bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les productions locales : une alternative au productivisme mondialisé ?
Authors: Druguet Aurélie
Published: January 2013

Résumé À travers une étude de cas portant sur la valorisation commerciale de variétés locales de riz, le tinawon , produites par les communautés Ifugao des Philippines, cet article a pour objectif d’interroger les modèles agricoles qui privilégient la qualité des productions locales plutôt que la productivité d’aliments de qualité standardisée et d’analyser leur mise en œuvre, leur succès tout comme leurs limites et leur impact au niveau local. L’émergence du projet de commercialisation du tinawon dans la Province Ifugao intervient dans une période de crise mondiale à la fois économique, agricole et environnementale. Les enjeux liés à la production rizicole sont multiples : sécurité alimentaire, développement socioéconomique, conservation de l’environnement ainsi que des paysages de terrasses et de la culture locale. Les dynamiques de développement et de conservation entrent parfois en contradiction au niveau local. Au final, nous verrons que le potentiel de ces productions locales à répondre à ces enjeux socioéconomiques et environnementaux doit à chaque fois être contextualisé. La nature du produit, culturel et denrée de base pour le riz tinawon , les politiques agricoles nationales, promouvant la productivité et les variétés améliorées aux Philippines, les modèles de production locale, l’autoconsommation prévalant chez les Ifugao, ainsi que l’ouverture des producteurs au marché global et au système capitaliste, peuvent constituer des facteurs limitants. La réussite de tels modèles ne peut alors se faire sans l’apport d’innovations sociales, économiques et techniques dans le système local. Mais à quel prix ?
Why P6 medicine needs clinical psychology and a trans-cultural approach
Authors: Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Del Puente Giovanni
Published: January 2013

   
Identification of Appropriate Reference Genes for qRT-PCR Analysis of Heat-Stressed Mammary Epithelial Cells in Riverine Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Kapila Neha , Kishore Amit , Sodhi Monika , Sharma Ankita , Kumar Pawan , Mohanty A. K. , Jerath Tanushri , Mukesh M.
Published: January 2013

Gene expression studies require appropriate normalization methods for proper evaluation of reference genes. To date, not many studies have been reported on the identification of suitable reference genes in buffaloes. The present study was undertaken to determine the panel of suitable reference genes in heat-stressed buffalo mammary epithelial cells (MECs). Briefly, MEC culture from buffalo mammary gland was exposed to 42 °C for one hour and subsequently allowed to recover at 37 °C for different time intervals (from 30 m to 48 h). Three different algorithms, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper softwares, were used to evaluate the stability of 16 potential reference genes from different functional classes. Our data identified RPL4, EEF1A1, and RPS23 genes to be the most appropriate reference genes that could be utilized for normalization of qPCR data in heat-stressed buffalo MECs.
Neo‐Aristotelian Ethical Naturalism
Authors: Hursthouse Rosalind
Published: January 2013

The proponents of neo‐Aristotelian ethical naturalism (henceforth “Aristotelian naturalism” for short) include Foot (2001), Geach (1956, 1977), Hursthouse (1999), McDowell (1995), MacIntyre (1999), Nussbaum (1993, 1995), and Thompson (1995); and also Anscombe because her work has influenced so many others. (Gaut [1997, 2002] should also be known as a significant contributor.) Their views are so unlike those of other proponents of ethical naturalism (seeNaturalism, Ethical), and they occupy such an unfamiliar position in philosophy, that they are simultaneously criticized on at least two quite different bases. Some say they are not trying to offer naturalism at all, because they avowedly employ a moralized conception of human nature; some say they are trying to offer naturalism insofar as they offer a biological foundation for ethics, but that either this has counterintuitive upshots or the biology is Aristotle's and thereby pre‐Darwinian and not a proper naturalistic foundation at all.
Immigration
Authors: Seglow Jonathan
Published: January 2013

The movement of people across the world is as old as human history, but immigration – leaving one's state and entering another – is a more modern phenomenon. Large‐scale migrations began in the mid‐nineteenth century; more recent ones occurred in the years after World War II. Immigration has only recently received much attention from moral and political philosophers, however, and in the past few years there has been a modest but steady stream of scholarly work on this “normatively complex phenomenon” (Bauböck 2009: 28) – a stream that may well grow in size. Here I aim to provide an overview of this recent work.
Frege–Geach Objection
Authors: van Roojen Mark
Published: January 2013

