bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of Qa-2, the functional homolog of HLA-G, in a Behcet's disease-like mouse model induced by the herpes virus simplex
Authors: Lee Meeyoung , Choi Bunsoon , Kwon Hyuk Jae , Shim Ju A , Park Kyung Sook , Lee Eun-So , Sohn Seonghyang 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackgroundIt has been suggested that the HLA-G molecule is a genetic risk factor for Behcet's disease (BD). In this study, we evaluated the level of Qa-2, a murine nonclassical class I MHC molecule and possible functional homolog of HLA-G, to determine if it was associated with various symptoms of BD-like mice. In addition, we investigated siRNA (small interfering RNA) treatment to determine if it inhibited Qa-2 expression, thereby changing the symptoms of mice.MethodsRNA interference (RNAi) and vector transfection were employed to manipulate gene expressionin vivoin mice. siRNA (small interfering RNA) or Qa-2 expression vector was applied to inhibit or up-regulate Qa-2 expression, respectively.ResultsThe Qa-2 levels in granulocytes were lower in BD-like mice than in normal controls. The silencing of Qa-2 by intravenous injection of siRNA (500 nmol/mouse, 4 times at 3-day intervals) specifically reduced the Qa-2 levels and worsened the BD-like symptoms.ConclusionsSilencing Qa-2 by injecting siRNA into mice resulted in deterioration of symptoms in BD-like mice.
Different levels of overnutrition and weight gain during pregnancy have differential effects on fetal growth and organ development
Authors: George Lindsey A , Uthlaut Adam B , Long Nathan M , Zhang Liren , Ma Yan , Smith Derek T , Nathanielsz Peter W , Ford Stephen P 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Nearly 50% of U.S. women of child-bearing age are overweight or obese, conditions linked to offspring obesity and diabetes.

Methods
Utilizing the sheep, females were fed a highly palatable diet at two levels of overfeeding designed to induce different levels of maternal body weight increase and adiposity at conception, and from conception to midgestation. Fetal growth and organ development were then evaluated at midgestation in response to these two different levels of overfeeding. Ewes were fed to achieve: 1) normal weight gain (control, C), 2) overweight (125% of National Research Council [NRC] recommendations, OW125) or 3) obesity (150% of NRC recommendations, OB150) beginning 10 wks prior to breeding and through midgestation. Body fat % and insulin sensitivity were assessed at three points during the study: 1) diet initiation, 2) conception and 3) mid-gestation. Ewes were necropsied and fetuses recovered at mid-gestation (day 78).

Results
OB150 ewes had a higher % body fat than OW125 ewes prior to breeding (P = 0.03), but not at mid-gestation (P = 0.37). Insulin sensitivity decreased from diet initiation to mid-gestation (P = 0.04), and acute insulin response to glucose tended to be greater in OB150 ewes than C ewes (P = 0.09) and was greater than in OW125 ewes (P = 0.02). Fetal crown-rump length, thoracic and abdominal girths, and fetal perirenal fat were increased in the OW125 and OB150 versus C ewes at mid-gestation. However, only fetal heart, pancreas, and liver weights, as well as lipid content of fetal liver, were increased (P < 0.05) in OB150 ewes versus both C and OW125 ewes at midgestation.

Conclusions
These data demonstrate that different levels of overfeeding, resulting in differing levels of maternal weight gain and adiposity prior to and during pregnancy, lead to differential effects on fetal overgrowth and organ development.
Larval trematode communities in Radix auricularia and Lymnaea stagnalis in a reservoir system of the Ruhr River
Authors: Soldánová Miroslava , Selbach Christian , Sures Bernd , Kostadinova Aneta , Pérez-del-Olmo Ana 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Analysis of the data available from traditional faunistic approaches to mollusc-trematode systems covering large spatial and/or temporal scales in Europe convinced us that a parasite community approach in well-defined aquatic ecosystems is essential for the substantial advancement of our understanding of the parasite response to anthropogenic pressures in urbanised areas which are typical on a European scale. Here we describe communities of larval trematodes in two lymnaeid species, Radix auricularia and Lymnaea stagnalis in four man-made interconnected reservoirs of the Ruhr River (Germany) focusing on among- and within-reservoir variations in parasite prevalence and component community composition and structure.

