bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathological role of CD44 on NKT cells in carbon tetrachloride‐mediated liver injury
Authors: Kimura Kiminori , Nagaki Masahito , Matsuura Tomokazu , Moriwaki Hisataka , Kakimi Kazuhiro 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  CD44 has a variety of functions in immune regulation and signal transduction. Although CD44 is involved in the induction of several inflammatory diseases, it remains unknown whether CD44‐targeting therapies are useful for liver diseases. Here, we examined whether CD44 blockade is effective in a chemical‐induced liver injury model.Methods:  We injected CD44 knock out (KO) or wild type mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and examined the difference of liver injury by immunological or histological analysis.Results:  Although CD44KO mice exhibited suppressed liver injury at 6 h after CCl4 injection with decreased inflammatory cell numbers and cytokine production, these mice showed severe liver injury at 24 h. We found that NKT cells played an important role in liver injury with increased infiltration of theliver after migration, which was independent of the CD44 pathway. In CD44NKT double‐KO mice, liver injury was suppressed with reduced cytokine production and macrophage infiltration compared with CD44KO mice. Furthermore, MIP‐2 derived from NKT cells or tumor necrosis factor alpha from macrophages contributed to exacerbation of the liver injury, since neutralization of MIP‐2 provided significant protection against liver injury in CD44KO mice. Finally, we found that CD44KO mice exhibited excessive liver fibrosis compared with wild‐type mice after repeated CCl4 injections.Conclusion:  We found that CD44 has unique characteristics for inflammatory liver diseases associated with NKT cell infiltration and activation. Furthermore, CD44‐targeting therapies may need to be viewed with caution for liver diseases due to the actions of the liver immune system.
Mechanisms of Self-Sustained Oscillations Induced by a Flow Over a
Cavity
Authors: Massenzio Michel , Blaise Alain , Lesueur Claude 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
This paper discusses the phenomena of flow-acoustic coupling between an unstable shear layer across a slot covering a cavity, thereby forming a Helmholtz resonator. The flow was caused by a turbulent boundary layer flowing over the slot. The physical phenomena implicated were responsible for the generation of high-amplitude sound level that occurred at the resonant frequencies of the system. It concerns a wide variety of applications, especially in the transport industry. Cavity oscillations have been studied steadily for some 50years and there is by now a vast and conflicting literature on the measured tonal frequencies, the physical explanations, and the predictive models for them. A theory was presented to predict the onset of the instability. It was based on the identification of the main parameters that played a role in the shear layer. Particularly it was suggested to use the frequency dependent phase velocity instead of the flow velocity. The theory was then confronted with results obtained from an experimental study carried out in a wind tunnel on several models. This validation underlined the sturdiness and the efficiency of the model, which made it useful for engineering applications.
Detection of an Antigenic Group 2 Coronavirus in an Adult Alpaca with Enteritis
Authors: Genova Suzanne G. , Streeter Robert N. , Simpson Katharine M. , Kapil Sanjay 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Antigenic group 2 coronavirus was detected in a fecal sample of an adult alpaca by reverse transcription-PCR. The presence of alpaca coronavirus (ApCoV) in the small intestine was demonstrated by immune histochemistry with an antinucleocapsid monoclonal antibody that reacts with group 2 coronaviruses. Other common causes of diarrhea in adult camelids were not detected. We conclude that nutritional stress may have predisposed the alpaca to severe ApCoV infection.
Validation of Cultivation and PCR Methods for Diagnosis of Lyme Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Cerar Tjaša , Ogrinc Katarina , Cimperman Jože , Lotrič-Furlan Stanka , Strle Franc , Ružić-Sabljić Eva 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Borrelial infection may manifest with a wide range of clinical signs, and in many cases, microbiological findings are essential for a proper diagnosis. This study included 48 patients with a working clinical diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis, 45 patients with a working clinical diagnosis of suspected Lyme neuroborreliosis, and a control group comprising 42 patients with tick-borne encephalitis and 21 neurosurgical patients. The aim of the study was to analyze and compare findings of two PCR methods and
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato culture results by examination of prospectively collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood specimens from patients with clinical features of Lyme neuroborreliosis. Borrelial DNA was detected with at least one of the PCR approaches in 16/135 (11.9%) blood samples and 24/156 (15.4%) CSF samples. Using MseI restriction of PCR products of the amplified
rrf
-
rrl
region, we identified the majority of strains as
Borrelia afzelii
. Borreliae were isolated from 1/135 (0.7%) blood samples and from 5/156 (3.2%) CSF specimens. Using MluI restriction for characterization of isolated strains,
Borrelia garinii
was identified in all CSF isolates. Our study revealed that different approaches for direct demonstration of borrelial infection give distinct results, that there is an urgent need for standardization of the methods for direct detection of borrelial infection, and that the design of studies evaluating the validation of such methods should include appropriate control group(s) to enable assessment of both sensitivity and specificity.
Two-Year Study Evaluating the Potential Loss of Methicillin Resistance in a Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Culture Collection
Authors: Veguilla William , Peak K. Kealy , Luna Vicki A. , Roberts Jill C. , Davis Carisa R. , Cannons Andrew C. , Amuso Philip , Cattani Jacqueline 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

