bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of tear pH in dogs, horses, and cattle
Authors: Beckwith-Cohen Billie , Elad Daniel , Bdolah-Abram Tali , Ofri Ron 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Objective—To determine baseline tear pH in dogs, horses, and cattle by use of a microelectrode.
Animals—28 dogs, 24 horses, and 29 cattle.
Procedures—Under manual restraint, tears were collected from each subject's left eye with cotton spears. A Schirmer tear test was performed in the right eye. Tears were extracted from the spears by centrifugation. Tear volume was measured, pH was determined with a microelectrode, and total solids (TS) concentration was measured by refractometry.
Results—Mean ± SD pH of tears in cattle, dogs, and horses was 8.32 ± 0.14, 8.05 ± 0.26, and 7.84 ± 0.30, respectively. Tear pH was significantly higher in cattle versus dogs and horses and in dogs versus horses. Mean ± SD TS concentration in horses, cattle, and dogs was 2.04 ± 1.29 g/dL, 1.07 ± 0.60 g/dL, and 0.33 ± 0.18 g/dL, respectively. Total solids concentration was significantly higher in horses versus cattle and dogs and in cattle versus dogs. Schirmer tear test results for all animals were within the species reference range.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Tear pH in all 3 species differed from that of published blood pH values and the pH of common topically administered ophthalmic medications. These fndings may have implications for variations in ocular flora and defense mechanisms, susceptibility to ocular disease, and success or comfort of topical treatment.
Diffusive transport of Cu(II) ions through thin ion imprinted polymeric membranes
Authors: Zarghami Soheil , Mohammadi Toraj , Kazemimoghadam Mansoor 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA novel ion imprinted polymeric membrane (IIPM) for copper (Cu) ions transport was prepared by a ion imprinting technique via cross-linking of blended chitosan (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using glutaraldehyde (GA) as the cross-linker and Cu ions as the template. The obtained IIPM was characterised and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and permeation studies. Cavities of IIPM containing recognition sites for Cu ions were formed in the compact structure of the CS/PVA membrane which was prepared via the solution casting method. Under the optimum conditions, transport factor of the IIPM reached 2 when the permeation time was 18 h. Selective permeation of Cu ions versus nickel ions through the imprinted membrane was confirmed and a selectivity factor of 1.71 was obtained.
Design consideration of dimethyl succinate production process
Authors: Dudáš Jozef , Kotora Marcel , Bradáč Michal , Markoš Jozef 
Published: April 2014

AbstractEsterification of succinic acid to form dimethyl succinate has been analysed and the process design is presented in this paper. The process analysis and design are based on our own experimental data (kinetics), information from open literature, and own mathematical models and computer programs for process simulation and evaluation. Reactive distillation and a tubular reactor followed by separation of components from the reaction mixture were considered and evaluated. An economic analysis indicated that operational costs dominate over the capital ones in the costs estimation and that the integration of partial processes into one vessel (reactive distillation) is advantageous. However, according to the analysis of the process conditions (temperature and pressure) for the reaction and distillation, it is impossible to execute the process in one vessel. Therefore, a fixed bed reactor combined with distillation was proposed and the technology has been developed.
Microstructural analysis of a C/SiC ceramic based on the segmentation of X-ray phase contrast tomographic data
Authors: Wirjadi Oliver , Rack Alexander , Liebscher André , Meinhardt Jürgen , Schladitz Katja , Shafei Behrang , Steidl Gabriele 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
This paper is dedicated to the analysis of 3D data of carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide ceramics. In the production process of C/SiC, a porous carbon preform reinforced with bundles of carbon fibers is infiltrated with liquid silicon at approximately 1 500 °C. The reaction between liquid silicon and carbon creates a layer of silicon carbide while the silicon vanishes almost completely. This material is able to withstand extremely high temperatures and it is extremely tough with respect to fracture. To increase the efficiency of the costly and time consuming production process, methods for monitoring the quality of the material are helpful. For instance, the thickness of the silicon carbide layer is a valuable measure. Moreover, due to different coefficients of thermal expansion of the components, typically cracks appear during the production process. For effective analysis 3D high resolution image data are necessary that can be acquired by synchrotron computed tomography. In a first image processing step, we segment the 3D image data with a convex optimization approach incorporating spatial regularity. Further, we work on the detection of cracks using an eigenvalue analysis of the 3D Hessian matrix determined in each pixel.
