bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunological response and protection of mice immunized with plasmid encoding Toxoplasma gondii glycolytic enzyme malate dehydrogenase
Authors: Hassan I. A. , Wang S. , Xu L. , Yan R. , Song X. , XiangRui L. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryToxoplasma gondii Malate dehydrogenase (TgMDH) plays an important role as part of the energy production cycle. In this investigation, immunological changes and protection efficiency of this protein delivered as a DNA vaccine have been evaluated. Mice were intramuscularly immunized with pTgMDH, followed by challenge with virulent T. gondii RH strain, 2 weeks after the booster immunization. Compared to the control groups, the results showed that pTgMDH has stimulated specific humoral response as demonstrated by significant high titers of total IgG and subclasses IgG1 and IgG2a, beside IgA and IgM, but not IgE. Analysis of cytokine profiles revealed significant increases of IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐17, while no significant changes were detected in TGF‐β1. In cell‐mediated response, both T lymphocytes subpopulations CD4+ and CD8+ were positively recruited as significant percentages were recorded in response to immunization with TgMDH. Significant long survival rate, 17 days, has been observed in the TgMDH vaccinated group, in contrast with control groups which died within 8–9 days after challenge. These results demonstrated that TgMDH could induce significant immunological responses leading to a considerable level of protection against acute toxoplasmosis infection.
Near‐wins and near‐losses in gambling: A behavioral and facial EMG study
Authors: Wu Yin , van Dijk Eric , Clark Luke 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis study investigated responses to near‐wins (i.e., nonwin outcomes that were close to a major win, and their counterpart, near‐losses (nonwin outcomes that are proximal to a major loss) in a decision‐making task, measuring (a) luck ratings, (b) adjustment of bet amount, and (c) facial muscle reactivity at zygomaticus and corrugator sites. Compared to full‐misses, near‐wins decreased self‐perceived luck and near‐losses increased self‐perceived luck, consistent with the effects of upward versus downward counterfactual thinking, respectively. Wins and losses both increased zygomaticus reactivity, and losses selectively enhanced corrugator reactivity. Near‐wins heightened zygomaticus activity, but did not affect corrugator activity, thus showing a similar response pattern to actual wins. There were no significant facial EMG effects of near‐losses. We infer that near‐wins engender some appetitive processing, despite their objective nonwin status.
Teaching the Millennial Generation in the Religious and Theological Studies Classroom
Authors: Bauman Whitney , Marchal Joseph A. , McLain Karline , O'Connell Maureen , Patterson Sara M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis essay provides an overview of the distinctive challenges presented to teaching and learning in religious and theological studies by the conditions and characteristics of “millennial” students. While the emerging literature on this generation is far from consistent, it is still instructive and important to engage, as students that are immersed in technology and social networking have different facilities and difficulties that educators would do well to carefully address and critically employ. Teachers in theological and religious studies are distinctly positioned to grapple with such conditions, particularly around the practices of identity formation, media literacy, and embodiment. Attention to the development of such practices engages key issues for both the millennial students and the religious and theological studies teacher: virtual reality, spiritual identity, globalization and violence, critical consumption and ethical creativity, focused and contemplative thinking, and intercultural and interpersonal respect.
When God Smites: Talking with Students about the Violence of God in Scripture
Authors: Seibert Eric A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis article emphasizes the need for religious educators to address the issue of divine violence in Scripture with students, and it offers various pedagogical strategies for doing so. The focus is on violent Old Testament texts, with special attention given to the issue of Canaanite genocide. A general framework for structuring class time around divine violence in Scripture is proposed which includes (1) encouraging students to encounter violent biblical texts firsthand, (2) helping them understand why people find these passages problematic, and (3) offering various options for dealing with the potential problems these passages raise. In the second half of the article, significant attention is devoted to a number of practical considerations that should be taken into account when talking about this sensitive issue in class. A brief word about assessment is offered at the end.
Additive solution‐7 reduces the red blood cell cold storage lesion
Authors: Cancelas Jose A. , Dumont Larry J. , Maes Lou A. , Rugg Neeta , Herschel Louise , Whitley Pamela H. , Szczepiokowski Zbigniew M. , Siegel Alan H. , Hess John R. , Zia Majid 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundTransfusion of long‐stored red blood cells (RBCs) is associated with decreased in vivo RBC recovery, delivery of RBC breakdown products, and increased morbidity and mortality. Reducing the burden of this RBC “storage lesion” is a major challenge in transfusion medicine. Additive solution‐7 (AS‐7) is a new RBC storage solution designed to improve RBC metabolism by providing phosphate and increasing buffering capacity.Study Design and MethodsStorage quality in AS‐7 was measured in a prospective, randomized, three‐center trial using units of whole blood from healthy human subjects whose RBCs were stored for up to 56 days in AS‐7 (n = 120) or for 42 days in the control solution AS‐1 (n = 60).ResultsHemolysis and shedding of protein‐containing microvesicles were significantly reduced in RBCs stored in AS‐7 for 42 and 56 days compared with RBCs stored in AS‐1. Autologous in vivo recoveries of RBCs stored in AS‐7 was 88 ± 5% at 42 days (n = 27) and 82 ± 3% at 56 days (n = 27), exceeding recoveries of RBCs stored in currently used solutions.ConclusionIncreasing the phosphate, pH range, and buffer capacity of a RBC storage system allowed RBCs to be stored better and longer than currently approved storage systems. AS‐7 ameliorates the long‐term storage lesion resulting in significantly increased viability in vitro and in vivo.
Prophylactic anti‐D preparations display variable decreases in Fc‐fucosylation of anti‐D
Authors: Kapur Rick , Della Valle Luciana , Verhagen Onno J.H.M. , Hipgrave Ederveen Agnes , Ligthart Peter , de Haas Masja , Kumpel Belinda , Wuhrer Manfred , van der Schoot C. Ellen , Vidarsson Gestur 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundRhIG is obtained from hyperimmunized healthy anti‐D donors (HIDs) boosted with D+ red blood cells (RBCs). One hypothesis for its mechanism of action is fast clearance of opsonized D+ RBCs through Fcγ receptor (FcγR)III. Levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G Fc‐fucosylation influence interactions with FcγRIII, with less Fc‐fucosylation strengthening the interaction.Study Design and MethodsAnti‐D IgG1 Fc‐glycosylation patterns in 93 plasma samples from 28 male and 28 female Dutch HIDs and RhIG were analyzed with mass spectrometry. The Fc‐glycosylation profiles of HIDs were evaluated with regard to their immunization history.ResultsHID sera demonstrated clearly lowered anti‐D Fc‐fucosylation compared to normal IgG fucosylation (93%); this was more pronounced for female than for male HIDs (47% vs. 65%, p = 0.001). RhIG preparations from seven manufacturers varied greatly in the level of Fc‐fucosylation (56%‐91%). The level of fucosylation slightly increased upon repeated immunization, although it remained fairly constant over time. The RhIG from the different manufacturers all demonstrated increased Fc‐galactosylation (64%‐82%) compared to total IgG (38%‐51%).ConclusionRhIG preparations vary in Fc‐fucosylation and all demonstrate increased galactosylation. Despite not knowing the exact working mechanism, immunoprophylaxis could perhaps be optimized by selection of donors whose anti‐D have low amounts of Fc‐fucose, to increase the clearance activity of anti‐D preparations, as well as high amounts of galactosylation, for anti‐inflammatory effects. Implementing a biologic assay in the standardization of RhIG preparations might be considered.
Infectivity of blood components from donors with occult hepatitis B infection – results from an Australian lookback programme
Authors: Seed C. R. , Maloney R. , Kiely P. , Bell B. , Keller A. J. , Pink J. ,   the Blood Service Medical Services Lookback Team
Published: September 2014