A reported loss of
mecA
prompted us to monitor 360 cryostocked methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
strains for stability. Concurrently, 14 well-characterized strains were stored in a Microbank preservation system and subjected to multiple freeze-thaw events. There were no significant declines in the methicillin-resistant populations with either method over a two-year period.
Three-Dimensional Organization of Rift Valley Fever Virus Revealed by Cryoelectron Tomography
Authors: Freiberg Alexander N. , Sherman Michael B. , Morais Marc C. , Holbrook Michael R. , Watowich Stanley J. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a member of the
Bunyaviridae
virus family (genus
Phlebovirus
) and is considered to be one of the most important pathogens in Africa, causing viral zoonoses in livestock and humans. Here, we report the characterization of the three-dimensional structural organization of RVFV vaccine strain MP-12 by cryoelectron tomography. Vitrified-hydrated virions were found to be spherical, with an average diameter of 100 nm. The virus glycoproteins formed cylindrical hollow spikes that clustered into distinct capsomeres. In contrast to previous assertions that RVFV is pleomorphic, the structure of RVFV MP-12 was found to be highly ordered. The three-dimensional map was resolved to a resolution of 6.1 nm, and capsomeres were observed to be arranged on the virus surface in an icosahedral lattice with clear T=12 quasisymmetry. All icosahedral symmetry axes were visible in self-rotation functions calculated using the Fourier transform of the RVFV MP-12 tomogram. To the best of our knowledge, a triangulation number of 12 had previously been reported only for Uukuniemi virus, a bunyavirus also within the
Phlebovirus
genus. The results presented in this study demonstrate that RVFV MP-12 possesses T=12 icosahedral symmetry and suggest that other members of the
Phlebovirus
genus, as well as of the
Bunyaviridae
family, may adopt icosahedral symmetry. Knowledge of the virus architecture may provide a structural template to develop vaccines and diagnostics, since no effective anti-RVFV treatments are available for human use.
Avian Influenza H6 Viruses Productively Infect and Cause Illness in Mice and Ferrets
Authors: Gillim-Ross Laura , Santos Celia , Chen Zhongying , Aspelund Amy , Yang Chin-Fen , Ye Dan , Jin Hong , Kemble George , Subbarao Kanta 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Influenza pandemic preparedness has focused on influenza virus H5 and H7 subtypes. However, it is not possible to predict with certainty which subtype of avian influenza virus will cause the next pandemic, and it is prudent to include other avian influenza virus subtypes in pandemic preparedness efforts. An H6 influenza virus was identified as a potential progenitor of the H5N1 viruses that emerged in Hong Kong in 1997. This virus continues to circulate in the bird population in Asia, and other H6 viruses are prevalent in birds in North America and Asia. The high rate of reassortment observed in influenza viruses and the prevalence of H6 viruses in birds suggest that this subtype may pose a pandemic risk. Very little is known about the replicative capacity, immunogenicity, and correlates of protective immunity for low-pathogenicity H6 influenza viruses in mammals. We evaluated the antigenic and genetic relatedness of 14 H6 influenza viruses and their abilities to replicate and induce a cross-reactive immune response in two animal models: mice and ferrets. The different H6 viruses