bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbohydrates and Immunology: Synthetic Oligosaccharide Antigens for Vaccine Formulation
Authors: Morelli Laura , Poletti Laura , Lay Luigi 
Published: August 2011

AbstractDespite the enormous progress achieved by modern medicine, numerous diseases still have a profound impact on public health. Infectious diseases caused by a variety of microorganisms (viruses, fungi and parasites) and bacteria are a global major concern and, because of the emergence, for instance, of multidrug resistance, not only in developing countries. The development of preventative therapies, such as the rational design of novel and more efficient vaccines, might offer a solution to this state of affairs and other associated drawbacks. Vaccination is considered by the World Health Organization to be the most cost‐effective strategy for controlling infectious disease, because it should confer long‐term protective immunity in the population. A second consideration involves cancer. The outstanding progress achieved in the identification and structural characterization of tumour‐associated antigens has prompted their employment in tumour immunotherapy, on the basis of the observation that tumour cells possess specific antigens that can be recognized by an immune system appropriately conditioned to the task. Carbohydrates play key roles in many molecular recognition phenomena and they can affect any kind of interaction with the immune system. Saccharide‐based antigens (bacterial capsular polysaccharides or tumour‐associated carbohydrate antigens, for instance) have therefore been studied and employed in the formulation of vaccines. In recent years there has been increasing use of synthetic saccharide antigens for the formulation of vaccine candidates. These structures are indeed chemically well defined, devoid of biologic contaminants and, in principle, available in large amounts, relative to materials extracted from natural sources. In addition, synthetic saccharide antigens can also serve as haptens in protein conjugates, eliciting highly specific antibodies in animal models and humans. The great potential of synthetic saccharide antigens is attested to by the spectacular success of the Cuban vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b. Here we review the major advances in the development of synthetic carbohydrate‐based vaccines targeted against infectious diseases and cancer.
Validation of the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale in Female Eating Disorder Patients
Authors: Claes Laurence , Hart Trevor A. , Smits Dirk , Van den Eynde Frederique , Mueller Astrid , Mitchell James E. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIn the present study, we investigated the psychometric properties of the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) in a sample of 60 female eating disorder patients (Mage = 27.82, SD = 9.76). The SAAS was developed to assess anxiety about being negatively evaluated for one's appearance. All patients completed the SAAS, the Eating Disorder Inventory—2, the Physical Health Questionnaire—9 Depression and the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Psychopathology. The SAAS demonstrated a one‐factor structure and a high internal consistency. The SAAS was significantly positive in relation to body mass index, drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. Concerning personality dimensions, the SAAS was positively related to emotional problems (e.g. depression, anxiety) and interpersonal problems (e.g. suspiciousness, submissiveness). Findings suggest that the SAAS is a psychometrically sound instrument to assess anxiety about being negatively evaluated about one's appearance in a sample of eating disorder patients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
How Asfinag decides construction methods / Baumethodenentscheidung bei der Asfinag
Authors: Schreitl Bernhard , Schröfelbauer Thomas , Wanker Christoph , Steiner Michael 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe history of autobahn tunnel construction in Austria is about 45 years young, and currently 140 tunnels with a total length of 300 km provide short, safe and environmentally friendly routes for traffic all year round. A further 100 km of tunnel are being designed or are under construction. The present article gives a review of milestones in the history of autobahn tunnel construction and analyses the special features of road tunnels with regard to the method of tunnelling. More detailed descriptions are given of the TBM project A14, 2nd bore of the Pfänder Tunnel and the S1 Danube‐Lobau crossing project currently being designed, including the considerations leading to the selection of tunnelling method in each case.Die Geschichte des Autobahntunnelbaus in Österreich ist rund 45 Jahre jung. 140 Tunnel mit einer Gesamtlänge von 300 km sorgen ganzjährig für kurze, sichere und umweltfreundliche Transportwege. Weitere 100 km Tunnel sind derzeit in Planung bzw. Bau. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen geschichtlichen Rückblick auf Meilensteine im Autobahntunnelbau und analysiert die Besonderheiten von Straßentunneln im Hinblick auf die Vortriebsmethoden. Auf das bereits umgesetzte TVM‐Projekt A14, 2. Röhre Pfändertunnel und das Planungsprojekt S1 Donau‐Lobau‐Querung mit den entsprechenden Baumethodenüberlegungen wird näher eingegangen.
