bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restoration of radiation therapy-induced salivary gland dysfunction in mice by post therapy IGF-1 administration
Authors: Grundmann Oliver , Fillinger Jamia L , Victory Kerton R , Burd Randy , Limesand Kirsten H 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundRadiotherapy for head and neck cancer results in severe and chronic salivary gland dysfunction in most individuals. This results in significant side effects including xerostomia, dysphagia, and malnutrition which are linked to significant reductions in patients' quality of life. Currently there are few xerostomia treatment approaches that provide long-term results without significant side effects. To address this problem we investigated the potential for post-therapeutic IGF-1 to reverse radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction.MethodsFVB mice were treated with targeted head and neck radiation and significant reductions in salivary function were confirmed 3 days after treatment. On days 4-8 after radiation, one group of mice was injected intravenously with IGF-1 while a second group served as a vehicle control. Stimulated salivary flow rates were evaluated on days 30, 60, and 90 and histological analysis was performed on days 9, 30, 60, and 90.ResultsIrradiated animals receiving vehicle injections have 40-50% reductions in stimulated salivary flow rates throughout the entire time course. Mice receiving injections of IGF-1 have improved stimulated salivary flow rates 30 days after treatment. By days 60-90, IGF-1 injected mice have restored salivary flow rates to unirradiated control mice levels. Parotid tissue sections were stained for amylase as an indicator of functioning acinar cells and significant reductions in total amylase area are detected in irradiated animals compared to unirradiated groups on all days. Post-therapeutic injections of IGF-1 results in increased amylase-positive acinar cell area and improved amylase secretion. Irradiated mice receiving IGF-1 show similar proliferation indices as untreated mice suggesting a return to tissue homeostasis.ConclusionsPost-therapeutic IGF-1 treatment restores salivary gland function potentially through normalization of cell proliferation and improved expression of amylase. These findings could aid in the rational design of therapy protocols or drugs for the treatment of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction in patients who have completed their anti-cancer therapies.
A treatment applying a biomechanical device to the feet of patients with knee osteoarthritis results in reduced pain and improved function: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Bar-Ziv Yaron , Beer Yiftah , Ran Yuval , Benedict Shaike , Halperin Nahum 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
This study examined the effect of treatment with a novel biomechanical device on the level of pain and function in patients with knee OA.

Methods
Patients with bilateral knee OA were enrolled to active and control groups. Patients were evaluated at baseline, at 4 weeks and at the 8-week endpoint. A novel biomechanical device was individually calibrated to patients from the active group. Patients from the control group received an identical foot-worn platform without the biomechanical elements. Primary outcomes were the WOMAC Index and ALF assessments.

Results
There were no baseline differences between the groups. At 8 weeks, the active group showed a mean improvement of 64.8% on the WOMAC pain scale, a mean improvement of 62.7% on the WOMAC function scale, and a mean improvement of 31.4% on the ALF scale. The control group demonstrated no improvement in the above parameters. Significant differences were found between the active and control groups in all the parameters of assessment.

Conclusions
The biomechanical device and treatment methodology is effective in significantly reducing pain and improving function in knee OA patients.
The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT00457132, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00457132?order=1
Automated seamless DNA co-transformation cloning with direct expression vectors applying positive or negative insert selection
Authors: Olieric Natacha , Kuchen Melanie , Wagen Sandro , Sauter Marion , Crone Stephanie , Edmondson Sonia , Frey Daniel , Ostermeier Christian , Steinmetz Michel O , Jaussi Rolf 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Molecular DNA cloning is crucial to many experiments and with the trend to higher throughput of modern approaches automated techniques are urgently required. We have established an automated, fast and flexible low-cost expression cloning approach requiring only vector and insert amplification by PCR and co-transformation of the products.

Results
Our vectors apply positive selection for the insert or negative selection against empty vector molecules and drive strong expression of target proteins in E.coli cells. Variable tags are available both in N-terminal or C-terminal position. A newly developed β-lactamase (ΔW290) selection cassette contains a segment inside the β-lactamase open reading frame encoding a stretch of hydrophilic amino acids that result in a T7 promoter when back-translated. This position of the promoter permits positive selection and attenuated expression of fusion proteins with C-terminal tags. We have tested eight vectors by inserting six target sequences of variable length, provenience and function. The target proteins were cloned, expressed and detected using an automated Tecan Freedom Evo II liquid handling work station. Only two colonies had to be picked to score with 85% correct inserts while 80% of those were positive in expression tests.