The Frege–Geach objection is a problem for non‐cognitivist metaethical theories that posit a non‐descriptive semantics for moral or normative domains of discourse. Such theories typically focus in the first instance on simple indicative sentences or utterances. They say of these sentences that their meaning is importantly different from the meaning of similar sentences employing non‐normative predicates (seeNon‐Cognitivism; Semantics, Moral). Early emotivists (seeEmotivism), for example, suggested that simple moral sentences expressed non‐cognitive attitudes toward their objects rather than beliefs that predicate a property of their objects. Most early non‐cognitivist accounts had little to say about more complicated and non‐indicative sentences. The Frege–Geach objection (or problem), as highlighted by Peter Geach (1956) and John Searle (1962), can be seen as the problem of supplementing the account provided for simple sentences so as to cover other, more complex constructions containing moral language. And it is part of that problem that the extension should meet certain conditions of adequacy. Among these conditions are: (1) generating a meaning for the complexes that fits with their ordinary use to express attitudes; (2) explaining how the meanings of the more complex constructions are a function of the meanings of their parts; and (3) doing this in a way that preserves and explains the logical relations that intuitively hold between moral sentences. Let's call these conditions (1) semantic completeness; (2) compositionality; and (3) logical adequacy.
Common Good
Authors: Mansbridge Jane
Published: January 2013

The common good has traditionally been the keystone of normative political theory, but its meaning has also been contested. The balance between different meanings has changed over time, with aggregative meanings (i.e., the common good as the sum of individual goods) becoming more frequent from the eighteenth century on. In the twentieth century, empirical social scientists joined some philosophers to argue both that a single conception of the common good was inappropriate for a pluralist society and that the common good could not be known. In response, deliberative theorists, civic republicans, and communitarians have argued that the uncertainty and contest regarding its meaning should not prevent individuals or communities from trying to act for the common good or from developing a politics in which the common good, conceived always as contested, plays a central role.
Veterinary Ethics
Authors: Tannenbaum Jerrold
Published: January 2013

The field of veterinary ethics deals with the moral responsibilities and ideals of veterinarians in their capacity of providers of medical care for animals, and as members of the veterinary profession when the profession speaks on issues relating to the use, treatment, and medical care of animals.
On the Immersion Testing of Degradable Implant Materials in Simulated Body Fluid: Active pH Regulation Using CO2
Authors: Schinhammer Michael , Hofstetter Joëlle , Wegmann Christian , Moszner Frank , Löffler Jörg F. , Uggowitzer Peter J.
Published: January 2013

Predictions of in vivo degradation behavior derived from laboratory experiments are of great importance in the development of biodegradable materials. A key issue is the simulation of the physiological conditions found in living organisms. Generally, the testing solution and in particular the pH buffer have a significant influence on the outcome of degradation experiments. This study presents results obtained from immersion tests in SBF buffered with gaseous CO2. The control of the pH value by means of CO2 has the advantage of better reflecting physiological conditions, and allows the carrying out of in vitro experiments which are closer to the in vivo situation.
Surface Nanocrystalline of Martensite Steel Induced by Sandblasting at High Temperature
Authors: Fu Licai , Li Dongyang
Published: January 2013

The mechanical and tribological properties were conducted to investigate surface nanocrystalline of martensite steel with hardness of 5 GPa by using sandblasting technique at 500 °C. The average grain size of surface is 30 nm. In contrast, the average grain size of the martensite steel surface, which processed by sandblasting at room temperature and post‐annealing at 500 °C, is 112 nm. Fine grains and Fe3C phase in situ form during sandblasting at 500 °C that is favor for producing nanoscale structure of the martensite steel. The nanostructure surface of the martensite steel has higher hardness and better wear resistance.
Influence of Low Level Ag Additions on Mg‐Alloy AZ91
Authors: Gusieva K. , Sato T. , Sha G. , Ringer S. P. , Birbilis N.
Published: January 2013

