bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TLR2 Signaling and Th2 Responses Drive Tannerella forsythia-Induced Periodontal Bone Loss
Authors: Myneni Srinivas R. , Settem Rajendra P. , Connell Terry D. , Keegan Achsah D. , Gaffen Sarah L. , Sharma Ashu 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Periodontal disease (PD) is a chronic inflammation of the tooth-supporting soft tissue and alveolar bone due to infection by a select group of Gram-negative microbes, which leads to tooth loss if untreated. Because mice deficient in CD4+ cells are resistant to infection-induced alveolar bone loss, Th cells have been implicated in bone-destructive processes during PD. However, the extent to which different Th cell subtypes play roles in pathogenesis or host protection remains to be defined and is likely to vary depending on the dominant microorganism involved. By far, Porphyromonas gingivalis is the best-studied periodontal microbe in PD. Although the Gram-negative anaerobe Tannerella forsythia is also a vital contributor to periodontal bone loss, almost nothing is known about immune responses to this organism. Previous studies from our laboratory revealed that T. forsythia induces periodontal bone loss in mice and that this bone loss depends on the bacterially expressed BspA protein. In this study, we showed that T. forsythia activates murine APCs primarily through TLR2-dependent signaling via BspA. Furthermore, T. forsythia infection causes a pronounced Th2 bias, evidenced by T cell expression of IL-5, but not IFN-γ or IL-17, in draining lymph nodes. Consistently, deficiencies in TLR2 or STAT6 result in resistance to T. forsythia-induced alveolar bone loss. Thus, TLR2 signaling and Th2 cells play pathogenic roles in T. forsythia-induced alveolar bone destruction.
A Naive-Like Population of Human CD1d-Restricted T Cells Expressing Intermediate Levels of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger
Authors: Constantinides Michael G. , Picard Damien , Savage Adam K. , Bendelac Albert 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Rare CD1d-α-galactosylceramide–specific T cells that do not express the invariant Vα24 chain of human NKT cells were recently identified after expansion in vitro with the lipid Ag, but their phenotype and frequency in vivo and lineage relationship with NKT cells could not be elucidated. By using a CD1d tetramer-based method to enrich these cells from fresh peripheral blood, we demonstrated their naive-like CD62LhighCD45RO−CD4+ phenotype and relatively high frequency of ∼10−5 in several healthy individuals. Notably, these cells expressed the NKT lineage-specific transcription promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF), indicating a developmental relationship with NKT cells and ruling out the possibility that they were conventional MHC-restricted T cells cross-reacting against CD1d-α-galactosylceramide. Although PLZF is known to direct the effector program of NKT cells, we show in this study that the naive-like cells expressed it at a significantly lower amount than NKT cells. Further, we present mouse studies demonstrating a sharp PLZF expression threshold requirement for induction of the effector phenotype. These findings directly demonstrate in vivo the existence of naive-like CD1d-restricted human T cells marked by intermediate levels of PLZF.
Metagenes Associated with Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Urgard Egon , Vooder Tõnu , Võsa Urmo , Välk Kristjan , Liu Mingming , Luo Cheng , Hoti Fabian , Roosipuu Retlav , Annilo Tarmo , Laine Jukka , Frenz Christopher M. , Zhang Liqing , Metspalu Andres 
Published: June 2011

NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) comprises about 80% of all lung cancer cases worldwide. Surgery is most effective treatment for patients with early-stage disease. However, 30%–55% of these patients develop recurrence within 5 years. Therefore, markers that can be used to accurately classify early-stage NSCLC patients into different prognostic groups may be helpful in selecting patients who should receive specific therapies. A previously published dataset was used to evaluate gene expression profiles of different NSCLC subtypes. A moderated two-sample t-test was used to identify differentially expressed genes between all tumor samples and cancer-free control tissue, between SCC samples and AC/BC samples and between stage I tumor samples and all other tumor samples. Gene expression microarray measurements were validated using qRT-PCR. Bayesian regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed to determine metagenes associated with survival. We identified 599 genes which were down-regulated and 402 genes which were up-regulated in NSCLC compared to the normal lung tissue and 112 genes which were up-regulated and 101 genes which were down-regulated in AC/BC compared to the SCC. Further, for stage Ib patients the metagenes potentially associated with survival were identified. Genes that expressed differently between normal lung tissue and cancer showed enrichment in gene ontology terms which were associated with mitosis and proliferation. Bayesian regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that gene-expression patterns and metagene profiles can be applied to predict the probability of different survival outcomes in NSCLC patients.
