bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
17β‐Estradiol Promotes Cementoblast Proliferation and Cementum Formation in Experimental Periodontitis
Authors: Nuñez Javier , Sanz‐Blasco Sara , Vignoletti Fabio , Muñoz Fernando , Caffesse Raúl G. , Sanz Mariano , Villalobos Carlos , Nuñez Lucía 
Published: March 2010

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to the destruction of the tooth‐supporting tissues. Its treatment includes the arrest of the inflammatory process and, in some circumstances, the restoration of the lost anatomy and function, including the formation of new cementum, periodontal ligament (PDL), and bone. With this goal, we investigated the effects of low concentrations of 17β‐estradiol on human cementoblast proliferation and its possible regenerative potential in vivo.Methods: Human cementum‐derived cells obtained from a healthy human premolar were isolated and characterized by immunocytochemistry. Cell proliferation assays were performed to test the effects of 100 nM 17β‐estradiol and enamel matrix derivative (EMD). Three‐wall intrabony periodontal defects were created in beagle dogs. After 1 month of plaque accumulation, 0.225 mg 17β‐estradiol impregnated in a collagen sponge was applied to randomly selected defects (test group), whereas a collagen sponge impregnated in a culture medium was applied to the control group. After 3 months, specimens were obtained, and tissue regeneration was assessed by histometric analysis.Results: Cells spreading out from human tooth‐layer explants were able to form cell colonies, produce a mineral matrix, and express osteocalcin, indicating they were cementoblast‐like cells. In contrast, PDL fibroblasts did not express osteocalcin. 17β‐estradiol, but not EMD, increased the rate of human cementoblast cell proliferation in vitro by 2.5‐fold. Histometric results from the treated periodontal defects revealed that 17β‐estradiol promoted the formation of 2.94 mm of new cementum, (45% of the defects) compared to 1.54 mm of new cementum in the control group (28% of the defects). Furthermore, the test group showed an inhibition of epithelial downgrowth and a gain of new connective tissue attachment.Conclusion: 17β‐estradiol promoted human cementoblast cell proliferation in vitro and periodontal regeneration in an experimental periodontitis model.
Information and Communication Technologies—Opportunities to Mobilize Agricultural Science for Development
Authors: Ballantyne Peter , Maru Ajit , Porcari Enrica M. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTKnowledge, information, and data—and the social and physical infrastructures that carry them—are widely recognized as key building blocks for more sustainable agriculture, effective agricultural science, and productive partnerships among the global research community. Through investments in e‐Science infrastructure and collaboration on one hand, and rapid developments in digital devices and connectivity in rural areas, the ways that scientists, academics, and development workers create, share, and apply agricultural knowledge is being transformed through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). This paper examines some trends and opportunities associated with the use of these ICTs in agricultural science for development.
Development Perspectives Of The Biobased Economy: A Review
Authors: Langeveld J. W. A. , Dixon J. , Jaworski J. F. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper provides an outline of the biobased economy, its perspectives for agriculture and, more particularly, for development purposes. Possibilities of development of biobased products, advanced biofuels, and viable and efficient biorefinery concepts are explored. The paper lists non‐fuel bioproducts (e.g., chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biopolymers) and presents basic principles and development options for biorefineries that can be used to generate them alongside biofuels, power, and by‐products. One of the main challenges is to capture more value from existing crops without compromising the needs and possibilities of small‐scale, less endowed farmers. Biobased products offer the most development perspectives, combining large market volumes with medium to high price levels. Consequently, the most can be expected from products like fine chemicals, lubricants, and solvents. In addition, biosolar cells can help to relax pressures on biomass production systems while decentralized production chains can serve local needs for energy, materials, and nutrients as their requirement for viable economic development are linked to larger markets. Research challenges include development of such production and market chains, and of biosolar cells and selection of model crops that offer perspectives for less favored producers and underdeveloped rural areas.
Biofortification—A Sustainable Agricultural Strategy for Reducing Micronutrient Malnutrition in the Global South