Conclusions
Our results establish co-transformation and positive/negative selection cloning in conjunction with the provided vectors and selection cassettes as an automatable alternative to commercialized high-throughput cloning systems like Gateway® or ligase-independent cloning (LIC) .
Genetic variations of nucleoprotein gene of influenza A viruses isolated from swine in Thailand
Authors: Thippamom Nattakarn , Sreta Donreuthai , Kitikoon Pravina , Thanawongnuwech Roongroje , Poovorawan Yong , Theamboonlers Apiradee , Suwannakarn Kamol , Parchariyanon Sujira , Damrongwatanapokin Sudarat , Amonsin Alongkorn 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Influenza A virus causes severe disease in both humans and animals and thus, has a considerably impact on economy and public health. In this study, the genetic variations of the nucleoprotein (NP) gene of influenza viruses recovered from swine in Thailand were determined.

Results
Twelve influenza A virus specimens were isolated from Thai swine. All samples were subjected to nucleotide sequencing of the complete NP gene. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted by comparing the NP gene of swine influenza viruses with that of seasonal and pandemic human viruses and highly pathogenic avian viruses from Thailand (n = 77). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the NP gene from different host species clustered in distinct host specific lineages. The NP gene of swine influenza viruses clustered in either Eurasian swine or Classical swine lineages. Genetic analysis of the NP gene suggested that swine influenza viruses circulating in Thailand display 4 amino acids unique to Eurasian and Classical swine lineages. In addition, the result showed 1 and 5 amino acids unique to avian and human lineages, respectively. Furthermore, nucleotide substitution rates showed that the NP gene is highly conserved especially in avian influenza viruses.

Conclusion
The NP gene sequence of influenza A in Thailand is highly conserved within host-specific lineages and shows amino acids potentially unique to distinct NP lineages. This information can be used to investigate potential interspecies transmission of influenza A viruses. In addition, the genetic variations of the NP gene will be useful for monitoring the viruses and preparing effective prevention and control strategies for potentially pandemic influenza outbreaks.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Patients With Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis of the Lymphoma Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Duarte Rafael F. , Canals Carmen , Onida Francesco , Gabriel Ian H. , Arranz Reyes , Arcese William , Ferrant Augustin , Kobbe Guido , Narni Franco , Deliliers Giorgio Lambertenghi , Olavarría Eduardo , Schmitz Norbert , Sureda Anna 
Published: August 2010

