bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Lymphoma Patients With Prior Resolved Hepatitis B Undergoing Anticancer Therapy With or Without Rituximab
Authors: Yeo Winnie , Chan Tung C. , Leung Nancy W.Y. , Lam Wai Y. , Mo Frankie K.F. , Chu Miu Ting , Chan Henry L.Y. , Hui Edwin P. , Lei Kenny I.K. , Mok Tony S.K. , Chan Paul K.S. 
Published: December 2008

Purpose Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a well-recognized complication in cancer patients with chronic HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] positive) undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy. In patients who have resolved HBV (HBsAg negative and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen [anti-HBc] ± antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs] positive), such incidence has been much less common until recent use of rituximab. In this study on HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc–positive lymphoma patients, the objectives were to determine the HBV reactivation rate in patients treated with rituximab-containing chemotherapy and to compare it with the rate in patients treated without rituximab. Patients and Methods Between January 2003 and December 2006, all patients diagnosed with CD20+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) had HBsAg determined before anticancer therapy. They were treated with either cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) alone or rituximab plus CHOP (R-CHOP). HBsAg-negative patients had anti-HBc determined; serum was stored for anti-HBs and HBV DNA. All patients were observed for HBV reactivation, which was defined as detectable HBV DNA with ALT elevation during and for 6 months after anticancer therapy. Results Among 104 CD20+ DLBCL patients, 80 were HBsAg negative. Of the latter, 46 patients (44.2%) were HBsAg negative/anti-HBc positive; 25 of these patients were treated with CHOP, and none had HBV reactivation. In contrast, among the 21 patients treated with R-CHOP, five developed HBV reactivation, including one patient who died of hepatic failure (P = .0148). Exploratory analysis identified male sex, absence of anti-HBs, and use of rituximab to be predictive of HBV reactivation. Conclusion Among HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc–positive DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP, 25% developed HBV reactivation. Close monitoring until at least 6 months after anticancer therapy is required, with an alternative approach of prophylactic antiviral therapy to prevent this potentially fatal condition.
Influence of flexibility on the aerodynamic performance of a hovering wing
Authors: Vanella Marcos , Fitzgerald Timothy , Preidikman Sergio , Balaras Elias , Balachandran Balakumar 
Published: December 2008

SUMMARYIn the present study, a computational investigation was carried out to understand the influence of flexibility on the aerodynamic performance of a hovering wing. A flexible, two-dimensional, two-link model moving within a viscous fluid was considered. The Navier–Stokes equations governing the fluid dynamics were solved together with the equations governing the structural dynamics by using a strongly coupled fluid–structure interaction scheme. Harmonic kinematics was used to prescribe the motions of one of the links, thus effectively reducing the wing to a single degree-of-freedom oscillator. The wing's flexibility was characterized by the ratio of the flapping frequency to the natural frequency of the structure. Apart from the rigid case, different values of this frequency ratio (only in the range of 1/2 to 1/6) were considered at the Reynolds numbers of 75, 250 and 1000. It was found that flexibility can enhance aerodynamic performance and that the best performance is realized when the wing is excited by a non-linear resonance at 1/3 of the natural frequency. Specifically, at Reynolds numbers of 75, 250 and 1000, the aerodynamic performance that is characterized by the ratio of lift coefficient to drag coefficient is respectively increased by 28%, 23% and 21% when compared with the corresponding ratios of a rigid wing driven with the same kinematics. For all Reynolds numbers, the lift generated per unit driving power is also enhanced in a similar manner. The wake capture mechanism is enhanced, due to a stronger flow around the wing at stroke reversal, resulting from a stronger end of stroke vortex at the trailing edge. The present study provides some clues about how flexibility affects the aerodynamic performance in low Reynolds number flapping flight. In addition, it points to the importance of considering non-linear resonances for enhancing aerodynamic performance.
Mechanics and energetics of incline walking with robotic ankle exoskeletons
Authors: Sawicki Gregory S. , Ferris Daniel P. 