Authors: Bouis Howarth E. , Welch Ross M. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTMinerals and vitamins in food staples eaten widely by the poor may be increased either through conventional plant breeding or through use of transgenic techniques, a process known as biofortification HarvestPlus seeks to develop and distribute cultivars of food staples (rice [Oryza sativa L.], wheat [Triticum aestivum L.], maize [Zea mays L.], cassava [Manihot esculenta Crantz], pearl millet [Pennisetum americanum Leeke], beans [Phaseolus vulgaris L.], sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas L.]) that are high in Fe, Zn, and provitamin A through an interdisciplinary global alliance of scientific institutions and implementing agencies in developing and developed countries. Biofortified crops offer a rural‐based intervention that, by design, initially reaches these more remote populations, which comprise a majority of the undernourished in many countries, and then penetrates to urban populations as production surpluses are marketed. Thus, biofortification complements fortification and supplementation programs, which work best in centralized urban areas and then reach into rural areas with good infrastructure. Initial investments in agricultural research at a central location can generate high recurrent benefits at low cost as adapted biofortified cultivars become widely available in countries across time at low recurrent costs. Overall, three things must happen for biofortification to be successful. First, the breeding must be successful—high nutrient density must be combined with high yields and high profitability. Second, efficacy must be demonstrated—the micronutrient status of human subjects must be shown to improve when consuming the biofortified cultivars as normally eaten. Third, the biofortified crops must be adopted by farmers and consumed by those suffering from micronutrient malnutrition in significant numbers.
Rapid Determination of Gene Function by Virus‐induced Gene Silencing in Wheat and Barley
Authors: Cakir Cahid , Gillespie Megan E. , Scofield Steven R. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTThe cereal crops are essential components to the human and animal food supply. Solutions to many of the problems challenging cereal production will require identification of genes responsible for particular traits. Unfortunately, the process of identifying gene function is very slow and complex in crop plants. In wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), this process is made very difficult by the very large size and complexity of their genomes and the difficulty with which these crops can be genetically transformed. Additionally, the polyploidy of wheat greatly complicates any approach based on mutational analysis because functional, homeologous genes often mask genetic mutations. Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) is an important new tool that overcomes many of these obstacles and promises to greatly facilitate the assessment of gene function. A VIGS system based on barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) has recently been developed for use in wheat and barley. The BSMV‐VIGS system allows researchers to switch‐off or “knockdown” the expression of chosen genes so that the gene's function may be inferred based on the knockout phenotypes. This article describes the characteristics of the BSMV‐VIGS system, relates examples of its application for functional genomics in wheat and barley, and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.
Enhancing Eco‐efficiency in Agro‐ecosystems through Soil Carbon Sequestration
Authors: Lal R. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTGlobal cereal production must be increased by ∼50% by 2050. Crop yields in sub‐Saharan Africa and South Asia have either stagnated or declined since the 1990s because of the widespread use of extractive farming practices and problems of soil and environmental degradation. Yield potential of improved varieties and elite germplasm is not realized because of soil degradation. The concept of eco‐efficiency implies efficient and sustainable use of resources in agronomic production and soil management. However, it is not enough to merely minimize the environmental impact. It is also important to maximize agronomic production while enhancing ecosystem services. Most degraded and depleted soils of agro‐ecosystems contain a lower soil organic carbon (SOC) pool than in those under natural ecosystems. Thus, restoring the SOC pool is essential to improving soil quality, increasing eco‐efficiency, and enhancing numerous ecosystem services. Increasing the SOC pool in the root zone can enhance agronomic production (kg grains ha−1 Mg C−1) at the rate of 200 to 300 for maize (Zea mays L.), 30 to 60 for bean (Phaseolis vulgaris L.), 20 to 40 for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), 20 to 50 for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and 20 to 50 for rice (Oryza sativa L.). Not all improved management practices are applicable to all soil and ecological conditions. However, no‐till farming along with application of crop residue mulch, manuring, legume‐based complex rotations, and integrated nutrient management should be applicable under most conditions. Global food insecurity, affecting 1.02 billion people in 2009, can only be alleviated by improving soil quality and eco‐efficiency through restoration of degraded/depleted soils.
Future Interior: Subjective (A)voidance in John Updike's “Rabbit” Novels
Authors: Jarraway David R. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract: In Rabbit Is Rich (1981), John Updike's use of Wallace Stevens's “Rabbit as King of the Ghosts” crystallizes what American literature in a (post-)Freudian age is particularly prone: ego is no longer master in his own house. Lacan's observation, therefore, that “[w]hat is realized in my history is not the past definite of what it was … but the future anterior of what I am in the process of becoming” will serve as a theoretical frame within which to critique the suspect future “interior” of “Rabbit” Angstrom throughout Updike's novel quartet.
Early optical detection of cerebral edema in vivo
Authors: Gill Amandip S. , Rajneesh Kiran F. , Owen Christopher M. , Yeh James , Hsu Mike , Binder Devin K. 
Published: March 2010