Thermal expansion behavior of CNT/Ag nanocomposite
Authors: Pal Hemant , Sharma Vimal , Sharma Manjula 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In the present study, the molecular level mixing method has been extended to fabricate carbon nanotube based silver nanocomposite. Here, the influence of types of carbon nanotubes and their functionalization on the coefficient of thermal expansion was examined. Covalently and non-covalently functionalized single wall as well as multiwall carbon nanotubes were used in the synthesis process. The microstructural features of the composite revealed that the carbon nanotubes decorated with silver nanoparticles were dispersed embedded and anchored in the silver matrix. Experimental results confirmed that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite reduces in relation to that of pure silver, with increasing content of carbon nanotubes in the silver matrix. The thermal expansion of nanocomposites, up to 6 volume percent of nanotubes, reduces to 50 – 60 % that of pure silver. However, more reduction in thermal expansion of silver nanocomposite with single wall carbon nanotube than with multiwall nanotubes has been observed, which is correlated with high aspect ratio and large effective surface area of single wall nanotubes. Moreover, covalently functionalized multiwall nanotubes exhibit more reinforcing effect than non-covalently functionalized. We believe that strong bonding between carbon nanotubes and metal matrix due to covalent functionalization is responsible for effective reduction in thermal expansion.
Effect of grain size on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-4Y-3Nd-0.5Zr alloy
Authors: Yi Junying , Ning Zhiliang , Sun Jianfei 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Various grain sizes of an Mg-4Y-3Nd-0.5Zr alloy were obtained by changing the cooling rate in a casting with wall thickness from 10 to 70 mm, and the effect of grain size on the microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. When the cooling rate increased from 23.6 to 240.2 K min−1, the grain size of as-cast specimens decreased from 115 to 42 μm, and the sizes of the eutectic phase morphology decreased. The ultimate tensile strength and tensile yield strength for heat-treated materials decreased 12 %–14 % due to the increase in grain size by decreasing the cooling rate. Meanwhile, both the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength showed a linear relationship with d
−1/2 (d is the grain size).
Biométrie et types de ramification chez quelques graminées tropicales. Applications à la définition des formes biologiques (XVIe note sur les Graminées d'Afrique Tropicale)
Authors: Jacques-Félix H. 
Published: April 2014

La biométrie culmaire, appliquée à quatre espèces de graminées tropicales, nous a permis de reconnaître quatre types morphologiques basés sur la position de la ramification :
1°) ramification tallée, chez l'Eleusine tristachya ;
2°) ramification étagée, chez le Pennisetum glaucum ;
3°) ramification paniculée chez le Schizachyrium plaly phyllum ;
4°) ramification fasciculée chez l'Eleusine indica.
Ces modes de ramification et les propres données de la biométrie culmaires, joints à quelques autres caractères écologiques et morphologiques, devraient permettre de définir quelques types biologiques fondamentaux.
Une nouvelle hypothèse est également émise pour expliquer la croissance intermittente de l'Eleusine indica.
A new name for the western spruce budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)?
Authors: Gilligan Todd M. , Brown John W. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThere currently is considerable confusion regarding the correct application of the nameChoristoneura occidentalisFreeman (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). This name has historically been applied to the western spruce budworm, a serious forest pest in western North America. However, in 2008 Razowski transferred the African speciesArchips occidentalis(Walsingham) toChoristoneuraLederer and proposedC. freemaniRazowski as a replacement name for the western spruce budworm. The validity of these nomenclatural changes and alternative solutions to resolve the confusion they have caused are discussed. Illustrations of wing patterns and genitalia for the two species are provided.
