bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro comparison of plain radiography, double-contrast cystography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography for estimation of cystolith size
Authors: Byl Kevin M. , Kruger John M. , Kinns Jennifer , Nelson Nathan C. , Hauptman Joe G. , Johnson Cheri A. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Objective—To compare accuracy of estimates of cystolith size obtained by means of plain radiography, double-contrast cystography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography.
Sample Population—30 canine cystoliths ranging from 1 to 11 mm in diameter with various mineral compositions.
Procedures—A bladder phantom model was created by filling a rubber balloon with saline (1% NaCl) solution and positioning it on top of a 2% gelatin cushion at the bottom of a water-filled 4-quart container. Cystoliths were individually placed in the bladder phantom and imaged by each of the 4 techniques. For each image, cystolith size was measured by 2 radiologists with computerized calipers, and size estimates were compared with actual cystolith size.
Results—Mean cystolith size estimates obtained by means of radiography, cystography, and computed tomography did not differ significantly from each other. However, for ultrasonographic images, mean ± SD difference between actual and estimated cystolith size (2.95 ± 0.73 mm) was significantly higher than mean difference for radiographic, cystographic, and computed tomographic images. For ultrasonography, mean ± SD percentage overestimation in cystolith size was 68.4 ± 51.5%.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that measurements of cystolith size obtained by means of ultrasonography may overestimate the true size. This suggests that cystolith size estimates obtained by means of ultrasonography should be interpreted with caution whenever cystolith size may influence patient management.
Electrical cardioversion of sustained ventricular tachycardia in three Boxers
Authors: Prošek Robert 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Case Description—2 spayed female (8 and 9 years old) and 1 sexually intact male (6.5 years old) Boxers were treated because of sustained ventricular tachycardia by electrical cardioversion.
Clinical Findings—Physical examination of the 8-year-old female Boxer revealed tachycardia (heart rate, 250 beats/min), weak femoral pulses, pale mucous membranes, panting, and lethargy. The 6.5-year-old male Boxer had similar physical examination findings, with the addition of a syncopal event. Analysis of the ECG rhythm strips for the 8- and 6.5-year-old dogs indicated a right ventricular origin of the ventricular tachycardia. The 9-year-old female Boxer was being treated with an IV constant rate infusion of lidocaine hydrochloride because of ventricular arrhythmias during the initial examination; physical examination re-vealed weakness, pale mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill time, weak femoral pulses, and tachycardia (heart rate, 265 beats/min). Analysis of the ECG rhythm strip for the 9-year-old Boxer indicated a left ventricular origin of the ventricular tachycardia.
Treatment and Outcome—Pharmacological cardioversion treatment was unsuccessful in all 3 Boxers; however, electrical cardioversion by use of a biphasic defibrillator synchronized to conduct 30 J of energy during the peak of the QRS complex was successful in each dog. The electrical cardioversion procedure was performed 2 times (5-day interval between procedures) in the 9-year-old female as a result of relapse of the ventricular tachycardia condition.
Clinical Relevance—Results and follow-up monitoring suggested electrical cardioversion of sustained ventricular tachycardia may be a safe and effective treatment in Boxers that are unresponsive to medical treatment.
Geo-kinematic investigations in Slovakia and the region of Central and Southeastern Europe based on combination of permanent and epoch-wise GPS networks
Authors: Hipmanová Linda 
Published: February 2010

Geo-kinematic investigations in Slovakia and the region of Central and Southeastern Europe based on combination of permanent and epoch-wise GPS networksThe region of Central and Southeastern Europe is covered by numerous GPS networks investigating geo-kinematical behavior of this area. These activities started in early nineties within the several projects as CERGOP and CERGOP-2/Environment. In this paper we describe the process of combination of four networks located in the region of Central and Southeastern Europe using the CATREF (Combination and Analysis of Terrestrial REFerence Frame) software developed in Institute Geographique National in France. We were particularly interested in the CEPER (Central European Permanent Network), CEGRN (Central European Geodynaminc Reference Network), SGRN (Slovak Geodynamic Reference Network) and local network TATRY shortly described in this paper. Homogeneous velocity field obtained from the final combination is for the purpose of better interpretation divided into three parts: Central Europe, Slovakia and Tatra Mountains. Main interest is focused on the territory of Slovakia where the regional velocity field is not so frequently discussed in scientific community as the case of Central and Southeastern Europe.