The influence of low‐level silver (Ag) additions (0.12 and 0.5 wt%) to magnesium alloy AZ91 were studied in terms of electrochemical response and hardness. These properties were reconciled with microstructural analyses, indicating that 0.12 wt% Ag was capable of imparting an increment in hardness, with no significant increase in electrochemical corrosion kinetics, whilst 0.5 wt% Ag resulted in formation of an Mg4Ag phase which increased cathodic kinetics concomitant with lowered alloy hardness.
Upper Limb Tendinitis and entrapment neuropathy in coal miners
Authors: Özdolap Şenay , Emre Ufuk , Karamercan Ayşe , Sarikaya Selda , Köktürk Fürüzan
Published: January 2013

Background

It is well‐known that work‐related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders, particularly tendinitis and nerve entrapment, remain a difficult and costly problem in industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate tendinitis and entrapment neuropathy of the upper limb of Turkish coal miners.

Methods

Eighty coal miners and 43 age‐matched clerical workers were included in the study. The evaluation procedures included collection of personal and clinical data, physical examination and bilateral electrodiagnostic testing. Subjects were examined to diagnose tendinitis and nerve entrapment of the upper limb. Bilateral median and ulnar nerves conduction tests were performed on all subjects. Data were collected between August 2011 and December 2011.

Results

There were 33 subjects with lateral epicondylitis, 10 with medial epicondylitis, and 22 with De Quervain's disease among the coal miners. There were seven subjects with lateral epicondylitis, eight with medial epicondylitis, and four with De Quervain's disease in the control group. The two groups significantly differed in the prevalences of lateral epicondylitis and De Quervain's disease (P = 0.024 and P = 0.029, respectively). Sixteen subjects in the coal miners and 12 subjects in the controls had carpal tunnel syndrome (P = 0.66). Thirty‐seven subjects in the coal miners had ulnar neuropathy of the elbow (UNE), while four subjects in the controls had UNE; this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Lateral epicondylitis, De Quervain disease, and ulnar neuropathy are common work‐related upper limb disorders among coal miners. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:569–575, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prenatal diagnosis and 47,XXY
Authors: Simpson Joe Leigh , Samango‐Sprouse Carole
Published: January 2013

In this contribution, we consider detection of 47,XXY by a variety of available methods. These include traditional invasive procedures, screening with maternal serum analytes and fetal ultrasound, and most recently cell‐free fetal DNA. Since its introduction in the late 1960s, prenatal genetic diagnosis has evolved greatly. Serendipitious detection of 47,XXY was not infrequent when prenatal genetic diagnosis routinely involved testing by the invasive procedures CVS and amniocentesis. In 2013 this is much less common and relatively few pregnancies in the U.S. and Europe are tested without prior screening protocols, traditionally maternal serum analyte and fetal ultrasound (NT). These protocols are not designed to identify 47,XXY or other X‐chromosome aneuploides and with screening by analysis of cell‐free DNA in maternal blood, this situation may or may not be altered. Increased numbers of cases could be detected if intake increases and vendors offer information on 47,XXY. A further consideration is that ability of array CGH to detect microdeletions or microduplications below resolution of a karyotype could make return to direct testing using an invasive procedure attractive. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief Report: Differences in multijoint symptomatic osteoarthritis phenotypes by race and sex: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project
Authors: Nelson Amanda E. , Golightly Yvonne M. , Renner Jordan B. , Schwartz Todd A. , Kraus Virginia B. , Helmick Charles G. , Jordan Joanne M.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To determine differences in the phenotypes (patterns) of multiple‐joint symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) involvement by race and sex.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of symptomatic OA phenotypes was performed in a community‐based cohort, comprising subjects for whom data were collected from 4 sites of symptomatic OA involvement (the hands, knees, hips, and lumbosacral [LS] spine) at a single visit (2003–2010). Mutually exclusive phenotypes describing all combinations of these 4 sites were compared by race and by sex, using Fisher's exact tests. For those phenotypes occurring in >40 subjects, logistic regression was performed, with adjustments for race, sex, age, and body mass index (BMI), and interactions of race and sex were assessed.