Object
Cerebral edema is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in diverse disease states. Currently, the means to detect progressive cerebral edema in vivo includes the use of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors and/or serial radiological studies. However, ICP measurements exhibit a high degree of variability, and ICP monitors detect edema only after it becomes sufficient to significantly raise ICP. The authors report the development of 2 distinct minimally invasive fiberoptic near-infrared (NIR) techniques able to directly detect early cerebral edema.

Methods
Cytotoxic brain edema was induced in adult CD1 mice via water intoxication by intraperitoneal water administration (30% body weight intraperitoneally). An implantable dual-fiberoptic probe was stereotactically placed into the cerebral cortex and connected to optical source and detector hardware. Optical sources consisted of either broadband halogen illumination or a single-wavelength NIR laser diode, and the detector was a sensitive NIR spectrometer or optical power meter. In one subset of animals, a left-sided craniectomy was performed to obtain cortical biopsies for water-content determination to verify cerebral edema. In another subset of animals, an ICP transducer was placed on the contralateral cortex, which was synchronized to a computer and time stamped.

Results
Using either broadband illumination with NIR spectroscopy or single-wavelength laser diode illumination with optical power meter detection, the authors detected a reduction in NIR optical reflectance during early cerebral edema. The time intervals between water injection (Time Point 0), optical trigger (defined as a 2-SD change in optical reflectance from baseline), and defined threshold ICP values of 10, 15 and 20 mm Hg were calculated. Reduction in NIR reflectance occurred significantly earlier than any of the ICP thresholds (p < 0.001). Saline-injected control mice exhibited a steady baseline optical signal. There was a significant correlation between reflectance change and tissue specific gravity of the cortical biopsies, further validating the dual-fiberoptic probe as a direct measure of cerebral edema.

Conclusions
Compared with traditional ICP monitoring, the aforementioned minimally invasive NIR techniques allow for the significantly earlier detection of cerebral edema, which may be of clinical utility in the identification and thus early treatment of cerebral edema.
Compararative evaluation of rK9, rK26 and rK39 antigens in the serodiagnosis of Indian visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Mohapatra Tribhuban Mohan , Singh Dharmendra Prasad , Sen Malay Ranjan , Bharti Kalpana , Sundar Shyam 
Published: March 2010

Background: This study was designed for comparative evaluation of two relatively newer recombinant hydrophilic antigens, rK9 and rK26 of Leishmania chagasi along with rK39 (a 39-aminoacid-repetitive immunodominant B-cell epitope of kinesin-related antigen from L. chagasi) and crude soluble antigen (CSA) for the serodiagnosis of Indian visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients by quantitative ELISA. Methodology: In the present study a total of 80 subjects comprising of 55 confirmed VL cases and 25 endemic controls (EC) were subjected to ELISA using four different antigens, namely rK9, rK26, rK39 and CSA (derived from Leishmania donovani promastigotes). Results: Sensitivity was as follows: 78% (95%CI 63-100%) for rK9, 38% (95%CI 28-59%) for rK26, 100% for rK39, and 80% (95% CI 65-100%) for CSA. The specificity of rK9, rK26, rK39 and CSA was found to be 84% (95%CI 61-100%), 80% (95%CI 56-100%), 96% (95%CI 75-100%) and 72% (95%CI 49-100%), respectively. Conclusions: rK39 was observed to be the most suitable antigen as compared to rK26 and rK9 whereas rK9 performed better than rK26. Hence rK9 antigen may either be used as an adjunct to rK39 for accurate diagnosis of VL or may be used in the absence or non-availability of rK39 antigen for the serodiagnosis.
Structural-functional Correlations of Corneal Innervation After LASIK and Penetrating Keratoplasty
Authors: Stachs Oliver , Zhivov Andrey , Kraak Robert , Hovakimyan Marine , Wree Andreas , Guthoff Rudolf 
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:
To compare corneal subbasal nerve fiber distribution and corneal sensation in healthy humans with findings obtained in regenerated subbasal nerves after LASIK and penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

