bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Different Fixation Methods of the Suture-Button Implant for Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injuries
Authors: Teramoto Atsushi , Suzuki Daisuke , Kamiya Tomoaki , Chikenji Takako , Watanabe Kota , Yamashita Toshihiko 
Published: July 2011

Background: Suture-button fixation for tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries is a relatively new surgical technique thought to provide semirigid dynamic stabilization. However, adequate information is still not available and there are controversies as to whether it provides enough fixation for syndesmosis injuries. Hypothesis: Optimally directed suture-button fixation brings physiologic dynamic stabilization of the ankle syndesmosis. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Stabilization of the ankle syndesmosis fixed by a suture-button construct was examined using 6 normal fresh-frozen cadaver legs. After initial tests of intact and injured models, suture-button fixation and screw surgical techniques were performed sequentially for each specimen, with single suture-button fixation, double suture-button fixation, anatomic suture-button fixation, and metal screw. Anterior and medial traction forces, as well as external rotation force, were applied to the tibia; the diastasis of the syndesmosis and the rotational angle of the fibula related to the tibia were measured using a magnetic tracking system. Results: Each traction and rotation force significantly increased the diastasis and fibular rotational angles in the created injury models. With single fixation, the diastases increased significantly compared with the intact model with an anterior traction force ( P < .001), a medial traction force ( P = .005), and an external rotation force ( P = .015). The fibular rotational angles increased significantly with a medial traction force ( P = .005) and an external rotation force ( P < .001). With double fixation, the diastases increased significantly with a medial traction force ( P = .004) and an external rotation force ( P = .012). The fibular rotational angles increased significantly with a medial traction force ( P = .035) and an external rotation force ( P = .002). With anatomic fixation, there were no significant differences compared with the intact model. With the metal screw, the diastases decreased significantly with an external rotation force ( P = .037). Conclusion: Neither single nor double fixation for syndesmosis injuries provided multidirectionally stabilizing syndesmosis. Anatomic fixation directed from the posterior cortex of the fibula to the anterolateral edge of the tibia allowed dynamic stabilization of intact cadaver specimens. The metal screw provided very rigid fixation. Clinical Relevance: Optimal direction of the suture button can provide adequate stabilization of the ankle and could benefit athletes with syndesmosis injuries.
A comprehensive study on performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of a dual-fuel engine fuelled with orange oil and Jatropha oil
Authors: Senthilkumar M , Ramesh A , Nagalingam B , Tazerout M 
Published: July 2011

Performance of a single-cylinder, water-cooled, direct-injection diesel engine on dual-fuel operation with Jatropha oil (JO) as pilot fuel and orange oil as primary fuel was evaluated. Constant load test at different power outputs was conducted at the rated speed of 1500 r/min with varying orange oil quantities. The loads were fixed as 20 per cent, 40 per cent, 60 per cent, 80 per cent, and 100 per cent. In dual-fuel operation with orange oil induction, the thermal efficiency of JO was increased mainly at high power outputs. Maximum thermal efficiency with JO was found as 29 per cent at 31 per cent of orange oil induction at 100 per cent load. Smoke was reduced significantly with all orange oil induction rates at all power outputs in dual-fuel operation with JO. It was reduced from 4.4 to 3.3 BSU (Bosch Smoke Units) with JO at the maximum efficiency point at 100 per cent load. HC emissions were increased further at all power outputs in the dual-fuel mode with all rates of orange oil induction. Dual-fuel operation increased the ignition delay of JO. However, peak pressure and energy release rates were improved in the dual-fuel operation with orange oil induction. In general, dual-fuel operation with orange oil as inducted fuel with JO as pilot fuel showed inferior performance and emissions at part loads. It is concluded that the JO as pilots fuel and orange oil as the inducted fuel could be used in diesel engines with reduced smoke levels and improved thermal efficiencies with no major detoriation in performance.