Results

The sample included 1,650 participants, of whom 36% were men and 32% were African American. The mean age of the subjects was 66 years, and the mean BMI was 31 kg/m2. Overall, in this sample, 13% of subjects had symptomatic hand OA, 25% had symptomatic knee OA, 11% had symptomatic hip OA, and 28% had symptomatic LS spine OA. African Americans, as compared with Caucasians, were less likely to have involvement of symptomatic OA in the hand only, or in some combination of the hand and other sites, but were more likely to have involvement of the knee only. Men, as compared to women, were less likely to have involvement of the hand only, but were more likely to have involvement of the LS spine only.

Conclusion

There are differences in the phenotypes of multiple‐joint symptomatic OA involvement by race and by sex that may influence the definitions of multiple‐joint, or generalized, OA.
Atmospheric blocking in a high resolution climate model: influences of mean state, orography and eddy forcing
Authors: Berckmans Julie , Woollings Tim , Demory Marie‐Estelle , Vidale Pier‐Luigi , Roberts Malcolm
Published: January 2013

An underestimate of atmospheric blocking occurrence is a well‐known limitation of many climate models. This article presents an analysis of Northern Hemisphere winter blocking in an atmospheric model with increased horizontal resolution. European blocking frequency increases with model resolution, and this results from an improvement in the atmospheric patterns of variability as well as a simple improvement in the mean state. There is some evidence that the transient eddy momentum forcing of European blocks is increased at high resolution, which could account for this. However, it is also shown that the increase in resolution of the orography is needed to realise the improvement in blocking, consistent with the increase in height of the Rocky Mountains acting to increase the tilt of the Atlantic jet stream and giving higher mean geopotential heights over northern Europe. Blocking frequencies in the Pacific sector are also increased with atmospheric resolution, but in this case the improvement in orography actually leads to a decrease in blocking Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown copyright, Met Office.
Role of 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in hemozoin‐induced lysozyme release from human adherent monocytes
Authors: Polimeni Manuela , Valente Elena , Aldieri Elisabetta , Khadjavi Amina , Giribaldi Giuliana , Prato Mauro
Published: January 2013

Natural hemozoin (nHZ), a lipid‐bound ferriprotoporphyrin IX crystal produced by Plasmodium parasites after hemoglobin catabolism, seriously compromises the functions of human monocytes, and 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15‐HETE) and 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE), two nHZ lipoperoxidation products, have been related to such a functional impairment. nHZ was recently shown to promote inflammation‐mediated lysozyme release from human monocytes through p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐ (MAPK)‐ and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB‐dependent mechanisms. This study aimed at identifying the molecule of nHZ lipid moiety that was responsible for these effects. Results showed that 15‐HETE mimicked nHZ effects on lysozyme release, whereas 4‐HNE did not. 15‐HETE‐enhanced lysozyme release was abrogated by anti‐TNF‐α and anti‐IL‐1β‐blocking antibodies and mimicked by recombinant cytokines; on the contrary, MIP‐1α/CCL3 was not involved as a soluble mediator of 15‐HETE effects. Moreover, 15‐HETE early activated p38 MAPK and NF‐κB pathways by inducing p38 MAPK phosphorylation; cytosolic I‐κBα phosphorylation and degradation; NF‐κB nuclear translocation and DNA‐binding. Inhibition of both routes through chemical inhibitors (SB203580, quercetin, artemisinin, and parthenolide) prevented 15‐HETE‐dependent lysozyme release. Collectively, these data suggest that 15‐HETE plays a major role in nHZ‐enhanced monocyte degranulation. © 2013 BioFactors, 2013
Highly efficient production of the Alzheimer's γ‐Secretase integral membrane protease complex by a multi‐gene stable integration approach
Authors: Alattia Jean‐René , Matasci Mattia , Dimitrov Mitko , Aeschbach Lorène , Balasubramanian Sowmya , Hacker David L. , Wurm Florian M. , Fraering Patrick C.
Published: January 2013