Published: December 2008

SUMMARYWe examined healthy human subjects wearing robotic ankle exoskeletons to study the metabolic cost of ankle muscle–tendon work during uphill walking. The exoskeletons were powered by artificial pneumatic muscles and controlled by the user's soleus electromyography. We hypothesized that as the demand for net positive external mechanical work increased with surface gradient, the positive work delivered by ankle exoskeletons would produce greater reductions in users' metabolic cost. Nine human subjects walked at 1.25 m s–1 on gradients of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%. We compared rates of O2 consumption and CO2 production, exoskeleton mechanics, joint kinematics, and surface electromyography between unpowered and powered exoskeleton conditions. On steeper inclines, ankle exoskeletons delivered more average positive mechanical power (P&lt;0.0001;+0.37±0.03 W kg–1 at 15% grade and +0.23±0.02 W kg–1 at 0% grade) and reduced subjects' net metabolic power by more (P&lt;0.0001; –0.98±0.12 W kg–1at 15% grade and –0.45±0.07 W kg–1 at 0% grade). Soleus muscle activity was reduced by 16–25% when wearing powered exoskeletons on all surface gradients (P&lt;0.0008). The `apparent efficiency' of ankle muscle–tendon mechanical work decreased from 0.53 on level ground to 0.38 on 15% grade. This suggests a decreased contribution from previously stored Achilles' tendon elastic energy and an increased contribution from actively shortening ankle plantar flexor muscle fibers to ankle muscle–tendon positive work during walking on steep uphill inclines. Although exoskeletons delivered 61% more mechanical work at the ankle up a 15% grade compared with level walking, relative reductions in net metabolic power were similar across surface gradients (10–13%). These results suggest a shift in the relative distribution of mechanical power output to more proximal (knee and hip) joints during inclined walking.
A two-dimensional computational study on the fluid–structure interaction cause of wing pitch changes in dipteran flapping flight
Authors: Ishihara Daisuke , Horie T. , Denda Mitsunori 
Published: December 2008

SUMMARYIn this study, the passive pitching due to wing torsional flexibility and its lift generation in dipteran flight were investigated using (a) the non-linear finite element method for the fluid–structure interaction,which analyzes the precise motions of the passive pitching of the wing interacting with the surrounding fluid flow, (b) the fluid–structure interaction similarity law, which characterizes insect flight, (c) the lumped torsional flexibility model as a simplified dipteran wing, and (d) the analytical wing model, which explains the characteristics of the passive pitching motion in the simulation. Given sinusoidal flapping with a frequency below the natural frequency of the wing torsion, the resulting passive pitching in the steady state, under fluid damping, is approximately sinusoidal with the advanced phase shift. We demonstrate that the generated lift can support the weight of some Diptera.
Activity of the pituitary–gonadal axis is increased prior to the onset of spawning migration of chum salmon
Authors: Onuma Takeshi A. , Sato Shunpei , Katsumata Hiroshi , Makino Keita , Hu WeiWei , Jodo Aya , Davis Nancy D. , Dickey Jon T. , Ban Masatoshi , Ando Hironori , Fukuwaka Masa-aki , Azumaya Tomonori , Swanson Penny , Urano Akihisa 
Published: December 2008

SUMMARY
The activity of the pituitary–gonadal axis (PG axis) in pre-migratory and homing chum salmon was examined because endocrine mechanisms underlying the onset of spawning migration remain unknown. Pre-migratory fish were caught in the central Bering Sea in June, July and September 2001, 2002 and 2003, and in the Gulf of Alaska in February 2006. They were classified into immature and maturing adults on the basis of gonadal development. The maturing adults commenced spawning migration to coastal areas by the end of summer, because almost all fish in the Bering Sea were immature in September. In the pituitaries of maturing adults, the copy numbers of FSHβ mRNA and the FSH content were 2.5- to 100-fold those of the immature fish. Similarly, the amounts of LHβ mRNA and LH content in the maturing adults were 100- to 1000-fold those of immature fish. The plasma levels of testosterone,11-ketotestosterone and estradiol were higher than 10 nmol l–1 in maturing adults, but lower than 1.0 nmol l–1 in immature fish. The increase in the activity of the PG-axis components had already initiated in the maturing adults while they were still in the Gulf of Alaska in winter. In the homing adults, the pituitary contents and the plasma levels of gonadotropins and plasma sex steroid hormones peaked during upstream migration from the coast to the natal hatchery. The present results thus indicate that the seasonal increase in the activity of the PG axis is an important endocrine event that is inseparable from initiation of spawning migration of chum salmon.