Managerial performance and cost efficiency of Japanese local public hospitals: A latent class stochastic frontier model
Authors: Besstremyannaya Galina 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe paper explores the link between managerial performance and cost efficiency of 617 Japanese general local public hospitals in 1999–2007. Treating managerial performance as unobservable heterogeneity, the paper employs a panel data stochastic cost frontier model with latent classes. Financial parameters associated with better managerial performance are found to be positively significant in explaining the probability of belonging to the more efficient latent class. The analysis of latent class membership was consistent with the conjecture that unobservable technological heterogeneity reflected in the existence of the latent classes is related to managerial performance. The findings may support the cause for raising efficiency of Japanese local public hospitals by enhancing the quality of management. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gradients of natriuretic peptide precursor A (NPPA) in oviduct and of natriuretic peptide receptor 1 (NPR1) in spermatozoon are involved in mouse sperm chemotaxis and fertilization
Authors: Bian Fenghua , Mao Guankun , Guo Meng , Mao Guanping , Wang Jianwei , Li Junxia , Han Yingying , Chen Xiufeng , Zhang Meijia , Xia Guoliang 
Published: August 2011

AbstractSelective spermatozoa movement from storage of the oviduct to fertilization site is suggested to be a result of chemotaxis. In the present study, Natriuretic peptide precursor A (NPPA) induced sperm chemotaxis in capillaries and enhanced intracellular Ca2+ level, both of which could be blocked by the Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 1 (NPR1) inhibitor anantin and the cGMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitors, KT5823 and Rp‐8‐Br‐PET‐cGMPS. NPPA also increased spermatozoa kinetic parameters of VAP, VSL, LIN, STR, and BCF. Only 2.0% of positive staining for NPR1 was detected in fresh spermatozoa. The positive rate was increased in capacitated spermatozoa (20.5%), and further increased in spermatozoa of NPPA treatment (70.2%). Nppa mRNA level in the ampullae was significantly higher compared with that in isthmus and uterotubal junction, and NPPA protein had an ascending gradient (AG) from the uterotubal junction to ampullae in gonadotropin‐treated mice. NPPA induced sperm chemotaxis in diestrus oviducts without a NPPA gradient, and sperm chemotaxis occurred in the oviducts of gonadotropin‐treated mice. These effects were inhibited by anantin. Meanwhile, sperm chemotaxis also occurred in unilateral ovariectomized oviducts of gonadotropin‐treated mice, in which the possible effect of follicular fluid and oocyte‐cumulus mass were eliminated when ovulation occurs. Furthermore, anantin significantly decreased the rate of fertilization in a dose‐dependent manner (0.1 µM, 57.1%; 1 µM, 33.8%) compared with control (78.5%). These results suggest that a NPPA gradient originating in the oviduct induces sperm chemotaxis by binding to its receptor NPR1 and then activating PKG pathway, and plays a physiological role in fertilization. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2230–2239, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of novel candidate genes involved in mineralization of dental enamel by genome‐wide transcript profiling
Authors: Lacruz Rodrigo S. , Smith Charles E. , Bringas Pablo , Chen Yi‐Bu , Smith Susan M. , Snead Malcolm L. , Kurtz Ira , Hacia Joseph G. , Hubbard Michael J. , Paine Michael L. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe gene repertoire regulating vertebrate biomineralization is poorly understood. Dental enamel, the most highly mineralized tissue in mammals, differs from other calcifying systems in that the formative cells (ameloblasts) lack remodeling activity and largely degrade and resorb the initial extracellular matrix. Enamel mineralization requires that ameloblasts undergo a profound functional switch from matrix‐secreting to maturational (calcium transport, protein resorption) roles as mineralization progresses. During the maturation stage, extracellular pH decreases markedly, placing high demands on ameloblasts to regulate acidic environments present around the growing hydroxyapatite crystals. To identify the genetic events driving enamel mineralization, we conducted genome‐wide transcript profiling of the developing enamel organ from rat incisors and highlight over 300 genes differentially expressed during maturation. Using multiple bioinformatics analyses, we identified groups of maturation‐associated genes whose functions are linked to key mineralization processes including pH regulation, calcium handling, and matrix turnover. Subsequent qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed that a number of solute carrier (SLC) gene family members were up‐regulated during maturation, including the novel protein Slc24a4 involved in calcium handling as well as other proteins of similar function (Stim1). By providing the first global overview of the cellular machinery required for enamel maturation, this study provide a strong foundation for improving basic understanding of biomineralization and its practical applications in healthcare. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2264–2275, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wild type N‐ras displays anti‐malignant properties, in part by downregulating decorin
Authors: Benet Marta , Dulman Robin Yates , Suzme Raffi , de Miera Eleazar Vega‐Saenz , Vega Martha E. , Nguyen Thuy , Zavadil Jiri , Pellicer Angel 
Published: August 2011

AbstractPreviously, we have shown that wild type N‐ras (wt N‐ras) harbors an anti‐malignant effect against mutated Ras and in tumors without Ras mutations. To investigate the molecular bases of this anti‐malignant activity, we have studied the potency of this anti‐malignant effect in a model system against SV40 large T antigen (SV40T). We show that wild‐type N‐ras (wt N‐ras) counteracts the effects of SV40T in NIH3T3 cells as seen by a decrease in proliferation, anchorage independence and changes in migration. We also show that wt N‐ras elicits the same anti‐malignant effects in some human tumor cell lines (HT1080 and MDA‐MB‐231). Through mRNA and microRNA (miRNAs) expression profiling we have identified genes (decorin) and miRNAs (mir‐29A, let‐7b) modulated by wt N‐ras potentially responsible for the anti‐malignant effect. Wt N‐ras appears to mediate its anti‐malignant effect by downregulating some of the targets of the TGFβ pathway and decorin, which are able to reverse the inhibition of migration induced by wt N‐ras. Our experiments show that the molecules that mediate the anti‐malignant effect by wt N‐ras appear to be different from those modulated by transforming N‐ras. The components of the pathways modulated by wt N‐ras mediating its anti‐malignant effects are potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2341–2351, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of highly directive probe‐fed microstrip antenna at terahertz frequency
Authors: Jha Kumud Ranjan , Singh Ghanshyam 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYIn this paper, a probe‐fed rectangular microstrip patch antenna with metallic frequency selective surface as superstrate has been analyzed and simulated at terahertz frequency. In addition to this, a novel technique has been proposed to predict the directivity of the antenna at submillimeter and terahertz waves where far‐field measurement is a challenging task. Moreover, the effect of the size of the frequency selective surface array and the ground plane on the directivity of the antenna has been discussed. The concept of using two lateral sidewalls to improve the electrical performance of the antenna is also presented. The theoretical analysis has been supported by two different commercially available 3D electromagnetic simulators: (i) CST microwave studio (CST, Framingham, MA, USA) based on the finite integral technique; and (ii) Ansoft hfss (Ansoft Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA) based on the finite element technique. Analytical and simulated results are comparable with each other. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibin A enhances bone formation during distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Perrien Daniel S. , Nicks Kristy M. , Liu Lichu , Akel Nisreen S. , Bacon Anthony W. , Skinner Robert A. , Swain Frances L. , Aronson James , Suva Larry J. , Gaddy Dana 
Published: August 2011

AbstractGiven the aging population and the increased incidence of fracture in the elderly population, the need exists for agents that can enhance bone healing, particularly in situations of delayed fracture healing and/or non‐union. Our previous studies demonstrated that overexpression of the gonadal peptide, human inhibin A (hInhA), in transgenic mice enhances bone formation and strength via increased osteoblast activity. We tested the hypothesis that hInhA can also exert anabolic effects in a murine model of distraction osteogenesis (DO), using both transgenic hInhA overexpression and administration of normal physiological levels of hInhA in adult male Swiss‐Webster mice. Tibial osteotomies and external ring fixation were performed, followed by a 3‐day latency period, 14‐day distraction, and sacrifice on day 18. Supraphysiological levels of hInhA in transgenic mice, but not normal physiological levels of hInhA, significantly increased endosteal bone formation and mineralized bone area in the distraction gap, as determined by radiographic and µCT analysis. Significantly, increased PCNA and osteocalcin expression in the primary matrix front suggested that hInhA increased osteoblast proliferation. This mechanism is consistent with the effects of other agents and pathologies that modulate bone formation during DO, and demonstrates the potential of hInhA to enhance bone repair and regeneration. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:288–295, 2012