Purpose To analyze the outcome of allogeneic transplantation for mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome (MF/SS) in terms of nonrelapse mortality (NRM), relapse/progression (REL), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) and to identify factors associated with the outcome. Patient and Methods Sixty patients with MF (n = 36) and SS (n = 24) who received a first allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from a matched related (mRD; n = 45) or unrelated donor (mUD; n = 15) between 1997 and 2007 and who were registered in the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation database were analyzed: 37 men and 23 women, median age 46.5 years (range, 22 to 66 years). Forty-four patients had TNM stage IV, and 40 patients were at advanced phase at transplantation. Forty-four patients received reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens, and 25 underwent T-cell depletion (TCD). Results Allogeneic transplantation in MF/SS offers an estimated OS of 66% at 1 year and 54% at 3 years, primarily driven by donor type, disease phase, and type of conditioning. RIC decreased NRM (relative risk [RR] = 4.7; P = .008) without increasing REL, leading to a higher OS (RR = 2.8; P = .03). Advanced-phase disease increases REL (RR = 3.0; P = .03) and reduces PFS (RR = 4.4; P = .002) and OS (RR = 3.5; P = .023). Recipients of mRD allogeneic HCT had better PFS (RR = 2.7; P = .006) and OS (RR = 4.0; P = .001) than their mUD counterparts. The risk of REL increases with TCD (RR = 3.2; P = .005). Some patients who experience relapse can successfully undergo rescue treatment with donor lymphocyte infusions. Conclusion Allogeneic transplantation is a valid therapeutic alternative for high-risk patients with advanced-stage MF/SS. Our data also suggest the existence of a clinically relevant graft-versus-lymphoma effect in MF/SS.
Triply periodic minimal surfaces which converge to the Hoffman–Wohlgemuth example
Authors: Simões Plinio , Ramos Batista Valério 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
We get a continuous one-parameter new family of embedded minimal surfaces, of which the period problems are two-dimensional. Moreover, one proves that it has Scherk's second surface and Hoffman–Wohlgemuth's example as limit-members.
Reducible Veronese surfaces
Authors: Alzati Alberto , Ballico Edoardo 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Here we describe all degree n + 3 non-degenerate surfaces in , n ≥ 1, connected in codimension 1, which may be isomorphically projected into . There are three of them. One is a suitable union of n + 3 planes (for all n ≥ 1); it was discovered by Floystad. The other two are unions of a smooth quadric and two planes (only for n = 1).
A New Laboratory Evaluation Method for the Adhesive Performance of Crack Sealants
Authors: Hu Xiaodi , Zhou Fujie , Hu Sheng , Scullion Tom 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Crack sealing is a practice used for routine and preventive maintenance as part of a pavement’s preservation strategy. However, crack sealant failures are common in Texas, particularly within the first 3 years of application (or service life). The major causes of sealant failures can be classified under two categories: Adhesion failure and cohesion failure. Although both failures can lead to a significant reduction in the service life of a pavement structure, adhesive failure is in most cases the dominant failure type. Several laboratory tests such as rotational viscosity, penetration, softening point, ductility, and bond tests are currently used to evaluate the properties of crack sealants. Among these tests, the bond test is specifically used to evaluate the adhesive failure of crack sealants and the procedure of the bond test is well documented in ASTM D5329-07. However, the bond test often takes several days to complete, and the pass/fail criterion is determined through visual observation, which is a very subjective process. Furthermore, the correlation between the bond test and adhesive failure performance of crack sealants in the field was found to be either weak or non-existent. In an attempt to minimize these problems, a simple, fast, and adhesive performance-related laboratory test method is developed in this paper to ensure the proper selection of a sealant for a given project.
Organizational Performance Measurement System and International Tourist Hotels: A New Conceptual Framework
Authors: Lin Shin-Yi , Lin Hung-Lung 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Due to the change of market structure and other important tourism competitors’ appearance, in Taiwan, the international tourist hotel (ITH) industry has been experiencing great competition for the past decade. Under these circumstances, hotel corporations not only attempt to establish more adequate services but also promote more incentives to attract consumers. The ITH intended to consolidate their market shares and enhanced their organizational operation and performance. Therefore, this study proposed a model to evaluate the ITH organizational performance. The proposed model adopted both Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and Analytic Hierarchic Process (AHP) techniques; then, based on combining BSC and AHP, a decision-making method for constructing evaluation model can provide the ITH industry decision-makers and administrators with valuable references of evaluating organizational performance. More importantly, the proposed model in this study can provide the ITH industry an accreditation policy as a reference material, making it highly applicable for academic and government purposes.
Free Shrinkage of High Performance Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Bandelj Branko , Saje Drago , Šušteršič Jakob , Lopatič Jože , Saje Franc 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
The paper deals with the results of an experimental investigation into the free shrinkage of high performance steel fiber reinforced concrete (HP-SFRC). The development over time of the autogenous, total, and drying shrinkage of HP-SFRC, with a steel fiber content of between 0.25 % and 2 % by volume and that of a comparable high performance concrete (HPC) without fibers, was studied. The laboratory investigations were also concerned with the effect of the length of steel fibers on the shrinkage of the composites. The results of measurements of the autogenous shrinkage of the investigated concretes, at an early age, are also shown. From the results of the experimental investigation, it can be seen that both the autogenous shrinkage and the total shrinkage of HP-SFRC are less than the values corresponding to the comparable HPC. By gradually adding longer steel fibers (l=30 mm) up to 1 % of the composite volume, the shrinkage of the HP-SFRC can be significantly reduced, whereas if the fiber content is further increased, only a relatively small reduction in the composite shrinkage can be achieved. When using shorter steel fibers (l=16 mm), the shrinkage of the composite can, with an increase in the fiber content, be noticeably reduced only up to a fiber content of 0.75 % by volume of the composite. When the volume content of the steel fibers is higher than 1 %, the workability of the composite becomes significantly poorer, especially when longer fibers are used.
Human Salmonella Infections Linked to Contaminated Dry Dog and Cat Food, 2006–2008
Authors: Behravesh Casey Barton , Ferraro Aimee , Deasy Marshall , Dato Virginia , Moll Mària , Sandt Carol , Rea Nancy K. , Rickert Regan , Marriott Chandra , Warren Kimberly , Urdaneta Veronica , Salehi Ellen , Villamil Elizabeth , Ayers Tracy , Hoekstra R. M. , Austin Jana L. , Ostroff Stephen , Williams Ian T. ,   the Salmonella Schwarzengrund Outbreak Investigation Team
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE:
Human Salmonella infections associated with dry pet food have not been previously reported. We investigated such an outbreak of Salmonella Schwarzengrund and primarily affecting young children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Two multistate case-control studies were conducted to determine the source and mode of infections among case-patients with the outbreak strain. Study 1 evaluated household exposures to animals and pet foods, and study 2 examined risk factors for transmission among infant case-patients. Environmental investigations were conducted.

