bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multi-Fc-species system for recombinant antibody production
Authors: Moutel Sandrine , El Marjou Ahmed , Vielemeyer Ole , Nizak Clément , Benaroch Philippe , Dübel Stefan , Perez Franck 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic projects often suffer from a lack of functional validation creating a strong demand for specific and versatile antibodies. Antibody phage display represents an attractive approach to select rapidly in vitro the equivalent of monoclonal antibodies, like single chain Fv antibodies, in an inexpensive and animal free way. However, so far, recombinant antibodies have not managed to impose themselves as efficient alternatives to natural antibodies.

Results
We developed a series of vectors that allow one to easily fuse single chain Fv antibodies to Fc domains of immunoglobulins, improving their sensitivity and facilitating their use. This series enables the fusion of single chain Fv antibodies with human, mouse or rabbit Fc so that a given antibody is no longer restricted to a particular species. This opens up unlimited multiplexing possibilities and gives additional value to recombinant antibodies. We also show that this multi-Fc species production system can be applied to natural monoclonal antibodies cloned as single chain Fv antibodies and we converted the widely used 9E10 mouse anti-Myc-tag antibody into a human and a rabbit antibody.

Conclusion
Altogether, this new expression system, that brings constant quality, sensitivity and unique versatility, will be important to broaden the use of recombinant and natural monoclonal antibodies both for laboratory and diagnosis use.
Opioid substitution treatment with sublingual buprenorphine in Manipur and Nagaland in Northeast India: what has been established needs to be continued and expanded
Authors: Kumar M Suresh , Natale Richard D , Langkham B , Sharma Charan , Kabi Rachel , Mortimore Gordon 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Manipur and Nagaland in northeast India report an antenatal HIV prevalence of > 1% and the current HIV prevalence among injecting drug users is 24% and 4.5% respectively. Through support from DFID's Challenge Fund, Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA) established thirteen drop-in-centres across the two states to deliver opioid substitution treatment with sublingual buprenorphine for 1200 injecting drug users. Within a short span of time the treatment has been found to be attractive to the clients and currently 1248 injecting opioid users are receiving opioid substitution treatment. The project is acceptable to the drug users, the families, the communities, religious as well as the militant groups. The treatment centres operate all days of the week, have trained staff members, utilize standardized protocols and ensure a strict supervised delivery system to prevent illicit diversion of buprenorphine. The drug users receiving the substitution treatment are referred to HIV voluntary counselling and testing. As this treatment has the potential to change HIV related risk behaviours, what has been established in the two states needs to be continued and expanded with the support from the Government of India.
Human prostate supports more efficient replication of HIV-1 R5 than X4 strains ex vivo
Authors: Le Tortorec Anna , Satie Anne-Pascale , Denis Hélène , Rioux-Leclercq Nathalie , Havard Laurence , Ruffault Annick , Jégou Bernard , Dejucq-Rainsford Nathalie 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
In order to determine whether human prostate can be productively infected by HIV-1 strains with different tropism, and thus represent a potential source of HIV in semen, an organotypic culture of prostate from men undergoing prostatic adenomectomy for benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) was developed. The presence of potential HIV target cells in prostate tissues was investigated using immunohistochemistry. The infection of prostate explants following exposures with HIV-1 R5, R5X4 and X4 strains was analyzed through the measure of RT activity in culture supernatants, the quantification of HIV DNA in the explants and the detection of HIV RNA+ cells in situ.

Results
The overall prostate characteristics were retained for 21/2 weeks in culture. Numerous potential HIV-1 target cells were detected in the prostate stroma. Whilst HIV-1 R5SF162 strain consistently productively infected prostatic T lymphocytes and macrophages, the prototypic X4IIIB strain and a primary R5X4 strain showed less efficient replication in this organ.

Conclusion
The BPH prostate is a site of HIV-1 R5 replication that could contribute virus to semen. A limited spreading of HIV-1 X4 and R5X4 in this organ could participate to the preferential sexual transmission of HIV-1 R5 strains.
Perceptions of short-term medical volunteer work: a qualitative study in Guatemala
Authors: Green Tyler , Green Heidi , Scandlyn Jean , Kestler Andrew 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Each year medical providers from wealthy countries participate in short-term medical volunteer work in resource-poor countries. Various authors have raised concern that such work has the potential to be harmful to recipient communities; however, the social science and medical literature contains little research into the perceptions of short-term medical volunteer work from the perspective of members of recipient communities. This exploratory study examines the perception of short-term medical volunteer work in Guatemala among groups of actors affected by or participating in these programs.

