bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cloning, expression and characterization of gE protein of Duck plague virus
Authors: Chang Hua , Cheng Anchun , Wang Mingshu , Zhu Dekang , Jia Renyong , Liu Fei , Chen Zhengli , Luo Qihui , Chen Xiaoyue , Zhou Yi 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
The gE protein of duck plague virus is the important membrane glycoprotein, its protein characterization has not been reported. In this study, we expressed and presented the characterization of the DPV gE product.

Results
According to the sequence of the gE gene, a pair of primers were designed, and the DNA product with 1490bp in size was amplified by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR product was cloned into pMD18-T vector, and subcloned into pET32a(+), generating the recombinant plasmid pET32a/DPV-gE. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the fusion pET32a/DPV-gE protein was highly expressed after induction by 0.2 mM IPTG at 30°C for 4.5 h in Rosseta host cells. Over expressed 6×His-gE fusion protein was purified by nickel affinity chromatography, and used to immunize the rabbits for the preparation of polyclonal antibody. The result of the intracellular localization revealed that the gE protein was appeared to be in the cytoplasm region. The real time PCR, RT-PCR analysis and Western blotting revealed that the gE gene was produced most abundantly during the late phase of replication in DPV-infected cells.

Conclusions
In this work, the DPV gE protein was successfully expressed in a prokaryotic expression system, and we presented the basic properties of the DPV gE product for the first time. These properties of the gE protein provided a prerequisite for further functional analysis of this gene.
Effects of Ranolazine on Wild-Type and Mutant hNav1.7 Channels and on DRG Neuron Excitability
Authors: Estacion Mark , Waxman Stephen G , Dib-Hajj Sulayman D 
Published: June 2010

Background: A direct role of sodium channels in pain has recently been confirmed by establishing a monogenic link between SCN9A, the gene which encodes sodium channel Nav1.7, and pain disorders in humans, with gain-of-function mutations causing severe pain syndromes, and loss-of-function mutations causing congenital indifference to pain. Expression of sodium channel Nav1.8 in DRG neurons has also been shown to be essential for the manifestation of mutant Nav1.7-induced neuronal hyperexcitability. These findings have confirmed key roles of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 in pain and identify these channels as novel targets for pain therapeutic development. Ranolazine preferentially blocks cardiac late sodium currents at concentrations that do not significantly reduce peak sodium current. Ranolazine also blocks wild-type Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 channels in a use-dependent manner. However, ranolazine's effects on gain-of-function mutations of Nav1.7 and on DRG neuron excitability have not been investigated. We used voltage- and current-clamp recordings to evaluate the hypothesis that ranolazine may be effective in regulating Nav1.7-induced DRG neuron hyperexcitability. Results: We show that ranolazine produces comparable block of peak and ramp currents of wild-type Nav1.7 and mutant Nav1.7 channels linked to Inherited Erythromelalgia and Paroxysmal Extreme Pain Disorder. We also show that ranolazine, at a clinically-relevant concentration, blocks high-frequency firing of DRG neurons expressing wild-type but not mutant channels. Conclusions: Our data suggest that ranalozine can attenuate hyperexcitability of DRG neurons over-expressing wild-type Nav1.7 channels, as occurs in acquired neuropathic and inflammatory pain, and thus merits further study as an alternative to existing non-selective sodium channel blockers.
Evaluating the control of HPAIV H5N1 in Vietnam: virus transmission within infected flocks reported before and after vaccination
Authors: Soares Magalhães Ricardo J , Pfeiffer Dirk U , Otte Joachim 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Currently, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) of the subtype H5N1 is believed to have reached an endemic cycle in Vietnam. We used routine surveillance data on HPAIV H5N1 poultry outbreaks in Vietnam to estimate and compare the within-flock reproductive number of infection (R

0
) for periods before (second epidemic wave, 2004-5; depopulation-based disease control) and during (fourth epidemic wave, beginning 2007; vaccination-based disease control) vaccination.

Results
Our results show that infected premises (IPs) in the initial (exponential) phases of outbreak periods have the highest R

0
estimates. The IPs reported during the outbreak period when depopulation-based disease control was implemented had higher R

0
estimates than IPs reported during the outbreak period when vaccination-based disease control was used. In the latter period, in some flocks of a defined size and species composition, within-flock transmission estimates were not significantly below the threshold for transmission (R

0
< 1).

