bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elafin is specifically inactivated by RgpB from Porphyromonas gingivalis by distinct proteolytic cleavage
Authors: Kantyka Tomasz , Latendorf Ties , Wiedow Oliver , Bartels Joachim , Gläser Regine , Dubin Grzegorz , Schröder Jens-Michael , Potempa Jan , Meyer-Hoffert Ulf 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Porphyromonas gingivalis, the major causative bacterium of periodontitis, contributes significantly to elevated proteolytic activity at periodontal pockets owing to the presence of both bacteria and host, predominantly neutrophil-derived, serine proteases. Normally the activity of the latter enzymes is tightly regulated by endogenous proteins, including elafin, a potent neutrophil elastase and proteinase 3 inhibitor released from epithelial cells at sites of inflammation. Here, we report that all three gingipains (HRgpA, RgpB, and Kgp) have the ability to degrade elafin, with RgpB being far more efficient than other gingipains. RgpB efficiently inactivates the inhibitory activity of elafin at subnanomolar concentrations through proteolysis limited to the Arg22-Cys23 peptide bond within the surface loop harboring the inhibitor active site. Notably, elafin resists inactivation by several Staphylococcus aureus-derived serine and cysteine proteases, confirming the high stability of this protein against proteolytic degradation. Therefore, we conclude that elafin inactivation by RgpB represents a specific pathogenic adaptation of P. gingivalis to disturb the protease-protease inhibitor balance in the infected gingival tissue. This contributes to enhanced degradation of host proteins and generation of a pool of peptides serving as nutrients for this asaccharolytic pathogen.
Stimulation of fibroblast proliferation by the plant cysteine protease CMS2MS2 is independent of its proteolytic activity and requires ERK activation
Authors: Gomes Marco Túlio R. , Turchetti Andréia P. , Lopes Miriam T.P. , Salas Carlos E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe cysteine protease CMS2MS2 fromCarica candamarcensislatex has been shown to enhance proliferation of L929 fibroblast and to activate the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK). In experiments with CMS2MS2 irreversibly inhibited by E-64, the proliferative effect on fibroblasts remains unaffected. ERK phosphorylation mediated by CMS2MS2 was abolished in the presence of PD 98059 or U0126, both MAPK cascade inhibitors. In addition, these inhibitors suppress the mitogenic activity of intact CMS2MS2 or CMS2MS2-E-64. Furthermore, ERK phosphorylation and the mitogenic effect are partially suppressed by a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor. These data suggest that the mitogenic effect of CMS2MS2 on fibroblasts is independent of its proteolytic activity, requires ERK phosphorylation, and involves activation of PLC.
Small Punch Test : EPRI-CEA Finite Element Simulation Benchmark and Inverse Method for the Estimation of Elastic Plastic Behavior
Authors: Catherine CS , Messier J , Poussard C , Rosinski S , Foulds J 
Published: September 2009

Prolonging the service life of nuclear power plants and more stringent safety requirements are increasing the need for miniature mechanical tests such as the Small Punch Test (SPT). This test was initially developed in the early 1980s at MIT and further developments with more extensive use were achieved by EPRI with a continuous program between 1990 and 1999.The present investigation is first based on a finite element simulation benchmark between EPRI and CEA. This provided a reciprocal validation of the numerical simulation of this test for an A533 B steel at room temperature. The loading mode progressively evolves from bending towards biaxial membrane loading of the specimen. Strain energy density was also computed as the failure criterion and the maximum value observed at experimental crack initiation is about 116 MJ/m3.A parametric finite element study was undertaken in order to evaluate the influence of factors such as specimen thickness, friction, yield strength, strain hardening coefficient, etc. Starting from this parametric study, an automatic routine was built which estimates the elastic-plastic Ramberg-Osgood stress strain relation. The need for standardization of this test will be underlined.
Fracture Resistance Testing of Monolithic and Composite Brittle Materials
Authors: Salem JA , Quinn GD , Jenkins MG 
Published: September 2009

Description
STP 1409 features 14 peer-reviewed papers that summarize the latest methods for the measurement of fracture toughness, slow crack growth, and biaxial strength. It also identifies new areas for fracture toughness test methods development and standardization, such as testing of complex materials, elevated temperature measurement, and R-curve measurement.