Methods
The researchers conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 72 individuals, including Guatemalan healthcare providers and health authorities, foreign medical providers, non-medical personnel working on health projects, and Guatemalan parents of children treated by a short-term volunteer group. Detailed notes and summaries of these interviews were uploaded, coded and annotated using Atlas.ti (Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin) to identify recurrent themes from the interviews.

Results
Informants commonly identified a need for increased access to medical services in Guatemala, and many believed that short-term medical volunteers are in a position to offer improved access to medical care in the communities where they serve. Informants most frequently cited appropriate patient selection and attention to payment systems as the best means to avoid creating dependence on foreign aid. The most frequent suggestion to improve short-term medical volunteer work was coordination with and respect for local Guatemalan healthcare providers and their communities, as insufficient understanding of the country's existing healthcare resources and needs may result in perceived harm to the recipient community.

Conclusion
The perceived impact of short-term medical volunteer projects in Guatemala is highly variable and dependent upon the individual project. In this exploratory study, project characteristics were identified that are consistently perceived to be either positive or negative. These findings have direct implications for anyone involved in the planning and execution of short-term medical volunteer projects, including local and foreign medical team members, project planners and coordinators, and health authorities. Most importantly, this preliminary study suggests avenues for future study and evaluation of the impact of short-term medical volunteer programs on local health care services.
Biocompatibility of Poly-ε-caprolactone-hydroxyapatite composite on mouse bone marrow-derived osteoblasts and endothelial cells
Authors: Yu Haiying , Wooley Paul H , Yang Shang-You 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundTissue-engineered bone may be developed by seeding the cells capable of both osteogenesis and vascularization on biocompatible composite scaffolds. The current study investigated the performance of mice bone marrow-derived osteogenic cells and endothelial cells as seeded on hydroxyapatite (HA) and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) composite scaffolds.MethodsMononuclear cells were induced to osteoblasts and endothelial cells respectively, which were defined by the expression of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and deposits of calcium-containing crystal for osteoblasts, or by the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and von Willebrand factor (vWF), and the formation of a capillary network in Matrigel™ for endothelial cells. Both types of cell were seeded respectively on PCL-HA scaffolds at HA to PCL weight ratio of 1:1, 1:4, or 0:1 and were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, ALP activity (of osteoblasts) and nitric oxide production (of endothelial cells) plus the assessment of cell viability.ResultsThe results indicated that HA led to a positive stimulation of osteoblasts viability and ALP activity, while HA showed less influence on endothelial cells viability. An elevated nitric oxide production of endothelial cells was observed in HA-containing group.ConclusionSupplement of HA into PCL improved biocompatible for bone marrow-derived osteoblasts and endothelial cells. The PCL-HA composite integrating with two types of cells may provide a useful system for tissue-engineered bone grafts with vascularization.
Detergent resistant membrane-associated IDE in brain tissue and cultured cells: Relevance to Aβ and insulin degradation
Authors: Bulloj Ayelén , Leal María C , Surace Ezequiel I , Zhang Xue , Xu Huaxi , Ledesma Maria D , Castaño Eduardo M , Morelli Laura 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) is implicated in the regulation of amyloid β (Aβ) steady-state levels in the brain, and its deficient expression and/or activity may be a risk factor in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although IDE sub-cellular localization has been well studied, the compartments relevant to Aβ degradation remain to be determined.

Results
Our results of live immunofluorescence, immuno gold electron-microscopy and gradient fractionation concurred to the demonstration that endogenous IDE from brain tissues and cell cultures is, in addition to its other localizations, a detergent-resistant membrane (DRM)-associated metallopeptidase. Our pulse chase experiments were in accordance with the existence of two pools of IDE: the cytosolic one with a longer half-life and the membrane-IDE with a faster turn-over. DRMs-associated IDE co-localized with Aβ and its distribution (DRMs vs. non-DRMs) and activity was sensitive to manipulation of lipid composition in vitro and in vivo. When IDE was mis-located from DRMs by treating cells with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), endogenous Aβ accumulated in the extracellular space and exogenous Aβ proteolysis was impaired. We detected a reduced amount of IDE in DRMs of membranes isolated from mice brain with endogenous reduced levels of cholesterol (Chol) due to targeted deletion of one seladin-1 allele. We confirmed that a moderate shift of IDE from DRMs induced a substantial decrement on IDE-mediated insulin and Aβ degradation in vitro.