METHODS:
In a comparative case series study, in vivo confocal laser-scanning microscopy was used to investigate subbasal nerve fiber bundles in healthy individuals and at various time points after surgery in patients who had undergone LASIK and corneal grafting. Corneal sensation was measured (Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer).

RESULTS:
In normal corneas investigated, image super-imposition revealed the consistent appearance of curved nerve fibers showing a whorl-like pattern with clockwise orientation. Nerve fibers parallel to Bowman's layer originating peripherally traveled radially inwards to a point located at the lower nasal quadrant. This pattern was not seen in any of the patients after LASIK or PK. Regenerated nerve fibers were thinner, more curved, and showed abnormal branching in nearly all patients. Normal corneal neuro-anatomical architecture remained absent even months after total restoration of corneal sensation. After LASIK, normal sensation was regained independently of normal subbasal nerve anatomy. Corneal grafts have shown some recovery of subbasal nerve morphology, at least in the graft periphery, but not complete recovery of function.

CONCLUSIONS:

It would appear that normal corneal sensation after LASIK or PK does not always depend on normal subbasal nerve anatomy but on the collateral organization of subbasal nerve fibers. [
J Refract Surg
. 2010;26:159–167.]
Expression of Functional D299G.T399I Polymorphic Variant of TLR4 Depends More on Coexpression of MD-2 Than Does Wild-Type TLR4
Authors: Prohinar Polonca , Rallabhandi Prasad , Weiss Jerrold P. , Gioannini Theresa L. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Two missense variants (D299G and T399I) of TLR4 are cosegregated in individuals of European descent and, in a number of test systems, result in reduced responsiveness to endotoxin. How these changes within the ectodomain (ecd) of TLR4 affect TLR4 function is unclear. For both wild-type and D299G.T399I TLR4, we used endotoxin⋅CD14 and endotoxin⋅MD-2 complexes of high specific radioactivity to measure: 1) interaction of recombinant MD-2⋅TLR4 with endotoxin⋅CD14 and TLR4 with endotoxin⋅MD-2; 2) expression of functional MD-2⋅TLR4 and TLR4; and 3) MD-2⋅TLR4 and TLR4-dependent cellular endotoxin responsiveness. Both wild-type and D299G.T399I TLR4ecd demonstrated high affinity (Kd ~ 200 pM) interaction of endotoxin⋅CD14 with MD-2⋅TLR4ecd and endotoxin⋅MD-2 with TLR4ecd. However, levels of functional TLR4 were reduced up to 2-fold when D299G.T399I TLR4 was coexpressed with MD-2 and &gt;10-fold when expressed without MD-2, paralleling differences in cellular endotoxin responsiveness. The dramatic effect of the D299G.T399I haplotype on expression of functional TLR4 without MD-2 suggests that cells expressing TLR4 without MD-2 are most affected by these polymorphisms.
Single-Chain HLA-A2 MHC Trimers That Incorporate an Immundominant Peptide Elicit Protective T Cell Immunity against Lethal West Nile Virus Infection
Authors: Kim Sojung , Li Lijin , McMurtrey Curtis P. , Hildebrand William H. , Weidanz Jon A. , Gillanders William E. , Diamond Michael S. , Hansen Ted H. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The generation of a robust CD8+ T cell response is an ongoing challenge for the development of DNA vaccines. One problem encountered with classical DNA plasmid immunization is that peptides produced are noncovalently and transiently associated with MHC class I molecules and thus may not durably stimulate CD8+ T cell responses. To address this and enhance the expression and presentation of the antigenic peptide/MHC complexes, we generated single-chain trimers (SCTs) composed of a single polypeptide chain with a linear composition of antigenic peptide, β2-microglobulin, and H chain connected by flexible linkers. In this study, we test whether the preassembled nature of the SCT makes them effective for eliciting protective CD8+ T cell responses against pathogens. A DNA plasmid was constructed encoding an SCT incorporating the human MHC class I molecule HLA-A2 and the immunodominant peptide SVG9 derived from the envelope protein of West Nile virus (WNV). HLA-A2 transgenic mice vaccinated with the DNA encoding the SVG9/HLA-A2 SCT generated a robust epitope-specific CD8+ T cell response and showed enhanced survival rate and lower viral burden in the brain after lethal WNV challenge. Inclusion of a CD4+ Th cell epitope within the SCT did not increase the frequency of SVG9-specific CD8+ T cells, but did enhance protection against WNV challenge. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the SCT platform can induce protective CD8+ T cell responses against lethal virus infection and may be paired with immunogens that elicit robust neutralizing Ab responses to generate vaccines that optimally activate all facets of adaptive immunity.
Studying the Use and Risks of Contamination by Pesticides in a Land Reform Settlement in the North Fluminense Region, Brazil
Authors: Pedlowski Marcos A. , Aquino S. L. de , Canela M. C. , Silva I. L. A. da 
Published: March 2010