Jumping strategies and performance in shore bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera,Saldidae)
Authors: Burrows Malcolm 
Published: December 2008

SUMMARYThe jumping movements of the hemipteran shore bug (Saldula saltatoria, sub-order Heteroptera, family Saldidae) were analysed from sequences of images captured at 5000 frames s–1. Adult Saldula weigh ∼2.1 mg and are ∼3.5 mm long. The hind legs that propel jumping are 180% longer than the front legs and 90% of body length, but non-jumping species in the same family have longer hind legs relative to the lengths of their bodies. Jumps were powered by large trochanteral depressor muscles in the thorax in two different strategies. In the first (used in 24% of jumps analysed), a jump was propelled by simultaneous extension of the two hind legs powered by rapid depression movements about the coxo-trochanteral joints, while both pairs of wings remained closed. In the second strategy (74% of jumps), the wings were opened before the hind legs began to move. At take-off, the position of the wings was variable and could be 8–21 ms into either elevation or depression. When the hind legs alone propelled a jump, the body was accelerated in 3.97±0.111 ms at a take-off angle of 52±6.5° to a take-off velocity of 1.27±0.119 m s–1; when the wings also moved, the body was accelerated in 3.86±0.055 ms at a take-off angle of 58±1.7° to a take-off velocity of 1.29±0.032 m s–1. These values are not different in the two jumping strategies. In its best jumps the take-off velocity reached 1.8 m s–1 so that Saldula experienced an average acceleration of 529 m s–2, equivalent to almost 54g, expended 3.4 μJ of energy, while exerting a force of 1.1 m N. The power requirements for jumping indicate that a catapult mechanism must be used in which the trochanteral depressor muscles contract and store energy in advance of a jump. These jumps should propel it to a height of 105 mm or 30 times its body length and distances of 320 mm. The two jumping strategies achieve the same jumping performance.
Ligand-specific induction of endocytosis in taste receptor cells
Authors: Døving Kjell B. , Sandvig Kirsten , Kasumyan Alexander 
Published: December 2008

SUMMARYWe demonstrate a ligand-specific induction of endocytosis in cells of juvenile brown trout taste buds. The process is fast, massive and selective,as only a few cells in each taste buds are stained by exposure of the oral cavity to the taste stimulant l-cysteine together with a dye at 20°C. Low temperature (+2°C) and disruption of microtubules with nocodazole caused a substantial reduction in the number of taste cells stained, indicating endocytic uptake of dye and transport towards the cell soma in vesicles. As endocytosis is evoked by the presence of ligands, it is most likely that the stained cells are the so-called receptor cells, which have taste receptors and the molecular machinery for downstream processing. The number of stained taste cells and taste buds containing stained taste cells increased with the concentration of l-cysteine. Control experiments with different dyes revealed great variability in the ability to induce staining on their own. In particular, Texas Red dextran was efficient and stained many cells within each taste bud. Behavioural experiments demonstrated that Texas Red dextran is a deterrent taste substance for brown trout. In fish first exposed to the stimulant l-cysteine plus a dye and subsequently to a deterrent, either Texas Red, or glycine, the majority of stained cells were found in separate taste receptor cells, indicating that the majority of taste receptors for stimulants and deterrents are expressed in separate taste buds. These results also strengthen the assumption that the stained cells take part in the initiation of taste processes that are related to perception. The functional implication of the induced endocytosis is discussed.