Inefficient production of membrane‐embedded multi‐protein complexes by conventional methods has largely prevented the generation of high‐resolution structural information and the performance of high‐throughput drug discovery screens for this class of proteins. Not exempt from this rule is γ‐secretase, an intramembrane‐cleaving protease complex regulating a multitude of signaling pathways and biological processes by influencing gene transcription. γ‐Secretase is also implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and several types of cancer. As an additional challenge, the reconstitution of the protease complex in its active form requires an intricate assembly and maturation process, including a highly regulated endoproteolytic processing of its catalytic component. In this article we report the application of a transposon‐mediated multigene stable integration technology to produce active γ‐secretase in mammalian cells in amounts adequate for crystallization studies and drug screening. Our strategy is expected to help elucidate the molecular mechanisms of intramembrane proteolysis. It is further expected to be widely used for the production of other multi‐protein complexes for applications in structural biology and drug development. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1995–2005. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Remote delivery of hydroxyl radicals via secondary chemistry of a nonthermal plasma effluent
Authors: Plimpton S. Reed , Gołkowski Mark , Mitchell Deborah G. , Austin Chad , Eaton Sandra S. , Eaton Gareth R. , Gołkowski Czeslaw , Voskuil Martin
Published: January 2013

Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to observe hydroxyl radicals produced by an atmospheric pressure nonthermal plasma device at distances greater than 1 m from the discharge. The plasma device is an indirect treatment setup with closed loop airflow and hydrogen peroxide additives that is effective in deactivating bacteria on time scales of seconds. The generation of the detected hydroxyl radicals is shown to occur in secondary chemical processes near the point of delivery of the plasma treated air stream. The production of hydroxyl radicals is correlated with humidity of the air stream and ability to lyse bacterial membranes. The overall mechanisms of bacteria inactivation are found to be a combinatorial effect of effluent species. The results indicate the feasibility of selective plasma induced free radical delivery for biomedical applications even in the case of short‐lived species like the hydroxyl radical. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1936–1944. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrating Grant‐funded Research into the Undergraduate Biology Curriculum Using IMG‐ACT
Authors: Ditty Jayna L. , Williams Kayla M. , Keller Megan M. , Chen Grischa Y. , Liu Xianxian , Parales Rebecca E.
Published: January 2013

It has become clear in current scientific pedagogy that the emersion of students in the scientific process in terms of designing, implementing, and analyzing experiments is imperative for their education; as such, it has been our goal to model this active learning process in the classroom and laboratory in the context of a genuine scientific question. Toward this objective, the National Science Foundation funded a collaborative research grant between a primarily undergraduate institution and a research‐intensive institution to study the chemotactic responses of the bacterium Pseudomonas putida F1. As part of the project, a new Bioinformatics course was developed in which undergraduates annotate relevant regions of the P. putida F1 genome using Integrated Microbial Genomes Annotation Collaboration Toolkit, a bioinformatics interface specifically developed for undergraduate programs by the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute. Based on annotations of putative chemotaxis genes in P. putida F1 and comparative genomics studies, undergraduate students from both institutions developed functional genomics research projects that evolved from the annotations. The purpose of this study is to describe the nature of the NSF grant, the development of the Bioinformatics lecture and wet laboratory course, and how undergraduate student involvement in the project that was initiated in the classroom has served as a springboard for independent undergraduate research projects. © 2012 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 41(1):16–23, 2013
Genome annotation in a community college cell biology lab
Authors: Beagley C. Timothy
Published: January 2013

The Biology Department at Salt Lake Community College has used the IMG‐ACT toolbox to introduce a genome mapping and annotation exercise into the laboratory portion of its Cell Biology course. This project provides students with an authentic inquiry‐based learning experience while introducing them to computational biology and contemporary learning skills. Additionally, the project strengthens student understanding of the scientific method and contributes to student learning gains in curricular objectives centered around basic molecular biology, specifically, the Central Dogma. Importantly, inclusion of this project in the laboratory course provides students with a positive learning environment and allows for the use of cooperative learning strategies to increase overall student success. © 2012 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 41(1):44–49, 2013
Postmortem investigation of mylohyoid hiatus and hernia: Aetiological factors of plunging ranula
Authors: Harrison John D. , Kim Ann , Al‐ali Saad , Morton Randall P.
Published: January 2013