Public Sector Accounting and Accountability in Greece: A Discussion
Authors: Maggina Anastasia 
Published: June 2011

Publiuc sector accounting and accountability have strong origins in Ancient Greece in the framework of the democracy of Athens and the foreign aid later on.The organs of public accounting-management are stereotyped but transparency is still an open question.After the recommendations made by International Organizations(IMF,OECD,etc.) and European Institutions(EU,ECB) many changes/innovations are on the way to restore confidence to citizens,the european partners and the international markets in an effort to get financing or restructure the terms of the very high national debt.
Surface modification of POSS‐nanocomposite biomaterials using reactive oxygen plasma treatment for cardiovascular surgical implant applications
Authors: Solouk Atefeh , Cousins Brian G. , Mirzadeh Hamid , Solati‐Hashtjin Mehran , Najarian Siamak , Seifalian Alexander M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this study, central composite design (CCD) was used to develop predictive models to optimize operating conditions of plasma surface modification. It was concluded that out of the two process variables, power and duration of plasma exposure, the latter was significantly affecting the surface energy (γs), chemistry, and topography of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane–poly(carbonate‐urea)urethane (POSS‐PCU) films. On the basis of experimental data, CCD was used to model the γs using a quadratic modeling of the process variables to achieve optimum surface energy to improve the interaction between endothelial cells (ECs). It was found that optimal water θ for EC adhesion and retention, which was reported 55° from supporting literature (equivalent to γs = 51 mN/m), was easily achievable using the following experimental conditions: (1) power output at 30 W for 75 Sec, (2) 90 W for 40 Sec, and (3) 90 W for 55 Sec in oxygen. In vitro cell culture and metabolic activity studies on optimized films [as in (1)] demonstrate increased adhesion, coverage, and growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells that were confluent over a shorter time period (<24 H) than controls. Such materials enhanced the EC response and promoted endothelialization on optimized films, thus demonstrating their use as bypass graft materials.
Myocardial Perfusion Defect in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Demonstrated by 64‐Multidetector Computed Tomography at Rest
Authors: Iwasaki Kohichiro , Matsumoto Takeshi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:The first‐pass imaging of 64‐multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) using pharmacological stress has been used to assess myocardial perfusion. However, detection of myocardial ischemia at rest using MDCT has yet to be elucidated. We studied the incidence of myocardial perfusion defect (MPD) by 64‐MDCT at rest and the effect of coronary revascularization therapy on MPD in patients with coronary artery disease.Hypothesis:MPD by 64‐MDCT at rest indicates myocardial ischemia.Methods:We studied 76 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent 64‐MDCT before and after revascularization therapy and 55 patients who did not undergo revascularization therapy. According to percent diameter stenosis, we defined group A, B, C, and D to have stenosis between 70% and 90%, 50% and 69%, 30% and 49%, and 10% and 29%, respectively. We evaluated regional myocardial contrast enhancement by long and short axis planes. MPD was defined as hypoenhancement area of some extent with CT value <50 HU during diastole.Results:MPD was found in 60.0% and 32.4% of group A and B patients, respectively (P = 0.0176). The incidence was 4.8% and 0% in group C and D patients, respectively (P<0.0001 compared with group A and B). All patients in group A and B and 2 patients with MPD in group C underwent coronary revascularization therapy. MPD disappeared after revascularization therapy in all but 3 group A patients. No patients showed new MPD after revascularization therapy.Conclusions:Our results demonstrate that a significant percentage of patients with significant coronary artery stenosis show MPD by 64‐MDCT at rest, and these MPDs may represent myocardial ischemia. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Simultaneous analysis of foodborne pathogenic bacteria by an oligonucleotide microarray assay
