bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying Transit Driver Preferences for Work Shift Structures: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Miranda Felipe , Muñoz Juan Carlos , Ortúzar Juan de Dios 
Published: January 2008

The combination of a strict labor legislation with daily and weekly time-dependent demand patterns has meant that transit companies tend to suffer significant inefficiencies; indeed, as more drivers than the minimum required are hired, providing services at off-peak periods, many tend to be inactive during these periods. To attack this problem, two strategies have been proposed. The first is using flexible shifts that may change daily according to a predefined contract. The other is using split shifts in which drivers' working hours are split in two to serve both the morning and afternoon peak periods. However, evidence of driver acceptance of these strategies is lacking.This paper presents a methodology to identify which characteristics of a shift are important for drivers (considering their socioeconomic characteristics) and to quantify their impact. Such information would allow transit operators to offer better working shifts to their drivers, with mutual benefits. The approach includes estimation of a mixed logit model based on stated preference data for choice of working shift; the context definition, shift attributes, and in general the experimental design were quite involved. A sample of 436 drivers working at two important operators in Santiago were interviewed. Our modelling results show considerable heterogeneity in drivers' preferences and also show that a significant number of them would be prepared to participate in flexible shifts. Our method allows operators to determine the economic incentives they should attach to such shifts for them to be accepted by the required fraction of their drivers.
Optimizing Timetable Synchronization for Rail Mass Transit
Authors: Wong Rachel C. W. , Yuen Tony W. Y. , Fung Kwok Wah , Leung Janny M. Y. 
Published: January 2008

In most urban public transit rail systems, passengers may need to make several interchanges between different lines to reach their destination. The design of coordinated timetables that enable smooth interchanges with minimal delay for all passengers is a very difficult task. This paper presents a mixed-integer-programming optimization model for this schedule synchronization problem for nonperiodic timetables that minimizes the interchange waiting times of all passengers. A novelty in our formulation is the use of binary variables that enable the correct representation of the waiting times to the “next available” train at the interchange stations. By adjusting trains' run times and station dwell times during their trips and their dispatch times, turnaround times at the terminals, and headways at the stations, our model can construct high-quality timetables that minimize transfer waiting times. We also discuss an optimization-based heuristic for the model. We have tested our algorithm for the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system in Hong Kong, which runs six railway lines with many cross-platform interchange stations. Preliminary numerical results indicate that our approach improves the synchronization significantly compared with the current practice of using fixed headways and trip times. We also explore the trade-offs among different operational parameters and flexibility and their impact on overall passenger waiting times.
"It Takes a Village to Raise a Child": The Role of Social Capital in Promoting Academic Success for African American Men at a Black College
Authors: Palmer Robert , Gasman Marybeth 
Published: January 2008

