bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Up-regulation of multiple proteins and biological processes during maxillary expansion in rats
Authors: Ma Junqing , Wu Yunxia , Zhang Weibing , Smales Roger J , Huang You , Pan Yongchu , Wang Lin 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Maxillary expansion (ME) is a common practice in orthodontics that aims to increase the constricted maxillary arch width. Relapse often occurs, however, and better treatment strategies are needed. In order to develop a more effective method, this study was designed to further examine the process of tissue remodeling during ME, to identify the changes in expression of several proteins of interest, and to clarify the molecular mechanism responsible for tissue remodeling.

Methods
Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and ME groups. The rats were euthanized at various intervals over 11 days, and the dissected palates were prepared for histological examination. The structure of the midpalatal sutures changed little during the first three days. Proteins from samples in the ground midpalatal tissues obtained on the third day were subjected to two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. Validation of protein expression was performed by Western blot analyses.

Results
From day 5, chondrocytes in the inner layer of suture cartilage and osteoblasts at the end of the suture cartilage began to proliferate, and the skeletal matrix increased later adjacent to the cartilage in the ME group. Comparative proteomic analysis showed increases in 22 protein spots present in the ME group. The changes in three proteins closely related to osteogenesis (parathyroid hormone, osteoprotegerin and vimentin) were confirmed by Western blotting.

Conclusion
Many proteins are over-expressed during ME, and they may play an important role in the remodeling process.
Early and transient reverse transcription during primary deltaretroviral infection of sheep
Authors: Pomier Carole , Alcaraz Maria T Sanchez , Debacq Christophe , Lançon Agnes , Kerkhofs Pierre , Willems Lucas , Wattel Eric , Mortreux Franck 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Intraindividual genetic variability plays a central role in deltaretrovirus replication and associated leukemogenesis in animals as in humans. To date, the replication of these viruses has only been investigated during the chronic phase of the infection when they mainly spread through the clonal expansion of their host cells, vary through a somatic mutation process without evidence for reverse transcriptase (RT)-associated substitution. Primary infection of a new organism necessary involves allogenic cell infection and thus reverse transcription.

Results
Here we demonstrate that the primary experimental bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection of sheep displays an early and intense burst of horizontal replicative dissemination of the virus generating frequent RT-associated substitutions that account for 69% of the in vivo BLV genetic variability during the first 8 months of the infection. During this period, evidence has been found of a cell-to-cell passage of a mutated sequence and of a sequence having undergone both RT-associated and somatic mutations. The detection of RT-dependent proviral substitution was restricted to a narrow window encompassing the first 250 days following seroconversion.

Conclusion
In contrast to lentiviruses, deltaretroviruses display two time-dependent mechanisms of genetic variation that parallel their two-step nature of replication in vivo. We propose that the early and transient RT-based horizontal replication helps the virus escape the first wave of host immune response whereas somatic-dependent genetic variability during persistent clonal expansion helps infected clones escape the persistent and intense immune pressure that characterizes the chronic phase of deltaretrovirus infection.
Aqueous extracts from peppermint, sage and lemon balm leaves display potent anti-HIV-1 activity by increasing the virion density
Authors: Geuenich Silvia , Goffinet Christine , Venzke Stephanie , Nolkemper Silke , Baumann Ingo , Plinkert Peter , Reichling Jürgen , Keppler Oliver T 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Aqueous extracts from leaves of well known species of the Lamiaceae family were examined for their potency to inhibit infection by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).