Authors: Hu Yushan , Liu Junhua , Xia Dan , Chen Shouyi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA rapid and accurate method for simultaneous identification of foodborne infectious pathogens was developed based on oligonucleotide microarray technology. The proposed identification method is based on PCR amplification of the target region of the groEL genes with degenerate primers, followed by the PCR products hybridization with oligonucleotide probes specific for species. The groEL gene amplification products of seventeen species of pathogenic bacteria were hybridized to the oligonucleotide array. Hybridization results were analyzed with digoxigenin‐linked enzyme reaction. Results indicated that fifteen species of pathogenic bacteria showed high sensitivity and specificity for the oligonucleotide array, while two other species gave cross‐reaction with the E. coli. Our results suggested that microarray analysis of foodborne infectious pathogens might be very useful for simultaneous identification of bacterial pathogens. The oligonucleotide array can also be applied to samples collected in clinical settings of foodborne infections. The superiority of oligonucleotide array over other tests lies on its rapidity, accuracy and efficiency in the diagnosis, treatment and control of foodborne infections. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Identification of volatiles from pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) pulp by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Pedroso Marcio P. , Ferreira Ernesto C. , Hantao Leandro W. , Bogusz Stanislau , Augusto Fabio 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCombining qualitative data from the chromatographic structure of 2‐D gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC×GC‐FID) and that from gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) should result in a more accurate assignment of the peak identities than the simple analysis by GC/MS, where coelution of analytes is unavoidable in highly complex samples (rendering spectra unsuitable for qualitative purposes) or for compounds in very low concentrations. Using data from GC×GC‐FID combined with GC/MS can reveal coelutions that were not detected by mass spectra deconvolution software. In addition, some compounds can be identified according to the structure of the GC×GC‐FID chromatogram. In this article, the volatile fractions of fresh and dehydrated pineapple pulp were evaluated. The extraction of the volatiles was performed by dynamic headspace extraction coupled to solid‐phase microextraction (DHS‐SPME), a technique appropriate for slurries or solid matrices. Extracted analytes were then analyzed by GC×GC‐FID and GC/MS. The results obtained using both techniques were combined to improve compound identifications.
Gamete membrane microdomains and their associated molecules in fertilization signaling
Authors: Hasan A.K.M. Mahbub , Fukami Yasuo , Sato Ken‐ichi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractFertilization is the fundamental system of biological reproduction in many organisms, including animals, plants, and algae. A growing body of knowledge has emerged to explain how fertilization and activation of development are accomplished. Studies on the molecular mechanisms of fertilization are in progress for a wide variety of multicellular organisms. In this review, we summarize recent findings and debates about the long‐standing questions concerning fertilization: how egg and sperm become competent for their interaction with each other, how the binding and fusion of these gamete cells are made possible, and how the fertilized eggs initiate development to a newborn. We will focus on the structure and function of the membrane microdomains (MDs) of egg and sperm that may serve as a platform or signaling center for the aforementioned cellular functions. In particular, we provide evidence that MDs of eggs from the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, play a pivotal role in receiving extracellular signals from fertilizing sperm and then transmitting them to the egg cytoplasm, where the tyrosine kinase Src is present and responsible for the subsequent signaling events collectively called egg activation. The presence of a new signaling axis involving uroplakin III, an MD‐associated transmembrane protein, and Src in this system will be highlighted and discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:814–830, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cows are not mice: The role of cyclic AMP, phosphodiesterases, and adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase in the maintenance of meiotic arrest in bovine oocytes
Authors: Bilodeau‐Goeseels Sylvie 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMeiotic maturation in mammalian oocytes is initiated during fetal development, and is then arrested at the dictyate stage – possibly for several years. Oocyte meiosis resumes in preovulatory follicles in response to the lutenizing hormone (LH) surge or spontaneously when competent oocytes are removed from follicles and cultured. The mechanisms involved in meiotic arrest and resumption in bovine oocytes are not fully understood, and several studies point to important differences between oocytes from rodent and livestock species. This paper reviews earlier and contemporary studies on the effects of cAMP‐elevating agents and phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzyme inhibitors on the maintenance of meiotic