Modelling Post-molding Warping
Authors: Fan X.-J. , Zheng R. , Liu G. , Tanner R. I. , Edward G. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The post-molding warping of injection molded parts is strongly influenced by thermal expansion history. We show that a thermal expansion hysteresis loop occurs, so that heating and cooling curves can sometimes be different, due to microstructural changes. Following an extensive investigation of thermal expansion for a polypropylene, we propose a model to predict the specific volume change during post thermal treatments. The model predictions are in good agreement with the experimental measurements.
Modelling Post-molding Warping
Authors: Fan X.-J. , Zheng R. , Liu G. , Tanner R. I. , Edward G. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
This paper describes how to use the semi-empirical thermal expansion model, proposed in Part 1 of this paper (Fan et al., 2010), to simulate the post-molding warping of injection molded parts during the post thermal treatment. The post-molding warping of a viscoelastic ribbed plate and a fibre reinforced ribbed plate are simulated using a finite element method. The results of simulations showed that the post-molding warping due to the thermal treatment for viscoelastic ribbed plate is much larger than the de-mold warpage, in contrast to results for fibre reinforced ribbed plates.
Multiscale Simulation of Injection Molding of Parts with Low Aspect Ratio Microfeatures
Authors: Tofteberg T. R. , Andreassen E. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
This article presents a simulation study of the injection molding of a macroscopic part with microfeatures; an optical grating with amplitude 0.6 μm and period 3 μm. The aim of the simulations is to develop a procedure capable of predicting the replication of optical gratings based on the injection molding processing parameters. Three coupled simulations are performed. 1.) A macroscopic simulation of the flow in the part without microfeatures. 2.) A microscale flow simulation in a domain around a single microfeature using the pressure from the macroscopic simulation as input. 3.) A thermal simulation of the mold wall coupled to the microscale simulation. In the simulations the polymer melt is treated as a generalized Newtonian fluid. Shear viscosity and thermal properties were characterized as part of the study. Other physical effects such as wall adhesion and elasticity are discussed, but not included in the present model. The simulation results agree well with the experimental replication data, and correctly describe how small changes in the mold temperature can lead to large changes in the replication.
Waterjet dissection in pediatric cranioplasty
Authors: Tschan Christoph A. , Hermann Elvis J. , Wagner Wolfgang , Krauss Joachim K. , Oertel Joachim M. K. 
Published: March 2010

Object
Waterjet dissection has been shown to separate tissues of different resistance, with preservation of blood vessels. In cranioplasty, separation of subcutaneous tissue and dura mater is often difficult to achieve because the various tissue layers strongly adhere to each other after decompressive craniotomy. In the present study, the potential advantages and drawbacks of the waterjet technique in cranioplasty after craniectomy and duraplasty are addressed.

Methods
The waterjet effect on fresh human cadaveric dura mater specimens as well as on several dural repair patches was tested in vitro under standardized conditions, with waterjet pressures up to 80 bar. Subsequently, 8 pediatric patients (5 boys, 3 girls; mean age 9.9 years, range 1.2–16.7 years) who had been subjected to decompressive craniectomy (7 with duraplasty including bovine pericardium as a dural substitute, 1 without duraplasty in congenital craniosynostosis) underwent waterjet cranioplasty. The waterjet was used to separate the galea and the dura mater. The technique was applied tangentially between the dura and the galea, with different pressure levels up to 50 bar.

Results
In vitro, fresh cadaveric human dura mater as well as 2 different dural repair substitutes showed a very high resistance to waterjet dissection up to 80 bar. The human dura and the various substitutes were dissected only after long-lasting exposure to the waterjet. Human dura was perforated at pressures of 60 bar and higher. Bovine pericardium dural substitute was perforated at pressures of 55 bar and higher. Artificial nonabsorbable polyesterurethane dural substitute was dissected at pressures of 60 bar and higher. In the clinical setting, the waterjet was able to separate galea and dura with minimal bleeding. No blood transfusion was required. Dissection of scarred tissue was possible by a waterjet of 40 bar pressure. Tissue layers were stretched and separated by the waterjet dissection, and a very reliable hemostasis resulted. This resulted in an effective reduction of bleeding, with < 60 ml blood loss in 7 of the 8 cases. Neither a dural tear nor a perforation of any duraplasty occurred during operative preparation. There were no operative or postoperative complications.