replicated to different levels in the respiratory tracts of mice and ferrets, causing varied degrees of morbidity and mortality in these two models. H6 virus infection induced similar patterns of neutralizing antibody responses in mice and ferrets; however, species-specific differences in the cross-reactivity of the antibody responses were observed. Overall, cross-reactivity of neutralizing antibodies in H6 virus-infected mice did not correlate well with protection against heterologous wild-type H6 viruses. However, we have identified an H6 virus that induces protective immunity against viruses in the North American and Eurasian lineages.
Vaccinia Virus Subverts a Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling Protein-Dependent Innate Immune Response in Keratinocytes through Its Double-Stranded RNA Binding Protein, E3
Authors: Deng Liang , Dai Peihong , Parikh Tanvi , Cao Hua , Bhoj Vijay , Sun Qinmiao , Chen Zhijian , Merghoub Taha , Houghton Alan , Shuman Stewart 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTSkin keratinocytes provide a first line of defense against invading microorganisms in two ways: (i) by acting as a physical barrier to pathogen entry and (ii) by initiating a vigorous innate immune response upon sensing danger signals. How keratinocytes detect virus infections and generate antiviral immune responses is not well understood. Orthopoxviruses are dermatotropic DNA viruses that cause lethal disease in humans. Virulence in animal models depends on the virus-encoded bifunctional Z-DNA/double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding protein E3. Here, we report that infection of mouse primary keratinocytes with a vaccinia ΔE3L mutant virus triggers the production of beta interferon (IFN-β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), CCL4, and CCL5. None of these immune mediators is produced by keratinocytes infected with wild-type vaccinia virus. The dsRNA-binding domain of E3 suffices to prevent activation of the innate immune response. ΔE3L induction of IFN-β, IL-6, CCL4, and CCL5 secretion requires mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS; an adaptor for the cytoplasmic viral RNA sensors RIG-I and MDA5) and the transcription factor IRF3. IRF3 phosphorylation is induced in keratinocytes infected with ΔE3L, an event that depends on MAVS. The response of keratinocytes to ΔE3L is unaffected by genetic ablation of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), TRIF, TLR9, and MyD88.
Characterization of a CRM1-Dependent Nuclear Export Signal in the C Terminus of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Tegument Protein UL47
Authors: Williams Paul , Verhagen Janneke , Elliott Gillian 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
The herpes simplex virus type 1 tegument protein known as VP13/14, or hUL47, localizes to the nucleus and binds RNA. Using fluorescence loss in photobleaching analysis, we show that hUL47 undergoes nucleocytoplasmic shuttling during infection. We identify the hUL47 nuclear export signal (NES) as a C-terminal 10-residue hydrophobic peptide and measure its efficiency relative to that of the classical human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Rev NES. Finally, we show that the hUL47 NES is sensitive to the inhibitor of CRM1-mediated nuclear export leptomycin B. Hence, hUL47 joins a growing list of virus-encoded RNA-binding proteins that use CRM1 to exit the nucleus.
Digital algorithms for prediction, differentiation and integration
Authors: Forsythe W. 
Published: August 2008