arrest in bovine oocytes in vitro. Contrary to results obtained with mouse oocytes, bovine oocyte meiosis is inhibited by activators of the energy sensor adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK, mammalian gene PRKA), which is activated by AMP, the degradation product of cAMP. It is not clear whether or not the effects were due to AMPK activation, and they may depend on culture conditions. Evidence suggests that other signaling pathways (for example, the cGMP/nitric oxide pathway) are involved in bovine oocyte meiotic arrest, but further studies are needed to understand the interactions between the signaling pathways that lead to maturation promoting factor (MPF) being inactive or active. An improved understanding of the mechanisms involved in the control of bovine oocyte meiosis will facilitate better control of the process in vitro, resulting in increased developmental competence and increased efficiency of in vitro embryo production procedures. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:734–743, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Always, never, or sometimes: Examining variation in condom‐use decision making among black adolescent mothers
Authors: Nelson LaRon E. , Morrison‐Beedy Dianne , Kearney Margaret H. , Dozier Ann 
Published: June 2011

AbstractOur purpose in this study was to describe Black adolescent mothers' decisions regarding condom use and non‐use with their male sex partners, including their children's fathers. Research on partner type and condom use has been insufficiently focused on understanding the specific influence that the biological father of the baby has on condom use among adolescent mothers. We conducted five focus groups and three interviews with 31 predominantly African‐American mothers. We found that their decisions to use condoms always, never, or sometimes were based on partner type and on emotional and relationship factors. The “baby daddy” was the only partner with whom they never used condoms. HIV/STI prevention interventions for adolescent mothers must address risk taking with their children's biological fathers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:270–281, 2011
Quantification of proteins using data‐independent analysis (MSE) in simple andcomplex samples: A systematic evaluation
Authors: Levin Yishai , Hradetzky Eva , Bahn Sabine 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA MS‐based method for the quantification of proteins termed data‐independent analysis (or MSE) has been introduced recently. Although this method has been applied to the analysis of various types of biological samples, a thorough evaluation to assess the performance of this approach has yet to be conducted. Presented here is the first systematic and comprehensive study investigating the MSE approach for quantitative analysis of low‐, medium‐, and high‐complexity samples. We demonstrate that this method has a linear dynamic range spanning three orders of magnitude with a limit of quantification of 61 amol/uL in low‐complexity samples and 488 amol/uL in high‐complexity samples. In addition, comprehensive sequence coverage was obtained and accurate quantification achieved for expression ratios ranging from 1:1.5 to 1:6. However, underestimation of ratios was detected independent of sample type, consistent with other quantitative proteomic methods. The present study provides validation of the MSE approach for accurate quantitative proteomic analysis of biological samples while, at the same time, proving high sequence coverage of target proteins.
Selective area growth of GaN rod structures by MOVPE: Dependence on growth conditions
Authors: Li Shunfeng , Fündling Sönke , Wang Xue , Erenburg Milena , Al‐Suleiman Mohamed Aid Mansur , Wei Jiandong , Bergbauer Werner , Strassburg Martin , Wehmann Hergo‐Heinrich , Waag Andreas 
Published: June 2011

AbstractSelective area growth of GaN nanorods by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy is highly demanding for novel applications in nano‐optoelectronic and nanophotonics. Recently, we report the successful selective area growth of GaN nanorods in a continuous‐flow mode. In this work, as examples, we show the morphology dependence of GaN rods with µm or sub‐µm in diameters on growth conditions. Firstly, we found that the nitridation time is critical for the growth, with an optimum from 90 to 180 seconds. This leads to more homogeneous N‐polar GaN rods growth. A higher temperature during GaN rod growth tends to increase the aspect ratio of the GaN rods. This is due to the enhanced surface diffusion of growth species. The V/III ratio is also an important parameter for the GaN rod growth. Its increase causes reduction of the aspect ratio of GaN rods, which could be explained by the relatively lower growth rate on (000‐1) N‐polar top surface than it on {1‐100} m‐planes by supplying more NH3 (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Virtualized HPC: a contradiction in terms?