Investigation of cutting force and temperature of end-milling Ti–6Al–4V with different minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) parameters
Authors: Liu Z Q , Cai X J , Chen M , An Q L 
Published: July 2011

Different parameters (air pressure, quantity of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) oil, position of nozzle, etc.) of an MQL system have different effects on the milling force and milling temperature. The cutting force and cutting temperature, which are closely related to lubrication and coolant, play significant roles in improving/reducing the cutting quality of a workpiece and extending/shortening the tool life. The present work investigates experimentally the effects of different MQL parameters (air pressure, quantity of oil consumed, and position of the nozzle) in end-milling titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V). The experimental results show that the penetrating ability of MQL oil mist has a significant effect on the milling forces and milling temperatures. When the values of air pressure and spraying distance were either too large or too small, it is not good for oil mist to penetrate into the contact zones. The spraying angle of the nozzle position has a minimal impact on the penetration ability. Conversely, the amount of oil delivery is the most important part of MQL application. The minimum quantity of oil consumption can be obtained. The results will help to select optimum MQL parameters in end-milling titanium alloy.
Fc gamma receptor IIb on target B cells promotes rituximab internalization and reduces clinical efficacy
Authors: Lim Sean H. , Vaughan Andrew T. , Ashton-Key Margaret , Williams Emily L. , Dixon Sandra V. , Chan H. T. Claude , Beers Stephen A. , French Ruth R. , Cox Kerry L. , Davies Andrew J. , Potter Kathleen N. , Mockridge C. Ian , Oscier David G. , Johnson Peter W. M. , Cragg Mark S. , Glennie Martin J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe anti-CD20 mAb rituximab is central to the treatment of B-cell malignancies, but resistance remains a significant problem. We recently reported that resistance could be explained, in part, by internalization of rituximab (type I anti-CD20) from the surface of certain B-cell malignancies, thus limiting engagement of natural effectors and increasing mAb consumption. Internalization of rituximab was most evident in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), but the extent of internalization was heterogeneous within each disease. Here, we show that the inhibitory FcγRIIb on target B cells promotes this process and is largely responsible for the observed heterogeneity across a range of B-cell malignancies. Internalization correlated strongly with FcγRIIb expression on normal and malignant B cells, and resulted in reduced macrophage phagocytosis of mAb-coated targets. Furthermore, transfection of FcγRIIb into FcγRIIb negative Ramos cells increased internalization of rituximab in a dose-dependent manner. Target-cell FcγRIIb promoted rituximab internalization in a cis fashion and was independent of FcγRIIb on neighboring cells. It became phosphorylated and internalized along with CD20:anti-CD20 complexes before lysosomal degradation. In MCL patients, high FcγRIIb expression predicted less durable responses after rituximab-containing regimens. Therefore, target-cell FcγRIIb provides a potential biomarker of response to type I anti-CD20 mAb.
Therapeutic efficacy of FTY720 in a rat model of NK-cell leukemia
Authors: Liao Aijun , Broeg Kathleen , Fox Todd , Tan Su-Fern , Watters Rebecca , Shah Mithun Vinod , Zhang Lucy Q. , Li Yongping , Ryland Lindsay , Yang Jun , Aliaga Cesar , Dewey Alden , Rogers Andrew , Loughran Kelly , Hirsch Leah , Jarbadan Nancy Ruth , Baab Kendall Thomas , Liao Jason , Wang Hong-Gang , Kester Mark , Desai Dhimant , Amin Shantu , Loughran Thomas P. , Liu Xin 
Published: July 2011

AbstractNK-cell leukemia is a clonal expansion of NK cells. The illness can occur in an aggressive or chronic form. We studied cell lines from human and rat NK-cell leukemias (aggressive NK-cell leukemia) as well as samples from patients with chronic NK-cell leukemia to investigate pathogenic mechanisms. Here we report that Mcl-1 was overexpressed in leukemic NK cells and that knockdown of Mcl-1 induced apoptosis in these leukemic cells. In vitro treatment of human and rat NK leukemia cells with FTY720 led to caspase-dependent apoptosis and decreased Mcl-1 expression in a time- and-dose-dependent manner. These biologic effects could be inhibited by blockade of reactive oxygen species generation and the lysosomal degradation pathway. Lipidomic analyses after FTY720 treatment demonstrated elevated levels of sphingosine, which mediated apoptosis of leukemic NK cells in vitro. Importantly, systemic administration of FTY720 induced complete remission in the syngeneic Fischer rat model of NK-cell leukemia. Therapeutic efficacy was associated with decreased expression of Mcl-1 in vivo. These data demonstrate that therapeutic benefit of FTY720 may result from both altered sphingolipid metabolism as well as enhanced degradation of a key component of survival signaling.