Conclusions
The experimental and clinical data show that waterjet separation of dura mater, dural substitute, and galea can be performed with a high level of safety to avoid dural tears. The waterjet dissection stretches tissue layers, which results in a reliable hemostasis effect. This potentially results in an effective reduction of surgical blood loss, which should be the focus of further studies.
Antimicrobial Peptides Human β-Defensins and Cathelicidin LL-37 Induce the Secretion of a Pruritogenic Cytokine IL-31 by Human Mast Cells
Authors: Niyonsaba François , Ushio Hiroko , Hara Mutsuko , Yokoi Hidenori , Tominaga Mitsutoshi , Takamori Kenji , Kajiwara Naoki , Saito Hirohisa , Nagaoka Isao , Ogawa Hideoki , Okumura Ko 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn addition to their microbiocidal properties, human β-defensins (hBDs) and cathelicidin LL-37 stimulate a number of mammalian cell activities, including migration, proliferation, and cytokine/chemokine production. Because hBDs and LL-37 cause mast cells to release pruritogens such as histamine and PGs, we hypothesized that these peptides would stimulate the secretion of a novel pruritogenic mediator IL-31, predominantly produced by T cells. hBDs and LL-37 enhanced IL-31 gene expression and IL-31 protein production and release in the human mast cell line LAD2, as well as in peripheral blood-derived cultured mast cells, suggesting that mast cells are another source of IL-31. Moreover, the expression of IL-31 was elevated in psoriatic skin mast cells, and hBD-2–4 and LL-37, but not hBD-1, enhanced its expression in vivo in rat skin mast cells. hBDs and LL-37 also induced the release of other pruritogenic mediators, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, GM-CSF, nerve growth factor, PGE2, and leukotriene C4, and increased mRNA expression of substance P. hBD– and LL-37–mediated IL-31 production/release was markedly reduced by pertussis toxin and wortmannin, inhibitors of G-protein and PI3K, respectively. As evidenced by the inhibitory effects of MAPK-specific inhibitors, hBD-2–4 and LL-37 activated the phosphorylation of MAPKs p38, ERK, and JNK that were required for IL-31 production and release. The ability of hBDs and LL-37 to stimulate the production and release of IL-31 by human mast cells provides a novel mechanism by which skin-derived antimicrobial peptides/proteins may contribute to inflammatory reactions and suggests a central role of these peptides in the pathogenesis of skin disorders.
Th1 Cytokine Responses Fail to Effectively Control Chlamydia Lung Infection in ICOS Ligand Knockout Mice
Authors: Kadkhoda Kamran , Wang Shuhe , Joyee Antony George , Fan Yijun , Yang Jie , Yang Xi 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
ICOS ligand (ICOSL) plays an important role in controlling specific aspects of T cell activation, differentiation, and function. Th1-type immune responses have been shown to be critical in host defense against chlamydial infections. To assess the role of ICOSL–ICOS interaction in host defense against chlamydial infection, we compared the immune responses and pathological reactions in ICOSL gene knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice following Chlamydia muridarum lung infection. The results showed that ICOSL KO mice exhibited greater body weight loss, higher pathogen burden, and more severe histopathology in their lung than did WT mice. Cytokine analysis revealed that ICOSL KO mice produced lower levels of Th2 (IL-4 and IL-5) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β1 and IL-10) cytokines, but higher Th1-related (IFN-γ and IL-12p40/IL-23) and proinflammatory (IL-6 and TNF-α) cytokines. ICOSL KO mice also showed reduced Chlamydia-specific Ab levels in their sera and lung homogenates. In addition, ICOSL KO mice demonstrated significantly lower ICOS expression in T cells and lower Th17 responses than did WT mice. Finally, we showed that ICOS–ICOSL interaction and cell–cell contact are essential for CD4+ T cells to inhibit chlamydial growth in the cultured lung fibroblasts. The data suggest that ICOSL plays a significant role in immunoregulation and protective immunity against Chlamydia infections and that the Th1 skew in cytokine responses per se is not sufficient for effective control of Chlamydia infections.