Background and objectivesPrevious studies have demonstrated that transfused blood components from donors with occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) are potentially infectious. This study reports the results of an Australian lookback programme for the period subsequent to the commencement of individual donation HBV NAT in July 2010 and estimates the HBV transmission rate for components from two categories of donors, confirmed OBI and HBV inconclusive (anti‐HBc reactive with non‐discriminated NAT result).Materials and methodsUsing the results of lookback investigations, we estimated HBV transmission rates by donor category and type of component transfused based on the prevalence of antibodies to HBV core antigen (anti‐HBc) in recipients adjusted for the estimated prevalence in the general population.ResultsAfter subtracting the background anti‐HBc rate, we derived an adjusted transmission rate (all components) with lower and upper bounds as follows: 0·85% (0·00–2·35%) for OBI donors, 2·83% (1·23–4·33%) for inconclusive donors and 1·81% (0·21–3·31%) for total (OBI and inconclusive) donors. The median adjusted transmission rate for total donors was higher (but not statistically) for plasma (3·01%) than RCCs (2·86%), but there was no evidence of transmission for cryoprecipitate or platelets (0% for both components).ConclusionOur lookback study suggests a low (0·2–3·3%) but measurable rate of HBV transmission in Australia associated with donors with OBI and supports published evidence that at least some blood component types from OBI donors, including a proportion undetectable by ID‐NAT can transmit HBV by transfusion.
Germination characteristics and seedbank of the alien species Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae) in Brazilian forest: ecological implications
Authors: Marques A R , Costa C F , Atman A P F , Garcia Q S 
Published: September 2014