MIF Promotes B Cell Chemotaxis through the Receptors CXCR4 and CD74 and ZAP-70 Signaling
Authors: Klasen Christina , Ohl Kim , Sternkopf Marieke , Shachar Idit , Schmitz Corinna , Heussen Nicole , Hobeika Elias , Levit-Zerdoun Ella , Tenbrock Klaus , Reth Michael , Bernhagen Jürgen , El Bounkari Omar 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine with chemokine-like functions that plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases by promoting leukocyte recruitment. We showed that MIF promotes the atherogenic recruitment of monocytes and T cells through its receptors CXCR2 and CXCR4. Effects of MIF on B cell recruitment have not been addressed. In this study, we tested the involvement of MIF in B cell chemotaxis and studied the underlying mechanism. We show that MIF promotes primary murine B cell chemotaxis in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to the B cell chemokines CXCL13 and CXCL12. Splenic B cells express CXCR4 and the receptor CD74 but not CXCR2. Inhibition of CXCR4 or CD74 or a genetic deficiency of Cd74 in primary B cells fully abrogated MIF-mediated B cell migration, implying cooperative involvement of both receptors. MIF stimulation of B cells resulted in a rapid increase in intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and F-actin polymerization. Intriguingly, the tyrosine kinase ZAP-70 was activated upon MIF and CXCL12 treatment in a CXCR4- and CD74-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of ZAP-70 resulted in abrogation of primary B cell migration. Functional involvement of ZAP-70 was confirmed by small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown in Ramos B cell migration. Finally, primary B cells from ZAP-70 gene–deficient mice exhibited ablated transmigration in response to MIF or CXCL12. We conclude that MIF promotes the migration of B cells through a ZAP-70–dependent pathway mediated by cooperative engagement of CXCR4 and CD74. The data also suggest that MIF may contribute to B cell recruitment in vivo (e.g., in B cell–related immune disorders).
Mainstream Cigarette Smoke Exposure Attenuates Airway Immune Inflammatory Responses to Surrogate and Common Environmental Allergens in Mice, Despite Evidence of Increased Systemic Sensitization
Authors: Robbins Clinton S. , Pouladi Mahmoud A. , Fattouh Ramzi , Dawe David E. , Vujicic Neda , Richards Carl D. , Jordana Manel , Inman Mark D. , Stampfli Martin R. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of mainstream cigarette smoke exposure (MTS) on allergic sensitization and the development of allergic inflammatory processes. Using two different experimental murine models of allergic airways inflammation, we present evidence that MTS increased cytokine production by splenocytes in response to OVA and ragweed challenge. Paradoxically, MTS exposure resulted in an overall attenuation of the immune inflammatory response, including a dramatic reduction in the number of eosinophils and activated (CD69+) and Th2-associated (T1ST2+) CD4 T lymphocytes in the lung. Although MTS did not impact circulating levels of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, we observed a striking reduction in OVA-specific IgG2a production and significantly diminished airway hyperresponsiveness. MTS, therefore, plays a disparate role in the development of allergic responses, inducing a heightened state of allergen-specific sensitization, but dampening local immune inflammatory processes in the lung.
Shared and Unique Functions of the DExD/H-Box Helicases RIG-I, MDA5, and LGP2 in Antiviral Innate Immunity
Authors: Yoneyama Mitsutoshi , Kikuchi Mika , Matsumoto Kanae , Imaizumi Tadaatsu , Miyagishi Makoto , Taira Kazunari , Foy Eileen , Loo Yueh-Ming , Gale Michael , Akira Shizuo , Yonehara Shin , Kato Atsushi , Fujita Takashi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The cellular protein retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) senses intracellular viral infection and triggers a signal for innate antiviral responses including the production of type I IFN. RIG-I contains a domain that belongs to a DExD/H-box helicase family and exhibits an N-terminal caspase recruitment domain (CARD) homology. There are three genes encoding RIG-I-related proteins in human and mouse genomes. Melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA5), which consists of CARD and a helicase domain, functions as a positive regulator, similarly to RIG-I. Both proteins sense viral RNA with a helicase domain and transmit a signal downstream by CARD; thus, these proteins share overlapping functions. Another protein, LGP2, lacks the CARD homology and functions as a negative regulator by interfering with the recognition of viral RNA by RIG-I and MDA5. The nonstructural protein 3/4A protein of hepatitis C virus blocks the signaling by RIG-I and MDA5; however, the V protein of the Sendai virus selectively abrogates the MDA5 function. These results highlight ingenious mechanisms for initiating antiviral innate immune responses and the action of virus-encoded inhibitors.