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were created to provide educational opportunities for African Americans when other higher education venues restricted their participation. HBCUs are credited with nurturing and producing leaders who embraced W. E. B. Du Bois's concept of the "Talented Tenth," and exhibiting fortitude in advancing social equality for all. Over the years, as legalized segregation was overturned and efforts were made to expand opportunities for African Americans, some have questioned the continuing need for HBCUs. A study of 11 African American men attending a public, urban HBCU, indicated that the university's rich supply of social capital (a direct consequence of its mission and history) makes it a unique fixture in the landscape of higher education, one whose special features have not been replicated by historically White institutions.
Ribosome display and selection of human anti-CD22 scFvs derived from an acute lymphocytic leukemia patient
Authors: Rothe Achim , Nathanielsz Anne , Oberhäuser Frank , von Strandmann Elke Pogge , Engert Andreas , Hudson Peter J. , Power Barbara E. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Novel in vitro methods for the display of antibody libraries against disease-related antigens have led to the development of powerful protein-based biotherapeutics. Eukaryotic ternary ribosome complexes can be used to display human single chain antibodies (scFvs) to isolate specific binding reagents to these antigens. Here, we present the isolation of human scFv against the immunotherapeutic target antigen CD22 from a patient-derived human scFv library using ribosome display technology. The ribosome complexes were enriched against the extra-cellular domain of human CD22 conjugated to magnetic beads. Isolated constructs were further affinity-matured and specific binding activity was demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance and validated using in vitro cell assays. The isolated human anti-CD22 scFvs can provide a basis for the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies in CD22-expressing malignant diseases.
Sub-chronic administration of the 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, carbenoxolone, improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in mice with diet-induced obesity
Authors: Taylor Ashley , Irwin Nigel , McKillop Aine M. , Flatt Peter R. , Gault Victor A. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
We have examined the metabolic effects of daily administration of carbenoxolone (CBX), a naturally occurring 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD1) inhibitor, in mice with high fat diet-induced insulin resistance and obesity. Eight-week-old male Swiss TO mice placed on a synthetic high fat diet received daily intraperitoneal injections of either saline vehicle or CBX over a 16-day period. Daily administration of CBX had no effect on food intake, but significantly lowered body weight (1.1- to 1.2-fold) compared to saline-treated controls. Non-fasting plasma glucose levels were significantly decreased (1.6-fold) by CBX treatment on day 4 and remained lower throughout the treatment period. Circulating plasma corticosterone levels were not significantly altered by CBX treatment. Plasma glucose concentrations of CBX-treated mice were significantly reduced (1.4-fold) following an intraperitoneal glucose load compared with saline controls. Similarly, after 16-day treatment with CBX, exogenous insulin evoked a significantly greater reduction in glucose concentrations (1.4- to 1.8-fold). 11β-HSD1 gene expression was significantly down-regulated in liver, whereas glucocorticoid receptor gene expression was increased in both liver and adipose tissue following CBX treatment. The reduced body weight and improved metabolic control in mice with high fat diet-induced obesity upon daily CBX administration highlights the potential value of selective 11β-HSD1 inhibition as a new route for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Serum TSH and serum thyroid peroxidase antibody fluctuate in parallel and high urinary iodine excretion predicts subsequent thyroid failure in a 1-year study of patients with untreated subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Karmisholt Jesper , Laurberg Peter 
Published: January 2008

ObjectiveTo explore the possibility of predicting decline or improvement in thyroid function over 1 year, and to investigate the correlations of serum TSH (s-TSH) with hypothyroidism-related symptoms and signs, serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (s-TPO-Ab) and urinary iodine excretion in individual patients with untreated subclinical hypothyroidism (SH).DesignMonthly repeated measurement study without intervention.MethodsTwenty-one patients without former thyroid disease who had been identified with s-TSH between 5 and 12 mU/l and normal serum thyroxine (s-T4) at two occasions were enrolled. Subsequently, 13 monthly measurements of s-TSH, hypothyroidism-related symptoms and signs, serum free T4, s-TPO-Ab and urinary iodine excretion were performed.ResultsOver the study year, s-TSH increased significantly in 5 patients, 16 had unchanged s-TSH, whereas none improved. From clinical and biochemical inclusion data, it was not possible to predict who would later increase in s-TSH. In individual patients, a highly significant correlation between s-TSH and s-TPO-Ab was found (r=0.37, P<0.0001) and also between s-TSH and urinary iodine excretion (r=0.14, P=0.034). No correlation between s-TSH and clinical symptoms and signs was observed. Time shift showed best correlation between s-TSH and s-TPO-Ab measured at the same time point, whereas urinary iodine excretion correlated best to s-TSH and s-TPO-Ab obtained 1 month later.ConclusionAt the time of inclusion, it was not possible to identify the 24% of SH patients who would show deterioration in thyroid function over the following year. Impairment in thyroid function varied in parallel with thyroid autoimmunity, whereas high urinary iodine excretion predicted high s-TSH and s-TPO-Ab 1 month later.
Reduced quality of life in patients with head-and-neck paragangliomas
Authors: Havekes B , van der Klaauw A A , Hoftijzer H C , Jansen J C , van der Mey A G L , Vriends A H J T , Smit J W A , Romijn J A , Corssmit E P M 
Published: January 2008