During the twentieth century, the agricultural economy benefited tremendously from new developments in chemical pesticides. This progress, however, has resulted in unintended consequences to human health and the environment. This article presents the results of a study carried out on land reform settlement located on the North Fluminense region. Data was obtained by surveying one hundred land reform settlers through a random sample questionnaire. Variables studied include household demography and education, types of pesticides, targeted crops, levels of training for pesticides handling, disposal of empty containers and use of safety equipments. Our results show that about half of the households were using pesticides to eradicate weeds and different types of agricultural pests on eleven crops. Data also showed a dominance of products with moderate toxicity for human health and high toxicity for the environment. The risk for increased contamination associated to pesticides utilization was greatly enhanced by a general lack of understanding regarding health and environmental risks. Most settlers declared having previously received no formal training for the handling and disposing of products being used in their lots. We also found that most settlers were littering their lots with empty containers and had unrestricted access to pesticides retailers. Finally, our results show the need for the education on the health and environmental risks involved in misguided utilization of pesticides, and for the mapping of aquatic systems environmental contamination associated to pesticides utilization.
Supercritical Phase Catalysis—Heterogeneous
Authors: Subramaniam Bala , Ford Jackson W. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe potential applications of supercritical reaction media in heterogeneous catalysis have greatly expanded in recent years to include industrially significant reactions such as selective catalytic oxidations (fine and agricultural chemicals), fixed‐bed hydrogenations (pharmaceuticals, chemical intermediates), polymerizations, hydroformylations (petrochemical), and solid‐acid catalyzed alkylations (petroleum refining). The near‐critical region (roughly 1.05‐1.2 Tc; and 0.9 ‐ 2.0 Pc) provides access to unique fluid properties (liquid‐like densities and gas‐like transport properties) that have been exploited in heterogeneous catalytic systems in numerous ways such as these: eliminating oxygen or hydrogen solubility limitations in the liquid phase of multiphase reaction systems; enhanced desorption and transport of heavy molecules (such as coke precursors) in mesoporous catalysts alleviating pore‐diffusion limitations and improving catalyst effectiveness; in situ removal of primary reaction products maximizing their selectivity; enhanced heat capacity ameliorating the problem of parametric sensitivity in exothermic fixed‐bed reactors; and facile separation of reactants and products. Supercritical reaction systems are thus excellent examples of the ‘multifunctional reactor’ concept. This chapter provides an overview of recent advances in each of these areas including fundamental and experimental aspects. Barriers and challenges confronting application of CO2‐based processes in industrial catalysis, and advances in overcoming these barriers are highlighted.