Results
Extracts from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.), and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) exhibited a high and concentration-dependent activity against the infection of HIV-1 in T-cell lines, primary macrophages, and in ex vivo tonsil histocultures with 50% inhibitory concentrations as low as 0.004%. The aqueous Lamiaceae extracts did not or only at very high concentrations interfere with cell viability. Mechanistically, extract exposure of free virions potently and rapidly inhibited infection, while exposure of surface-bound virions or target cells alone had virtually no antiviral effect. In line with this observation, a virion-fusion assay demonstrated that HIV-1 entry was drastically impaired following treatment of particles with Lamiaceae extracts, and the magnitude of this effect at the early stage of infection correlated with the inhibitory potency on HIV-1 replication. Extracts were active against virions carrying diverse envelopes (X4 and R5 HIV-1, vesicular stomatitis virus, ecotropic murine leukemia virus), but not against a non-enveloped adenovirus. Following exposure to Lamiaceae extracts, the stability of virions as well as virion-associated levels of envelope glycoprotein and processed Gag protein were unaffected, while, surprisingly, sucrose-density equilibrium gradient analyses disclosed a marked increase of virion density.

Conclusion
Aqueous extracts from Lamiaceae can drastically and rapidly reduce the infectivity of HIV-1 virions at non-cytotoxic concentrations. An extract-induced enhancement of the virion's density prior to its surface engagement appears to be the most likely mode of action. By harbouring also a strong activity against herpes simplex virus type 2, these extracts may provide a basis for the development of novel virucidal topical microbicides.
The role of chloride anion and CFTR in killing ofPseudomonas aeruginosaby normal and CF neutrophils
Authors: Painter Richard G , Bonvillain Ryan W , Valentine Vincent G , Lombard Gisele A , LaPlace Stephanie G , Nauseef William M , Wang Guoshun 
Published: March 2008

AbstractChloride anion is essential for myeloperoxidase (MPO) to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). To define whether chloride availability to PMNs affects their HOCl production and microbicidal capacity, we examined how extracellular chloride concentration affects killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA) by normal neutrophils. PMN-mediated bacterial killing was strongly dependent on extracellular chloride concentration. Neutrophils in a chloride-deficient medium killed PsA poorly. However, as the chloride level was raised, the killing efficiency increased in a dose-dependent manner. By using specific inhibitors to selectively block NADPH oxidase, MPO, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) functions, neutrophil-mediated killing of PsA could be attributed to three distinct mechanisms: CFTR-dependent and oxidant-dependent; chloride-dependent but not CFTR- and oxidant-dependent; and independent of any of the tested factors. Therefore, chloride anion is involved in oxidant- and nonoxidant-mediated bacterial killing. We previously reported that neutrophils from CF patients are defective in chlorination of ingested bacteria [1], suggesting that the chloride channel defect might impair the MPO-hydrogen peroxide-chloride microbicidal function. Here, we compared the competence of killing PsA by neutrophils from normal donors and CF patients. The data demonstrate that the killing rate by CF neutrophils was significantly lower than that by normal neutrophils. CF neutrophils in a chloride-deficient environment had only one-third of the bactericidal capacity of normal neutrophils in a physiological chloride environment. These results suggest that CFTR-dependent chloride anion transport contributes significantly to killing PsA by normal neutrophils and when defective as in CF, may compromise the ability to clear PsA.
A dual role of activin A in regulating immunoglobulin production of B cells
Authors: Ogawa Kenji , Funaba Masayuki , Tsujimoto Masafumi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHere, we report that activin A has a dual role in regulating Ig production of murine B cells. Activated B cells secrete activin activity by increasing activin A and decreasing follistatin expression. B cells also express type I and type II activin receptors, suggesting that they are targets of activin. Pretreatment of naïve B cells with activin A and subsequent activation by LPS resulted in increased cell growth and IgG production. In contrast, no significant effect was observed when activin A was added to naïve B cells simultaneously with LPS, indicating that activin A acts on resting but not activated B cells. In addition, activin A did not induce B cells to produce IgE, even when added prior to activation; however, in vivo antigen-specific IgE production was reduced significantly by neutralization of circulating activin A. These findings indicate that activin A plays an important role in Th2-mediated immune responses by enhancing antibody production through two distinct modes: acts directly on resting B cells to elicit full functions of activated B cells and acts indirectly on activated B cells through modulation of other immune cells.
Model-based detection and isolation of faults due to ageing in the air and fuel paths of common-rail direct injection diesel engines equipped with a λ and a nitrogen oxides sensor
Authors: Schilling A , Amstutz A , Guzzella L 
Published: March 2008

