bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of HIV protein induced modulation of mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Cotter Eoin J , Ip Herbert Shi Ming , Powderly William G , Doran Peter P 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
A high incidence of decreased bone mineral density (BMD) has been associated with HIV infection. Normal skeletal homeostasis is controlled, at least in part, by the maturation and activity of mature osteoblasts. Previous studies by our group have demonstrated the ability of HIV proteins to perturb osteoblast function, and the degree of osteogenesis in differentiating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This study attempts to further dissect the dynamics of this effect.

Methods
MSCs were cultured under both osteogenic (cultured in commercially available differentiation media) and quiescent (cultured in basal medium) conditions. Both cell populations were exposed to HIV p55-gag and HIV rev (100 ng/ml). Time points were taken at 3, 6, 9, and 15 days for osteogenic conditions, while quiescent cells were treated for 1 week. Cell function (alkaline phosphatase [ALP] activity, calcium deposition, and lipid levels) and the activity of the key MSC transcription factors, RUNX-2 and PPARgamma were determined post-exposure. Also, in cells cultured in differentiating conditions, cellular levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were analysed using whole cell ELISA, while BMP-2 secretion was also examined.

Results
In differentiating MSCs, exposure to HIV proteins caused significant changes in both the timing and magnitude of key osteogenic events and signals. Treatment with REV increased the overall rate of mineralization, and induced earlier increases in CTGF levels, RUNX-2 activity and BMP-2 secretion, than those observed in the normal course of differntiation. In contrast, p55-gag reduced the overall level of osteogenesis, and reduced BMP-2 secretion, RUNX-2 activity, CTGF levels and ALP activity at many of the timepoints examined. Finally, in cells cultured in basal conditions, treatment with HIV proteins did not in and of itself induce a significant degree of differentiation over the time period examined.

Conclusion
These data demonstrate that the effect of HIV proteins on bone is dependent on the differentiation status of the cells that they are in contact with. The effect on bone cell signalling provides insights into the mechanism of HIV induced decreases in bone mineral density.
Association between the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and the metabolic syndrome in a non-Caucasian multi-ethnic sample
Authors: Al-Attar Salam A , Pollex Rebecca L , Ban Matthew R , Young T Kue , Bjerregaard Peter , Anand Sonia S , Yusuf Salim , Zinman Bernard , Harris Stewart B , Hanley Anthony JG , Connelly Philip W , Huff Murray W , Hegele Robert A 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
The rs9939609 T>A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the FTO gene has previously been found to be associated with obesity in European Caucasian samples. The objective of this study is to examine whether this association extends to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and applies in non-Caucasian samples.

Methods
The FTO rs9939609 SNP was genotyped in 2121 subjects from four different non-Caucasian geographical ancestries. Subjects were classified for the presence or absence of MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP) III definitions.

Results
Carriers of ≥ 1 copy of the rs9939609 A allele were significantly more likely to have IDF-defined MetS (35.8%) than non-carriers (31.2%), corresponding to a carrier odds ratio (OR) of 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.50), with a similar trend for the NCEP ATP III-defined MetS. Subgroup analysis showed that the association was particularly strong in men. The association was related to a higher proportion of rs9939609 A allele carriers meeting the waist circumference criterion; a higher proportion also met the HDL cholesterol criterion compared with wild-type homozygotes.

Conclusion
Thus, the FTO rs9939609 SNP was associated with an increased risk for MetS in this multi-ethnic sample, confirming that the association extends to non-Caucasian population samples.
The role of neighborhood level socioeconomic characteristics in Salmonella infections in Michigan (1997–2007): Assessment using geographic information system
Authors: Younus Muhammad , Hartwick Edward , Siddiqi Azfar A , Wilkins Melinda , Davies Herbert D , Rahbar Mohammad , Funk Julie , Saeed Mahdi 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background:
The majority of U.S. disease surveillance systems contain incomplete information regarding socioeconomic status (SES) indicators like household or family income and educational attainment in case reports, which reduces the usefulness of surveillance data for these parameters. We investigated the association between select SES attributes at the neighborhood level and Salmonella infections in the three most populated counties in Michigan using a geographic information system.