CD21/CD19 Coreceptor Signaling Promotes B Cell Survival during Primary Immune Responses
Authors: Barrington Robert A. , Zhang Ming , Zhong Xuemei , Jonsson Helena , Holodick Nichol , Cherukuri Anu , Pierce Susan K. , Rothstein Thomas L. , Carroll Michael C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe adaptive immune response is tightly regulated to limit responding cells in an Ag-specific manner. On B cells, coreceptors CD21/CD19 modulate the strength of BCR signals, potentially influencing cell fate. The importance of the CD95 pathway was examined in response of B cells to moderate affinity Ag using an adoptive transfer model of lysozyme-specific Ig transgenic (HEL immunoglobulin transgene (MD4) strain) B cells. Although adoptively transferred Cr2+/+ MD4 B cells are activated and persist within splenic follicles of duck egg lysozyme-immunized mice, Cr2−/− MD4 B cells do not. In contrast, Cr2−/− MD4 lpr B cells persist after transfer, suggesting that lack of CD21/CD35 signaling results in CD95-mediated elimination. Cr2 deficiency did not affect CD95 levels, but cellular FLIP (c-FLIP) protein and mRNA levels were reduced 2-fold compared with levels in Cr2+/+ MD4 B cells. In vitro culture with Cr2+/+ MD4 B cells demonstrated that equimolar amounts of rHEL-C3d3 were more effective than hen egg lysozyme alone in up-regulating c-FLIP levels and for protection against CD95-mediated apoptosis. Collectively, this study implies a mechanism for regulating B cell survival in vivo whereby the strength of BCR signaling (including coreceptor) determines c-FLIP levels and protection from CD95-induced death.
The Role of Phase II Antioxidant Enzymes in Protecting Memory T Cells from Spontaneous Apoptosis in Young and Old Mice
Authors: Kim Hyon-Jeen , Nel Andre E. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Aging is associated with a functional decline and change in the phenotypic distribution of T cell subsets. The free radical theory of aging is widely promoted as the mechanistic basis for cellular senescence, including the immune system. Although the exact molecular explanation for the role of oxidative stress in cellular senescence is unclear, there is a connection to altered mitochondrial function, both as a contributor and as a target of oxidative stress. In this study we demonstrate that splenic T lymphocytes from old C57BL/6 mice exhibit a significant decline in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). However, despite this change, there is a lower rate of withdrawal apoptosis in the memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. To explain the survival of these long-lived cells against a background of increased oxidative stress, we demonstrate increased glutathione production and phase II enzyme expression, which combine to protect memory T cells against oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death. The accumulation of memory T cells with aging explains higher phase II enzyme expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from old mice. Compared with wild-type mice, mice lacking the expression of NF-E2-related factor-2, the transcription factor that regulates phase II enzyme expression, had a significantly enhanced rate of apoptosis in the presence of an oxidative stress stimulus. NF-E2-related factor-2-deficient T cells exhibit a bigger decline in Δψm and increased reactive oxygen species production than cells from wild-type animals. Taken together, we suggest that phase II enzyme expression and the accompanying increase in intracellular thiol levels protect memory T cells from mitochondrial dysfunction and spontaneous apoptosis.