The air and fuel management of modern diesel engines is based on a feedforward control approach. As a consequence, faults of the air or the fuel path have a direct impact on the emissions that cannot be observed nor compensated. Faults due to the ageing of engine parts are very common; thus engines are designed with tolerances large enough to fulfil the emission standards for their entire lifetime. This paper presents a method to locate and quantify engine faults due to the ageing of parts of modern diesel engines in order to help to reduce design tolerances. A relative air-to-fuel ratio and a nitrogen oxides emission sensor have been applied to a test-bench engine, and control-oriented emission models have been developed. Based thereon, a model-based fault detection and isolation system has been implemented. The sensor signals are compared with the models in order to detect a possible fault, and fault location and size are estimated by means of a bank of extended Kalman filters, one for each fault considered. Results from the New European Driving Cycle show that the developed control-oriented models are accurate, and the faults can be correctly detected and isolated.
Analysis of the integration of knowledge and novelty in creative engineering design
Authors: Allen J E , Self A 
Published: March 2008

The general creative process is incapable of strict analysis but for engineering it is correctly identified with the design function that combines knowledge, derived from science, technology, and past experience, with the novelty of an invention or development. Engineering achievements range from projects of vast scale, such as the elements of the NASA space programme, to minute devices of great ingenuity such as human joint replacements. As Professor Jones remarked in his 1974 paper to the IMechE, ‘Koestler's book ‘The Act of Creation’ did not mention engineering and the word creativity was not in the Oxford English Dictionary of 1973!′ The nature of creative thinking is chaotic and many significant breakthroughs seem to have arisen by accident. The current paper concentrates on the early stages of the evolution of a new engineering entity and studies the blending of rigorous scientific knowledge (materials, dynamics, systems etc.) with the much more ‘fuzzy’ process of taking the first concepts through the process of preliminary design to a viable product. The work makes a contribution to engineering education. In seeking the heart of the creative engineering process examples are examined mainly from large-scale projects, as typically found in aerospace. This experience is compared briefly with civil, mechanical, and systems engineering to seek for differences and similarities in method and, in contrast with the modern ‘enterprise function’, i.e. the process from the inventor to a new business. The last of these is of considerable economic significance today.
Satellite multi-functional power structure: Feasibility and mass savings
Authors: Roberts S C , Aglietti G S 
Published: March 2008

A multi-functional structure saves mass from a spacecraft by incorporating other functional subsystems into the structure. By using the structural properties of a non-structural element, inert structure may be eliminated, and the requirement to allot internal volume to the subsystem in question is removed. The current paper describes a multi-functional structure based on the secondary power system. By using commercially available plastic lithium-ion cells to form the core of a sandwich panel, inert mass is eliminated from both the structure and from the battery enclosure. The feasibility of the proposed multi-functional structure is demonstrated though vibration testing on a single cell, and the successful manufacture of a test panel. The work goes on to quantify the potential mass savings that may be achieved by using a multi-functional structure of this type. By varying a set of spacecraft attributes, the study identifies that small spacecraft with high power requirements have the potential to gain the most benefit from using a multi-functional structure of this type.
Effect of position and height of a mobile core type artificial disc on the biomechanical behaviour of the lumbar spine
Authors: Rohlmann A , Zander T , Bock B , Bergmann G 
Published: March 2008

