bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blockade of CTLA-4 (CD152) enhances the murine antibody response to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides
Authors: Boudewijns Michaël , Jeurissen Axel , Wuyts Margaretha , Moens Leen , Boon Louis , Van Neerven Joost J , Kasran Ahmad , Overbergh Lut , Lenaerts Caroline , Waer Marc , Mathieu Chantal , Ceuppens Jan L , Bossuyt Xavier 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe capsular polysaccharides (caps-PS) of Streptococcus pneumoniae are classified as thymus-independent antigens. Nevertheless, T lymphocytes can modulate the antibody response to caps-PS. In this study, we show that anticytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) treatment, along with administration of caps-PS to BALB/c mice, resulted in a dose-dependent generation of a strong caps-PS-specific antibody response. Anti-CTLA-4 treatment had no effect on the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody production in athymic nu/nu mice. Anti-CTLA-4 treatment stimulated the IgG antibody production in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)/SCID mice reconstituted with CTLA-4−/− B lymphocytes and wild-type T lymphocytes. This excluded the possibility that anti-CTLA-4 enhanced antibody production by direct interaction with B lymphocytes. Anti-CTLA-4 treatment enhanced the antibody production in SCID/SCID mice reconstituted with B lymphocytes and CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes but not in SCID/SCID mice reconstituted with B lymphocytes in the absence of CD4(+) and/or CD8(+) cells. Administration of anti-CTLA-4 in BALB/c mice but not in nu/nu mice resulted in a markedly increased production of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and interferon-γ. Taken together, these data strongly suggest a role of T lymphocytes and CTLA-4 in the regulation of the antibody response to caps-PS.
The role of TNF in hepatic histopathological manifestations and hepatic CD8+ T cell alloresponses in murine MHC class I disparate GVHD
Authors: El-Hayek Jihad M , Rogers Thomas E , Brown Geri R 
Published: August 2005

AbstractTransfer of B6 T cells to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I disparate bm1 × B6 F1 mice leads to the development of hepatic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) characterized by an active hepatitis with portal and lobular inflammation as well as bile duct inflammation and venulitis. The present studies determined the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in hepatic GVHD. B6 responder cells were cultured with irradiated MHC class I disparate bm1 or syngeneic spleen cells (SpC) in the presence or absence of TNF receptor inhibitor [TNFR-immunoglobulin (Ig)]. Recipient bm1 × B6 F1 mice were irradiated (600 cGy) and reconstituted with 5 × 106 T cell-depleted B6 bone marrow cells and 1 × 107 B6 SpC. Mice were injected with an adenovirus encoding TNFR-Ig [TNF inhibitor-encoding adenovirus (Adv-TNFi)] or β-galactosidase (Adv-βgal). Severity of liver GVHD was assessed by a composite histopathological score consisting of the sum of scores for venulitis, lobular hepatitis, and bile duct inflammation. Addition of TNFR-Ig reduced cell proliferation in mixed lymphocyte cultures using B6 responder SpC by 71% ± 12.8% and interferon-γ responses by 78% ± 18%. GVHD-induced “wasting disease” was reduced in Adv-TNFi recipients [4.4%±5.2% weight loss (n=11)] compared with Adv-βgal recipients [16.1%±7.6% weight loss (n=11; P=0.0004)] 9 days post-transplant. Composite histopathological scores and individual venulitis scores were reduced with the addition of Adv-TNFi. Hepatic CD8+ T cells in the recipients of Adv-TNFi were reduced as compared with recipients of Adv-βgal. In conclusion, Adv-TNFi reduces MHC class I disparate alloproliferative responses and hepatic GVHD.
Physicochemical Properties of New Gelators Based on a Chromen-2-one Core
Authors: Zhang Fusheng , Morita Yuki , Kawabe Kosuke , Tasaka Takeyasu , Okamoto Hiroaki , Takenaka Shunsuke , Kita Hidetoshi 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Homologous series of 2-oxochromen-6-yl 4-alkoxybenzoates (1-n, n = 2–10) and 4-alkoxybiphenyl-4′-carboxylates (2-n, n = 5–8) can gelate various organic solvents, where the gel–sol transition temperatures are ca. 60 and 90 °C, respectively.