RESULTS:
Seventy-nine case-patients in 21 states were identified; 48% were children aged 2 years or younger. Case-households were significantly more likely than control households to report dog contact (matched odds ratio [mOR]: 3.6) and to have recently purchased manufacturer X brands of dry pet food (mOR: 6.9). Illness among infant case-patients was significantly associated with feeding pets in the kitchen (OR: 4.4). The outbreak strain was isolated from opened bags of dry dog food produced at plant X, fecal specimens from dogs that ate manufacturer X dry dog food, and an environmental sample and unopened bags of dog and cat foods from plant X. More than 23 000 tons of pet foods were recalled. After additional outbreak-linked illnesses were identified during 2008, the company recalled 105 brands of dry pet food and permanently closed plant X.

CONCLUSIONS:
Dry dog and cat foods manufactured at plant X were linked to human illness for a 3-year period. This outbreak highlights the importance of proper handling and storage of pet foods in the home to prevent human illness, especially among young children.
Ti-doped Gallium Phosphide Layers with Concentrations Above the Mott Limit
Authors: Olea Ariza Javier , Pastor David , Toledano-Luque María , Mártil Ignacio , González-Díaz Germán , Ibánez Jordi , Cuscó Ramón , Artús Luis 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWe have studied the Pulsed-Laser Melting (PLM) effects on Ti implanted GaP to form an Intermediate Band (IB). Structural analysis has been carried out by means of Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS), Raman spectroscopy and Glancing Incidence X-Ray Diffraction (GIXRD). After the PLM annealing, Ti concentration is over the Mott limit. Nevertheless, the Raman spectra show a forbidden TO vibrational mode of GaP. This result suggests the formation of crystalline domains with a different orientation in the annealed region regarding to the GaP unannealed substrate. This conclusion has been corroborated by GIXRD measurements. As a result of the polycrystalline lattice, a drop of the mobility is produced.
ToF-SIMS Study of Pulsed Laser Melting Energy Density on Ti Implanted Si for Intermediate Band
Authors: Olea Ariza Javier , Pastor David , Mártil Ignacio , González-Díaz Germán 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAn exhaustive study on the resulting impurity profile in Si samples implanted with Ti with high doses and subsequently Pulsed-Laser Melting (PLM) annealed is presented. Two different effects are shown to be present in the two different stages of the annealing. In the melting stage the box-shaped effect tends to increase the thickness of the implanted layer and to decrease the maximum peak concentration as the energy density of the annealing increases. On the contrary, in the solidifying stage, the snow-plow effect decreases the thickness of the layer and increases the maximum peak concentration as the energy density of the annealing increases. Moreover, as a direct consequence of the snow-plow effect, part of the impurities is expelled from the sample by the surface.
Characteristics of Organic Memory Using Metal Oxide Nano-clusters
Authors: Cheng You-Wei , Chang Tzu-Yueh , Lee Po-Tsung 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn this report, electrical properties of an organic memory device with a tri-layer structure, MoO3 nano-clusters layer sandwiched between Alq3 thin films, are investigated. The device using this kind of structure exhibits a large ON/OFF density current ratio over 104, long retention time over 1hr, and an electrically programmable character. The formation of the bistable resistance switching of the device originates from a charge trapping effect of the MoO3 nano-clusters layer. Moreover, current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics of the device are quite different from those of OBDs using MoO3 nano-particles. No negative differential resistance is observed in the J-V curve of the device. This may be due to the distinct surface morphology of the MoO3 layer on the Alq3 thin film.
Tailoring nanopores for efficient sensing of different biomolecules
Authors: AbdelGhani Oukhaled , Bacri Laurent , Bourhis Eric , schiedt Birgetta , Madouri Ali , Patriarche Gilles , Jede R , Guegan J.M. , Guegan Philippe , Auvray Loic , Pelta Juan , Gierak Jacques 
Published: August 2010