5 sections cover:
Plenary Session--discusses 30 years of progress in fracture mechanics of brittle materials.
Implications For Design and Testing--focuses on the analysis of plates for biaxial strength testing and the transition in measured fracture toughness from a value associated with the properties of a single grain to the polycrystalline value.
Fracture Toughness Standardization--examines 3 techniques that were developed and standardized as part of ASTM C 1421 Standard Test Methods for Determination of Fracture Toughness of Advanced Ceramics at Ambient Temperatures. These techniques show convergence when good metrology is employed. In addition to standardized techniques, this section discusses the single edged V-notched beam method that is on a fast track for standardization in Europe.
Crack Growth Resistance--covers testing of functionally graded materials, elevated temperature R-curve testing, and the study of a toughening mechanism. Although most researchers applied classical mechanical techniques for the measurement of fracture toughness or crack growth resistance, both theoretical and fractographic methods were also presented.
Unique Materials and Environmental Effects--examines elevated temperature fracture toughness testing of particulate reinforced ceramic composites, thermal and environmental effects on the fracture toughness of titanium carbonitrides for machining, and environmental interactions that lead to rate effects in "dynamic fatigue" (i.e., stress corrosion) testing.
Audience: Mechanical Engineers • Ceramic Engineers • Materials Scientists • Designers
Small Specimen Test Techniques: Fourth Volume
Authors: Sokolov MA , Landes JD , Lucas GE 
Published: September 2009

Description
STP 1418 features a global review of the latest research in small volume specimen testing. 31 peer-reviewed papers from an international collection of experts cover:
Fracture Toughness explores the effects of specimen size and geometry on constraint, which affects the ability to extract meaningful fracture toughness from small specimens.
Small Size Charpy V-Notch Specimens endeavors to develop correlations between full size specimens and a wide variety of subsized specimen geometries, down to some with cross sections of 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm.
Mechanical Properties describes techniques for extracting mechanical properties from a wide range of materials, including metals and composites.
Small Punch Test describes techniques to obtain mechanical and microstructural data. Two general categories of small punch tests are presented: 1) disk bend tests, where a spherical penetrator deforms a circumferentially-supported disc specimen, and 2) shear punch tests, where a flat-ended cylindrical punch blanks a hole in a clamped coupon specimen
Reconstitution Techniques describes various reconstitution techniques on subsized Charpy V-notch (CVN) specimens, including a large multi-lab European effort (RESQUE--Reconstitution Techniques Qualification and Evaluation Study).
STP 1418 is an important resource for nuclear engineers, materials testing engineers, fracture mechanics professionals, and researchers in engineering of structural components.
Irradiation Hardening and Embrittlement in Body-Centered Cubic Transition Metals
Authors: Wronski A. S. , Sargent G. A. , Johnson A. A. 
Published: September 2009

This paper reviews the literature relating to the hardening and embrittlement of body-centered-cubic transition metals by neutron irradiation near room temperature, and introduces some new results on the dependence of irradiation hardening in molybdenum on neutron dose and strain rate. A critical assessment is made both of the results to be found in the literature and of these new results, and it is concluded that, although we now have a moderately good phenomenological picture of irradiation hardening and embrittlement in these metals, the underlying mechanisms are still obscure. Evidence presently available suggests, however, that for doses up to about 1018 nvt (&gt;1 Mev) these effects are due principally to the pinning of dislocations by point defects, while at higher doses the interaction of moving dislocation with defect clusters and dislocation loops also becomes important.
A summary is given of some recent work carried out by the authors on yielding and flow in several unirradiated body-centered cubic transition metals, especially columbium. The results, which have revealed some new features in the deformation behavior of these metals, should be used in planning future studies of irradiation hardening and embrittlement.
The Problem of Radiographic Inspection
Authors: Lester H. H. 
