bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A compact phage display human scFv library for selection of antibodies to a wide variety of antigens
Authors: Pansri Potjamas , Jaruseranee Nanthnit , Rangnoi Kuntalee , Kristensen Peter , Yamabhai Montarop 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundPhage display technology is a powerful new tool for making antibodies outside the immune system, thus avoiding the use of experimental animals. In the early days, it was postulated that this technique would eventually replace hybridoma technology and animal immunisations. However, since this technology emerged more than 20 years ago, there have only been a handful reports on the construction and application of phage display antibody libraries world-wide.ResultsHere we report the simplest and highly efficient method for the construction of a highly useful human single chain variable fragment (scFv) library. The least number of oligonucleotide primers, electroporations and ligation reactions were used to generate a library of 1.5 × 108individual clones, without generation of sub-libraries. All possible combinations of heavy and light chains, among all immunoglobulin isotypes, were included by using a mixture of primers and overlapping extension PCR. The key difference from other similar libraries was the highest diversity of variable gene repertoires, which was derived from 140 non-immunized human donors. A wide variety of antigens were successfully used to affinity select specific binders. These included pure recombinant proteins, a hapten and complex antigens such as viral coat proteins, crude snake venom and cancer cell surface antigens. In particular, we were able to use standard bio-panning method to isolate antibody that can bind to soluble Aflatoxin B1, when using BSA-conjugated toxin as a target, as demonstrated by inhibition ELISA.ConclusionThese results suggested that by using an optimized protocol and very high repertoire diversity, a compact and efficient phage antibody library can be generated. This advanced method could be adopted by any molecular biology laboratory to generate both naïve or immunized libraries for particular targets as well as for high-throughput applications.
Analysing the origin of long-range interactions in proteins using lattice models
Authors: Noivirt-Brik Orly , Unger Ron , Horovitz Amnon 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Long-range communication is very common in proteins but the physical basis of this phenomenon remains unclear. In order to gain insight into this problem, we decided to explore whether long-range interactions exist in lattice models of proteins. Lattice models of proteins have proven to capture some of the basic properties of real proteins and, thus, can be used for elucidating general principles of protein stability and folding.

Results
Using a computational version of double-mutant cycle analysis, we show that long-range interactions emerge in lattice models even though they are not an input feature of them. The coupling energy of both short- and long-range pairwise interactions is found to become more positive (destabilizing) in a linear fashion with increasing 'contact-frequency', an entropic term that corresponds to the fraction of states in the conformational ensemble of the sequence in which the pair of residues is in contact. A mathematical derivation of the linear dependence of the coupling energy on 'contact-frequency' is provided.

Conclusion
Our work shows how 'contact-frequency' should be taken into account in attempts to stabilize proteins by introducing (or stabilizing) contacts in the native state and/or through 'negative design' of non-native contacts.
Thrombin related peptide TP508 promoted fracture repair in a mouse high energy fracture model
Authors: Hanratty Brain M , Ryaby James T , Pan Xiao-Hua , Li Gang 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Thrombin related peptide (TP508) is a 23 amino-acid synthetic peptide that represents a portion of the receptor-binding domain of thrombin molecule. Previous studies have shown that TP508 can accelerate musculoskeletal tissue repair including fracture healing.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TP508 on fracture healing in a murine fracture model representing high energy fracture situation.

Methods
Eighty CD 1 mice underwent controlled quadriceps muscle crush and open transverse mid diaphyseal femoral fracture that was then fixed with an external fixator. Animals were randomised into four groups to receive an intra-operative dose of either 100 μg TP508 into the fracture gap; 100 μg TP508 into the surrounding damaged muscle tissues; 10 μg TP508 into the fracture gap, or control equal amount of saline into the fracture gap. Radiographic assessment was performed weekly for 5 weeks; histological analysis was at 3 and 5 weeks post fracture and biomechanical testing of the fractured bone was performed at 5 weeks post fracture.