Methods:
We obtained data on income, education, and race from the 2000 U.S. Census, and the aggregate number of laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonellosis (1997–2006) at the block group level from the Michigan Department of Community Health. We used ArcGIS to visualize the distribution, and Poisson regression analysis to study associations between potential predictor variables and Salmonella infections.

Results:
Based on data from 3,419 block groups, our final multivariate model revealed that block groups with lower educational attainment were less commonly represented among cases than their counterparts with higher education levels (< high school degree vs. ≥ college degree: rate ratio (RR) = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.63, 0.99; ≥ and high school degree, but no college degree vs. ≥ college degree: RR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92). Levels of education also showed a dose-response relation with the outcome variable, i.e., decreasing years of education was associated with a decrease in Salmonella infections incidence at the block group level.

Conclusion:
Education plays a significant role in health-seeking behavior at the population level. It is conceivable that a reporting bias may exist due to a greater detection of Salmonella infections among high education block groups compared to low education block groups resulting from differential access to healthcare. In addition, individuals of higher education block groups who also have greater discretionary income may eat outside the home frequently and be more likely to own pets considered reservoirs of Salmonella, which increase the likelihood of contracting Salmonella infections compared to their counterparts with lower levels of education. Public health authorities should focus on improving the level of disease detection and reporting among communities with lower income and education and further evaluate the role of higher educational attainment in the predisposition for salmonellosis.
Targeting Lymph Node Retrieval and Assessment in Stage II Colon Cancer: A Quality Outcome Community-Based Cancer Center Study
Authors: Grote Thomas , Hughes Amy H. , Rimmer Cathy C. , Less Dale A. , Abernethy Amy P. ,   Multidisciplinary Gastrointestinal Tumor Board, Derrick L. Davis Forsyth Regional Cancer Center
Published: March 2008