Results
The mature reservoir system on the Ruhr River provides an excellent environment for the development of species-rich and abundant trematode communities in Radix auricularia (12 species) and Lymnaea stagnalis (6 species). The lake-adapted R. auricularia dominated numerically over L. stagnalis and played a major role in the trematode transmission in the reservoir system. Both host-parasite systems were dominated by bird parasites (13 out of 15 species) characteristic for eutrophic water bodies. In addition to snail size, two environmental variables, the oxygen content and pH of the water, were identified as important determinants of the probability of infection. Between-reservoir comparisons indicated an advanced eutrophication at Baldeneysee and Hengsteysee and the small-scale within-reservoir variations of component communities provided evidence that larval trematodes may have reflected spatial bird aggregations (infection 'hot spots'). Two life history groupings of dominant species, the 'cyprinid' and 'anatid' parasites, that depict two aspects of progressive eutrophication in this mature reservoir system, were identified.

Conclusions
We conclude that trematode communities in the lake-adapted R. auricularia are better suited for monitoring the effect of environmental change on host-parasite associations in the reservoir system on the Ruhr River and other similar systems due to the important role of this host in trematode transmission in lakes. Whereas variations in trematode community diversity and abundance may indicate the degree of eutrophication on a larger scale (among reservoirs), the infection rates of the two life history groups of dominant species, the 'cyprinid' and 'anatid' assemblages, may be particularly useful in depicting environmental variability, eutrophication effects and infection 'hot spots' on smaller spatial scales.
Low levels of ATM in breast cancer patients with clinical radiosensitivity
Authors: Fang Zhiming , Kozlov Sergei , McKay Michael J , Woods Rick , Birrell Geoff , Sprung Carl N , Murrell Dédée F , Wangoo Kiran , Teng Linda , Kearsley John H , Lavin Martin F , Graham Peter H , Clarke Raymond A 
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose
Adjuvant radiotherapy for cancer can result in severe adverse side effects for normal tissues. In this respect, individuals with anomalies of the ATM (ataxia telangiectasia) protein/gene are of particular interest as they may be at risk of both breast cancer and clinical radiosensitivity. The association of specific ATM gene mutations with these pathologies has been well documented, however, there is uncertainty regarding pathological thresholds for the ATM protein.

Results
Semi-quantitative immuno-blotting provided a reliable and reproducible method to compare levels of the ATM protein for a rare cohort of 20 cancer patients selected on the basis of their severe adverse normal tissue reactions to radiotherapy. We found that 4/12 (33%) of the breast cancer patients with severe adverse normal tissue reactions following radiotherapy had ATM protein levels < 55% compared to the mean for non-reactor controls.

Conclusions
ATM mutations are generally considered low risk alleles for breast cancer and clinical radiosensitivity. From results reported here we propose a tentative ATM protein threshold of ~55% for high-risk of clinical radiosensitivity for breast cancer patients.
Genomic subtypes of breast cancer identified by array-comparative genomic hybridization display distinct molecular and clinical characteristics
Authors: Jönsson Göran , Staaf Johan , Vallon-Christersson Johan , Ringnér Markus , Holm Karolina , Hegardt Cecilia , Gunnarsson Haukur , Fagerholm Rainer , Strand Carina , Agnarsson Bjarni A , Kilpivaara Outi , Luts Lena , Heikkilä Päivi , Aittomäki Kristiina , Blomqvist Carl , Loman Niklas , Malmström Per , Olsson Håkan , Th Johannsson Oskar , Arason Adalgeir , Nevanlinna Heli , Barkardottir Rosa B , Borg Åke 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Breast cancer is a profoundly heterogeneous disease with respect to biologic and clinical behavior. Gene-expression profiling has been used to dissect this complexity and to stratify tumors into intrinsic gene-expression subtypes, associated with distinct biology, patient outcome, and genomic alterations. Additionally, breast tumors occurring in individuals with germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations typically fall into distinct subtypes.