Results
Mechanical testing data showed that the fracture stiffness was significantly higher in the group receiving 100 μg TP508 into the fracture gap than other groups. Histological and radiographic analysis revealed a trend of increase in bone formation in the 100 μg TP508 injected into the fracture gap group compared to the saline control group. It was noted that the scar tissues was significantly less in Group II comparing with the saline control group and there was increased blood vessel formation in the crushed muscles and fracture gap areas in the groups receiving TP508 comparing to the saline control group.

Conclusion
The results from this study demonstrated the use of thrombin related peptide TP508 in the situation of a high energy fracture can promote fracture healing and reduce the potential complications such as muscle fibrosis and fracture delayed or non-union.
Novel polymorphism of interleukin-18 associated with greater inflammation after cardiac surgery
Authors: Shaw David M , Sutherland Ainsley M , Russell James A , Lichtenstein Samuel V , Walley Keith R 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Interleukin (IL)-18 is a key modulator of the cytokine response that leads to organ dysfunction and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. We hypothesised that variation in the pro-inflammatory gene IL-18 is associated with adverse clinical outcome because of a more intense inflammatory response.

Methods
Haplotypes of the IL-18 gene were inferred from genotypes of 23 Coriell Registry subjects. Four haplotype tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (-607 C/A, -137 G/C, 8148 C/T and 9545 T/G) identified four major haplotype clades. These polymorphisms were genotyped in 658 Caucasian patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Clinical phenotypes were collected by retrospective chart review.

Results
Patients homozygous for the T allele of the 9545 T/G polymorphism had an increased occurrence of prolonged ICU stay (6.8% for TT genotype versus 2.7% for GG or GT genotype; p = 0.015). Patients homozygous for the T allele also had increased occurrence of low systemic vascular resistance index (62%) compared with the GG and GT genotypes (53%; p = 0.045). Patients homozygous for the T allele had increased serum IL-18 concentrations 24 hours post-surgery (p = 0.018), increased pro-inflammatory tumour necrosis factor alpha concentrations (p = 0.014) and decreased anti-inflammatory serum IL-10 concentrations (p = 0.018) 24 hours post-surgery.

Conclusions
The TT genotype of the IL-18 9545 T/G polymorphism is associated with an increased occurrence of prolonged ICU stay post-surgery and greater post-surgical inflammation. These results may be explained by greater serum IL-18, leading to greater pro-versus anti-inflammatory cytokine expression.
Information Exchange in Group Decision Making: The Hidden Profile Problem Reconsidered
Authors: Lightle John P. , Kagel John H. , Arkes Hal R. 
Published: January 2009