Monoclonal antibody blockade of IL-2 receptor α during lymphopenia selectively depletes regulatory T cells in mice and humans
Authors: Mitchell Duane A. , Cui Xiuyu , Schmittling Robert J. , Sanchez-Perez Luis , Snyder David J. , Congdon Kendra L. , Archer Gary E. , Desjardins Annick , Friedman Allan H. , Friedman Henry S. , Herndon James E. , McLendon Roger E. , Reardon David A. , Vredenburgh James J. , Bigner Darell D. , Sampson John H. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Lymphodepletion augments adoptive cell transfer during antitumor immunotherapy, producing dramatic clinical responses in patients with malignant melanoma. We report that the lymphopenia induced by the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ) enhances vaccine-driven immune responses and significantly reduces malignant growth in an established model of murine tumorigenesis. Unexpectedly, despite the improved antitumor efficacy engendered by TMZ-induced lymphopenia, there was a treatment related increase in the frequency of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (TRegs; P = .0006). Monoclonal antibody (mAb)–mediated inhibition of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor α (IL-2Rα/CD25) during immunotherapy in normal mice depleted TRegs (73% reduction; P = .0154) but also abolished vaccine-induced immune responses. However, during lymphodepletion, IL-2Rα blockade decreased TRegs (93% reduction; P = .0001) without impairing effector T-cell responses, to augment therapeutic antitumor efficacy (66% reduction in tumor growth; P = .0024). Of clinical relevance, we also demonstrate that anti–IL-2Rα mAb administration during recovery from lymphodepletive TMZ in patients with glioblastoma reduced TReg frequency (48% reduction; P = .0061) while permitting vaccine-stimulated antitumor effector cell expansion. To our knowledge, this is the first report of systemic antibody-mediated TReg depletion during lymphopenia and the consequent synergistic enhancement of vaccine-driven cellular responses, as well as the first demonstration that anti–IL-2Rα mAbs function differentially in nonlymphopenic versus lymphopenic contexts.
Nonoverlapping functions for Notch1 and Notch3 during murine steady-state thymic lymphopoiesis
Authors: Shi Jianjun , Fallahi Mohammad , Luo Jun-Li , Petrie Howard T. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractNotch1 signaling is absolutely essential for steady-state thymic lymphopoiesis, but the role of other Notch receptors, and their potential overlap with the function of Notch1, remains unclear. Here we show that like Notch1, Notch3 is differentially expressed by progenitor thymocytes, peaking at the DN3 progenitor stage. Using mice carrying a gene-trapped allele, we show that thymic cellularity is slightly reduced in the absence of Notch3, although progression through the defined sequence of TCR-αβ development is normal, as are NKT and TCRγδ cell production. The absence of a profound effect from Notch3 deletion is not explained by residual function of the gene-trapped allele because insertion mapping suggests that the targeted allele would not encode functional signaling domains. We also show that although Notch1 and Notch3 are coexpressed on some early intrathymic progenitors, the relatively mild phenotype seen after Notch3 deletion does not result from the compensatory function of Notch1, nor does Notch3 function explain the likewise mild phenotype seen after conditional (intrathymic) deletion of Notch1. Our studies indicate that Notch1 and Notch3 carry out nonoverlapping functions during thymocyte differentiation, and that while Notch1 is absolutely required early in the lymphopoietic process, neither receptor is essential at later stages.