AbstractHighly Focused Ion Beams (FIB) are used to produce in one step large quantities of solid state nanopores drilled in thin dielectric films with high reproducibility and well controlled morphologies. We explore both the production of nanopores of various diameters and study their applicability to different biological molecules such as DNA, or folded and unfolded proteins, and then we compare their transport properties. We also report on the translocation of Fibronectin which an original experiment made possible is using the methodology described in this article.
A first principles investigation of the electronic structure of actinide oxides
Authors: Petit Leon , Svane Axel , Szotek Zdzislawa , Temmerman Walter , Stocks Malcolm 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe ground state electronic structures of the actinide oxides AO, A2O3 and AO2 (A=U, Np, Pu, Am, Cm, Bk, Cf) are determined from first-principles calculations using the self-interaction corrected local spin-density approximation. Our study reveals a strong link between preferred oxidation number and degree of localization. The ionic nature of the actinide oxides emerges from the fact that those oxides where the ground state is calculated to be metallic do not exist in nature, as the corresponding delocalized f-states favour the accommodation of additional O atoms into the crystal lattice.
Immobilization and Long-term Evolution of Selenate in Portland Cement
Authors: Rojo Isabel , Grive Mireia , Rovira Miquel , Riba Olga , Garcia David , Domènech Cristina , De Pablo Joan 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe long-term selenate uptake capacity of leached cement was studied by means of a replenishment batch experiment with cement pore water (CPW) doped with selenate. The corresponding blank experiment (without Se) was also done. The systems were studied for 31 cycles (18-days each cycle) to understand the long-term selenate immobilization in leached cement. Results showed that the retention capacity of leached cement exponentially decreases with cycle evolution. Precipitation of ettringite, identified by SEM and XRD, occurred along the experiments. The characterization of the cement solid phases indicated that selenate was only retained in the precipitated ettringite.Experimental data have been successfully modeled by assuming that selenate incorporates into the precipitating ettringite. Precipitation of ettringite is controlled by the kinetic dissolution of the initially present monocarboaluminate.
Investigation of the thermoelectric properties of the PbTe-SrTe system
Authors: Biswas Kanishka , He Jiaqing , Zhang Qichun , Wang Guoyu , Uher Ctirad , Dravid Vinayak P , Kanatzidis Mercouri 
Published: August 2010

AbstractPbTe-based materials are promising for efficient heat energy to electricity conversion. We present studies of the thermoelectric properties of the PbTe-SrTe system. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that all the samples crystallize in the rock salt structure without noticeable secondary phase. Na2Te doping of the PbTe-SrTe materials resulting in a positive sign Hall coefficient indicating p-type conduction. Lattice thermal conductivity is significantly decreased with the insertion of SrTe in PbTe lattice. The ZT ∼ 1.3 of these materials is derived from their very low thermal conductivities and reasonably high power factor at 800 K.