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) in patients with head-and-neck paragangliomas (‘glomus tumors’).DesignWe conducted a case–control study.MethodsWe assessed QoL in 82 patients with head-and-neck paragangliomas using four validated health-related questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Index (MFI-20), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Patient outcomes were compared with controls provided by the patients and with a large age- and sex-adjusted control group.ResultsThe QoL scores in the paraganglioma patients were significantly reduced in 12 out of the 21 subscales compared with own controls, and in 18 out of the 21 subscales compared with age- and sex-adjusted values derived from the previous studies. In the MFI-20 questionnaire, patients reported more general fatigue, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and a reduction in activity and motivation. The scores in the NHP showed a difference in energy, emotional reaction, and social isolation. General health perception, pain, and physical functioning were reported to be worse in the paraganglioma patients on the SF-36 scale. Although anxiety and depression did not reveal any significant differences between patients and their own controls, an increased score on both anxiety and depression was seen when compared with the extended control group. Especially, dysphonia contributes to a reduced QoL.ConclusionQoL is considerably reduced in patients with head-and-neck paragangliomas.
Association of +45G15G(T/G) and +276(G/T) polymorphisms in the ADIPOQ gene with polycystic ovary syndrome among Han Chinese women
Authors: Zhang Ning , Shi Yu-Hua , Hao Cui-Fang , Gu Harvest F , Li Yuan , Zhao Yue-Ran , Wang Lai-Cheng , Chen Zi-Jiang 
Published: January 2008

ObjectivePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently associated with insulin resistance (IR) and consequently with increased risk of metabolic disorders. Adiponectin is the most abundant adipocytokine and may play a role in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and IR in PCOS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic influence of the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene polymorphisms in the development of PCOS among Han Chinese women.MethodsTwo single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs),+45G15G(T/G) and +276(G/T), in the ADIPOQ gene were genotyped in 120 patients with PCOS and 120 healthy control subjects. All of them were Han Chinese women.ResultsBoth SNPs were found to be significantly associated with PCOS (P=0.021, odds ratios=1.629, 95% confidence intervals: 1.074–2.469 and P=0.015, 1.576, 1.091–2.279 respectively). In SNP +276(G/T), the allele G was found to be significantly associated with increased fasting insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment to assess IR index, and area under the curve glucose levels, but decreased glucose and insulin ratio in the PCOS patients. Furthermore, the patients carrying genotypes G/G and G/T had significantly decreased levels of serum adiponectin (6.16±3.18 plus 5.93±3.23 vs 8.96±3.21 μg/ml, P=0.030) compared with the patients with genotype T/T.ConclusionsThe present study provides evidence that SNPs +45G15G(T/G) and +276(G/T) in the ADIPOQ gene are associated with PCOS in Han Chinese women. SNP +276(G/T) may contribute to an impact of insulin levels and IR, which are implicated in the susceptibility for PCOS.
The effects of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms on endothelial function and metabolic risk factors in healthy subjects: the significance of plasma adiponectin levels
Authors: Imamura Akiko , Takahashi Ryotaro , Murakami Ryuichiro , Kataoka Hiroki , Cheng Xian Wu , Numaguchi Yasushi , Murohara Toyoaki , Okumura Kenji 
Published: January 2008

ObjectiveGenetic variants of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene, Glu298Asp and T–786C, have been reported to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived plasma protein with insulin-sensitizing and vascular protective effects; its levels are typically low in metabolic syndrome. Therefore, eNOS gene polymorphisms may also be associated with specific metabolic profiles, including plasma adiponectin levels and atherogenic lipids.MethodsWe evaluated the functional significance of eNOS gene Glu298Asp and T–786C polymorphisms on endothelial function and metabolic profiles in 101 healthy young men (mean age 30.3 years) before the progression of atherosclerotic lesions.ResultsNo linkage disequilibrium was found between the two genotypes. The Asp298 allele carriers of the eNOS gene presented significantly higher plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, LDL particle size, malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL), and fasting insulin levels and lower plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I levels, and endothelium-dependent vasodilation when compared with noncarriers. In spite of higher MDA-LDL levels, Asp298 carriers had significantly larger LDL particle size. By contrast, in C–786 allele carriers, systolic blood pressure was significantly higher, and plasma high-molecular-weight adiponectin levels and endothelium-dependent vasodilation were significantly lower than those in non-carriers.ConclusionsAlthough both eNOS polymorphisms induced endothelial dysfunction, the eNOS T–786C polymorphism may be associated with adiponectin levels, whereas the Glu298Asp polymorphism may be associated with atherogenic lipid levels.
Weight loss larger than 10% is needed for general improvement of levels of circulating adiponectin and markers of inflammation in obese subjects: a 3-year weight loss study
Authors: Madsen Erik L , Rissanen Aila , Bruun Jens M , Skogstrand Kristin , Tonstad Serena , Hougaard David M , Richelsen Bjørn 
Published: January 2008