Authors: Birkenheuer Georg , Brinkmann André , Kaiser Jürgen , Keller Axel , Keller Matthias , Kleineweber Christoph , Konersmann Christoph , Niehörster Oliver , Schäfer Thorsten , Simon Jens , Wilhelm Maximilian 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYSystem virtualization has become the enabling technology to manage the increasing number of different applications inside data centers. The abstraction from the underlying hardware and the provision of multiple virtual machines (VM) on a single physical server have led to a consolidation and more efficient usage of physical servers. The abstraction from the hardware also eases the provision of applications on different data centers, as applied in several cloud computing environments. In this case, the application need not adapt to the environment of the cloud computing provider, but can travel around with its own VM image, including its own operating system and libraries. System virtualization and cloud computing could also be very attractive in the context of high‐performance computing (HPC). Today, HPC centers have to cope with both, the management of the infrastructure and also the applications. Virtualization technology would enable these centers to focus on the infrastructure, while the users, collaborating inside their virtual organizations (VOs), would be able to provide the software. Nevertheless, there seems to be a contradiction between HPC and cloud computing, as there are very few successful approaches to virtualize HPC centers. This work discusses the underlying reasons, including the management and performance, and presents solutions to overcome the contradiction, including a set of new libraries. The viability of the presented approach is shown based on evaluating a selected parallel, scientific application in a virtualized HPC environment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGES IN AFGHANISTAN
Authors: SAIFY KHYBER , SAADAT MOSTAFA 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThe present cross-sectional study was done in order to illustrate the prevalence and types of consanguineous marriages among Afghanistan populations. Data on types of marriages were collected using a simple questionnaire. The total number of couples in the study was 7140 from the following provinces: Badakhshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamyan, Kabul, Kunduz, Samangan and Takhar. Consanguineous marriages were classified by the degree of relationship between couples: double first cousins, first cousins, first cousins once removed, second cousins and beyond second cousins. The coefficient of inbreeding (F) was calculated for each couple and the mean coefficient of inbreeding (α) estimated for each population. The proportion of consanguineous marriages in the country was 46.2%, ranging from 38.2% in Kabul province to 51.2% in Bamyan province. The equivalent mean inbreeding coefficient (α) was 0.0277, and ranged from 0.0221 to 0.0293 in these two regions. There were significant differences between provinces for frequencies of different types of marriages (p<0.001). First cousin marriages (27.8%) were the most common type of consanguineous marriages, followed by double first cousin (6.9%), second cousin (5.8%), beyond second cousin (3.9%) and first cousin once removed (1.8%). There were significant differences between ethnic groups for the types of marriages (χ2=177.6, df=25, p<0.001). Tajiks (Soni) and Turkmens (also Pashtuns) showed the lowest (α=0.0250) and highest (α=0.0297) mean inbreeding coefficients, respectively, among the ethnic groups in Afghanistan. The study shows that Afghanistan's populations, like other Islamic populations, have a high level of consanguinity.
Numerical solution of nonlinear electron kinetic equation in self-similar variables
Authors: POTAPENKO I. F. , KRASHENINNIKOV S. I. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe present numerical solution of a fully nonlinear electron kinetic equation in self-similar variables, which on the one hand has all features of a ‘standard’ hydrodynamics (ratios of the electron mean free path to the scale length γ ≡ λC/L 1), and on the other hand has no restriction on the smallness of the parameter γ. The self-similar variable approach reduces dimensionality of the space-dependent kinetic equation, thereby providing numerical analysis of the electron heat transport in the velocity space. The electron distribution structure and its super thermal power-law tail are examined.PACS number(s): 52.25.Dg, 52.65.Ff, 52.50.-b