Bacterial Teichoic Acids Reverse Predominant IL-12 Production Induced by Certain Lactobacillus Strains into Predominant IL-10 Production via TLR2-Dependent ERK Activation in Macrophages
Authors: Kaji Rumi , Kiyoshima-Shibata Junko , Nagaoka Masato , Nanno Masanobu , Shida Kan 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The cytokine response of macrophages to probiotic lactobacilli varies between strains, and the balance of IL-10/IL-12 production is crucial for determination of the direction of the immune response. To clarify the mechanism whereby Lactobacillus strains differentially induce production of IL-10 and IL-12, we examined the potential relationship between cytokine production and MAPK activation. In mouse peritoneal macrophages, Lactobacillus plantarum potently induced IL-10 but weakly induced IL-12 production, whereas L. casei potently induced IL-12 but weakly induced IL-10 production. Kinetic analysis of the activation of ERK, p38, and JNK showed that L. plantarum induced a more rapid and intense activation of MAPKs, especially of ERK, than L. casei. A selective blockade of ERK activation induced by L. plantarum resulted in a decrease in IL-10 production and a simultaneous increase in IL-12 production. Interestingly, when macrophages were stimulated with a combination of L. plantarum and L. casei, IL-10 production was induced synergistically. We identified cell wall teichoic acid and lipoteichoic acid as key factors for triggering the synergistic induction of IL-10 production, although these teichoic acids alone only weakly induced IL-10 production. The effect of these teichoic acids on IL-10 production was mediated by TLR2-dependent ERK activation. Our data demonstrate that activation of the ERK pathway is critical for determination of the balance of the IL-10/IL-12 response of macrophages to lactobacilli and that predominant IL-12 production induced by certain lactobacilli such as L. casei can be converted into predominant IL-10 production when stimulated in the presence of teichoic acids.
IL-32 Is a Host Protective Cytokine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Differentiated THP-1 Human Macrophages
Authors: Bai Xiyuan , Kim Soo-Hyun , Azam Tania , McGibney Mischa T. , Huang Hua , Dinarello Charles A. , Chan Edward D. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Macrophages provide a first line of defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, in instances where macrophage activation for killing is suboptimal, M. tuberculosis is capable of surviving intracellularly. IL-32 is a recently described cytokine induced by M. tuberculosis in a variety of cell types including human monocytes and macrophages. In this study, we investigated the biological significance of IL-32 in an in vitro model of M. tuberculosis infection in differentiated THP-1 human macrophages in which IL-32 expression was silenced using stable expression of short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Inhibition of endogenous IL-32 production in THP-1 cells that express one of three distinct shRNA-IL-32 constructs significantly decreased M. tuberculosis induction of TNF-α by ∼60%, IL-1β by 30–60%, and IL-8 by 40–50% and concomitantly increased the number of cell-associated M. tuberculosis bacteria compared with THP-1 cells stably expressing a scrambled shRNA. In THP-1 cells infected with M. tuberculosis and stimulated with rIL-32, a greater level of apoptosis was observed compared with that with M. tuberculosis infection alone. Obversely, there was significant abrogation of apoptosis induced by M. tuberculosis and a concomitant decrease in caspase-3 activation in cells depleted of endogenous IL-32. rIL-32γ significantly reduced the number of viable intracellular M. tuberculosis bacteria, which was modestly but significantly abrogated with a caspase-3 inhibitor. We conclude that IL-32 plays a host defense role against M. tuberculosis in differentiated THP-1 human macrophages.