EBV Infection of Human B Lymphocytes Leads to Down-Regulation of Bim Expression: Relationship to Resistance to Apoptosis
Authors: Clybouw Cyril , Mchichi Bouchra , Mouhamad Shahul , Auffredou Marie Thérèse , Bourgeade Marie Françoise , Sharma Surendra , Leca Gerald , Vazquez Aimé 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
EBV infects a large proportion of the human population worldwide and is one of the major viruses with human B lymphocyte tropism. It can immortalize human B lymphocytes and controls their resistance to apoptosis. EBV infection is associated with several lymphomas, including Burkitt’s lymphoma. In this report we show that EBV infection leads to the post-transcriptional down-regulation of expression of the proapoptotic protein Bim. This process involves the phosphorylation of BimEL by the constitutive EBV-activated kinase ERK1/2, followed by its degradation through the proteasome pathway. We also show that ectopic expression of BimEL in EBV-positive Burkitt’s lymphoma cells can enhance the sensitivity of these cells to serum deprivation-dependent apoptosis. Thus, EBV-mediated resistance to growth factor deprivation in human B lymphocytes is dependent on BimEL expression. Our data suggest that this regulatory pathway is an important contributor to the oncogenic potential of EBV.
Effects of Castration on Thymocyte Development in Two Different Models of Thymic Involution
Authors: Heng Tracy S. P. , Goldberg Gabrielle L. , Gray Daniel H. D. , Sutherland Jayne S. , Chidgey Ann P. , Boyd Richard L. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Age-associated thymic involution is accompanied by decreased thymic output. This adversely affects general immune competence and T cell recovery following cytoreductive treatments such as chemotherapy. A causal link between increasing sex steroids and age-related thymic atrophy is well established. Although castration has been demonstrated to regenerate the atrophied thymus, little is known about how this is initiated or the kinetics of thymocyte regeneration. The present study shows that although castration impacts globally across thymocyte development in middle-aged mice, the regenerative effects are initiated in the immature triple-negative compartment and early T lineage progenitors (ETP). Specifically, there was a reduction in number of ETP with age, which was restored following castration. There was, however, no change in ETP reconstitution potential in ETP at this age or following castration. Furthermore, in a chemotherapy-induced model of thymic involution, we demonstrate castration enhances intrathymic proliferation and promotes differentiation through the triple-negative program. Clinically, reversible sex steroid ablation is achieved hormonally, and thus presents a means of ameliorating immune inadequacies, for example, following chemotherapy for bone marrow transplantation. By improving our understanding of the kinetics of thymic recovery, this study will allow more appropriate timing of therapy to achieve maximal reconstitution, especially in the elderly.
IFN-γ Induces Apoptosis in Developing Mast Cells
Authors: Mann-Chandler Meredith N. , Kashyap Mohit , Wright Harry V. , Norozian Farnaz , Barnstein Brian O. , Gingras Sébastien , Parganas Evan , Ryan John J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Mast cells are critical effectors of allergic disease, and are now implicated in immune responses observed in arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease. Because of their role in inflammation, understanding how mast cells develop is of clinical importance. In this study we determined the effects of IFN-γ on mast cell survival. Using in vitro culture of bone marrow cells in IL-3 plus stem cell factor, we found that the addition of IFN-γ induced apoptosis, as exhibited by the presence of subdiploid DNA and caspase activation. IFN-γ-mediated apoptosis was Stat1-dependent, and was accompanied by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Apoptosis was reduced in cultures of bone marrow cells derived from p53- or Bax-deficient mice, as well as H2K-Bcl-2 transgenic mice. IFN-γ hyperresponsiveness has been shown to result in inflammatory disease and death in mice lacking the regulatory protein suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1. Bone marrow cells from SOCS-1 knockout (KO) mice failed to give rise to viable mast cells after culture in IL-3 plus stem cell factor, with profound apoptosis occurring as the cultures matured. However, bone marrow cells lacking both SOCS-1 and IFN-γ survived normally. This in vitro defect in mast cell development was recapitulated in vivo. SOCS-1 KO mice demonstrated a 67% decrease in peritoneal mast cell numbers relative to wild-type mice, a deficiency that was reversed in SOCS-1/IFN-γ KO mice. These data demonstrate the potent regulatory effects of IFN-γ on mast cell survival and show that this cytokine can elicit mast cell death in vitro and in vivo.