The mylohyoid hiatus and hernia were discovered in the nineteenth century and were considered to explain the origin of the plunging ranula from the sublingual gland. This formed the rationale for sublingual sialadenectomy for the treatment of plunging ranula. However, a more recent, extensive histological investigation reported that hernias contained submandibular gland, which supported an origin of the plunging ranula from the submandibular gland and submandibular sialadenectomy for the treatment of plunging ranula. We therefore decided to investigate the occurrence and location of the hiatus and the histological nature of the hernia. Twenty‐three adult cadavers were dissected in the submandibular region. The locations and dimensions of mylohyoid hiatuses were measured before taking biopsies of hernias. Hiatuses with associated hernias were found in ten cadavers: unilateral in six; and bilateral in four, in one of which there were three hiatuses. Sublingual gland was identified in nine hernias and fat without gland in six. This investigation supports clinical and experimental evidence that the plunging ranula originates from the sublingual gland and may enter the neck through the mylohyoid muscle. It confirms the rationale of sublingual sialadenectomy for the treatment of plunging ranula. Clin. Anat. 26:693–699, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Colorimetric and Highly Selective Fluorescence "Turn‐on" Detection of Cr3+ by Using a Simple Schiff Base Sensor
Authors: Yang Yunxu , Xue Huimin , Chen Laicheng , Sheng Ruilong , Li Xuqin , Li Kun
Published: January 2013

A simple 8‐quinolinecarboxaldehyde derived antipyrine Schiff base (QA) was synthesized and characterized, which exhibited high selectivity to Cr3+ over other metal cations. The Cr3+ recognition of QA could be achieved by means of fluorescense and absorption spectra, moreover, the obvious color change from colorless to yellowish is easily observed by naked‐eyes. The binding constant of QA to Cr3+ was evaluated by spectral titration and the binding model was in 1:1 stoichiometry measured by Job's plot.
A Silicon‐based Imidazolium Ionic Liquid Iodide Source for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Wenjun , Zhang Xiaoyu , Hu Yue , Jin Bin , Hua Jianli
Published: January 2013

Room temperature molten salt 1‐methyl‐3‐(trimethylsilyl)methyl‐imidazolium iodide (MSII) was used for iodide sources in dye‐sensitized solar cells with an organic sensitizer 2‐cyano‐3‐[5‐[4‐[3‐[4‐(4‐(N,N‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino)phenyl)phenyl]‐2,5‐di‐n‐butyl‐pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione]phenyl]furan‐2‐yl] acrylic acid (DPP‐I) as light harvester. With an optimized electrolyte (MSII:I2:BI:GuNCS24:2:2:0.4, BI and GuCNS are short for benzimidazole and guanidine thiocyanate, respectively), photovoltaic parameters (Jsc, Voc, and ff) of device are 8.97 mA·cm−2, 600 mV and 0.61, respectively, yielding a maximum overall photo‐to‐energy conversion ef?ciency (η) of 3.23%. And then the charge‐transfer mechanism of devices was deeply analyzed with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the dark.
Proteolytic Enzymes as Biomarkers of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Jambunathan Kalyani , Welsh Gavin I. , Kodukula Krishna , Saleem Moin A. , Galande Amit K.
Published: January 2013

Preclinical Research

Proteases play an important role in many cellular functions and represent promising biomarkers in addition to being targets for many diseases ranging from cardiovascular and neurological disorders to respiratory problems and cancer. Sensitive and robust methods are necessary to quantify proteolytic activities in complex biological samples, e.g., serum and plasma to compliment existing techniques. We have previously utilized a combinatorial library of internally quenched fluorogenic probes to map the proteolytic profiles of guinea pig serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The technique was extended to identify disease‐specific proteolytic activity in guinea pig BALF infected with invasive aspergillosis. Here, the library was utilized to map the global proteolytic specificities of plasma samples obtained from patients with the nephrotic syndrome, known as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS compromises both native and transplanted kidneys and has limited treatment options due to poorly understood pathophysiology. The circulating factor hypothesis suggests that some factor (or lack thereof) within the blood causes FSGS and recent research points to proteases as one of these. Comparison of the global proteolytic profiles of FSGS and healthy plasma samples identified many peptide motifs that were cleaved only in FSGS or in healthy plasma samples. The observed results reveal not only the protease specificities of plasma samples but also potential targets that can be pursued further to understand the role of proteases in FSGS pathology.
A rat in the labyrinth of anorexia nervosa: Contributions of the activity‐based anorexia rodent model to the understanding of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Gutierrez Emilio
Published: January 2013