Conclusions
Our results indicate that the current control policy based on depopulation plus vaccination has protected the majority of poultry flocks against infection. However, in some flocks the determinants associated with suboptimal protection need to be further investigated as these may explain the current pattern of infection in animal and human populations.
From project aid to sustainable HIV services: a case study from Zambia
Authors: Torpey Kwasi , Mwenda Lona , Thompson Catherine , Wamuwi Edgar , van Damme Wim 
Published: June 2010

IntroductionSustainable service delivery is a major challenge in the HIV response that is often not adequately addressed in project implementation. Sustainable strategies must be built into project design and implementation to enable HIV efforts to continue long after donor‐supported projects are completed.Case descriptionThis paper presents the experiences in operational sustainability of Family Health International's Zambia Prevention, Care and Treatment Partnership in Zambia, which is supported by the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through United States Agency for International Development (October 2004 to September 2009). The partnership worked with Zambia's Ministry of Health to scale up HIV clinical services in five of the country's nine provinces, reaching 35 districts and 219 facilities. It provided technical and financial support from within the ministry's systems and structures. By completion of the project, 10 of the 35 districts had graduated beyond receiving ongoing technical support.Discussion and evaluationBy working within the ministry's policies, structures and systems, the partnership was able to increase the ministry's capacity to add a comprehensive HIV service delivery component to its health services. Ministry structures were improved through renovations of health facilities, training of healthcare workers, procurement of essential equipment, and establishment of a quality assurance plan to ensure continued quality of care. The quality assurance tools were implemented by both the ministry and project staff as the foundation for technical graduation. Facilities that met all the quality criteria for more than six months were graduated from project technical support, as were districts where most supported facilities met the criteria. The district health offices then provided ongoing supervision of services. This predetermined “graduation” exit strategy, with buy in of the provincial and district health offices, set the stage for continued delivery of high‐quality HIV services.ConclusionsAchieving operational sustainability in a resource‐limited setting is feasible. Developing and institutionalizing a quality assurance/quality improvement system is the basis on which facilities and districts can move beyond project support and, therefore, sustain services. Quality assurance/quality improvement tools should be based on national standards, and project implementation should use and improve existing health system structures.
Disassociated relation between plasma tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and increased body weight in Amerindian women: A long-term prospective study of natural body weight variation and impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Lindgärde Folke , Gottsäter Anders , Ahrén Bo 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory cytokines are linked to obesity-related insulin resistance and may predict type 2 diabetes independently of obesity. We previously reported that a majority of a cohort of 73 non-diabetic women with normal plasma (p-)glucose with Amerindian heritage in Lima, Peru, during a 5-year period increased both body weight and p-glucose levels, yet p-insulin was unaltered. A high proportion of palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) in serum (s) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were independent predictors of high p-glucose. Whether cytokines also contributed is, however, not known.

Methods
During 5 years we prospectively investigated the relation between changed concentrations of p-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, p-interleukin (IL)-6 and circulating insulin and glucose in relation to the natural variation of body weight. Study variables included anthropometric measurements, p-insulin, TNF-α, IL-6, SBP and the proportion of 16:1n-7 in s-fatty acid composition.

Results
Weight and waist differences correlated negatively to the difference in p-TNF-α but positively to differences in p-IL-6 and p-insulin, whereas the increase of p-glucose from baseline to follow-up did not correlate with changes in levels of the two cytokines. In multiple regression analysis changes of TNF-α and insulin contributed independently to the variance in weight. P-insulin at baseline and weight change were determinants of fasting p-insulin at follow-up. Multiple regression analysis revealed that weight change (t-value = - 2.42; P = 0.018) and waist change (t-value = 2.41; P = 0.019) together with S-16:1n-7 (p < 0.0001) and SBP (p = 0.0005) at baseline were significant predictors of p-glucose at follow-up.

Conclusion
Our prospective study of Amerindian women revealed disassociations between changes in p-TNF-α and p-IL-6 in relation to variation in body weight. A high proportion of s-16:1n-7, SBP at baseline together with weight and waist changes were independent predictors of p-glucose at follow-up. The exact role of the opposite effects and clinical impact of p-TNF-α and p-IL-6 on loss and gain of body weight and indirectly on the development of glucose intolerance is not known.
Phase II Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Neoadjuvant Lapatinib Plus Paclitaxel in Patients With Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Authors: Boussen Hamouda , Cristofanilli Massimo , Zaks Tal , DeSilvio Michelle , Salazar Vanessa , Spector Neil 
Published: June 2010