Group decision making provides a mechanism for channeling individual members' knowledge into productive organizational outcomes. However, in hidden profile experiments in which group members have common information favoring an inferior choice, with private information favoring a superior choice, groups typically choose an inferior alternative. We report a hidden profile experiment where we induce homogenous preferences over choice characteristics and provide financial incentives so that the common purpose assumptions of the model hold more completely than in past experiments.Nevertheless, groups continue to choose an inferior alternative most of the time. These failures primarily result from mistakes in recalling information. Mistakes in recalling common information (which favors an inferior candidate) are typically corrected, whereas mistakes in recalling the private information needed to uncover the hidden profile cannot be corrected. Therefore, the dismal performance of groups in pooling the information needed to identify the superior option primarily result from the structure of the problem rather than deficiencies in how groups share and process information. The discussions necessary to resolve mistakes in recalling common information also help to explain the often noted fact that groups spend a disproportionate amount of time discussing common information.
Isolation and evaluation of some physicochemical properties of Parkia biglobosa starch
Authors: Ihegwuagu Nnemeka Edith , Omojola Moses Olubayo , Emeje Martins Ochobiojo , Kunle Olobayo Olufunsho 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
This paper describes the isolation and physicochemical characterization of starch obtained from Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean). The results show that the properties of starch from this source compare favorably with those of corn starch BP, and suggest that it could be useful as a stabilizer in baking powders and as an emulsifier in the food industry.
Neem chemicals disturb the behavioral response of Liriomyza huidobrensis to conspecific-induced potato volatiles
Authors: Facknath Sunita , Stewart-Jones Alex , Wright Denis J. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Plants respond to insect attack by releasing complex blends of phytogenic volatile organic compounds. Selection of a host plant by the leafminer Liriomyza huidobrensis is influenced by such volatile chemicals (allelochemicals) released by the host plant. In the case of potato plants, the allelochemicals identified are mainly volatile monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. A potato plant that is already infested by other individuals of the same species of insects shows a quantitative difference in emission of such allelochemicals, which in turn plays an important role in the host preference behavior exhibited by the insect. Olfactometer tests (using whole, potted potato plants as well as excised leaves) showed that L. huidobrensis adults were more attracted to already infested plants for feeding and egg-laying than they were to uninfested plants, demonstrating that volatile chemicals from infested plants function as kairomones in this insect-plant relationship. However, when the potato plants were grown in soil treated with aqueous neem extract, this relationship was disturbed and the insects did not exhibit any consistent feeding or egg-laying response to neem-treated infested or uninfested host plants. This indicates that neem compounds disturb secondary metabolite production in the potato plant, which in turn has an influence on insects that use volatile plant allelochemicals as cues for host identification and location. Results of this study can help in a better understanding of neem as an environment-friendly botanical pesticide for use in sustainable agriculture.
Chemical basis for resistance in sweetpotato Ipomoea batatas to the sweetpotato weevil Cylas puncticollis
Authors: Stevenson Philip C. , Muyinza Harriet , Hall David R. , Porter Elaine A. , Farman Dudley I. , Talwana Herbert , Mwanga Robert O. M. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
The aim of this work was to determine the basis of resistance in a sub-Saharan sweetpotato variety, New Kawogo, to the African sweetpotato weevil Cylas puncticollis. This insect feeds on the roots, reducing quality and yield, and is the most important production constraint of sweetpotato in Africa. Laboratory bioassays were designed to determine how the performance of weevils differed on susceptible and resistant roots. Subsequently, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of the root surface and root latex identified quantitative and qualitative differences in the chemical profiles with higher levels of octadecyl and hexadecyl esters of hydroxycinnamic acids reported in the resistant variety. The compounds were synthesized to confirm their identity and incorporated into artificial diets for bioassays on C. puncticollis. High levels of mortality and developmental inhibition were recorded for larvae feeding on treated diets, and the effect was dose-dependent. Thus, in contrast to previous work on resistant African sweetpotato cultivars, resistance in New Kawogo is not only active, but is quantifiable and manageable for breeding. Work is underway to determine what effect these compounds have on the weevils at a molecular level. The inheritance of the root latex esters will be studied in new crosses and mapped in new populations using quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that are currently being developed.
Nanometer-scale dynamics of charges generated by radiations in condensed matter
Authors: Saeki Akinori , Tagawa Seiichi 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe dynamics of short-lived charges generated by pulsed radiations such as electron beam (EB) and photon was investigated to elucidate their reactivity, electronic properties, and spatial behavior on a nanometer scale. Chemical reactions of radical cations (hole) and anions (electron) in condensed matter (organic liquids, polymers, and conjugated materials) occupy an important place in postoptical nanolithography and organic electric devices. The spatiotemporal evolution of charges during geminate ion recombination was measured by a highly improved picosecond (ps) pulse radiolysis and incorporated into a Monte Carlo simulation to clarify the key role of the charges in the formation of latent image roughness of chemically amplified resists (CARs). The dynamics and alternating-current (AC) mobility of transient charge carriers in conjugated materials such as polymer and organic crystals were studied by the combination of microwave conductivity and optical spectroscopies, revealing the potential plausibility for high-performance electric devices. Anisotropy measurement and methodology to resolve the sum of mobility into hole and electron components without electrodes have also been demonstrated.
HbA1c-Bestimmung – ein neues Diagnosekriterium? / HbA1c – The new diagnostic criterion?
Authors: Steveling Antje , Völzke Henry , Nauck Matthias , Wallaschofski Henri 
Published: January 2009

Zusammenfassung
Entsprechend den aktuellen Leitlinien soll die Diagnosestellung des Typ 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Deutschland anhand der Kriterien der American Diabetes Association (ADA) erfolgen, die sich an Kriterien der National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) und der World Health Organisation (WHO) anlehnen. Zum Screening des T2DM wurde die Bestimmung des HbA1c-Wertes bislang allerdings von der ADA als diagnostischer Parameter abgelehnt, da er als nicht auseichend standardisiert und zu wenig sensitiv eingestuft wurde.