Conclusion
Our results support the notion that optimal substrate degradation by IDE may require its association with organized-DRMs. Alternatively, DRMs but not other plasma membrane regions, may act as platforms where Aβ accumulates, due to its hydrophobic properties, reaching local concentration close to its Km for IDE facilitating its clearance. Structural integrity of DRMs may also be required to tightly retain insulin receptor and IDE for insulin proteolysis. The concept that mis-location of Aβ degrading proteases away from DRMs may impair the physiological turn-over of Aβ in vivo deserves further investigation in light of therapeutic strategies based on enhancing Aβ proteolysis in which DRM protease-targeting may need to be taken into account.
Protein-protein interaction as a predictor of subcellular location
Authors: Shin Chang Jin , Wong Simon , Davis Melissa J , Ragan Mark A 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundMany biological processes are mediated by dynamic interactions between and among proteins. In order to interact, two proteins must co-occur spatially and temporally. As protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and subcellular location (SCL) are discoveredviaseparate empirical approaches, PPI and SCL annotations are independent and might complement each other in helping us to understand the role of individual proteins in cellular networks. We expect reliable PPI annotations to show that proteins interactingin vivoare co-located in the same cellular compartment. Our goal here is to evaluate the potential of using PPI annotation in determining SCL of proteins in human, mouse, fly and yeast, and to identify and quantify the factors that contribute to this complementarity.ResultsUsing publicly available data, we evaluate the hypothesis that interacting proteins must be co-located within the same subcellular compartment. Based on a large, manually curated PPI dataset, we demonstrate that a substantial proportion of interacting proteins are in fact co-located. We develop an approach to predict the SCL of a protein based on the SCL of its interaction partners, given sufficient confidence in the interaction itself. The frequency of false positive PPIs can be reduced by use of six lines of supporting evidence, three based on type of recorded evidence (empirical approach, multiplicity of databases, and multiplicity of literature citations) and three based on type of biological evidence (inferred biological process, domain-domain interactions, and orthology relationships), with biological evidence more-effective than recorded evidence. Our approach performs better than four existing prediction methods in identifying the SCL of membrane proteins, and as well as or better for soluble proteins.ConclusionUnderstanding cellular systems requires knowledge of the SCL of interacting proteins. We show how PPI data can be used more effectively to yield reliable SCL predictions for both soluble and membrane proteins. Scope exists for further improvement in our understanding of cellular function through consideration of the biological context of molecular interactions.
Generating Aptamers for Recognition of Virus-Infected Cells
Authors: Tang Zhiwen , Parekh Parag , Turner Pete , Moyer Richard W , Tan Weihong 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Background: The development of molecular probes capable of recognizing virus-infected cells is essential to meet the serious clinical, therapeutic, and national-security challenges confronting virology today. We report the development of DNA aptamers as probes for the selective targeting of virus-infected living cells.
Methods: To create aptamer probes capable of recognizing virus-infected cells, we used cell-SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands via exponential enrichment), which uses intact infected live cells as targets for aptamer selection. In this study, vaccinia virus–infected and –uninfected lung cancer A549 cells were chosen to develop our model probes.
Results: A panel of aptamers has been evolved by means of the infected cell–SELEX procedure. The results demonstrate that the aptamers bind selectively to vaccinia virus–infected A549 cells with apparent equilibrium dissociation constants in the nanomolar range. In addition, these aptamers can specifically recognize a variety of target infected cell lines. The aptamers’ target is most likely a viral protein located on the cell surface.
Conclusions: The success of developing a panel of DNA-aptamer probes capable of recognizing virus-infected cells via a whole living cell–SELEX selection strategy may increase our understanding of the molecular signatures of infected cells. Our findings suggest that aptamers can be developed as molecular probes for use as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents and for facilitating drug delivery against infected cells.
The Bioethical Vacuum: National Policies on Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research in India and China
Authors: Sleeboom-Faulkner Margaret , Patra Prasanna Kumar 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDeveloping countries have sought to profit from theSecondly, we discuss government policies on the institutional aspects of hESR that have made China relatively attractive to foreign investors compared to India. In the concluding part, we discuss various dimensions of bioethics with regards to hESR, and how governing bodies mobilise cultural resources as economic capital.
The Role of Ethics and Morality in EU Law
Authors: Herrmann Janne Rothmar , Rowlandson Malene 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe aim of this article is to reflect on the role of ethics and morality in EU law. Two specific biolegal fields of study constitute the primary object in this regard; funding of research into human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and the patentability hereof. The reason why the choice has fallen upon these aspects in particular is that they are both pivotal to the pursuit and realisation of the therapeutic and commercial prospects ascribed to hESC research. Whilst the said prospects are enormous the Member States' different outlook upon the permissibility of engaging in such activities is, however, equally immense because of their different cultural background and religious inheritance. Due to the various approaches towards the ethical issues raised in this regard the European Community is therefore faced with a great challenge. It is in the light of this challenge that the reflections on the role of ethics and morality in EU law are to be seen.