Serum ceruloplasmin protein expression and activity increases in iron-deficient rats and is further enhanced by higher dietary copper intake
Authors: Ranganathan Perungavur N. , Lu Yan , Jiang Lingli , Kim Changae , Collins James F. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIncreases in serum and liver copper content are noted during iron deficiency in mammals, suggesting that copper-dependent processes participate during iron deprivation. One point of intersection between the 2 metals is the liver-derived, multicopper ferroxidase ceruloplasmin (Cp) that is important for iron release from certain tissues. The current study sought to explore Cp expression and activity during physiologic states in which hepatic copper loading occurs (eg, iron deficiency). Weanling rats were fed control or low iron diets containing low, normal, or high copper for ∼ 5 weeks, and parameters of iron homeostasis were measured. Liver copper increased in control and iron-deficient rats fed extra copper. Hepatic Cp mRNA levels did not change; however, serum Cp protein was higher during iron deprivation and with higher copper consumption. In-gel and spectrophotometric ferroxidase and amine oxidase assays demonstrated that Cp activity was enhanced when hepatic copper loading occurred. Interestingly, liver copper levels strongly correlated with Cp protein expression and activity. These observations support the possibility that liver copper loading increases metallation of the Cp protein, leading to increased production of the holo enzyme. Moreover, this phenomenon may play an important role in the compensatory response to maintain iron homeostasis during iron deficiency.
Regulation of fibrinolysis by S100A10 in vivo
Authors: Surette Alexi P. , Madureira Patricia A. , Phipps Kyle D. , Miller Victoria A. , Svenningsson Per , Waisman David M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractEndothelial cells form the inner lining of vascular networks and maintain blood fluidity by inhibiting blood coagulation and promoting blood clot dissolution (fibrinolysis). Plasmin, the primary fibrinolytic enzyme, is generated by the cleavage of the plasma protein, plasminogen, by its activator, tissue plasminogen activator. This reaction is regulated by plasminogen receptors at the surface of the vascular endothelial cells. Previous studies have identified the plasminogen receptor protein S100A10 as a key regulator of plasmin generation by cancer cells and macrophages. Here we examine the role of S100A10 and its annexin A2 binding partner in endothelial cell function using a homozygous S100A10-null mouse. Compared with wild-type mice, S100A10-null mice displayed increased deposition of fibrin in the vasculature and reduced clearance of batroxobin-induced vascular thrombi, suggesting a role for S100A10 in fibrinolysis in vivo. Compared with wild-type cells, endothelial cells from S100A10-null mice demonstrated a 40% reduction in plasminogen binding and plasmin generation in vitro. Furthermore, S100A10-deficient endothelial cells demonstrated impaired neovascularization of Matrigel plugs in vivo, suggesting a role for S100A10 in angiogenesis. These results establish an important role for S100A10 in the regulation of fibrinolysis and angiogenesis in vivo, suggesting S100A10 plays a critical role in endothelial cell function.
Transcriptome characterization and polymorphism detection between subspecies of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
Authors: Bajgain Prabin , Richardson Bryce A , Price Jared C , Cronn Richard C , Udall Joshua A 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundBig sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is one of the most widely distributed and ecologically important shrub species in western North America. This species serves as a critical habitat and food resource for many animals and invertebrates. Habitat loss due to a combination of disturbances followed by establishment of invasive plant species is a serious threat to big sagebrush ecosystem sustainability. Lack of genomic data has limited our understanding of the evolutionary history and ecological adaptation in this species. Here, we report on the sequencing of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and detection of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in subspecies of big sagebrush.ResultscDNA ofA. tridentatasspp.tridentataandvaseyanawere normalized and sequenced using the 454 GS FLX Titanium pyrosequencing technology. Assembly of the reads resulted in 20,357 contig consensus sequences in ssp.tridentataand 20,250 contigs in ssp.vaseyana. A BLASTx search against the non-redundant (NR) protein database using 29,541 consensus sequences obtained from a combined assembly resulted in 21,436 sequences with significant blast alignments (≤ 1e-15). A total of 20,952 SNPs and 119 polymorphic SSRs were detected between the two subspecies. SNPs were validated through various methods including sequence capture. Validation of SNPs in different individuals uncovered a high level of nucleotide variation in EST sequences. EST sequences of a third, tetraploid subspecies (ssp.wyomingensis) obtained by Illumina sequencing were mapped to the consensus sequences of the combined 454 EST assembly. Approximately one-third of the SNPs between sspp.tridentataandvaseyanaidentified in the combined assembly were also polymorphic within the two geographically distant ssp.wyomingensissamples.ConclusionWe have produced a large EST dataset forArtemisia tridentata, which contains a large sample of the big sagebrush leaf transcriptome. SNP mapping among the three subspecies suggest the origin of ssp.wyomingensisvia mixed ancestry. A large number of SNP and SSR markers provide the foundation for future research to address questions in big sagebrush evolution, ecological genetics, and conservation using genomic approaches.