Purpose We conducted a phase II, open-label, multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of daily lapatinib plus weekly paclitaxel in treatment-naïve patients with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Patients and Methods The primary end point was pathologic complete response (pCR). Secondary end points included combined clinical response rate (based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria and clinically evaluable skin disease criteria). Patients were assigned to either cohort A (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2] 2+ or 3+ by immunohistochemistry [IHC] or fluorescent in situ hybridization [FISH] –amplified ± epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] expression) or cohort B (HER2-negative/EGFR-positive). A subpopulation of cohort A considered HER2-positive by the current definition of overexpression (3+ by IHC or FISH-amplified) was also analyzed. Patients received lapatinib at 1,500 mg/d for 14 days, then lapatinib at 1,500 mg/d plus weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) for 12 weeks, followed by surgical resection or additional chemotherapy. Results Forty-nine women were enrolled (cohort A, n = 42; cohort B, n = 7). Cohort B was terminated because of slow accrual and lack of efficacy observed in IBC patients with HER2-negative/EGFR-positive tumors enrolled onto the parallel study, EGF103009. pCR occurred in 18.2% (95% CI, 5.2% to 40.3%) of cohort A patients. Combined clinical response rate was 78.6% (95% CI, 63.2% to 89.7%) in all cohort A patients and 78.1% (95% CI, 60.0% to 90.7%) in the HER2-positive subset. Common adverse events included diarrhea, rash, alopecia, and nausea (> 50% of patients in both cohorts). The incidence of grade 3 diarrhea was 55%. Conclusion Lapatinib monotherapy for 14 days followed by lapatinib plus paclitaxel for 12 weeks provided clinical benefit in IBC patients with HER2-overexpressing tumors without unexpected toxicity.
A Critique of the Hypothesis, and a Defense of the Question, as a Framework for Experimentation
Authors: Glass David J 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Scientists are often steered by common convention, funding agencies, and journal guidelines into a hypothesis-driven experimental framework, despite Isaac Newton’s dictum that hypotheses have no place in experimental science. Some may think that Newton’s cautionary note, which was in keeping with an experimental approach espoused by Francis Bacon, is inapplicable to current experimental method since, in accord with the philosopher Karl Popper, modern-day hypotheses are framed to serve as instruments of falsification, as opposed to verification. But Popper’s “critical rationalist” framework too is problematic. It has been accused of being: inconsistent on philosophical grounds; unworkable for modern “large science,” such as systems biology; inconsistent with the actual goals of experimental science, which is verification and not falsification; and harmful to the process of discovery as a practical matter. A criticism of the hypothesis as a framework for experimentation is offered. Presented is an alternative framework—the query/model approach—which many scientists may discover is the framework they are actually using, despite being required to give lip service to the hypothesis.
Life history and morphological studies ofPunctaria tenuissima(Chordariaceae, Phaeophyceae), a new record for the Azores
Authors: Parente Manuela I. , Fletcher Robert L. , Neto Ana I. , Tittley Ian , Sousa Ana F. , Draisma Stefano , Gabriel Daniela 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPunctaria tenuissima(Chordariaceae, Phaeophyceae) is reported for the first time from the Azores. Erect thalli were collected on the Island of São Miguel; they were up to 3 cm long, flattened and often twisted. The plurilocular sporangia were formed from surface cells that were quadrate or rectangular in surface view. Unilocular sporangia were not observed in the field. In culture, the plurispores ofP. tenuissimadeveloped intoHecatonema-like, tufted, prostrate thalli that formed plurilocular sporangia. The plurispores of the prostrate thalli cultured at 15°C with a long day (LD) photoperiod developed into new prostrate thalli, which in turn formed plurilocular sporangia. This cycle was repeated 5 times, resulting in several generations of reproductive prostrate thalli. When these cultures were cooled to 10°C with a short day (SD) photoperiod, new erect thalli developed from the prostrate thalli resembling the thalli collected in the field. These erect blades produced unilocular and plurilocular sporangia on the same or on different thalli. The plurispores and unispores produced by the erect thalli at 10°C under SD conditions once again developed into new prostrate thalli. This is the first report of unilocular sporangia formed in cultures ofP. tenuissima. Sexual reproduction was not observed. The culture conditions, particularly temperature and daylength, appeared to influence the formation of erect blades. ThePunctaria-like thalli were produced in 10°C/SD conditions, whilst theHecatonema-like thalli were produced under 10°–15°C/LD and SD conditions. These results are similar to those reported forP. tenuissimafrom other locations and suggest the occurrence of both direct and heteromorphic life histories in the Azorean algae.
Distribution of adiponectin multimeric forms in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and their relation to insulin resistance
Authors: Tao Tao , Wickham Edmond P , Fan WuQiang , Yang Jiejin , Liu Wei 
Published: June 2010