Activity‐based anorexia (ABA) is an analogous animal model of anorexia nervosa where food‐restricted rats develop excessive running activity when given free access to a running wheel; their body weight sharply decreases, and finally self‐starvation and death ensue unless animals are removed from the experimental conditions. The parallel of this animal model with major signs in the human disorder has been the focus of much attention from researchers and clinicians as a platform for translational research. The paper reviews the historical antecedents of ABA, research characterizing its occurrence, and its main limitations and strengths as a model of AN. As a symptomatic model of AN, the ABA model can provide clinicians with innovative and alternative routes for improving the treatment of AN. © 2013 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)
Downscaling cake filtration—Correlations between compressibility of lysozyme crystal filter cakes and filter area
Authors: Cornehl Bianca , Weinkötz Daniel , Nirschl Hermann
Published: January 2013

Crystallization is a commonly used method for the purification and formulation of proteins. In order to harmonize crystallization with the mechanical separation process, it is necessary to estimate early the separation conditions of protein crystals. To fulfill this requirement, the feed material for filtration is minimized by reducing the filter area. The filtration behavior of lysozyme crystals in pressure filters with two different filter areas was compared. Crystal slurries with different mean crystal sizes and shapes were produced and the influence of the size and shape on the scalability of filtration data was examined. It was found that for different aggregated crystal structures and isometric crystals, the larger the compressibility of the cake was, the larger were the deviations for the two considered filter areas. For needle‐shaped crystals, the compressibility was not subject to deviations, but the absolute filter cake resistance was. Furthermore, the deviations of the cake resistances increased with higher pressures for all product systems. It was indicated that upscaling from the small filter area is possible for low compressible product systems and at low pressures. With high compressible products and for needle‐like crystals, the filtration time is underestimated with the small filter area.
The effects of acute tryptophan depletion on impulsivity and mood in adolescents engaging in non‐suicidal self‐injury
Authors: Fikke Linn T. , Melinder Annika , Landrø Nils I.
Published: January 2013

Objective

Non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is associated with impaired emotion regulation and impulsivity. Low serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine) function is associated with NSSI, impaired emotion regulation and impulsivity. We investigated the effects of experimentally lowered 5‐hydroxytryptamine activity, via acute tryptophan depletion (ATD), on impulsive action, reflection impulsivity and mood in female adolescents engaging in NSSI.

Methods

Thirty‐two female adolescents engaging in NSSI participated in a parallel group ATD study. Following ATD, impulsive action was assessed using the Continuous Performance Test, Identical Pairs Version. Reflection impulsivity was assessed using the Matching Familiar Figures Test. Mood‐lowering was examined using the Profile of Mood States.

Results

Following ATD, the participants showed an impulsive response style (as reflected in their low β) and increased attentional capacity (as reflected in their elevated d′). ATD did not affect reflection impulsivity or mood.

Conclusions

Acute tryptophan depletion caused an impulsive response style and increased attentional capacity. Importantly, the findings suggest that low serotonin function is a vulnerability among female adolescents for engaging in NSSI when in emotional distress. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pain‐releasing action of Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) antagonists in neuropathic pain animal models and the mechanisms of action
Authors: Motoyama N. , Morita K. , Kitayama T. , Shiraishi S. , Uezono Y. , Nishimura F. , Kanematsu T. , Dohi T.
Published: January 2013

Background

Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) has been implicated in the pathology of neuropathic pain. Previous studies reported that PAF receptor (PAF‐R) antagonists have varied anti‐allodynia effects by route of administration and nerve injury models in rats.

Methods

The present study elucidated the effectiveness of PAF antagonists against neuropathic pain in four different models of peripheral nerve injury and provided insights into the mode of anti‐allodynia action.

Results

PAF antagonists, TCV‐309, BN 50739 and WEB 2086 by intravenous (i.v.) and oral administration have potent and long‐lasting anti‐allodynia action in mice neuropathic pain models. Treatment with PAF antagonists before surgery delayed the initiation of allodynia until the effects of these treatments were abolished. Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of the PAF antagonists and siRNA against PAF receptor ameliorated allodynia. I.t. injection of the glycine receptor (GlyR)α3 siRNA reduced the anti‐allodynia effect of PAF antagonists. This evidence suggests that the anti‐allodynia effect of PAF antagonists is at least in part mediated by spinal relief of PAF‐induced dysfunction of GlyRα3. An analysis of the mode of anti‐allodynia action of TCV‐309 in vivo revealed a competitive action against PAF shortly after the injection of TCV‐309, converting to a non‐competitive action later.