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of: I) short- (8 weeks), II) long-term (3 years) weight loss, and III) the degree of weight loss on circulating levels of adiponectin, high sensitive-C reactive protein (hs-CRP), and fibrinogen in obese subjects. Moreover, to evaluate the effect of the lipase inhibitor, orlistat, on these parameters.DesignWeight loss induced in 93 obese subjects (mean weight: 108.9±15.8 kg) through 8-week very-low-energy diet (VLED, 800 kcal/day) followed by randomization to orlistat or placebo together with lifestyle intervention for further 3 years. Adiponectin and hs-CRP were measured at baseline, after 8 weeks of VLED and 6, 12, and 36 months after the VLED by flowmetric xMAP technology (Luminex Multi-Analyte Profiling System, Luminex Corp., Austin, TX, USA). Fibrinogen was measured in a coagulation assay.ResultsWeight loss after VLED treatment was 14.3±4.5 kg and after 3 years 7.7±8.7 kg. Orlistat-treated subjects regained 3.9 kg less than placebo-treated from the end of the VLED to 3 years (P=0.01). No differences were detected between the two groups regarding changes in adiponectin, hs-CRP, or fibrinogen. Accordingly, the groups were combined for further analyses. Serum adiponectin increased by 22% (P<0.05) after the VLED but returned to baseline after 3 years. Both short- and long-term weight losses needed to be in excess of 10% (∼12 kg) in order to increase adiponectin levels significantly. Weight loss was associated with a significant decrease in hs-CRP. Fibrinogen decreased by 12% (P<0.05) after 3 years.ConclusionsIn obese subjects, weight loss was associated with an increase in serum adiponectin and a decrease in hs-CRP and plasma fibrinogen. Long-term weight loss (3 years) must exceed 10% to induce a combined significant improvement in these inflammatory markers.
Heart rate variability in patients after cardiac valve surgery
Authors: Lakusic Nenad , Slivnjak Valentina , Baborski Franjo , Sonicki Zdenko 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
The aim of study was to analyze heart rate variability (HRV) after different cardiac valve surgery procedures and the prognostic values of these findings. This study included 101 consecutive patients who underwent surgical implantation for an artificial valve. The mean age of the patients was 62 ± 10 years. An aortic valve was implanted in 65 patients. A mitral valve was implanted in 36 patients. HRV was analyzed from 24 hours Holter electrocardiographic (ECG) records. The time from the operation to the recording of Holter ECG and measuring HRV was 3.8 ± 1.4 months. After discharged from stationary cardiac rehabilitation, all involved patients were contacted to provide data on their health in the follow-up period (33 ± 21 months). A total of 46 patients with an implanted artificial valve had decreased overall HRV or standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals (SDNN) < 93 ms. Patients with an implanted artificial mitral valve had a shorter RR interval (817 ± 122 vs. 863 ± 122ms, p=0.03) and lower values of total power (1166 ± 1888 vs. 2802 ± 3601 ms2, p<0.001) compared to patients with an implanted artificial aortic valve. The results of study show that several months after cardiac surgery, almost half of the patients with an implanted artificial valve have decreased HRV. However, postoperative decreased HRV in those patients have no importance in long-term prediction of mortality rate.
Experimental attempt to produce mRNA transfected dendritic cells derived from enriched CD34+ blood progenitor cells
Authors: Lazarova Paula , Kvalheim Gunnar , Gercheva Liana , Metodiev Krassimir 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