Purpose Adequate lymph node evaluation is required for the proper staging of colon cancer. The current recommended number of lymph nodes that should be retrieved and assessed is 12. Methods The multidisciplinary Gastrointestinal Tumor Board at the Derrick L. Davis Forsyth Regional Cancer Center reviewed and recommended that a minimum of 12 lymph nodes be examined in all cases of colon cancer to ensure proper staging. This recommendation occurred at the end of the first quarter of 2005. To ensure this new standard was being followed, an outcomes study looking at the number of lymph nodes evaluated in stage II colon cancer was initiated. All patients with stage II colon cancer diagnosed between 2004 and 2006 were reviewed. Results There was a statistically significant improvement in the number of stage II colon cancer patients with 12 or more lymph nodes evaluated. Before the Gastrointestinal Tumor Board's recommendation, 49% (40 out of 82 patients) had 12 or more lymph nodes sampled. The median number of lymph nodes evaluated was 11. After the Gastrointestinal Tumor Board's recommendation, 79% (70 out of 88 patients) had 12 or more lymph nodes sampled. The median number of lymph nodes was 16. Conclusion Multidisciplinary tumor boards can impact the quality of care of patients as demonstrated in this study. Although we do not yet have survival data on these patients, based on the previous literature referenced in this article, we would expect to see an improvement in survival rates in patients with 12 or more nodes retrieved and assessed.
Effective Cellular Uptake and Efflux of Thyroid Hormone by Human Monocarboxylate Transporter 10
Authors: Friesema Edith C. H. , Jansen Jurgen , Jachtenberg Jan-willem , Visser W. Edward , Kester Monique H. A. , Visser Theo J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCellular entry of thyroid hormone is mediated by plasma membrane transporters, among others a T-type (aromatic) amino acid transporter. Monocarboxylate transporter 10 (MCT10) has been reported to transport aromatic amino acids but not iodothyronines. Within the MCT family, MCT10 is most homologous to MCT8, which is a very important iodothyronine transporter but does not transport amino acids. In view of this paradox, we decided to reinvestigate the possible transport of thyroid hormone by human (h) MCT10 in comparison with hMCT8. Transfection of COS1 cells with hMCT10 cDNA resulted in 1) the production of an approximately 55 kDa protein located to the plasma membrane as shown by immunoblotting and confocal microscopy, 2) a strong increase in the affinity labeling of intracellular type I deiodinase by N-bromoacetyl-[125I]T3, 3) a marked stimulation of cellular T4 and, particularly, T3 uptake, 4) a significant inhibition of T3 uptake by phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan of 12.5%, 22.2%, and 51.4%, respectively, and 5) a marked increase in the intracellular deiodination of T4 and T3 by different deiodinases. Cotransfection studies using the cytosolic thyroid hormone-binding protein μ-crystallin (CRYM) indicated that hMCT10 facilitates both cellular uptake and efflux of T4 and T3. In the absence of CRYM, hMCT10 and hMCT8 increased T3 uptake after 5 min incubation up to 4.0- and 1.9-fold, and in the presence of CRYM up to 6.9- and 5.8-fold, respectively. hMCT10 was less active toward T4 than hMCT8. These findings establish that hMCT10 is at least as active a thyroid hormone transporter as hMCT8, and that both transporters facilitate iodothyronine uptake as well as efflux.
Silencing of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor by Ribonucleic Acid Interference in Transgenic Rats Disrupts Endocrine Homeostasis
Authors: Lim Hee-Young , van den Brandt Jens , Fassnacht Martin , Allolio Bruno , Herold Marco J. , Reichardt Holger M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Currently, gene disruption by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells is only feasible in mice. To circumvent this problem, we silenced mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression by RNA interference in knockdown rats generated through lentiviral transgenesis. Analysis of the F1 progeny at 3 wk of age revealed strongly decreased MR levels. This was specific for the targeted gene and related to the abundance of the short interfering RNA. Reminiscent of MR knockout mice, the transgenic rats showed a reduced body weight, elevated serum aldosterone levels, increased plasma renin activity, and altered expression of MR target genes. Some of these effects correlated with the degree to which MR mRNA expression was reduced. Whereas disruption of the MR by gene targeting in mice leads to postnatal death, our strategy also allowed obtaining adult knockdown rats with defects in hormone and electrolyte homeostasis resembling pseudohypoaldosteronism. In conclusion, this is the first example of a human disease model based on RNA interference in rats.
Obestatin Induction of Early-Response Gene Expression in Gastrointestinal and Adipose Tissues and the Mediatory Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptor, GPR39
Authors: Zhang Jian V. , Jahr Holger , Luo Chin-Wei , Klein Cynthia , Van Kolen Kristof , Ver Donck Luc , De Ananya , Baart Esther , Li Jing , Moechars Dieder , Hsueh Aaron J. W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObestatin was identified as a brain/gut peptide hormone encoded by the ghrelin gene and found to interact with the G protein-coupled receptor, GPR39. We investigated target cells for obestatin based on induction of an early-response gene c-fos in different tissues. After ip injection of obestatin, c-fos staining was found in the nuclei of gastric mucosa, intestinal villi, white adipose tissues, hepatic cords, and kidney tubules. Immunohistochemical analyses using GPR39 antibodies further revealed cytoplasmic staining in these tissues. In cultured 3T3-L1 cells, treatment with obestatin, but not motilin, induced c-fos expression. In these preadipocytes, treatment with obestatin also stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Because phenotypes of GPR39 null mice are partially consistent with a role of GPR39 in mediating obestatin actions, we hypothesized that inconsistencies on the binding of iodinated obestatin to GPR39 are due to variations in the bioactivity of iodinated obestatin. We obtained monoiodoobestatin after HPLC purification and demonstrated its binding to jejunum, stomach, ileum, pituitary, and white adipose tissue. Furthermore, human embryonic kidney 293T cells transfected with plasmids encoding human or mouse GPR39 or a human GPR39 isoform, but not the ghrelin receptor, exhibited high-affinity binding to monoiodoobestatin. Binding studies using jejunum homogenates and recombinant GPR39 revealed obestatin-specific displacement curves. Furthermore, treatment with obestatin induced c-fos expression in gastric mucosa of wild-type, but not GPR39 null, mice, underscoring a mediating role of this receptor in obestatin actions. The present findings indicate that obestatin is a metabolic hormone capable of binding to GPR39 to regulate the functions of diverse gastrointestinal and adipose tissues.
Semi-active control of a passenger vehicle for improved ride and handling
Authors: Tsampardoukas G , Stammers C W , Guglielmino E 
Published: March 2008