In neueren Untersuchungen konnte allerdings eine gute Sensitivität und Spezifität des HbA1c-Wertes zur Diagnostik eines T2DM nachgewiesen werden, so dass zukünftig mit einer steigenden Bedeutung des HbA1c-Wert als Screening-Parameter des T2DM gerechnet werden kann. In der folgenden Übersicht soll deshalb die HbA1c-Bestimmung als mögliches Screeninginstrument und Prädiktor des Erkrankungsverlaufs näher erörtert werden.
Adipokine: Rolle in der Pathophysiologie und Therapie von Adipositas und Typ 2 Diabetes mellitus / Adipokines: Role in the pathophysiology and therapy of obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Faßhauer Mathias , Blüher Matthias 
Published: January 2009

Zusammenfassung
Adipositas und viszerale Fettakkumulation sind unabhängige Risikofaktoren für die Entstehung kardiovaskulärer Erkrankungen und des Typ 2 Diabetes mellitus. Das genaue Verständnis der molekularen Mechanismen, die dem Zusammenhang zwischen Adipositas, Insulinresistenz und dem Metabolischen Syndrom zugrunde liegen, ist die Voraussetzung für die Entwicklung neuer Strategien in der Prävention und Therapie dieser Erkrankungen. Bisher sind die Mechanismen der Adipositas-assoziierten Entstehung metabolischer und kardiovaskulärer Folgeerkrankungen nicht vollständig geklärt. Die Adipositasforschung der letzten beiden Jahrzehnte hat gezeigt, dass das Fettgewebe ein hochaktives endokrines Organ ist, das eine Vielzahl von bioaktiven Molekülen produziert, die als Adipokine bezeichnet werden. Veränderungen der Konzentrationen zirkulierender Adipokine wie Leptin, Adiponectin, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Retinol-Bindungsprotein 4 (RBP4), Vaspin, Adipozyten-Fettsäure-Bindungsprotein (AFABP), Fibroblasten-Wachstumsfaktor 21 (FGF21) und viele andere mehr werden häufig bei metabolischen und vaskulären Komplikationen der Adipositas gefunden.
Deshalb könnten Veränderungen der Adipokinsekretion das mechanistische Bindeglied zwischen vermehrter Fettmasse und gestörter Funktion anderer Gewebe wie Leber und Muskulatur darstellen. Die gestörte Regulation der Adipokinsekretion ist ein wichtiger Mechanismus, über den das Fettgewebe zur Entstehung und Verschlechterung von Insulinresistenz und metabolischen Erkrankungen beitragen kann.
Effect of Inhomogeneity in Aligned Grains on Creep-Fatigue Crack Opening and Propagation Behavior of Directionally Solidified Superalloy
Authors: Yamamoto Masato , Kitamura Takayuki , Ogata Takashi 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Directionally solidified superalloy, which has elongated large grains, is used for gas-turbine blade application because of its high creep strength. Since the grain size is not small enough in comparison with the component size or the crack size, the inhomogeneous microstructure strongly affects the crack propagation behavior in such a structure. The authors investigate the effect of microstructural inhomogeneity on crack propagation morphology and crack propagation rate (da/dN) under a creep-fatigue condition. The macroscopic direction of the main crack is perpendicular to the loading axis, though the path is microscopically bumpy due to the effect of inhomogeneous multi-grains. Several subcracks are found around the main crack, and they occasionally coalesce with each other. In order to understand the local fluctuation of (da/dN) due to the inhomogeneous multi-grains, the grain shape and its crystallographic orientation are identified by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD). The subcracks tend to initiate at the high angle grain boundaries oriented nearly perpendicular to the loading axis. The local fluctuation of da/dN is influenced by two factors. One is the cracking path; the intergranular crack shows higher da/dN. The other factor is the magnitude of Young’s modulus of the grain (in loading direction) at the crack tip. The higher Young’s modulus leads to a lower da/dN in transgranular cracking. The detailed observation of local displacement near the crack tip clarified that the magnitude of cyclic displacement inversely related to the Young’s modulus of the grain in the loading axis, and results in the high strain concentration at the crack tip in the grain with low Young’s modulus. The experiment result suggests that the strain around the crack tip governs the crack propagation rate though it is affected by the inhomogeneous microstructure.
The Effects of Lubricant Ingredients on New Hydraulic Oil Cleanliness
Authors: Sander John , Mauritz Steve , Smith Terry , Turner Jeff , Courtney Spencer 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Although most of the emphasis on hydraulic fluid cleanliness is routinely placed on in-service fluids, more and more attention is being given to new hydraulic oil cleanliness. Nobody would argue that it is important for users to install clean hydraulic fluid in any system, but some have found that some fluids do not seem to clean no matter how much time is spent on preinstallation filtration. Is it possible that certain lubricant ingredients give false positive readings in certain generally accepted particle counting test methods? Some have already proven that the answer is yes. This paper will attempt to evaluate various specific chemical ingredients used to formulate hydraulic fluids, including base stocks and additive components, to determine in further detail which components “trick” particle count tests.
Technology and Applications of Alternately Timed Quenching Technology
Authors: Chen Nailu , Zuo Xunwei , Zhou Shu , Xu Jun 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Some steels fail to meet mechanical property requirements after oil quenching with subsequent tempering. If water is used in an attempt to facilitate better property formation, quenching cracks may then be encountered. To address these situations a methodology referred to as Alternately Timed Quenching (AT-Quenching) has been developed and is described in this paper. Computer simulation using water and air as the quenching media was used to develop AT-Quenching methodology. Based on the simulation results, the processing parameters of AT-Quenching were determined and then applied using a computer-controlled quenching tank. The results obtained from this study showed that the use of AT-Quenching could increase the depth of hardening without cracking.
Unique expression pattern of the EMT markers Snail, Twist and E-cadherin in benign and malignant parathyroid neoplasia
Authors: Fendrich Volker , Waldmann Jens , Feldmann Georg , Schlosser Katja , König Alexander , Ramaswamy Annette , Bartsch Detlef K , Karakas Elias 
Published: January 2009