Surfactant-Based Homogeneous Assay for the Measurement of Triglyceride Concentrations in VLDL and Intermediate-Density Lipoprotein
Authors: Okada Masahiko , Saito Tomohiro , Yoshimura Hajime , Noguchi Yasuhiko , Ito Taeko , Sasaki Hiroko , Hama Hitoshi 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Background: Existing studies have demonstrated the clinical significance of triglyceride content in VLDL (VLDL-TG) and intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL-TG). We developed a homogeneous assay protocol to directly measure VLDL-TG.
Methods: Possible reagents and conditions for measuring VLDL-TG were comprehensively tested, and the “best” combination was determined. Healthy persons were instructed to consume a fatty meal after 15-h overnight fasting. Serum VLDL-TG + IDL-TG concentrations were measured using the proposed method. Patients with serum LDL-cholesterol concentrations ≥3.62 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) were administered simvastatin at a daily dose of 5 mg, and serum VLDL-TG concentrations were then measured.
Results: The combination of 2 nonionic surfactants played an important role in differentiating VLDL and IDL from other lipoproteins, probably via specific interactions with phospholipids and apolipoproteins. The regression line of the proposed method (y) and the ultracentrifugal assay (x) was: y = 0.98x + 0.31 mmol/L (r = 0.98; n = 73; P &lt;0.05). The difference between postprandial total TG and VLDL-TG concentrations was statistically significant (P &lt;0.05). After 8 weeks of therapy with simvastatin, total TG and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were 13.6% and 26.3% lower, respectively (P &lt;0.05), whereas VLDL-TG did not show any significant decrease.
Conclusion: Our homogeneous method can measure TG content in VLDL and IDL.
Measuring Shear Wave Velocity Using Bender Elements
Authors: Leong EC , Yeo SH , Rahardjo H 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
The use of bender element to measure shear wave velocity is popular due to its simplicity. However, there are still some uncertainties in the interpretation of the bender element test. In this paper, the use of bender elements in the determination of shear wave velocities of dry, unsaturated, and saturated soil specimens is examined with respect to the characteristics of the bender elements, waveform, magnitude, and frequency of the applied voltage to the transmitter bender element and method of travel time determination. The interpretation of the bender element test can be improved if two performance criteria are adopted: (1) a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 4 dB for the receiver signal, and (2) a wave path length to wavelength ratio of at least 3.33. Procedures to estimate the strain level associated with the shear wave velocity measurement using bender element are also described.
A Laboratory Device to Test the Pull-Out Behavior of Soil Nails
Authors: Chu L-M , Yin J-H 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Soil nailing is an in situ soil reinforcing technique adopted for stabilizing existing slopes in Hong Kong and in many other countries and regions. For the design of a soil nail system, pull-out capacity of a soil nail is an important design parameter. Field pull-out tests are then carried out to verify the pull-out resistance assumed at the design stage. However, the pull-out capacity of a soil nail in the field is influenced by a number of factors, such as variation in the soil properties, variation in the installation procedures, types of soil nail, and stress levels. Thus, field testing has a number of limitations. To overcome the limitations, a new laboratory pull-out testing apparatus was developed to investigate the interface shear strength behavior of the soil nails and surrounding soil. A numerical analysis was carried out to assess the initial stress conditions in the laboratory pull-out test box. A series of laboratory pull-out tests was performed with a cement grouted nail in a Completely Decomposed Granite (CDG) soil. It is aimed at studying the influence of overburden pressure, soil degree of saturation, and surface roughness of soil nail on the interface shear strength. The results indicate that the curves for pull-out tests exhibit a significant peak and post-peak shear strength behavior. And the interface shear strength between the nail and soil is shown to be dependent on the normal stress, the soil degree of saturation, and the surface roughness of the nail. A correlation of the interface shear strength with major influencing factors is then derived for practice design applications. The findings in this study may be a useful reference for geotechnical engineering in soil nailing design and constructions and for better understanding of the soil nail pull-out performance in the soil.