Comparison of indicators of material circumstances in the context of an epidemiological study
Authors: Nkosi Thomas Matukala , Parent Marie-Elise , Siemiatycki Jack , Pintos Javier , Rousseau Marie-Claude 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundSince individual-level income is difficult to collect, investigators often rely on group-based measures derived from census data. No study has assessed the use of residential property values as an indicator of individual material circumstances. We aimed to compare two proxy indicators of material circumstances, one based on residential value and the other on median census tract income, to self-reported household income.MethodsWe used data from a case-control study (1996-2002), restricting analyses to 676 residents of the Island of Montreal for whom the three indicators were available. The degree of discrepancy between the residential value index, census income, and self-reported household income - each in 5 categories - was estimated, along with overall and weighted Kappas.ResultsWhen comparing residential value index and census income to self-reported household income, perfect concordance was observed for 38% and 30% of subjects, respectively; very good concordance, defined as ≤ 1 category difference, was observed for 76% and 69% of subjects, respectively. When compared to self-reported household income, overall and weighted Kappas showed stronger agreement with residential value index (weighted Kappa = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.42) than with census income (weighted Kappa = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.30).ConclusionsA residential value index may provide a measure of material circumstances that is closer to self-reported household income than the commonly used census income. Each indicator presents advantages and disadvantages, and their choice may depend on study objectives and feasibility.
Assessment of intrahepatic blood flow by Doppler ultrasonography: Relationship between the hepatic vein, portal vein, hepatic artery and portal pressure measured intraoperatively in patients with portal hypertension
Authors: Zhang Li , Yin Jikai , Duan Yunyou , Yang Yilin , Yuan Lijun , Cao Tiesheng 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundAbnormality of hepatic vein (HV) waveforms evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography has been widely studied in patients with chronic liver disease. We investigated the correlation between changes in HV waveforms and portal vein velocity (PVVel), the hepatic artery pulsatility index (HAPI), and also the extent of abnormal Doppler HV waveforms expressed as damping index (DI), severity of portal hypertension expressed as Child-Pugh scores and portal pressure (PP) measured directly from patients with portal hypertension (PHT) to evaluate the indicative value of abnormal HV waveforms and discuss the cause of abnormal HV waveform.MethodsSixty patients who had been diagnosed with PHT and accepted surgical therapy of portosystemic shunts were investigated. PP was measured intraoperatively. Thirty healthy volunteers with no history of chronic liver disease were enrolled as the control group. HV waveforms were categorized as triphasic, biphasic or monophasic. DI was compared as the quantitative indicator of abnormal HV waveforms. Another two Doppler parameters, PVVel and HAPI were also measured. These Doppler features were compared with PP, Child-Pugh scores and histological changes assessed by liver biopsy.ResultsIn the patient group, the Doppler flow waveforms in the middle HV were triphasic in 31.6%, biphasic in 46.7%, and monophasic in 21.6% of subjects. These figures were 86.7%, 10.0%, and 3.3%, respectively, in healthy subjects. With the flattening of HV waveforms, the HAPI increased significantly (r= 00.438,p< 0.0001), whereas PVVel decreased significantly (r= -0.44,p <0.0001). Blood flow parameters, HAPI, PVVel and HV-waveform changes showed no significant correlations with Child-Pugh scores. The latter showed a significant correlation with PP (r= 0.589,p= 0.044). Changes of HV waveform and DI significantly correlated with PP (r= 0.579,r= 0.473,p <0.0001), and significant correlation between DI and Child-Pugh scores was observed (r= 0.411,p =0.001). PP was significantly different with respect to nodule size (p< 0.05), but HV-waveform changes were not significantly correlated with pathological changes.ConclusionIn patients with PHT, a monophasic HV waveform indicates higher portal pressure. Furthermore, quantitative indicator DI can reflect both higher portal pressure and more severe liver dysfunction. Flattening of HV waveforms accompanied by an increase in the HAPI and decrease in PVVel support the hypothesis that histological changes reducing HV compliance be the cause of abnormality of Doppler HV waveforms from the hemodynamic angle.