Methods
We applied global DNA copy number and gene-expression profiling in 359 breast tumors. All tumors were classified according to intrinsic gene-expression subtypes and included cases from genetically predisposed women. The Genomic Identification of Significant Targets in Cancer (GISTIC) algorithm was used to identify significant DNA copy-number aberrations and genomic subgroups of breast cancer.

Results
We identified 31 genomic regions that were highly amplified in > 1% of the 359 breast tumors. Several amplicons were found to co-occur, the 8p12 and 11q13.3 regions being the most frequent combination besides amplicons on the same chromosomal arm. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering with 133 significant GISTIC regions revealed six genomic subtypes, termed 17q12, basal-complex, luminal-simple, luminal-complex, amplifier, and mixed subtypes. Four of them had striking similarity to intrinsic gene-expression subtypes and showed associations to conventional tumor biomarkers and clinical outcome. However, luminal A-classified tumors were distributed in two main genomic subtypes, luminal-simple and luminal-complex, the former group having a better prognosis, whereas the latter group included also luminal B and the majority of BRCA2-mutated tumors. The basal-complex subtype displayed extensive genomic homogeneity and harbored the majority of BRCA1-mutated tumors. The 17q12 subtype comprised mostly HER2-amplified and HER2-enriched subtype tumors and had the worst prognosis. The amplifier and mixed subtypes contained tumors from all gene-expression subtypes, the former being enriched for 8p12-amplified cases, whereas the mixed subtype included many tumors with predominantly DNA copy-number losses and poor prognosis.

Conclusions
Global DNA copy-number analysis integrated with gene-expression data can be used to dissect the complexity of breast cancer. This revealed six genomic subtypes with different clinical behavior and a striking concordance to the intrinsic subtypes. These genomic subtypes may prove useful for understanding the mechanisms of tumor development and for prognostic and treatment prediction purposes.
Pulse pressure variation and volume responsiveness during acutely increased pulmonary artery pressure: an experimental study
Authors: Daudel Fritz , Tüller David , Krähenbühl Stefanie , Jakob Stephan M , Takala Jukka 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Introduction
We found that pulse pressure variation (PPV) did not predict volume responsiveness in patients with increased pulmonary artery pressure. This study tests the hypothesis that PPV does not predict fluid responsiveness during an endotoxin-induced acute increase in pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular loading.

Methods
Pigs were subjected to endotoxemia (0.4 μg/kg/hour lipopolysaccharide), followed by volume expansion, subsequent hemorrhage (20% of estimated blood volume), retransfusion, and additional stepwise volume loading until cardiac output did not increase further (n = 5). A separate control group (n = 7) was subjected to bleeding, retransfusion, and volume expansion without endotoxemia. Systemic hemodynamics were measured at baseline and after each intervention, and PPV was calculated offline. Prediction of fluid-challenge-induced stroke volume increase by PPV was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results
Sixty-eight volume challenges were performed in endotoxemic animals (22 before and 46 after hemorrhage), and 51 volume challenges in the controls. Endotoxin infusion resulted in an acute increase in pulmonary artery and central venous pressure and a decrease in stroke volume (all P < 0.05). In endotoxemia, 68% of volume challenges before hemorrhage increased the stroke volume by > 10%, but PPV did not predict fluid responsiveness (area under the ROC curve = 0.604, P = 0.461). After hemorrhage in endotoxemia, stroke volume increased in 48% and the predictive value of PPV improved (area under the ROC curve for PPV = 0.699, P = 0.021). In controls after hemorrhage, stroke volume increased in 67% of volume challenges and PPV was a predictor of fluid responsiveness (area under the ROC curve = 0.790, P = 0.001).