The extent of natural disc removal and the implant position and height of an artificial disc with a mobile core were studied for their effects on intersegmental rotation, intradiscal pressure, and facet joint force. A validated finite element model of the lumbar spine was used. The model was loaded with the upper body weight, a follower load, and muscle forces to simulate standing, flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The implant position was varied up to 2 mm in an anterior and posterior direction and up to 3 mm in a lateral direction. Three different implant heights were simulated. The effect of removing the lateral parts of the annulus was also studied. The implant position and height markedly affect intersegmental rotation and facet joint forces but have hardly any influence on intradiscal pressure in the adjacent discs. Removing the lateral parts of the annulus increases intersegmental rotation and facet joint force mainly for lateral bending and axial rotation. The calculated translation of the mobile implant core is about 1 mm at most, and thus its effect is often overestimated. Great care should be taken to choose the optimal implant height and to insert the implant in the best position for each individual patient.
Particle attrition of α-tricalcium phosphate: Effect on mechanical, handling, and injectability properties of calcium phosphate cements
Authors: Jack V , Buchanan F J , Dunne N J 
Published: March 2008

Calcium phosphate bone cements are currently used in a range of applications; however, their low compressive strength and brittle failure mechanics have limited their widespread application. The aim of this study was to improve the mechanical performance of the calcium phosphate cement by means of particle reduction of the powder components involved. α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) powder was produced and subsequently reacted with water to form a calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite in the form of a biocompatible and resorbable cement. It was postulated that the reduction of the α-TCP particle size would result in a fastersetting reaction and stronger cement. Three milling techniques were explored and their methods optimized. The techniques included the traditional ball-milling technique and two newer techniques, namely cryogenic and planetary milling. Particle size analysis through laser diffraction and scanning electron microscopy was conducted. Compressive strength, setting times and injectability characteristics of the curing cement were determined. It was observed that all three techniques were efficient methods of particle reduction and the mechanical, setting and injectability properties were significantly improved by the reduction in particle size of the α-TCP powder. However, agglomerations of α-tricalcium phosphate resulted in a reduction in compressive strength and injectability after prolonged milling periods, irrespective of milling technique.
Successful Treatment of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Faecium Pyelonephritis with Daptomycin During Pregnancy
Authors: Shea Katherine , Hilburger Esther , Baroco Allison , Oldfield Edward 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To report successful treatment using daptomycin for pyelonephritis associated with van cornycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) in a 27-week pregnant woman. Case Summary: A 20-year-old 27-week pregnant patient with a history of spina bifida, neurogenic bladder, and multiple hospitalizations for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) was diagnosed with pyelonephritis. She was treated with daptomycin 260 mg (4 mg/kg) daily for 14 days on the basis of a urine culture that revealed E. faecium resistant to ampicillin, nitrofurantoin, and vancomycin. All cultures following treatment revealed no growth, and the patient as well as the neonate displayed no adverse effects. Discussion: VRE UTIs can be treated safely in pregnancy with nitrofurantoin, if the organism is susceptible. Other viable options in the treatment of VRE, including linezolid, doxycycline, and quinupristin/dalfopristin, have lower urinary concentrations, teratogenic risk, or limited findings regarding their safety in pregnancy. Daptomycin was selected in this case due to its efficacy in the treatment of VRE, high urinary concentrations, pregnancy category B, and one case report indicating its successful use in pregnancy. Conclusions: Treatment of VRE in pregnancy can be challenging due to the teratogenicity or unknown safety of available options. The use of daptomycin in our patient enabted a successful outcome of multidrug-resistant E. faecium in a complicated pregnant patient without observed neonatal abnormalities.
Moxifloxacin-Associated Neutropenia in a Cirrhotic Elderly Woman with Lower Extremity Cellulitis