Applicability of cutting fluids with nanoparticle inclusion as coolants in machining
Authors: Srikant R R , Rao D N , Subrahmanyam M S , Krishna Vamsi P 
Published: December 2008

Heat liberated and the friction associated with the cutting process ever pose a problem in terms of tool life. Cutting fluids have been the conventional choice to address the problem. However, environmental hazards posed by the fluids have limited their usage, giving rise to minimum quantity lubrication. Nevertheless, its capability to carry away the heat and provide adequate lubrication is limited. In view of the above problems, nanofluids have gained prominence. Nanofluids, with their cooling and lubricating properties, have emerged as a promising solution. This article deals with characterizing changes in the heat transfer capacities of nanofluids with the inclusion of nanoparticles in the cutting fluids. To estimate the prevalent temperatures in machining, a facing operation is carried out under constant cutting conditions in a dry state and using conventional cutting fluid as coolant. Heat transfer coefficients are estimated using the analogy for flow over flat plates in all lubricating conditions. The temperatures calculated using the estimated heat transfer coefficient for conventional cutting fluid are compared with the experimental observations to validate the methodology. Temperature profiles are simulated using ANSYS 5.4 to infer on the suitability of the coolants in enhancing machining performance. Nanoparticle inclusion is found to be beneficial in improving the coolant properties. Nevertheless, the high cost of nanoparticles may appear to be prohibitive and hence minimum requirement of inclusion is estimated.
Vitamin D–Independent Therapeutic Effects of Extracellular Calcium in a Mouse Model of Adult-Onset Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Weber Karin , Zeitz Ute , Bergow Claudia , Hirmer Sieglinde , Schüler Christiane , Erben Reinhold G 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Cell proliferation and PTH secretion in the parathyroid gland are known to be regulated by vitamin D and extracellular calcium. Here, we examined the vitamin D–independent effects of correction of extracellular calcium in an adult-onset secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) model, using mice with a nonfunctioning vitamin D receptor (VDR). Wildtype and homozygous VDR mutant mice were kept on a rescue diet (RD) containing 2% calcium (Ca), 1.25% phosphorus (P), and 20% lactose until they were 4 mo or 1 yr of age. Subsequently, 4-mo-old mice were switched to a challenge diet (CD) containing the following: 0.5% Ca, 0.4% P, and 0% lactose. After 2 mo on the CD, groups of VDR mutant mice were either fed CD, a normal mouse chow with 0.9% Ca, 0.7% P, and 0% lactose, or the RD for another 3 mo. Feeding the RD protected VDR mutants against sHPT over 1 yr, showing that vitamin D is not essential for long-term control of the function and proliferation of parathyroid cells. When 4-mo-old VDR mutants were switched from the RD to the CD for 2 mo, they developed severe sHPT associated with hypertrophy and hyperplasia of parathyroid glands and profound bone loss. Subsequent feeding of the RD during a 3-mo therapy phase fully corrected sHPT, reduced chief cell proliferation, and reduced maximum parathyroid gland area by 25% by cell atrophy. There was no evidence of RD-induced chief cell apoptosis. We conclude that signaling by the calcium-sensing receptor regulates chief cell function and size in the absence of signaling through the VDR.
Kraft lignin as feedstock for chemical products: The effects of membrane filtration
Authors: Brodin Ida , Sjöholm Elisabeth , Gellerstedt Göran 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The use of technical lignins as feedstock for chemical products will require improvements in purity, molecular mass distribution, and thermal behavior. Therefore, industrial black liquors from kraft pulping of softwood (spruce/pine) and hardwood (birch and Eucalyptus globulus) have been subjected to fractionation according to molecular mass by ceramic membranes. After acidification and isolation of the lignin fractions, a variety of analytical methods have been applied to help understand their structure – property relationships. From all types of lignin, the chemical and polymeric properties of fractions isolated from the membrane permeates were more homogeneous. This demonstrates that technical kraft lignins, irrespective of origin, may constitute an interesting feedstock for products, such as carbon fibers, adhesives, and phenol-based polymers.
Pile Settlement and Uplift in Liquefying Sand Deposit
Authors: Charlie Wayne A. , Allard David J. , Doehring Donald O. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This paper describes a test program using explosives to induce excess pore pressure in a large deposit of saturated sand supporting two friction piles (W150×18 SI wide-flange beams). Variables studied were pile settlement and uplift versus the pore pressure ratio, initial static safety factor of the piles, and peak particle velocity. Little or no vertical pile movement occurred for the tension or compression pile when the pile-soil interface pore pressure ratio (PPR) was less than 0.2 or 0.5, respectively. The tension pile with a static safety factor of 1.4 uplifted over four times the pile’s width when the PPR exceeded about 0.6. The compression pile with a static safety factor of 2.7 settled 0.1 and 4 times the pile’s width when the PPR exceeded about 0.6 and 0.9, respectively. Results parallel earlier model laboratory studies.