A theoretical model is developed for the semi-active control of the suspension of a full passenger car using a variable-structure-type algorithm. Skyhook control and variants of balance control (cancelling or adding the dynamic spring forces) are applied via a magnetorheological damper at the front and rear wheels to improve the vehicle ride and handling. The magnetorheological damper is modelled via a Bouc—Wen approach. The semi-active vehicle response is compared with a passive response. The robustness of control is established by adding noise to the computed sensor inputs, and the loose-wire scenario is also considered. The results show that balance control is a robust algorithm. The magnitude of acceleration reduction (for the human body and head—neck complex) using semi-active control varies with the semi-active approach and vehicle speed (a simulated random road was assumed). At 30m/s the human body acceleration reduction was found to be 70 per cent with skyhook control and 40 per cent with balance control (cancelling the dynamic spring forces). The handling manoeuvres of the vehicle are presented utilizing BS ISO 3888-1 1999. The handling performance of the vehicle is significantly improved, when balance control by cancelling is applied on the rear dampers only. Using skyhook control and balance control by adding a spring force to the system it is not possible to improve the handling response of the vehicle.
Statistical engine knock modelling and adaptive control
Authors: Stotsky A A 
Published: March 2008

A new statistical concept of the knock control of a spark ignition automotive engine is proposed. The control aim is associated with the statistical hypothesis test which compares the threshold value with the average value of the maximum amplitude of the knock sensor signal at a certain frequency. Achievement of the control aim implies the desired separation between the average value of the maximum amplitude and the target value and hence the desired probability of knock occurrence. This new control concept allows the control algorithm parameters to be connected to the probability of knock occurrence and customer-related data. The regulation error is defined as the difference between the actual and the desired values of the statistic utilized. A control algorithm which is used for minimization of the regulation error realizes a simple count-up—count-down logic. A new adaptation algorithm for the knock detection threshold is developed. The confidence interval method is used as the basis for adaptation. A knock detection threshold is presented using a confidence interval with a certain significance level. The adaptation is performed for an aged engine so that the significance level is the same for the new and the aged engines despite the fact that the detection threshold values are different. This, in turn, guarantees the same knock detection performance for new and aged engines. A simple statistical model which includes generation of the amplitude signals, threshold value determination, and a knock sound model is developed for evaluation of the control concept. The statistical knock audibility concept is associated with the outlier detection method and is used in this paper for knock audibility judgement. A Volvo six-cylinder prototype engine equipped with cylinder pressure and block vibration sensors was used in the experiments. An external microphone was used for the knock sound measurements.
Microscopic geometry changes of a direct-injection diesel injector nozzle due to abrasive flow machining and a numerical investigation of its effects on engine performance and emissions
Authors: Jung D , Wang W L , Hu S J 
Published: March 2008