MHC Class I Molecules with Superenhanced CD8 Binding Properties Bypass the Requirement for Cognate TCR Recognition and Nonspecifically Activate CTLs
Authors: Wooldridge Linda , Clement Mathew , Lissina Anna , Edwards Emily S. J. , Ladell Kristin , Ekeruche Julia , Hewitt Rachel E. , Laugel Bruno , Gostick Emma , Cole David K. , Debets Reno , Berrevoets Cor , Miles John J. , Burrows Scott R. , Price David A. , Sewell Andrew K. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
CD8+ CTLs are essential for effective immune defense against intracellular microbes and neoplasia. CTLs recognize short peptide fragments presented in association with MHC class I (MHCI) molecules on the surface of infected or dysregulated cells. Ag recognition involves the binding of both TCR and CD8 coreceptor to a single ligand (peptide MHCI [pMHCI]). The TCR/pMHCI interaction confers Ag specificity, whereas the pMHCI/CD8 interaction mediates enhanced sensitivity to Ag. Striking biophysical differences exist between the TCR/pMHCI and pMHCI/CD8 interactions; indeed, the pMHCI/CD8 interaction can be &gt;100-fold weaker than the cognate TCR/pMHCI interaction. In this study, we show that increasing the strength of the pMHCI/CD8 interaction by ∼15-fold results in nonspecific, cognate Ag-independent pMHCI tetramer binding at the cell surface. Furthermore, pMHCI molecules with superenhanced affinity for CD8 activate CTLs in the absence of a specific TCR/pMHCI interaction to elicit a full range of effector functions, including cytokine/chemokine release, degranulation and proliferation. Thus, the low solution binding affinity of the pMHCI/CD8 interaction is essential for the maintenance of CTL Ag specificity.
IFN-β Inhibits Dendritic Cell Migration through STAT-1–Mediated Transcriptional Suppression of CCR7 and Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
Authors: Yen Jui-Hung , Kong Weimin , Ganea Doina 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
IFN-β is an approved therapeutic option for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of IFN-β in multiple sclerosis are not fully understood. Migration of dendritic cells (DCs) from the inflammatory site to draining lymph nodes for Ag presentation and activation of naive T cells and to the CNS for reactivation of encephalitogenic T cells requires CCR7 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression. This article reports for the first time that IFN-β inhibits CCR7 expression and MMP-9 production in mature DCs and reduces their migratory capacity. The effect of IFN-β is mediated through STAT-1. In vivo treatment with IFN-β results in lower numbers of DCs migrating to the draining lymph node following exposure to FITC and in reduced expression of CCR7 and MMP-9 in splenic CD11c+ DCs following LPS administration. IFN-β and IFN-γ share the same properties in terms of their effects on CCR7, MMP-9, and DC migration, but they have opposite effects on IL-12 production. In addition, IFN-β–treated DCs have a significantly reduced capacity for activating CD4+ T cells and generating IFN-γ–producing Th1 cells. The suppression of mature DC migration through negative regulation of CCR7 and MMP-9 expression represents a novel mechanism for the therapeutic effect of IFN-β.
Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity- and Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity-Independent Bactericidal Activity of an IgG against Pseudomonas aeruginosa O6ad
Authors: Xie Xuemei , McLean Michael D. , Hall J. Christopher 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
In addition to Ag recognition, some Abs are capable of killing target organisms in the absence of phagocytes and complement. In this study, we report that an anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa O6ad LPS IgG1, tobacco-expressed human S20 IgG1 (te-hS20), as well as its recombinant Fab and single-chain variable fragment (scFv) fragments have cellular- and complement-independent bactericidal activity. te-hS20 and its Fab and scFv significantly reduced viability of P. aeruginosa O6ad in dose- and time-dependent manners in vitro and also showed lower levels of bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa PAO1, but had no activity against P. aeruginosa O10, Escherichia coli TG1, and Streptococcus agalactiae. The H chain and its Fd fragment both had significant Ag-binding and bactericidal activities against P. aeruginosa O6ad. Bactericidal activity was completely inhibited with specific LPS Ag, suggesting that Ag binding is involved in the bactericidal mechanism. Live/dead cell staining and electron microscopic observations indicate that the bactericidal effect was due to disruption of the cell wall and suggest inhibition of cell division. In addition to te-hS20, the Fab and scFv were also protective in vivo, as leukopenic mice had prolonged and improved survival after administration of these Ab fragments followed by challenge with P. aeruginosa O6ad cells at 80–90% lethal dose, supporting a bactericidal mechanism independent of phagocytes and complement. Understanding of the bactericidal mechanism will allow assessment of the potential for therapeutic application of these Abs.