Achilles tendon healing in rats is improved by intermittent mechanical loading during the inflammatory phase
Authors: Eliasson Pernilla , Andersson Therese , Aspenberg Per 
Published: August 2011

AbstractTendons adapt to changes in mechanical loading, and numerous animal studies show that immobilization of a healing tendon is detrimental to the healing process. The present study addresses whether the effects of a few episodes of mechanical loading are different during different phases of healing. Fifty female rats underwent Achilles tendon transection, and their hind limbs were unloaded by tail suspension on the day after surgery. One group of 10 rats was taken down from suspension to run on a treadmill for 30 min/day, on days 2–5 after transection. They were euthanized on day 8. Another group underwent similar treadmill running on days 8–11 and was euthanized on day 14. Continuously unloaded groups were euthanized on days 8 and 14. Tendon specimens were then evaluated mechanically. The results showed that just four loading episodes increased the strength of the healing tendon. This was evident irrespective of the time point when loading was applied (early or late). The positive effect on early healing was unexpected, considering that the mechanical stimulation was applied during the inflammatory phase, when the calluses were small and fragile. A histological study of additional groups with early loading also showed some increased bleeding in the loaded calluses. Our results indicate that a short episodes of early loading may improve the outcome of tendon healing. This could be of interest to clinical practice. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:274–279, 2012
Will an “Island” population of voles be recolonized if eradicated? insights from Molecular genetic analyses
Authors: Miller Mark P. , Haig Susan M. , Ledig David B. , Vander Heyden Madeleine F. , Bennett Gregory 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe performed genetic analyses of Microtus longicaudus populations within the Crook Point Unit of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. A M. longicaudus population at Saddle Rock (located approx. 65 m off‐shore from the Crook Point mainland) is suspected to be partially responsible for declines of a Leach's storm‐petrel colony at this important nesting site. Using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism markers and mitochondrial DNA, we illustrate that Saddle Rock and Crook Point function as separate island and mainland populations despite their close proximity. In addition to genetic structure, we also observed reduced genetic diversity at Saddle Rock, suggesting that little individual movement occurs between populations. If local resource managers decide to perform an eradication at Saddle Rock, we conclude that immediate recolonization of the island by M. longicaudus would be unlikely. Because M. longicaudus is native to Oregon, we also consider the degree with which the differentiation of Saddle Rock signifies the presence of a unique entity that warrants conservation rather than eradication. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Modeling foraging behavior of piping plovers to evaluate habitat restoration success
Authors: Maslo Brooke , Burger Joanna , Handel Steven N. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractHabitat restoration projects are often deemed successful based on the presence of the target species within the habitat; however, in some cases the restored habitat acts as an ecological trap and does not help to improve the reproductive success of the target species. Understanding wildlife–habitat relationships through precise measurements of animal behavior can identify critical resources that contribute to high quality habitat and improve habitat restoration practice. We evaluated the success of a restored piping plover (Charadrius melodus) breeding habitat in New Jersey, USA. We identified the major factors influencing foraging rates, compared foraging activity budgets over 3 yr at restored and natural habitats, and explored the potential of artificial tidal ponds as a viable restoration alternative. Adult foraging rates were higher in artificial pond and ephemeral pool habitats, during low tide, and after breeding activity ended. Adult foraging rates were impeded by the presence of people and vehicles within 50 m. Chick foraging rates were highest at artificial ponds and bay shores and lowest in dunes and on sand flats. Chick foraging rates were strongly hindered by the presence of corvids and the number of people within 50 m. In addition, at artificial tidal ponds, piping plovers spent more time foraging and less time engaged in defensive behaviors (vigilance, crouching, and fleeing) compared to other potential habitats. Our findings support the hypothesis that artificial tidal ponds are a valuable, perhaps superior, foraging habitat. Future beach restoration projects should include this feature to maximize habitat quality and restoration success. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Methylation profile of DNA repetitive elements in human testicular germ cell tumor
Authors: Ushida Hiroshi , Kawakami Takahiro , Minami Kahori , Chano Tokuhiro , Okabe Hidetoshi , Okada Yusaku , Okamoto Keisei 
Published: August 2011

AbstractTesticular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) have a unique epigenetic profile distinct from that of other types of cancer. To further evaluate epigenetics of TGCTs, this study examines DNA methylation patterns of DNA repetitive elements in TGCTs. Bisulfite genomic sequencing and combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) were used to analyze the methylation patterns of DNA repetitive elements (LINE1 and Alu repeats) in embryonal carcinoma (EC) derived cell lines, primary TGCT tissues, noncancerous testicular tissues adjacent to TGCTs and cancer cells derived from somatic tissues (testicular malignant lymphoma tissues and renal cell carcinoma cell lines). Through both bisulfite genomic sequencing and COBRA, LINE1 was extensively hypomethylated in both seminomatous and nonseminomatous TGCT tissues as well as EC cell lines. We studied two Alu repeats locating in the 5′ end of E‐cadherin and XIST by bisulfite genomic sequencing. These two Alu elements were extensively hypomethylated in seminomatous TGCTs, but methylated in nonseminomatous TGCTs, including two EC derived cell lines. This increased unmethylated profile in seminomatous TGCTs was observed also by COBRA for Alu repeats. Although partial demethylation of DNA repetitive elements was observed in cancer cells of somatic tissue origin, the degree of demethylation was more pronounced in TGCTs than in cancer cells of somatic tissue origin. We observed abnormal demethylation of DNA repetitive elements in some of the tissues adjacent to TGCTs. The results indicate that the underlying mechanisms to undergo or maintain demethylation of DNA repetitive sequences differ between TGCTs and cancer cells of somatic tissue origin. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
WT1 in disease: shifting the epithelial–mesenchymal balance
Authors: Miller‐Hodges Eve , Hohenstein Peter 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWT1 is a versatile gene that controls transitions between the mesenchymal and epithelial state of cells in a tissue‐context dependent manner. As such, WT1 is indispensable for normal development of many organs and tissues. Uncontrolled epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a hallmark of a diverse array of pathologies and disturbance of mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) has been associated with a number of developmental abnormalities. It is therefore not surprising that WT1 has been linked to many of these. Here we review the role of WT1 in proper control of the mesenchymal–epithelial balance of cells and discuss how far these roles can explain the role of WT1 in a variety of disease states. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hemolytic non‐uremic syndrome
Authors: Chen Kenneth S. , Neunert Cindy E. , Crary Shelley E. , Buchanan George R. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe describe three children who developed isolated but severe microangiopathic hemolytic anemia without other manifestations of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). All three recovered without specific treatment. We propose that they represent a unique phenotype in the spectrum of TTP and HUS, which we term “hemolytic non‐uremic syndrome.” Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 167–169. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.