Published: September 2009

Radiographic acceptance tests set standards of metal soundness that are usually higher than those set by other methods of testing. There are uncertainties of testing that arise from lack of familiarity with the tests, lack of information regarding the physical significance of observed unsoundness, and from various other causes. These uncertainties work to the disadvantage of the producer. The tests are applied properly to three broad classes of structural units: (1) highly stressed units; (2) units that by virtue of the service they perform are very important; (3) units that require expensive machining.
It is difficult to manufacture to standards required by radiographic acceptance tests unless radiography is used in developing the manufacturing technique. There is a present need for better understanding of the tests and their significance on the part of both producers and consumers.
High-Voltage X-rays in the Boiler Shop
Authors: Carpenter O. R. 
Published: September 2009

The development of radiographic equipment for industrial use from the 200-kv. machine of 10 yr. ago, similar in many respects to the medical equipment of that day, to the present million-volt industrial X-ray machine has kept pace with the increasing demands for radiographic examination of heavy wall fusion welded pressure vessels with plate thicknesses up to 52 in. Application of higher-voltage X-ray equipment to industrial radiography introduced the problem of blocking excessive secondary radiation from the film. This requirement was met by the development of the Bucky grid and similar devices. Although a considerable increase in exposure time resulted from the use of these grids, X-ray films of good detail were obtained with 300-kv. and 400-kv. equipment.
The advent of million-volt X-ray equipment with the emission of extremely short wave length X-rays necessitated a radical change in our X-ray technique. A special fine-grained no-screen film (direct-exposure film) was developed for this purpose by the Eastman Kodak Co., representing a significant advancement in the solution of radiographic problems. The use of lead foil screens in conjunction with this film obviates the necessity for Bucky grids and calcium-tungstate screens and permits the standardization of X-ray technique, thus assuring consistently satisfactory results.
Some Sheet and Bucket Materials for Jet-Engine Application at 1600 F and Higher
Authors: Denny J. P. , Jahnke L. P. , Jones E. S. , Robertshaw F. C. 
Published: September 2009

Under certain conditions, higher jet-engine thrust can be obtained by an increase in operating temperatures. The availability of suitable materials for turbine-bucket and sheet-metal parts is one of the factors limiting the extent to which higher operating temperatures can be realized.
In this paper, data on mechanical properties, physical constants, and surface and structural stability are presented, which are believed to be representative of the highest caliber of materials currently available. Other materials exist which have similarly attractive properties. The turbine-bucket materials considered are X-40, HE1049, J-1570, two molybdenum-base alloys (0.3 per cent columbium molybdenum and 0.5 per cent titanium molybdenum), and one cermet (K162B). Sheet alloys considered are Inco 702, Hastelloy C, Incoloy T, and L-605.
For turbine buckets, the nickel- and cobalt-base alloys discussed have properties that make them candidates for application up to possibly 1700 F. The molybdenum and cermet materials appear to have possibilities for application at 1800 F and higher, provided certain inherent disadvantages associated with their use can be overcome.
The sheet alloys discussed can be applied at temperatures up to 2100 F within certain stress and time limitations. For high stress applications involving exposure of sheet metal to temperatures exceeding 1800 F, it will be necessary to resort to cooling, insulative ceramic coatings, or protectivelycoated molybdenum alloy sheet. Though development of the latter is believed to be a considerable way off, it represents the only hope at present for significantly stronger sheet-metal alloys for temperatures in excess of 1800 F.