The subject is dealt with in three parts, covered in three consecutive papers. Part I, published in the last issue, presented a method of calculating the coefficients required in digital algorithms for prediction (including interpolation and extrapolation), differentiation and integration, both on and off line. It provides the means of computing rapidly, by hand or with the aid of a small calculator, the coefficients required for algorithms of any order up to eight. Parts II and III consider the errors inherent in using the algorithms derived in Part I and draw significant conclusions about the interaction of quantisation level, sampling frequency, order of the algorithm and the effects of these quantities on the accuracy of the results. Part II, which follows, deals with prediction and integration algorithms; Part III will deal with differentiation.
Comparison of methods for predicting head loss in turbulent pipe flow of non-Newtonian fluids
Authors: Heywood N.I. , Cheng D.C.-H. 
Published: August 2008

The flow behaviour of a large variety of industrially important, non-Newtonian fluids can be described well using the Herschel-Bulkley model relating shear stress τ to shear rate γ by τ = τy + Kγn . The three parameters τy, K and n are determined experimentally using viscometers. Depending on the experimental spread of the τ, γ data, estimates of the parameters will have associated confidence intervals at any chosen level (eg 90%), and both estimates and confidence intervals will also depend on the regression method adopted; two methods are compared in this paper. Th e prediction of head losses for laminar flow of the fluid in a pipeline requires a single equation derived from the Herschel-Bulkley model and presents no difficulty. For turbulent head loss prediction the situation is far more complicated. There are many different methods available, and there exist no guidelines regarding which method should be adopted. This paper demonstrates that predictions from these methods differ very widely, and that the uncertainty is compounded by that arising from estimating the τy , K and n parameters due to scatter in viscometric data. It is concluded that head-loss predictions should be made using as many prediction methods as possible, so that an engineering judgement may be made about which prediction is most appropriate for a given set of conditions. Head-loss estimates for turbulent non-Newtonian flow can vary by ±50%. This contrasts starkly with the situation for turbulent Newtonian flow where head-loss estimates vary by no more than ± 4%. A lthough there are a dozen or more methods for Newtonian flow, the Moody equation is used most frequently and is quite adequate.
Parameterestimation in oxidation ditch modelling
Authors: Cook S.C. 
Published: August 2008

The oxidation ditch is becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom for comparatively low-load domestic waste treatment situations. It has found widespread use for larger-scale waste treatment in Europe, especially in Holland. The original oxidation ditch concept is over 20 years old, and much research work has been carried out on the sludge characteristics and chemical processes. As a result of ever-increasing operational costs and more stringent effluent quality standards, the need has now arisen for a detailed study of the dynamics of the oxidation ditch process. This paper forms part of an overall model identification study and intends to examine the possibility of on-line parameter estimation using the Extended Kalman Filter. The first part of the paper develops a non- linear, conceptual, dynamic model of dissolved oxygen (DO)/biological oxygen demand (BOD) interaction in the oxidation ditch. The model is employed together with an arbitrary set of parameters, in the synthesis of a series of noise-corrupted process data. The second part of the paper gives the Filter equations and the third part presents the results of the parameter estimation study.
Stability analysis of thyristor device control systems
Authors: Farahat H.M. , Ismail M.S. , Ashour M.A. 
Published: August 2008

In this paper, a new method is presented for the study of the stability of systems controlled by thyristors. A nonlinear continuous data model (Lefevre, Bertrand & Ismail, 1973) is proposed for continuous and discontinuous operations. Generally, the system is represented by its transcendental equations at the consecutive instants tn and tn+1. Solving these equations, a module M is obtained which represents the system stability either locally or globally. A simple software program is presented which simplifies the necessary calculations to a high degree of accuracy. The proposed method is used to study both first- and second-order syvtems. In particular a separately excited DC motor is considered.
LQG adaptive ship autopilot
Authors: Katebi M.R. , Byrne J.C. 
Published: August 2008

Existing adaptive autopilots do not usually have an energy saving capability. In addition, the control performance in rough seas often deteriorates so significantly that the autopilot is switched to a conventional PID controller. The first problem often arises from inaccurate approximations in the formulation of the energy cost criterion and the second from poor modelling of the sea wave disturbances. These problems are tackled here by formulating a new dynamic cost function system description and modelling approach. The LQG control strategy is then used to design an optimal controller to perform the course-keeping autopilot task. An advanced PID type controller is used for course-changing, the parameters of which are found from pole placement techniques. An explicit self-tuning scheme is employed to provide adaptation in varying weather conditions. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed autopilot.
A digital approach to the disturbance-accommodation problem
Authors: Brandin B.A. 
Published: August 2008