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity of Compacted Recycled Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Trzebiatowski BD , Benson CH 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Tests were conducted to determine the saturated hydraulic conductivity of three recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) materials being used as base course aggregate for pavement construction. Comparative tests were also conducted on a compacted crushed rock aggregate (Lodi gravel) that is used for base course in Wisconsin. All four are granular materials. The RAPs have saturated hydraulic conductivities ranging from 2.4 × 10−5 to 9.0 × 10−5 m/s when compacted with standard Proctor effort and from 4.5 × 10−8 to 1.7 × 10−6 m/s when compacted with modified Proctor effort. The Lodi gravel is less permeable, having saturated hydraulic conductivities of 5.8 × 10−7 m/s (standard Proctor effort) and 2.4 × 10−9 m/s (modified Proctor effort). Three conventional methods of predicting the saturated hydraulic conductivity of coarse-grained soils were evaluated in terms of their ability to predict the saturated hydraulic conductivity of RAP: Hazen's equation, Kenney's equation, and the Kozeny-Carmen equation. Each of these equations overpredict the hydraulic conductivity of RAP. Two empirical equations to predict the hydraulic conductivity of RAP were developed from the saturated hydraulic conductivity data. The empirical equations were found to work well for RAP as well as the Lodi gravel. However, the empirical equations are based on a small data set. Updating of the equations is encouraged as more data become available.
Heat-induced Dimensional Changes in Bone and their Consequences for Forensic Anthropology
Authors: Thompson TJU 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
An understanding of heat-induced transformation of hard tissue is vital before a full interpretation of burned human remains can be successfully achieved. Samples of modern sheep (n = 60) were analyzed resulting in 5440 data points. An experimental approach was undertaken that explored the bi-variable impact of heating temperature and duration of burning. Subsequent heat-induced bone changes included the progression of color from natural through to blue-white, the significant loss of weight, the reduction in mechanical strength, the development of distinct fracture patterns, alterations in the microscopic porosity, substantial alterations in crystalline structure and reduction and expansion in size. Collation and integration of this information demanded a revision of the four stages of heat-induced degradation of bone previously presented by Mayne Correia (1) and Thompson (2). The results demonstrate that heat-induced shrinkage is also accompanied by expansion and that both can be statistically significant. This suggests that anthropological techniques applied to burned bone will likely be detrimentally affected and accuracy will be reduced.
Maternal Death Due to Non-Traumatic Fat Embolism
Authors: Karayel F , Arican N , Kavas G , Akcay Turan A , Pakis I 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
The aim of this report is to document a case of non-traumatic fat embolism (NTFE) and to address the need for considerition of fat embolism in suspicious deaths resulting from respiratory distress in the postpartum period. A 28-years-old woman autopsied at the Morgue Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine is included to the study. This female became unconscious and developed respiratory distress 4 h after delivery, and this was followed by respiratory arrest. External examination revealed resuscitation marks and normal postmortem changes. Light microscopy revealed massive fat embolization involving most of the alveolar capillaries on several sections. Only in one particular area was a bone marrow embolus. Pathological diagnosis of the lung was diffuse pulmonary fat embolism. There was no evidence of other organ involvement with emboli. Other visceral organs showed no striking findings other than mild congestion. The cause of death was considered to be respiratory insufficiency resulting from severe fat embolism of the lungs.
The Effects of Skeletal Preparation Techniques on DNA from Human and Non-Human Bone
Authors: Rennick SL , Fenton TW , Foran DR 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe forensic pathologist increasingly relies on the forensic anthropologist to be the consulting expert in human identification. Likewise, if identification is not possible from visual inspection of skeletal remains, the forensic biologist may be called upon to conduct DNA analysis. The possibility of downstream DNA testing needs to be considered when skeletal preparation techniques are employed to deflesh human remains, as they have the potential to strongly impact genetic analyses and subsequent identification. In this study, three cleaning techniques, boiling bone in water, in bleach, and in powdered detergent/sodium carbonate, were tested for their effect on nuclear and mtDNA recovery from a variety of human and non-human bones. A statistically significant reduction in DNA yields occurred in non-human bones cleaned with bleach, and DNA degradation was apparent electrophoretically. The human bones also showed much lower yields from bleach cleaning, while the detergent/carbonate method allowed the largest segments of DNA to be amplified, indicating it may have a less degradative effect on bone DNA than either of the other cleaning processes.