Authors: Chang Chia-Ming , Lee Nan-Yao , Lee Hsin-Chun , Lee I-Wen , Wu Chi-Jung , Lin Yu-Shiuan , Ko Wen-Chien 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of moxifloxacin-associated neutropenia in a cirrhotic patient with cellulitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 77-year-old cirrhotic woman developed cellulitis of the right leg, with a nadir white blood cell (WBC) count of 1.5 × 103/μL and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 0.345 × 103/μL, which occurred after 5 days of moxifloxacin therapy. Moxifloxacin was switched to cefixime and neutropenia resolved 2 days after the withdrawal of moxifloxacin. DISCUSSION: Cases of neutropenia related to fluoroquinolones have rarely been reported in the literature, and neutropenia associated with moxifloxacin has not been described before. Because of the temporal relationship between moxifloxacin administration and the development of neutropenia in our patient, as well as the relationship between drug withdrawal and improvement in WBC count and ANC, moxifloxacin-associated neutropenia was suspected. This reaction was categorized as probable according to the Naranjo probability scale. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first case of moxifloxacin-associated neutropenia. Although such an adverse reaction is rare, clinicians should be aware of this potential complication of moxifloxacin therapy.
Soil Stiffness Evaluation for Compaction Control of Cohesionless Embankments
Authors: Rahman Farhana , Hossain Mustaque , Hunt Morris M. , Romanoschi Stefan A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Mechanistic pavement design procedures based on elastic layer theory require characterization of pavement layer materials including subgrade soil. This paper discusses the subgrade stiffness measurements obtained from a new compaction roller for compaction control on highway embankment projects in Kansas. Three test sections were compacted using a single, smooth steel drum intelligent compaction (IC) roller that compacts and simultaneously, measures stiffness values of the compacted soil. Traditional compaction control measurements such as, density, in-situ moisture content, stiffness measurements using a soil stiffness gage, surface deflection tests using the light falling weight deflectometer (LFWD) and falling weight deflectometer (FWD), and penetration tests using a dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP), were also done. The results show that the IC roller was able to identify the locations of lower soil stiffness in the spatial direction. Thus, an IC roller can be used in proof rolling. IC roller stiffness showed sensitivity to the field moisture content indicating that moisture control during compaction is critical. No universal correlation was observed among the IC roller stiffness, soil gage stiffness, back-calculated subgrade moduli from the LFWD and FWD deflection data, and the California bearing ratio obtained from DCP tests. The discrepancy seems to arise from the fact that different pieces of equipment were capturing response from different volumes of soil on the same test section.
Comparison of Averaging Procedures for Point Load Testing of Rock
Authors: Karaca Z. , Yilmaz N. Gunes , Goktan R. M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
This paper presents the experimental results of a laboratory point load testing program carried out to analyze the effect of two different point load mean value calculation procedures on the prediction accuracy of uniaxial compressive strength of rocks. Apart from the calculation procedure corresponding to the one suggested by ASTM and ISRM, a second calculation procedure involving the ordinary arithmetic mean value was used in the analyses. Axial point load tests were conducted on a total of 19 rocks having two different thickness-to-diameter ratios. Finally, the results of the point load tests were correlated with those of the standard uniaxial compressive strength tests, and some test statistics were employed to determine the relative effectiveness of the considered calculation procedures. Valid for axial testing method and the tested rock types, it was concluded that the suggested mean value calculation procedure by the ASTM and ISRM has no significant advantage compared with the traditional statistical procedure that involves ordinary arithmetic mean.
Applicability of the Fracture Toughness Master Curve to Irradiated Highly Embrittled Steel and Intergranular Fracture
Authors: Nanstad R. K. , Sokolov M. A. , McCabe D. E. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The Heavy-Section Steel Irradiation Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has evaluated a submerged-arc (SA) weld irradiated to a high level of embrittlement and a temper embrittled base metal that exhibits significant intergranular fracture relative to representation by the Master Curve. The temper embrittled steel revealed that the intergranular mechanism significantly extended the transition temperature range up to 150°C above To. For the irradiated highly embrittled SA weld study, a total of 21 1T compact specimens were tested at five different temperatures and showed the Master Curve to be nonconservative relative to the results, although that observation is uncertain due to evidence of intergranular fracture.