Influence of Strain Gage Position on the Static and Dynamic Performance of Instrumented Impact Strikers
Authors: Schuurmans Johan , Scibetta Marc , Lucon Enrico , Puzzolante Jean-Louis 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The quality and reliability of impact forces obtained from instrumented Charpy tests has been devoted considerable attention at SCK⋅CEN since the 1990’s, in parallel to the development and qualification of advanced methodologies for the surveillance of nuclear reactor pressure vessels (Enhanced Surveillance Strategy). In this framework, careful analysis of the instrumented force/deflection traces from Charpy tests allows the defining of important parameters which can help investigate material characteristics such as flow properties, microcleavage fracture stress, crack arrest behavior and alternative characteristic (index) temperatures. While first efforts at SCK⋅CEN were concentrated on the optimization of the striker calibration procedure, more recently the focus has been put on the in-house development and optimization of reliable instrumented strikers with both 2 mm radius (ISO 148) and 8 mm radius (ASTM E23). Evidence was found that the position of the strain gages affects the static and dynamic performance of the newly developed strikers. Additional investigations in this direction have shown that the linearity of the strikers during static calibration improves as the gages are placed further away from the striking edge. For the ASTM design, moving the strain gages away also reduces the characteristic “tail” that is typically observed just before a ductile specimen is ejected from the anvils. Our research shows that the best striker performance is achieved when the center of the T-rosette is located at about 16 mm from the striking edge, using a top/bottom configuration.
A Simple Estimator of Errors-in-Variables Model Using Instrumental Errors Ratio
Authors: Wang Tuo , Wang Wenzhou 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This paper proposes a new estimator of regression coefficient in a linear model when both variables are observed with errors. Unlike previous estimators, the new estimator fully utilizes instrumental errors ratio (k) available to the experimental researcher. When compared to other estimators, our estimator is easy to use and provides an estimate with less bias. It is also a generalization of existing methods when k takes different values.
The Evolution and Diversification ofS-Locus Haplotypes in the Brassicaceae Family
Authors: Edh Kristina , Widén Björn , Ceplitis Alf 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSelf-incompatibility (SI) in the Brassicaceae plant family is controlled by the SRK and SCR genes situated at the S locus. A large number of S haplotypes have been identified, mainly in cultivated species of the Brassica and Raphanus genera, but recently also in wild Arabidopsis species. Here, we used DNA sequences from the SRK and SCR genes of the wild Brassica species Brassica cretica, together with publicly available sequence data from other Brassicaceae species, to investigate the evolutionary relationships among S haplotypes in the Brassicaceae family. The results reveal that wild and cultivated Brassica species have similar levels of SRK diversity, indicating that domestication has had but a minor effect on S-locus diversity in Brassica. Our results also show that a common set of S haplotypes was present in the ancestor of the Brassica and Arabidopsis genera, that only a small number of haplotypes survived in the Brassica lineage after its separation from Arabidopsis, and that diversification within the two Brassica dominance classes occurred after the split between the two lineages. We also found indications that recombination may have occurred between the kinase domain of SRK and the SCR gene in Brassica.
Ribosome Association and Stability of the Nascent Polypeptide-Associated Complex Is Dependent Upon Its Own Ubiquitination
Authors: Panasenko Olesya O , David Fabrice P A , Collart Martine A 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
In this work we addressed the role of ubiquitination in the function of the nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC), named EGD in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To this end, we first identified the lysines residues required for ubiquitination of EGD/NAC. While simultaneous mutation of many lysines in the α-subunit of NAC (Egd2p) was required to abolish its ubiquitination, for the β-subunit of NAC (Egd1p), mutation of K29 and K30 was sufficient. We determined that the ubiquitination of the two EGD subunits was coordinated, occurring during growth first on Egd1p and then on Egd2p. Egd2p was ubiquitinated earlier during growth if Egd1p could not be ubiquitinated. The use of mutants revealed the importance of EGD ubiqutination for its ribosome association and stability. Finally, our study demonstrated an interaction of EGD/NAC with the proteasome and revealed the importance of the Not4p E3 ligase, responsible for EGD/NAC ubiquitination, in this association.