stall Encodes an ADAMTS Metalloprotease and Interacts Genetically With Delta in Drosophila Ovarian Follicle Formation
Authors: Ozdowski Emily F , Mowery Yvonne M , Cronmiller Claire 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Ovarian follicle formation in Drosophila melanogaster requires stall (stl) gene function, both within and outside the ovary, for follicle individualization, stalk cell intercalation, and oocyte localization. We have identified the stl transcript as CG3622 and confirmed the presence of three alternatively spliced isoforms, contrary to current genome annotation. Here we show that the gene is expressed in both ovarian and brain tissues, which is consistent with previous evidence of an ovary nonautonomous function. On the basis of amino acid sequence, stl encodes a metalloprotease similar to the “a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin” (ADAMTS) family. Although stl mutant ovaries fail to maintain the branched structure of the fusome and periodically show improperly localized oocytes, stl mutants do not alter oocyte determination. Within the ovary, stl is expressed in pupal basal stalks and in adult somatic cells of the posterior germarium and the follicular poles. Genetically, stl exhibits a strong mutant interaction with Delta (Dl), and Dl mutant ovaries show altered stl expression patterns. Additionally, a previously described genetic interactor, daughterless, also modulates stl expression in the somatic ovary and may do so directly in its capacity as a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor. We propose a complex model of long-range extraovarian signaling through secretion or extracellular domain shedding, together with local intraovarian protein modification, to explain the dual sites of Stl metalloprotease function in oogenesis.
Dimenhydrinate in Children With Infectious Gastroenteritis: A Prospective, RCT
Authors: Uhlig Ulrike , Pfeil Nicole , Gelbrich Götz , Spranger Christian , Syrbe Steffen , Huegle Boris , Teichmann Barbara , Kapellen Thomas , Houben Peggy , Kiess Wieland , Uhlig Hans Holm 
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE: Vomiting is a common symptom in children with infectious gastroenteritis. It contributes to fluid loss and is a limiting factor for oral rehydration therapy. Dimenhydrinate has traditionally been used for children with gastroenteritis in countries such as Canada and Germany. We investigated the efficacy and safety of dimenhydrinate in children with acute gastroenteritis.
METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. We randomly assigned 243 children with presumed gastroenteritis and vomiting to rectal dimenhydrinate or placebo. Children with no or mild dehydration were included. All children received oral rehydration therapy. Primary outcome was defined as weight gain within 18 to 24 hours after randomization. Secondary outcomes were number of vomiting episodes, fluid intake, parents' assessment of well-being, number of diarrheal episodes, and admission rate to hospital. We recorded potential adverse effects.
RESULTS: Change of weight did not differ between children who received dimenhydrinate or placebo. The mean number of vomiting episodes between randomization and follow-up visit was 0.64 in the dimenhydrinate group and 1.36 in the placebo group. In total, 69.6% of the children in the dimenhydrinate group versus 47.4% in the placebo group were free of vomiting between randomization and the follow-up visit. Hospital admission rate, fluid intake, general well-being of the children, and potential adverse effects, including the number of diarrhea episodes, were similar in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Dimenhydrinate reduces the frequency of vomiting in children with mild dehydration; however, the overall benefit is low, because it does not improve oral rehydration and clinical outcome.
Impact of Chlorinated Swimming Pool Attendance on the Respiratory Health of Adolescents
Authors: Bernard Alfred , Nickmilder Marc , Voisin Catherine , Sardella Antonia 
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to estimate the burden of allergic diseases associated with chlorinated pool exposure among adolescents.
METHODS: We examined 847 students, 13 to 18 years of age, who had attended outdoor or indoor chlorinated pools at various rates. Of them, 114 had attended mainly a copper-silver pool and served as a reference group. We measured total and aeroallergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in serum and screened for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Outcomes were respiratory symptoms, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and asthma that had been diagnosed at any time (ever asthma) or was being treated with medication and/or was associated with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (current asthma).
RESULTS: Among adolescents with atopy with serum IgE levels of &gt;30 kIU/L or aeroallergen-specific IgE, the odds ratios (ORs) for asthma symptoms and for ever or current asthma increased with the lifetime number of hours spent in chlorinated pools, reaching values of 7.1 to 14.9 when chlorinated pool attendance exceeded 1000 hours. Adolescents with atopy with chlorinated pool attendance of &gt;100 hours had greater risk of hay fever (OR: 3.3-6.6), and those with attendance of &gt;1000 hours had greater risk of allergic rhinitis (OR: 2.2-3.5). Such associations were not found among adolescents without atopy or with copper-silver pool attendance. The population attributable risks for chlorinated pool-related ever-diagnosed asthma, hay fever, and allergic rhinitis were 63.4%, 62.1%, and 35.0%, respectively.