Conclusions
Fluid responsiveness cannot be predicted with PPV during acute pulmonary hypertension in porcine endotoxemia. Even following severe hemorrhage during endotoxemia, the predictive value of PPV is marginal.
NF-κB as a central regulator of macrophage function in tumors
Authors: Biswas Subhra K , Lewis Claire E 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Review discusses the integral role of NF-κB signaling in regulating the macrophage function during tumor progression.
TAMs are usually abundant in the tumor microenvironment and are now known to play an essential role in tumor progression. For example, TAMs influence many aspects of tumorigenesis, such as the growth, survival, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells, tumor angiogenesis, and the suppression of other tumor-infiltrating immune effector cells. The molecular pathways that regulate these tumor-promoting functions of TAMs are currently under intense investigation. Several recent studies about transgenic murine tumor models have shown that the transcription factor NF-κB is a key player in tumor progression with distinct roles in regulating the functions of macrophages and tumor cells in malignant tumors. Here, we outline the evidence for classical and noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathways driving the tumor-promoting repertoire of TAMs.
Approach to evaluate the rolling mill capacity in a plate rolling process
Authors: Moon C-H , Lee Y 
Published: June 2010

This study presents an approach to evaluating the rolling mill capacity from the viewpoints of productivity and revamping cost when a plate mill is upgraded. In this light, a concept is proposed of a ‘characteristic length’, defined as the ratio of the design torque of the drive motor over the design force of the rolling equipment (structure of the rolling mill). A draft schedule algorithm for the plate rolling process is also presented, which consists of a force–thickness relation at each pass, and a roll force and torque prediction model. Using the draft schedule algorithm linked with the characteristic length, a series of plate rolling analyses was performed to examine the productivity of a plate mill while varying: (i) the design force of the rolling equipment; (ii) the design torque of the drive motor; (iii) both its design force and torque; and (iv) the strength of the slab. In addition, as a practical example, the proposed approach has been applied to three actual plate mills in Korea, China, and Russia. The results reveal that upgrading the design torque is the most efficient method from the viewpoint of productivity and revamping cost. It was also found that a critical characteristic length exists in which productivity cannot be increased any further, even though the rolling mill capacity has been upgraded further. Hence, this critical characteristic length can be used as an index to avoid the overcapacity problem of a plate mill when it is revamped.
The effect of aspherical geometry and surface texturing on the elastohydrodynamic lubrication of metal-on-metal hip prostheses under physiological loading and motions
Authors: Gao L M , Meng Q E , Liu F , Fisher J , Jin Z M 
Published: June 2010

As an alternative material combination, metal-on-metal (MOM) hip replacement has attracted a revived interest due to its very low wear rates. In this article, an elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis is performed for an MOM hip replacement with specific geometrical designs: a macro Alpharabola geometry of the cup bearing surface and micro-dimples on the head surface. The corresponding numerical methodology is presented and full numerical solutions are obtained. The effect of the macro- and micro-geometrical designs on the lubrication performance is investigated, under both simplified and physiological walking conditions. The real physiological loading and motion conditions are important to be considered when optimizing the conformity-associated geometry of hip bearings. The Alpharabola geometry of cup bearing surface is found to significantly improve the lubricating film thickness and reduce hydrodynamic pressure of MOM hip implants, when the Alpharabola minimum radius is aligned with the loading direction. Dimpled surface texturing has an adverse effect in a fluid film lubrication regime under the conditions considered in this study.
Development and validation of a new universal through flow method for axial compressors
Authors: Petrovic M V , Wiedermann A , Banjac M B 
Published: June 2010

This article describes the development of a new through flow method for the analysis of axial multi-stage compressors. The method is based on a stream function approach and a finite-element solution procedure. It includes a high-fidelity loss and deviation model with improved correlations and end-wall boundary layer calculation. A radial distribution model of losses and a new spanwise mixing model are applied to simulate three-dimensional flow effects. The calibration of the models is made by calculating a number of test cases with different configurations with the aim of achieving high accuracy and optimum robustness for each of the test cases considered. The code was applied to flow analysis and performance prediction of a newly developed gas turbine compressor. Comparison of the predicted results and measured test data for the overall compressor performance and a number of parameters under different operating conditions showed good agreement. The results of the validation confirm that this method based on cali-brated correlations can be applied as a reliable tool for flow analysis and parameter variation during the design phase for a wide range of compressor configurations.
A micro gas turbine for UK domestic combined heat and power
Authors: Clay A , Tansley G D 
Published: June 2010