The geometric effects of the abrasive flow machining (AFM), a surface finishing process, on a direct-injection diesel fuel injector nozzle are studied and characterized in this study. To measure the microscopic variations inside the nozzle, before and after the AFM process, several different geometry characterization techniques are used. Empirical correlations that relate nozzle geometrical changes to the AFM process period are derived from the measurements. The resulting impact of the geometric changes of the nozzle on the engine performance and emissions are also assessed with a numerical engine cycle simulation model that is based on a quasi-dimensional multi-zone diesel spray combustion model. This study shows that properly AFM-processed injectors can enhance the engine performance and improve the emissions due to the improved quality of the nozzle characteristics. However, extended process can also cause the enlargement of the nozzle as a side effect and this can adversely affect emissions. Since the enlargement of the nozzle is unavoidable, yet must be minimized, strict control over the process is required. This control can be enforced by either limiting the AFM process, or properly preparing the initial nozzle diameter so as to accommodate the inevitable changes of nozzle geometry.
Natural language versus the literary standard from Varro to Saussure
Authors: Joseph John E 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
From ancient through modern times there have persisted various versions of a dichotomy between ‘natural’ and other, implicitly ‘unnatural’ forms of language. One version is a split between natural language and an ‘artificial’ literary or standard language. This paper examines several key moments in the development of this particular dichotomy, starting with Varro's belief that the language of poets should not be subject to the same rules of analogy as ordinary language is. Dante sets the pattern for modern considerations of the literary and standard language, which he would create by instituting a reversal of history. The concept is subsequently politicized by, for example, Nebrixa and Du Bellay. Saussure's views on literary language have parallels with Dante's ‘elimination of history’, and resonance for other aspects of Saussure's theory of language. The implications for contemporary views of what is and is not ‘natural’ in language are also considered.
Fictions, fantasies, and fears: The literary foundations of the cl oning debate
Authors: Nerlich Brigitte , Clarke David D , Dingwall Robert 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The debate about cloning and genetic engineering, which began in 1997, has been strongly influenced by fictional narratives, scripts, and images. They in turn provided the seeds for the creation of various metaphors used in the debate, especially by the media. The flow of metaphors and images associated with cloning is now ebbing away and is being replaced by a new wave of images and metaphors deployed in arguments against genetically modified food. In both cases, cloning and genetically modified food, the media reports are interwoven with more or less explicit references to science fiction novels and films, from Frankenstein to Gattaca and beyond. They nourish and reflect the general public's fears about an increasing process of biological hybridisation which blurs the boundaries between humans, plants, animals, and machines and threatens people's sense of humanity.
Spiraling Downward: America in Days of Heaven, In the Valley of Elah, and No Country for Old Men
Authors: Mellen Joan 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Bringing together the DVD reissue of Terrence Malick's Days of Heaven, Paul Haggis's In the Valley of Elah, and Joel and Ethan Coen's No Country for Old Men, this essay argues that the three films are indictments of the violent history of American militarism.
Temporal Trends in Largemouth Bass Mortality, with Fishery Implications
Authors: Allen Micheal S. , Walters Carl J. , Myers Randall 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
We reviewed estimates of annual exploitation (u) and total mortality (Z) for populations of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and used a simulation model to explore how temporal changes in u have influenced those populations. The review produced 32 estimates of u and 30 of Z spanning 51 years. Fishing mortality was roughly parabolic through time, with a mean of 0.35 for 1976–1989 and a mean of 0.18 for 1990–2003. Thus, average fishing mortality rates have declined by about one-half since about 1990. Total mortality declined with the decline in u, suggesting that changes in u caused lower overall total mortality rates. The evidence further suggests that the decline in u was caused by the voluntary release of fish by anglers rather than by changes in overall fishing effort. The simulation model showed that the decline in exploitation increased adult largemouth bass abundance but reduced the ability of size and bag regulations to improve population metrics owing to low rates of directed harvest. Discard mortality (i.e., the mortality of fish caught and released) would not negate the benefits of lower exploitation unless the mortality of fish caught and released was 0.3 or higher. Changes in angler behavior have substantially reduced fishing mortality for largemouth bass fisheries, which should be considered when developing management plans for this species and others with high rates of voluntary release.