Abnormally High Concentrations of Amphetamine in Blood of Impaired Drivers
Authors: Jones AW , Holmgren A 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
We present a case series (N = 46) of individuals apprehended in Sweden for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). These cases were selected because the concentrations of amphetamine in blood were abnormally high (&gt;5.0 mg/L), the highest being 17 mg/L. In comparison, the median blood-amphetamine concentration in a population of DUID offenders (N = 6,613) was 0.70 mg/L. Among the DUID suspects with extremely high blood-amphetamine concentrations there were 38 men (83%) with mean age of 37.8 y (SD 6.8 y) and 8 women (17%) with a mean age of 34.1 y (SD 4.3 y). All had previously been registered in our database (mean 12 times, median 9 times) for drug-related offences, including DUID. The concentration of amphetamine in blood of female offenders was slightly higher than the concentration in male offenders (6.6 mg/L vs. 5.8 mg/L), although this difference was not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). The drugs other than amphetamine most frequently encountered in the blood samples were tetrahydrocannabinol and benzodiazepines (diazepam and nordiazepam). The commonest signs of drug use reported by the arresting police officers were bloodshot and glazed (watery) eyes, restlessness, talkativeness, exaggerated reflexes and slurred speech. Unsteady gait and dilated pupils were observed in some but not all individuals. These very high concentrations of amphetamine were tolerated without any fatalities indicating a pronounced adaptation to the pharmacologic effects of this central stimulant. Anecdotal information indicated that those with the very highest concentrations of amphetamine in blood had swallowed the drug to prevent being apprehended in possession of an illicit substance.
Expression of Seminal Vesicle-Specific Antigen in Serum of Lung Tumor Patients
Authors: Berti A , Virgili A , D'Errico G , Vespi G , Lago G , Cavazzana A 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Protein markers are commonly used in forensic medicine to establish the origin of human fluids detected in crime scenes. Semenogelins, the major protein constituents of semen coagulum, are the most effective markers for semen detection. Recently, it has been demonstrated that semenogelins are also ectopically expressed in small cell lung carcinomas (SCLC) and in a minority of non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). This finding prompted us to look for semenogelin expression in the serum of lung cancer patients. A set of 13 serum samples (3 from SCLC and 10 from NSCLC patients) was screened by enzyme—linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using a commercially available kit. Four of the NSCLC cases showed positive results. Ectopic expression of marker proteins in individuals affected by cancer could represent a potential source of forensic pitfalls.
Characterization of Ballpoint Pen Inks by Thermal Desorption and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bügler JH , Buchner H , Dallmayer A 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
The characterization of ink on paper is of importance for dating and comparing questioned ink entries in forensic document examination. Inks are commonly characterized by their colorant profile that is identified by well-established analytical methods. Numerous ink formulations show identical colorant profiles, though. In order to differentiate inks that are not distinguishable by colorant analysis, a method for the characterization of colorless ink ingredients, namely binders, solvents and additives is necessary. In this paper, we propose a technique for the analysis of colorless compounds in ballpoint inks using direct thermal desorption of the ink on paper followed by chemical analysis of the desorbed volatile compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. As compared to liquid extraction and subsequent analysis of the extracts, the technique avoids possible contamination risks. Sensitivity is very high due to the enrichment of volatile components by thermal desorption. Even from old samples, the chromatograms obtained by the method enable the determination of binder polymers, solvents and additives. Pure binders as used by ink manufacturers were analyzed for unambiguous assignment of analytical results to specific polymers. To prove the practical applicability, we analyzed 121 ballpoint pens, not all having the same colorant profile, and grouped the pens into resin and solvent categories.