In this paper, the work of Burdess and Metcalfe (1985) on the active control of forced vibrations in mechanical systems is extended to the disturbance-accommodation problem. The topic is treated from the digital systems point of view and an a priori control action is included with an improved disturbance estimator. The idea of a modified disturbance observer is proposed to show how an estimate of the excitation can be derived and is used to generate part of the control action. In order to allow a predefined state trajectory to be followed, an a priori control action is proposed. The resulting compensator does not require any knowledge of the disturbance model, the underlying concept consisting of estimating the disturbance instantaneously. Experimental results are presented to show the performance of the method proposed with different types of dis turbances acting on the system considered.
How to Believe Six Impossible Things before Breakfast: Irigaray, Alice and Neo-Pagan Negotiation of the Otherworld
Authors: Nicholson Christina 
Published: August 2008

This paper was inspired by Irigaray's suggestion that patriarchal discourse is essentially paranoid, based upon a repressed ambiguity and violence that continually threatens the unity and stability of the subject. Lewis Carroll's 'Locking-Glass World' is employed as the metaphor for a system of meaning (like patriarchal religion) that is in the process of breaking down and reveals its shadow side in chaos, violence and power struggles. It is argued that Alice represents an idealized feminine submission to the rules of patriarchal discourse that appears safe and stable but renders the subject powerless to effect change. I contrast this with the encouragement neo-paganism gives its practitioners to construct alternative magical metaphors and to learn through experience. It is valuable for feminist theologians to privilege these flexible techniques in order to avoid the straitjacket of reifying discourse. The article makes the point that the mystical experience is anyway grounded in that which transcends language, and the excess of the mystic finds its expression best in an abundance of meaning and symbol. Irigaray and feminist neo-pagans can in their various ways serve as role models in the process of renegotiating Wonderland and creating a new 'Alice'.
Imagining God in Our Ways: The Journals of Frances E. Willard
Authors: Capitani Diane 
Published: August 2008

This paper examines the journals of Frances W. Willard, founder and organ izer of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in the United States, and their revelations about the gender battle that raged within the psyche of Willard and other young women of her day. The failure of organized Chris tianity to provide solace or unbiased counsel to women such as Willard is apparent in a close reading of Willard's work. Within the pages of her journals, the struggle she faced is obvious on almost every page; her strug gle with what society said she should do, and what she knew she was capable of doing, is present for all to see. The paper argues that because, however, lived in the United States within a short window of nineteenth- century time, she was able to form a 'Boston Marriage' with a young woman who provided her with the comfort and support she needed. The Boston Marriage, arguably, was available only for relatively well-to-do, white-middle-class women of an educated class, who had attended col lege and, because they were able to find a 'service' career of some kind, could live together in harmony. Enlightened families, like that of Henry James, were able to support female members of their class who did not 'fit in' to societal norms of the day and accept their lifestyle, while negat ing the sexuality of it. Organized religion, however, did not, and it is the failure of her church to help her find a way of life she can tolerate about which Willard writes. You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination (Lev. 18.22). So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (Gen. 1.27).
Journalism ethics and the emerging new media culture of radio talk shows and public debates (Ekimeeza) in Uganda
Authors: Goretti Nassanga Linda 
Published: August 2008

The article examines the rationale for journalism ethics and discusses challenges in professionalizing journalism, with particular reference to conditions in the developing countries. The article explores how an effective media regulatory body can be constituted to serve the interests of the various stakeholders. Looking at Uganda's ethical code, the major interest from the public has been on the provisions restricting media practice and the article discusses issues regarding the implementation of the code, within the context of the new media culture of Ekimeeza (Radio Talk Shows and Public Debates). In conclusion, some suggestions are given on the way forward to ensure that ethical codes are not thrown overboard in the media on the pretext that they apply to journalists only. Among the suggestions discussed are media education and media literacy, which would enhance the public's participation and enable them to benefit from the Ekimeeza.