It Peripheral blood progenitor enriched CD34+ cells (PBPC) are rather often used as stem cell background in cancer patients following high dose therapy. Keeping in mind that precursor dendritic cells (DCs) originate from haematopoietic progenitor cells, purified CD34+ cells might also serve as starting cells for ex-vivo production of DC. The aim of the present study is to develop a clinical grade procedure for ex-vivo production of DC derived from enriched CD34+ cells. Various concentrations of CD34+ cells were grown in gas-permeable Teflon bags with different serum-free and serum-containing media supplemented with GM-CSF, IL-4, TNF-a, SCF, Flt-3L and INF-a. Serum-free CellGroSCGM medium for 7 days followed by CellGroDC medium in 7 days gave equal results as serum-containing medium. Following incubation, the cultured cells containing immature DCs were concentrated and transfected with tumour mRNA from human prostate cancer cell lines employing a highly efficient electroporation procedure. Thawed transfected DCs were able to elicit primary T-cell responses in vitro against antigens encoded by the prostate cancer mRNA as shown by ELISPOT assay using mock-transfected DCs as control. The results of our study show that frozen enriched CD34+ cells can be an alternative and efficient source for production of DCs for therapeutic purpose.
Biochemical Fractionation of Brain Tissue for Studies of Receptor Distribution and Trafficking
Authors: Hallett Penelope J. , Collins Tiffany L. , Standaert David G. , Dunah Anthone W. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAn important tool for studying the regulation of synapses is a rapid and reliable means of separating synaptic and intracellular proteins. This unit presents a technique for analysis of brain tissue which relies on differential centrifugation to separate proteins present at synaptic sites from those found in intracellular cytoplasmic and vesicular pools. The method is efficient in that only small amounts of tissue, such as might be obtained from a small region of a rodent brain, are required. It is reproducible and, in conjunction with immunoblot or immunoprecipitation techniques, can produce reliable quantitative data. The protocol will be of interest to those conducting a variety of different studies related to the localization and trafficking of brain receptors and signaling molecules.Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 42:1.16.1‐1.16.16. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Overview of Mouse Assays of Ethanol Intoxication
Authors: Crabbe John C. , Cameron Andy J. , Munn Elizabeth , Bunning Mark , Wahlsten Douglas 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThere are many behavioral assays to assess sensitivity to ethanol intoxication in mice. Most are simple to implement, and are sensitive to a particular dose range of ethanol. Most reflect genetic influences, and each test appears to reflect the contribution of a relatively distinct collection of genes. This genetic heterogeneity implies that no single test can claim to capture the construct “ethanol intoxication” completely. Depending on the test, and when measurements are made, acute functional tolerance to even a single dose of ethanol must be considered as a contributing factor. Whether or not a test is conducted in naïve mice or as part of a test battery can influence sensitivity, and do so in a strain‐dependent manner. This unit reviews existing tests and recommends several.Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 42:9.26.1‐9.26.19. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mouse and Rat Anesthesia and Analgesia
Authors: Davis Judith A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMany animal models used in neuroscience research must be surgically created and/or anesthetized for imaging studies. The purpose of this unit is to review the advantages and disadvantages of various anesthetic and analgesic agents in rodents; to discuss state‐of‐the‐art methods for monitoring anesthesia; and to provide tips for troubleshooting problems with anesthesia. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 42:A.4B.1‐A.4B.21. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cerebral Infarct/Intracranial Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Grant P. Ellen , Schaefer Pamela W. , Gonzalez R. Gilberto 
Published: January 2008

AbstractImaging goals for intracranial cerebral vascular disease are (1) to assess the degree of parenchymal injury and identify intraparenchymal hemorrhage; (2) to determine if there are areas of altered perfusion that may be at risk for future injury; and (3) to assess the intracranial arteries (patency as well as direction of flow). This unit describes a Basic Protocol that can be used to evaluate stable patients with acute, subacute, or chronic cerebrovascular symptoms. An Alternate Protocol is also given for cases of hyperacute strokes or cerebrovascular symptoms in an unstable patient.