Evaluation of Raman Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Colored Fibers: A Collaborative Study
Authors: Massonnet G , Buzzini P , Jochem G , Stauber M , Coyle T , Roux C , Thomas J , Leijenhorst H , Van Zanten Z , Wiggins K , Russell C , Chabli S , Rosengarten A 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
A collaborative study on Raman spectroscopy was carried out by members of the ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes) European Fibres Group (EFG) on three dyed fibers: two red acrylics and one red wool. Raman instruments from six different manufacturers were tested as well as nine different laser wavelengths ranging from blue (λ = 458 nm) to near infrared-NIR (λ = 1064 nm). This represents the largest comparison study of Raman analytical parameters carried out on identical fiber samples. For the chosen fiber and dye samples, red lasers (λ = 633 and 685 nm) gave the poorest spectral quality whereas blue (458 nm), green (514 nm) and near infrared lasers (785, 830 and 1064 nm) provided average results. Blue (488 nm) and green lasers (532 nm) globally gave the best quality spectra. Fluorescence problems were often encountered with some of the excitation wavelengths and therefore a flexible Raman instrument equipped with different lasers can be recommended to measure forensic fiber samples. The instrument should also be equipped with a Raman microscope in order to be able to focus on a single fiber. This study shows that Raman spectroscopy usually enables the identification of the main dye present in a colored fiber; however, minor dye components are much more difficult to detect. SERRS (Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering) techniques give an improvement of the dye's spectral intensity but no spectral improvement was observed for the two red acrylic and red wool fibers tested.
Age Ranges of Epiphyseal Fusion in the Distal Tibia and Fibula of Contemporary Males and Females
Authors: Crowder C , Austin D 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
The range of variation in epiphyseal fusion in North American populations has not been sufficiently established. This significant oversight can lead to exclusion of persons of interest in a forensic investigation. This study evaluates epiphyseal fusion of the distal tibia and fibula in 570 European-, African-, and Mexican-American children and young adults. Radiographs of 270 females aged 9 to 17 and 300 males aged 11 to 20 were analyzed to assess the range of variation of epiphyseal fusion at each age. Results indicate that complete fusion in females occurs as early as 12 years in the distal tibia and fibula. All females demonstrated complete fusion by 16 years with no significant differences between ancestral groups. Complete fusion in males occurs as early as 14 years in both epiphyses. All males demonstrated complete fusion by 19 years. Significant differences in the earliest age of complete fusion showed that African- and Mexican-American males demonstrate complete fusion as early as 14 years in both epiphyses while European-American males do not express complete fusion until 16 years.
Autopsy Confirmation of Severe Pulmonary Interstitial Fibrosis Secondary to Munchausen Syndrome Presenting as Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Croft PR , Racz MI , Bloch JD , Palmer CH 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Chronic factitious disorder with physical symptoms, or Munchausen syndrome, is a well-recognized but uncommonly diagnosed psychiatric condition characterized by the deliberate production of signs and symptoms of disease in order to receive medical attention. Clinical suspicion of this disease is rarely confirmed by autopsy, as the patients usually do not die as a consequence of feigning illness. Here we report the autopsy confirmation of a case of a suspected Munchausen syndrome patient who presented with a history of cystic fibrosis. Examination of the lungs demonstrated extensive severe interstitial fibrosis, and polariscopic examination revealed a large quantity of crystalline material throughout the tissue; X-ray diffraction identified the material as talc. Synopses of published cases of Munchausen syndrome presenting as cystic fibrosis, and cases of Munchausen syndrome with pulmonary talcosis are presented as part of the discussion.
Conditioned Microplitis croceipes Cresson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Detect and Respond to 2,4-DNT: Development of a Biological Sensor
Authors: Tomberlin JK , Tertuliano M , Rains G , Lewis WJ 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
We examined the ability of M. croceipes to learn, detect, and respond to 2,4-DNT, which is a volatile discriminator of trinitrotoluene (TNT). The percentage of conditioned wasps to detect and respond to the various concentrations of 2,4-DNT for ≥ 15 sec was measured. Significantly more of the conditioned wasps responded to the concentration of 2,4-DNT used for conditioning than other concentrations examined. Accordingly, percent conditioned wasps to respond ≥15 sec could be used as a suitable measure to screen air samples and distinguish between samples with or without the target odorant. The data recorded in this study indicate the measured behavior could be used to estimate the concentration of target odorants. Data in this study indicate M. croceipes can detect and respond to this compound, which provide further support for its development as a biological sensor.