SummaryPlant species invasiveness is frequently associated with rapid proliferation and production of seeds that can persist in the soil for long periods of time. Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae) is an alien and invasive species, for example in Brazilian forest and savannah ecosystems. This study quantified the invasive potential of this species by analysing its seed rain (using seed collectors), seed longevity in the soil (stored in buried bags) and the germination capacity of the soil seedbank (by collecting soil samples in the study area). Our results showed that seed rain occurred throughout the year, although more intensely from July to September, with about 5500 seeds m−2 year−1 being released. The numbers of seeds in the buried bags diminished over time and intact seeds showed low germinability (approximately 15%), although their viability remained >80% of the recovered seeds after two years of in situ storage. The germinability of seeds collected directly from the soil was approximately 40%, indicating that more than half of the seeds of soil seedbank were dormant (physical dormancy). Leucaena leucocephala produces large numbers of seeds and is able to form a persistent short‐lived seedbank (viability 1–5 years). These factors may contribute significantly to its invasive potential, which makes it difficult to control this species once it becomes established. As control costs become higher over time, immediate public efforts are needed to counter this threat.
Pyridoxamine protects against mechanical defects in cardiac ageing in rats: studies on load dependence of myocardial relaxation
Authors: Wang Chih‐Hsien , Wu En‐Ting , Wu Ming‐Shiou , Tsai Ming‐Shian , Ko Ya‐Hui , Chang Ru‐Wen , Chang Chun‐Yi , Chang Kuo‐Chu 
Published: September 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that pyridoxamine, one of the three natural forms of vitamin B6, can protect against myocardial relaxation of senescent animals by targeting arterial stiffening and contractile dysfunction of the left ventricle.

What is the main finding and its importance?
We found that treating the senescent rats with pyridoxamine for 5 months might improve myocardial relaxation rate, at least partly through its ability to enhance myocardial contractile performance, increase wave transit time and decrease wave reflection factor.

Our team demonstrated in the past that pyridoxamine attenuated arterial stiffening by targeting the pathogenic formation of glycated collagen cross‐links in aged rats. Herein, we examined whether pyridoxamine therapy can protect against mechanical defects in myocardial relaxation by improving arterial wave properties and cardiac contractile performance in senescent animals. Fifteen‐month‐old male Fisher 344 rats were treated daily with pyridoxamine (1 g l−1 in drinking water) for 5 months and compared with age‐matched untreated control animals (20 months old). Arterial wave properties were characterized by wave transit time (τw) and wave reflection factor (Rf). We measured the contractile status of the myocardium in an intact heart as the left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic elastance (Ees). Myocardial relaxation was described according to the time constant of the LV isovolumic pressure decay (τe). Pyridoxamine therapy prevented the age‐associated prolongation in LV τe and the diminished Ees in senescent rats. The drug also attenuated the age‐related augmentation in afterload imposed on the heart, as evidenced by the increased τw and decreased Rf. We found that the LV τe was significantly influenced by both the arterial τw and Rf (τe = 16.3902 + 8.3123 × Rf − 0.4739 × τw; r = 0.7048, P < 0.005). In the meantime, the LV τe and the LV Ees showed a significant inverse linear correlation (τe = 13.9807 − 0.0068 × Ees; r = 0.6451, P < 0.0005). All these findings suggested that long‐term treatment with pyridoxamine might ameliorate myocardial relaxation rate, at least partly through its ability to enhance myocardial contractile performance, increase wave transit time and decrease wave reflection factor in aged rats.
Components of action potential repolarization in cerebellar parallel fibres
Authors: Pekala Dobromila , Baginskas Armantas , Szkudlarek Hanna J. , Raastad Morten 
Published: September 2014