BackgroundEpithelial and mesenchymal transitions (EMT) are essential for embryonic development and progression of non-invasive tumor cells into malignant, metastatic carcinomas. During embryogenesis, the parathyroid glands develop from pharyngeal pouches and migrate to their final destinations, densely enclosed by mesenchymal neural crest cells. In this study, we examined the expression of the EMT markers Snail, Twist and E-cadherin in normal parathyroid glands and benign and malignant parathyroid diseases.MethodsUsing immunohistochemistry, we compared expression of E-cadherin, Snail and Twist in 25 patients with parathyroid adenoma, 25 patients with parathyroid hyperplasia, and nine patients with parathyroid cancer with normal parathyroid glands.ResultsNormal parathyroid glands, parathyroid adenomas, and parathyroid hyperplasias showed a typical membranous E-cadherin staining pattern. Expression of Snail was found in 22/25 parathyroid adenomas and in all parathyroid hyperplasias. Twist was expressed in 22/25 of parathyroid adenomas and in 20/25 parathyroid hyperplasias. Snail and Twist positive cells were homogeneously distributed throughout the gland. However, in all nine parathyroid carcinomas, membranous E-cadherin staining was lost. In addition, the expression pattern of Snail and Twist was changed and mostly limited to the invasive front of cancer tissue samples.ConclusionExpression of Snail and Twist at the invasive front and consecutive loss of E-cadherin in parathyroid carcinomas suggests a key role of EMT in the tumorigenesis of this cancer. The unique expression pattern could help to distinguish between an adenoma and a non-metastatic carcinoma. Loss of E-cadherin and change of the expression pattern of Snail and Twist together should result in anen blocresection or a close follow-up.