More Altruism, Please
Authors: Scott Niall 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper addresses the need for more attention to be paid to altruism as a fundamentally underpinning any bioethical enquiry. I argue along with Bernard Williams that altruism is necessary to morality, and if this is the case, it is necessary for bioethics. In following a Kantian line on altruism, I take issue with the consequentialist component of Beau-champ and Childress treatment of beneficence, and argue that altruism paired with solidarity is a better match. However, even here it is my contention that altruism is required to give solidarity normative force.
Anisotropic Stiffness Measurements in a Stress-Path Triaxial Cell
Authors: Kuwano R , Connolly TM , Jardine RJ 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Anisotropy plays a significant role in many geotechnical problems. This paper describes how the anisotropic stiffness properties of soils may be assessed through stress path triaxial tests. Local strain instrumentation has been optimised to identify the linear elastic region of sand without sacrificing the ability to study behavior at strains up to 15%; the system described performs equally well with sands, silts and clays. A novel technique has been developed in which multi-directional shear wave velocity measurements are combined with static tests to provide a complete description of the soil's cross-anisotropic elastic properties through a simple manipulation of classical elastic theory. Results obtained in tests on a dense sand are presented to demonstrate the system capabilities, show how the theoretical approach may be applied in practice, and draw attention to some interesting features of the soil's elastic anisotropy.
Sample Preparation Technique for Artificially Cemented Soils
Authors: Ismail MA , Joer HA , Randolph MF 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Design of offshore foundations in cemented calcareous sediments requires a full understanding of the strength and deformation properties of the cemented soils. However, obtaining natural undisturbed samples from offshore sites is very expensive, and so there is a need to prepare reconstituted soils in the laboratory to replicate the natural material. Traditionally, cementing of the soils has been modelled by mixing Portland cement or gypsum powder with the uncemented soil in appropriate proportions to obtain a given strength.
This note describes a new sample preparation technique to provide high quality lightly-cemented samples of consistent density. Although the technique is suitable for many different forms of cementing agents, it is used here in conjunction with the Calcite Insitu Precipitation System (CIPS), where cementation is effected by flushing a special solution through the soil, leading to precipitation of calcite on the soil grains. This leads to a form of cementation that simulates the natural material much more closely than using conventional particulate cementing agents. The sample preparation technique is described, and example results are presented for a range of soils. Comparisons are given between the stress-strain response of CIPS-cemented and Portland-cemented soil, with the former exhibiting more brittle behavior after failure, and a greater tendency for volumetric collapse.
Liquefaction and Instability of a Granular Fill Material
Authors: Leong WK , Chu J , Teh CI 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The granular fills used for land reclamation in Singapore are usually dredged from the sea and contain a relatively high percent of shells. The engineering behavior of this type of granular fill may be different from that of clean sand. A series of laboratory studies were carried out to investigate the liquefaction and instability behavior of the granular fill under static loading conditions. Both static liquefaction and instability were observed to occur for loose granular fill. The instability occurred in the form of run-away deformation at a stress state below failure. The conditions for the occurrence of instability were established. The differences between liquefaction and instability were discussed.
Swelling Behavior of a Desiccated Clay
Authors: Rao KSS , Rao SM , Gangadhara S 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
This study examines the impact of varying the compaction (dry) density and water content on the swelling behavior of desiccated clay soil. Specimens in the shrunken state that have a history of four cycles of wetting and drying are referred to as desiccated specimens in this study. Experimental results showed that the volumetric swell potentials of the desiccated soil specimens were independent of their compaction water contents, but were strongly influenced by their initial void ratios. Comparatively, the vertical swell potentials of the desiccated specimens were independent of their initial water contents and initial void ratios. The results of this study indicated the existence of an optimum void ratio for the examined compacted specimens. Specimens compacted to this void ratio exhibit similar volumetric swell potentials in the as-compacted state and after cycles of wetting and drying.
Direct Shear Interface Test for Shaft Capacity of Piles in Sand
Authors: Reddy ES , Chapman DN , Sastry VVRN 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
For precise estimation of shaft capacity of a pile, it is essential to determine accurately the soil-pile interface friction angle (δ). The apparatus available to measure the value of δ, the miniature pile test apparatus and the soil-pile-slip test apparatus are only available for research purposes. This paper presents the details of an investigation carried out using the conventional direct shear test apparatus to measure the value of δ for soil-pile interface. The direct shear interface tests were conducted using four types of surfaces and two types of sands. The values of δ obtained from these tests are compared with the internal friction angle (φ) of the sand and with the results obtained from soil-pile-slip tests. The interface test results are also used to estimate the shaft capacity of a few model piles embedded in sand.