ObjectiveAdiponectin, an abundant adipokine with insulin-sensitizing properties, exists in different multimeric forms, including low-molecular weight, medium-molecular weight, and high-molecular weight (HMW) species. Alterations in the distribution of adiponectin multimers and the relationship between adiponectin multimers and insulin resistance (IR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain unclear. The objective of this study was to compare adiponectin multimerization status and estimate insulin sensitivity in Chinese women with PCOS compared with age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls.MethodsCross-sectional study involving 64 Chinese women with PCOS and 59 normal women. Circulating total adiponectin and its multimeric forms were determined by ELISA, and IR was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment IR index (HOMA-IR).ResultsAfter controlling for BMI status, levels of both total and HMW adiponectin were significantly lower in women with PCOS compared with normal women (P<0.05). Furthermore, HMW adiponectin provided a stronger contribution to models predicting IR than total adiponectin. Lastly, decreased HMW adiponectin was associated with increased HOMA-IR in both normal and PCOS women, and this association was independent of both overall adiposity and visceral adiposity.ConclusionLevels of both total and HMW adiponectin were decreased in Chinese women with PCOS compared with normal control women, and the differences in HMW adiponectin persisted after controlling for BMI. Furthermore, HMW adiponectin is a stronger predictor of IR than total adiponectin in both women with PCOS and normal women.
A Comparison of Cooling Methods Used in Therapeutic Hypothermia for Perinatal Asphyxia
Authors: Hoque Nicholas , Chakkarapani Ela , Liu Xun , Thoresen Marianne 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this study was to compare cooling methods during therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for moderate or severe perinatal asphyxia with regard to temperature and hemodynamic stability.

METHODS:
A total of 73 newborns received TH in our center between 1999 and 2009 by 4 methods: (1) selective head cooling with mild systemic hypothermia by using cap (SHC; n = 20); (2) whole-body cooling with mattress manually controlled (WBCmc; n = 23); (3) whole-body cooling with body wrap servo-controlled (WBCsc; n = 28); and (4) whole-body cooling with water-filled gloves (n = 2). Target rectal temperatures (Trec) were 34.5 ± 0.5°C (SHC) and 33.5 ± 0.5°C (WBC). Trec, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate were collected from retrospective chart review.

RESULTS:
Groups had similar baseline characteristics and condition at birth. Trec was within target temperature ±0.5°C for 97% of the time in infants with WBCsc, 81% in infants with WBCmc, 76% in infants with SHC, and 74% in infants who were cooled with gloves. Mean overshoot was 0.3°C for WBCsc, 1.3°C for WBCmc, and 0.8°C for SHC groups. There was no difference in mean arterial blood pressure or mean heart between groups during the maintenance of cooling. In infants who were rewarmed at similar speed, there was greater variation in Trec in the SHC compared with the WBCsc group.

CONCLUSIONS:
Manually controlled cooling systems are associated with greater variability in Trec compared with servo-controlled systems. A manual mattress often causes initial overcooling. It is unknown whether large variation in temperature adversely affects the neuroprotection of TH.
Winter Tires: Operating Conditions, Tire Characteristics and Vehicle Driving Behavior
Authors: Dörrie Helge , Schröder Carsten , Wies Burkhard 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
The modern development process of winter tires not only requires intense subjective and objective evaluation of the tire properties on the vehicle, but also requires knowledge about the influence of relevant tire characteristics on vehicle driving behavior. It is important to understand the influences of ambient conditions, such as temperature, track surface (asphalt vs corundum) and tire inflation pressure on tire behavior. Tire characteristic results of a parametric study, using a fully climate-controlled interior drum test stand will be presented. The effect on tire characteristics and the resulting vehicle behavior will be discussed using vehicle dynamics simulation. Furthermore the consequences for an optimal design of modern high performance winter tires will be presented.
The Impact of Tire Measurement Data on Tire Modeling and Vehicle Dynamics Analysis
Authors: Hüsemann Thomas , Wöhrmann Mark 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Computer aided engineering tools play an important role in today’s vehicle development process. Today, overall vehicle dynamics analysis and chassis component fatigue resistance investigations can be carried out without the need for existing prototype hardware versions of the corresponding vehicle.
An accurate tire model is a key element in precise modeling of the vehicle and its components. All forces acting on the vehicle (except for aerodynamic forces) are transferred via the tires. Therefore, the tire and its modeled characteristics have a major influence on the results of vehicle dynamics analysis.
At present, many tire simulation models are available for application in vehicle dynamics analysis. To obtain the best possible performance from these models, a number of different tire measurements are required to support the tire model parameter identification process.
This paper presents a review of different tire simulation models and their required tire measurements. Depending on the test rigs used and the measurement procedures applied, the tire measurement results may be somewhat different. What is the impact of these differences on the tire modeling performance and the vehicle dynamics analysis output? This paper gives an answer.
A Dynamic Tire Model for ABS Maneuver Simulations
Authors: Braghin Francesco , Sabbioni Edoardo 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Due to the dimensions of the tire-road contact area, transients in a tire last approximately 0.1 s. Thus, in the case of abrupt maneuvers such as ABS braking, the use of a steady-state tire model to predict the vehicle’s behavior would lead to significant errors.
Available dynamic tire models, such as Pacejka’s MF-Tire model, are based on steady-state formulations and the transient behavior of the tire is included by introducing a first order differential equation of relevant quantities such as the slip angle and the slippage. In these differential equations the most significant parameter used to describe the transient behavior is the so-called relaxation length, i.e., the distance traveled by the tire to settle to a new steady-state condition once perturbated. Usually this parameter is assumed to be constant.