CONCLUSION: Chlorinated pool exposure exerts an adjuvant effect on atopy that seems to contribute significantly to the burden of asthma and respiratory allergies among adolescents.
Increased Prevalence of Renal and Urinary Tract Anomalies in Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Kupferman Juan C. , Druschel Charlotte M. , Kupchik Gabriel S. 
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to investigate the prevalence of renal and urinary tract anomalies (RUTAs) in a Down syndrome (DS) population.
METHODS: Data were obtained from the New York State Congenital Malformation Registry (NYS-CMR) in this retrospective cohort study. The occurrence of RUTAs was assessed for children with and without DS who were born in NYS between 1992 and 2004. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each malformation.
RESULTS: Between 1992 and 2004, 3832 children with DS and 3411833 without DS were born in NYS. The prevalence of RUTAs in the DS population was 3.2%, compared with 0.7% in the NYS population (OR: 4.5 [95% CI: 3.8–5.4]). Children with DS had significantly increased risks of anterior urethral obstruction (OR: 29.7 [95% CI: 4.0–217.7]), cystic dysplastic kidney (OR: 4.5 [95% CI: 1.5–14.1]), hydronephrosis (OR: 8.7 [95% CI: 6.8–11.0]), hydroureter (OR: 8.5 [95% CI: 3.5–20.4]), hypospadias (OR: 2.0 [95% CI: 1.4–2.9]), posterior urethral valves (OR: 7.1 [95% CI: 1.8–28.8]), prune belly syndrome (OR: 11.9 [95% CI: 1.6–85.4]), and renal agenesis (OR: 5.4 [95% CI: 2.8–10.4]). There was no significantly increased risk of ectopic kidney (OR: 1.6 [95% CI: 0.2–11.2]) or ureteropelvic junction obstruction (OR: 1.4 [95% CI: 0.2–9.9]) in the DS population.
CONCLUSION: Children with DS have significantly increased risks of RUTAs.
A Powdery Mildew Fungus Levels the Playing Field for Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and a North American Native Plant
Authors: Cipollini Don , Enright Stephanie 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWhen exposed to native or introduced herbivores and pathogens, invasive plants may become weaker competitors with more benign impacts on individual plants and plant communities. In a greenhouse pot study, we tested whether the presence of powdery mildew disease caused by Erysiphe cruciferarum could alter the competitive impact of garlic mustard on Impatiens pallida, a North American native understory plant. Target I. pallida plants were grown alone or with one, two, or three garlic mustard neighbors. Half of the pots exposed to garlic mustard were inoculated with conidia of E. cruciferarum. Competition with garlic mustard moderately affected aboveground growth of I. pallida, particularly at high garlic mustard density, but it strongly reduced seed output across all densities. In contrast, inoculation of garlic mustard plants with E. cruciferarum completely abolished their competitive impact on seed output of I. pallida across all densities, independent of effects on aboveground growth of target plants. This effect was likely due to alteration in the ability of garlic mustard to compete for belowground resources. Even without killing garlic mustard, these results indicate that the presence of powdery mildew disease in the field will likely dampen the competitive impact of garlic mustard on individual plants and plant communities. Escape from such attackers has likely contributed to the invasiveness and impacts of garlic mustard in North America.
Predicting the Distribution of Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), San Francisco Bay Area, California
Authors: Vanderhoof Melanie , Holzman Barbara A. , Rogers Chris 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPerennial pepperweed is an invasive plant species that occurs throughout the western United States. This study develops a predictive model for perennial pepperweed distribution for the San Francisco Bay Area, based on spatial variables. Distribution data were developed by mapping perennial pepperweed along the shoreline of the South San Francisco Bay, using geographic positioning system units. Spatial relationships between its distribution and spatial variables were tested using binomial logistic regression. Predictive models were mapped using geographic information systems (GIS), and high risk areas within the San Francisco Bay Area were identified. Perennial pepperweed was found to occur within marsh habitats with full tidal action and near open water. This study demonstrates that habitat variables from widely available GIS layers can be used to predict distribution patterns for perennial pepperweed. The model results were compared to land ownership within the study area to demonstrate a management application of the model.