Various micro-radial compressor configurations were investigated using one-dimensional meanline and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques for use in a micro gas turbine (MGT) domestic combined heat and power (DCHP) application. Blade backsweep, shaft speed, and blade height were varied at a constant pressure ratio. Shaft speeds were limited to 220 000 r/min, to enable the use of a turbocharger bearing platform. Off-design compressor performance was established and used to determine the MGT performance envelope; this in turn was used to assess potential cost and environmental savings in a heat-led DCHP operating scenario within the target market of a detached family home. A low target-stage pressure ratio provided an opportunity to reduce diffusion within the impeller. Critically for DCHP, this produced very regular flow, which improved impeller performance for a wider operating envelope. The best performing impeller was a low-speed, 170 000 r/min, low-backsweep, 15° configuration producing 71.76 per cent stage efficiency at a pressure ratio of 2.20. This produced an MGT design point system efficiency of 14.85 per cent at 993 W, matching prime movers in the latest commercial DCHP units. Cost and CO2 savings were 10.7 per cent and 6.3 per cent, respectively, for annual power demands of 17.4 MWht and 6.1 MWhe compared to a standard condensing boiler (with grid) installation. The maximum cost saving (on design point) was 14.2 per cent for annual power demands of 22.62 MWht and 6.1 MWhe corresponding to an 8.1 per cent CO2 saving. When sizing, maximum savings were found with larger heat demands. When sized, maximum savings could be made by encouraging more electricity export either by reducing household electricity consumption or by increasing machine efficiency.
Modelling of neurofuzzy control of a flexible link
Authors: Tinkir M , Önen Ü , Kalyoncu M 
Published: June 2010

A modelling approach for neuro-fuzzy control of a single-link flexible robot manipulator that uses a computer-aided design (CAD) program is proposed. Initially, a CAD model of the flexible link is created using experimentally determined values of system parameters. This CAD model is then exported to MATLAB software and the Simulink/SimMechanics toolbox. An adaptive-network-based fuzzy logic controller is used for position and vibration control of the flexible link. Experimental and simulation results are presented that validate the proposed approach.
Investigation of charge preparation strategies for controlled premixed charge compression ignition combustion using a variable pressure injection system
Authors: Kokjohn S L , Reitz R D 
Published: June 2010

This paper uses a multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code coupled with detailed chemistry, the KIVA-CHEMKIN code, to provide guidelines for solving problems with premixed combustion strategies, namely, lack of combustion phasing control, excessive pressure rise rate, and spray wall impingement due to early injections. A multiple injection concept is used to control combustion phasing and reduce the rate of peak pressure rise. To address spray—wall impingement, an adaptive injection strategy (AIS) using two-injection pulses at different injection pressures is employed. The combustion process considered is at a mid-load operating condition for the light-duty engine of the present study (nominal indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) of 5.5 bar and high speed, 2000 r/min) and the effects of first and second pulse injection pressure and timing, swirl ratio, and spray targeting are explored. The investigation showed that an optimized low-pressure early cycle injection combined with a high-pressure near top dead centre (TDC) injection allows combustion phasing to be well controlled while achieving premixed compression ignition (PCI)-like emissions levels. An improved solution was found with near-zero nitric oxides (NO x) and soot, a net indicated specific fuel consumption (ISFC) of only 175 g/kW h, and a peak pressure rise rate of ∼8 bar/deg.
Molecular Spectroscopic Imaging Using a White-Light Laser Source
Authors: Kano Hideaki 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy has become a powerful technique for label-free and noninvasive imaging of chemical and biological systems at the molecular level. However, most CARS studies have focused on a limited molecular species such as lipids, and have provided monochromatic images typically at the C–H stretch bands. In the present study, we have extended the CARS technique from monochromatic imaging (microscopy) to multi-color imaging (microspectroscopy). We employed a multiplex CARS process in order to obtain spectral information of the CARS signal. For the broadband Stokes laser, a white-light laser source is used. The white-light laser is generated by injecting ultrashort laser pulses into a novel photonic crystal fiber (PCF). Owing to an ultrabroadband spectral profile of the white-light laser, a wide range of the vibrational resonances can be investigated. We performed label-free and multi-color molecular spectroscopic imaging of biological samples through the multiplex CARS process.