfaction, environmental protection and the potential value for the recent reservoir watershed. However, the results showed that the "natural stability" is the significant factor in the first level and the "Nature resources conservation" and "Water storage amount" are the most important factors for the detailed level. In addition, the expert opinions were not proved by public identification, and the present governance budgets are too low to respond to the potential values of public expectancy.
A narrow group of monophyletic Tulasnella (Tulasnellaceae) symbiont lineages are associated with multiple species of Chiloglottis (Orchidaceae): Implications for orchid diversity
Authors: Roche Sean A. , Carter Richard J. , Peakall Rod , Smith Leon M. , Whitehead Michael R. , Linde Celeste C. 
Published: July 2010

• Premise of the study: The Orchidaceae is characterized by exceptional species diversity. Obligate orchid mycorrhizae are predicted to determine orchid distributions, and highly specific relationships between orchids and fungi may drive orchid diversification. In this study, mycorrhizal diversity was examined in the terrestrial, photosynthetic orchid genus Chiloglottis to test the hypothesis of mycorrhizal‐mediated diversification in the genus Chiloglottis. This orchid genus secures pollination by sexual deception, an obligate and highly specific pollination strategy. Here we asked whether the obligate orchid–fungal interactions are also specific.• Methods: Two sequenced loci, the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and mitochondrial large subunit (mtLSU), were used to identify fungal isolates and assess fungal species diversity. Symbiotic germination of two species Chiloglottis aff. jeanesii and C. valida were used to assess germination potential of isolates and confirm mycorrhizal association.• Key results: Phylogenetic analyses revealed that six representative Chiloglottis species spanning a broad survey of the genus were all associated with a narrow group of monophyletic Tulasnella fungal lineages.• Conclusions: The Chiloglottis–Tulasnella interaction appears to be the first known case of such a narrow symbiont association across a broadly surveyed orchid genus. It appears that the specific pollination system of Chiloglottis, rather than specific orchid–fungal interactions has been the key driving force in the diversification of the genus. These findings also indicate that plant groups with highly specific mycorrhizal partners can have a widespread distribution.
Safety and Antiviral Activity of JTK-652: A Novel HCV Infection Inhibitor
Authors: de Bruijne Joep , Bergmann Jilling F , Weegink Christine J , van Nieuwkerk Carin MJ , de Knegt Robert J , Komoda Yasumasa , van de Wetering de Rooij Jeroen J , van Vliet Andre , Jansen Peter LM , Molenkamp Richard , Schinkel Janke , Reesink Hendrik , Janssen Harry LA 
Published: July 2010

BackgroundStandard treatment of chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is associated with suboptimal virological response rates and substantial side effects. This study describes the in vitro and in vivo development of JTK- 652, a novel pyrrolopyridazin-derived HCV infection inhibitor.MethodsJTK-652 was evaluated in multiple cell lines using an in vitro HCV infection model consisting of HCV pseudotype vesicular stomatitis virus bearing HCV E1/E2 envelope proteins. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of JTK-652 were tested in a randomized double- blind and placebo-controlled study in healthy male volunteers ( n=36) and chronic hepatitis C patients. A total of 10 HCV genotype-1-infected patients (treatment-naive [ n=2] and treatment-experienced [ n=8]) with HCV RNA>1x105IU/ml received an oral dose of 100 mg JTK-652 three times daily or placebo (8:2 ratio) for 4 weeks.ResultsJTK-652 showed potent inhibitory activity against HCV genotype 1a and 1b pseudotype viruses bearing HCV E1/E2 envelope proteins in HepG2 cells and in human primary hepatocytes. No significant clinical laboratory, vital sign, ECG or physical examination abnormalities were observed during the Phase I trial. JTK-652 was found to be well tolerated. No significant changes in HCV RNA levels compared with baseline were observed at the end of treatment.ConclusionsAlthough results from the preclinical studies indicated that JTK-652 has well-established antiviral properties and a Phase I clinical trial has showed that JTK-652 was safe and well tolerated at a 100 mg three times daily dose level, plasma HCV RNA levels in chronically HCV- infected patients did not decrease during 28 days of dosing at a 100 mg three times daily dose level.
Geophysical investigation for the rehabilitation of a flood control embankment
Authors: Cardarelli E. , Cercato M. , Di Filippo G. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTTo comply with recently published seismic regulations and environmental standards, existing dams and embankments have to be evaluated for safety control, in addition to standard maintenance and repair, which is common practice for aging structures. In either case, engineering geophysics is almost the only viable option for investigating these structures and the underlying soil as a whole. In this contribution, electrical and seismic surveys are performed on an outdated flood control embankment that is expected to be put into service again. Integration of DC resistivity results with those of various seismic prospecting methods (seismic refraction, cross‐hole S‐wave and P‐wave tomography and surface wave analysis) is found to be successful for defining a clear physical representation of the entire structure. The low‐strain elastic properties (from seismic speeds of propagation) as well as the geometrical characteristics of the internal core of the dam and of the foundation soil serve as guidance for the rehabilitation intervention.
Non‐fatal construction industry fall‐related injuries treated in US emergency departments, 1998–2005
Authors: Shishlov Kirill S. , Schoenfisch Ashley L. , Myers Douglas J. , Lipscomb Hester J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundThere is a growing recognition that common occupational injury surveillance systems in the US fail to reflect true injury risk; this failure limits efforts to accurately monitor efforts to prevent work‐related injuries on a national level.MethodsData from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System occupational supplement (NEISS‐Work) were used to describe fall‐related injuries treated in US emergency departments among workers in the construction industry (1998–2005). These data do not require workers' compensation as the payer in order to be classified as work‐related.ResultsBased on NEISS‐Work estimates, a total of 555,700 (95% confidence interval (CI): 390,700–720,800) non‐fatal work‐related injuries among workers in the construction industry were the result of a fall, resulting in an annual rate of 70 (95% CI: 49–91) per 10,000 full‐time equivalents. Younger workers had higher rates of falls, whereas older workers were more likely to suffer serious injuries. The majority of the injuries (70%) were precipitated by falls to a lower level from roofs, ladders, and scaffolding.ConclusionsThe patterns of fall‐related injuries identified in these data are consistent with other reports. In contrast to the declining rates of falls requiring days away from work reported through the Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, construction industry fall‐related injury rates estimated through NEISS‐Work remained unchanged from 1998 to 2005 providing another perspective on this serious cause of morbidity in the construction industry. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:128–135, 2011. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.