Key points
The presynaptic action potential waveform was investigated in cerebellar parallel fibres from rats.
The spike repolarization was composed of a fast tetraethylammonium‐sensitive component and a slow margatoxin‐sensitive depolarized after‐potential (DAP). These components could be manipulated relatively independently, possibly offering independent control of synchronous and asynchronous transmitter release.
Axonal electrical activation sometimes gave bursts of action potentials at the soma; these bursts were created by the axon because they invaded the soma at membrane potentials well below the somatic spike threshold.
Axonal bursts could reliably be induced by increasing the DAP pharmacologically, suggesting that proper control of DAP amplitude is necessary to suppress axonal bursting.
The fast repolarization was particularly well controlled because blockers of three groups of K+ channels (tetraethylammonium, margatoxin and quinine) were needed to abolish it.AbstractRepolarization of the presynaptic action potential is essential for transmitter release, excitability and energy expenditure. Little is known about repolarization in thin, unmyelinated axons forming en passant synapses, which represent the most common type of axons in the mammalian brain's grey matter. We used rat cerebellar parallel fibres, an example of typical grey matter axons, to investigate the effects of K+ channel blockers on repolarization. We show that repolarization is composed of a fast tetraethylammonium (TEA)‐sensitive component, determining the width and amplitude of the spike, and a slow margatoxin (MgTX)‐sensitive depolarized after‐potential (DAP). These two components could be recorded at the granule cell soma as antidromic action potentials and from the axons with a newly developed miniaturized grease‐gap method. A considerable proportion of fast repolarization remained in the presence of TEA, MgTX, or both. This residual was abolished by the addition of quinine. The importance of proper control of fast repolarization was demonstrated by somatic recordings of antidromic action potentials. In these experiments, the relatively broad K+ channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine reduced the fast repolarization, resulting in bursts of action potentials forming on top of the DAP. We conclude that repolarization of the action potential in parallel fibres is supported by at least three groups of K+ channels. Differences in their temporal profiles allow relatively independent control of the spike and the DAP, whereas overlap of their temporal profiles provides robust control of axonal bursting properties.
A Coupled Blade Adjustment and Response Surface Method for the Optimization of Radial Fans Without Housing
Authors: Ratter H. , Çağlar Ş. , Gabi M. 
Published: September 2014

The optimization process of a fan based on 3D viscous CFD calculations is time consuming, especially if many variables are taken into account. With the focus on computational cost efficiency and reliable CFD-results a specific optimization algorithm for radial fans based on CFD calculations is presented. The algorithm is derived from the classical knowledge of flow phenomena occurring in radial fans. The leading edge is adjusted in reference to the stagnation point caused by the incoming flow. The trailing edge is adjusted to achieve the required pressure rise. The 5 blades of the investigated fan are constructed as 3D free surface blades; each blade is separated into 5 profile sections. The optimization process regarding the blade includes 10 independent parameters of the leading and trailing edges.
An additional potential to increase efficiency is obtained by changing the meridional shape of the impeller. To investigate the meridional shape, the blade adjustment algorithm is coupled with a response surface method using the Kriging approximation to find a highly efficient meridional shape.
Aerodynamic Calibration and Thrust Correction Method With Inflow Separation in Indoor Sea Level Test Facility
Authors: Wu Feng , Gong XiaoQi , Su JinYou 
Published: September 2014

Thrust performance, which can be obtained by indoor sea level test facility, plays a critical role in jet and turbofan engine performance. In this study, to obtain the aerodynamic characteristics in test cell and the final thrust correction coefficient, a standard turbofan engine is chosen as the testing engine, which is mounted separately on a fixed contracting or adjustable Laval nozzle. Experimental results show that the aerodynamic performance of intake is poor if no guide vanes are implemented. In this situation, inhomogeneity of intake flow is up to 97%. Besides, the flow would separate in the upstream of the engine, which is also proven by the CFD simulation results.
With the flow separating upstream of the test engine, the traditional intake momentum correction method by using ideal horizontal intake condition could result in greater correction error of intake momentum. Thus, a new formula is derived in the present paper to correct the intake momentum with flow separation by mechanic control system. Comparisons of thrust performance and specific fuel consumption are conducted between the result corrected by new formula suited for flow separation condition and those obtained from the performance data of the same engine tested in the sea level condition. And good agreement has been achieved. Thus it is proven that the new thrust correction method is correct and reliable.
Result of this study indicates that: 1) intake flow separation has a great influence on thrust measurement in jet engine test facility, which will result in the 1.4 to 2 times greater correction error. Thus, guide vanes should be implemented at inlet tower corner in preventing from the flow separation. 2) The new correction method derived in this paper is very effective to correct the engine thrust performance with the flow separation upstream of the test engine.
Experimental Investigation Into the Efficiency of an Aero Engine Oil Jet Supply System
Authors: Krug Matthias B. , Peduto Davide , Kurz Wolfram , Bauer Hans-Jörg 
Published: September 2014

This paper presents results of investigations on the interaction between a targeted oil jet and a rotating shaft in an aero engine typical bearing chamber. Measurements were performed at atmospheric temperature and pressure in order to study the influence of the operating conditions, nozzle diameters and impingement angles on the efficiency of such an oil supply system. The flow phenomena of the jet-shaft interaction were visualised.
A qualitative analysis of the jet-shaft interaction revealed massive droplet generation due to the jet break-up in the air crossflow and its impact on the shaft. The latter could be reduced with shallower impingement angles. Measurements showed that the oil inflow rate, the shaft speed and the nozzle diameter have a strong influence on the collected oil quantity, which is expressed as catch efficiency, i.e. the ratio of collected and supplied oil. The impingement angle was also identified to have a strong influence on the catch efficiency. The ratio of the momentum fluxes of supplied oil and chamber air flow is proposed as a parameter to correlate the catch efficiency to the operating conditions.