Conclusions

The present results revealed the effectiveness in anti‐allodynia of PAF antagonists in different nerve injury models, and the unique mode of action; long‐lasting anti‐allodynia effects mediated by spinal GlyRα3 with a competitive manner at the initial stage and the following non‐competitive manner of inhibition.
3D interconnected porous HA scaffolds with SiO2additions: Effect of SiO2content and macropore size on the viability of human osteoblast cells
Authors: Nikom Jaru , Charoonpatrapong‐Panyayong Kanokwan , Kedjarune‐Leggat Ureporn , Stevens Ron , Kosachan Nudthakarn , Jaroenworaluck Angkhana
Published: January 2013

3D interconnected porous scaffolds of HA and HA with various additions of SiO2were fabricated using a polymeric template technique, to make bioceramic scaffolds consisting of macrostructures of the interconnected macropores. Three different sizes of the polyurethane template were used in the fabrication process to form different size interconnected macropores, to study the effect of pore size on human osteoblast cell viability. The template used allowed fabrication of scaffolds with pore sizes of 45, 60, and 75 ppi, respectively. Scanning microscopy was used extensively to observe the microstructure of the sintered samples and the characteristics of cells growing on the HA surfaces of the interconnected macropores. It has been clearly demonstrated that the SiO2addition has influenced both the phase transformation of HA to TCP (β‐TCP and α‐TCP) and also affected the human osteoblast cell viability grown on these scaffolds. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Cytotoxicity, in vitro models and preliminary in vivo study of dual physical and chemical gels for endovascular embolization of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Bearat Hanin H. , Preul Mark C. , Vernon Brent L.
Published: January 2013

We report the evaluation of dual‐gelling poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐based polymer systems as embolic agents for intracranial aneurysms. These hydrogels undergo gelation physically via temperature‐responsiveness of poly(NIPAAm) and chemically through a Michael‐addition reaction between thiol and vinyl functional groups on the copolymers. Cytotoxicity studies were performed for biocompatibility of the hydrogels. In vitro glass models were utilized to assess injectability and embolization using the gelling systems and an in vivo swine model was used as proof‐of‐concept for catheter delivery, injection, and occlusion properties of the hydrogels. Rheology creep tests were conducted for determination of viscoelastic behavior, and degradation of the hydrogels was also investigated. Live/dead and proliferation assays indicated good biocompatibility of the hydrogels. In vitro and in vivo assessment demonstrated that the hydrogels were easily delivered via catheters into the aneurysms. Slight recanalization was observed in vivo, with some adhesion of the gels to the balloon catheter seen in vitro. The materials show creep deformation occurring with time; however, the hydrogels did not degrade over the course of 1.5 year. With the possibility to engineer hydrogels bottom‐up for particular applications, these studies show properties that need to be optimized for dual‐gelling polymer systems to serve as liquid‐to‐solid embolic agents for aneurysm treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 2515–2525, 2013.
Functional evaluation of a novel vitreous substitute using polyethylene glycol sols injected into a foldable capsular vitreous body
Authors: Chen Han , Feng Songfu , Liu Yaqin , Huang Zhen , Sun Xuyuan , Zhou Lian , Lu Xiaohe , Gao Qianying
Published: January 2013

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a short‐term (41 days) potential vitreous substitute and is too short for an ideal vitreous substitute. Previously, a foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) was designed to mimic vitreous function. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether PEG injected into FCVB can serve as a long‐term vitreous substitute. In vitro study, a concentration of 5% (w/v) PEG sols showed natural‐like mechanical and optical properties in terms of pH, density, light transmittance, refractive index, interfacial tension, viscosity, rheology, and cytotoxicity. Then in vivo tests, 30 rabbits received standard pars plana vitrectomy, of which 12 eyes were implanted with PEG injected into FCVB, nine eyes were injected with PEG sols alone, and nine others were injected with balance salt solution as control. A clinical evaluation of the anterior segment, fundus, and intraocular pressure was measured pre‐ and postoperatively up to 180 days, which showed that FCVBs had good retina supporting function, except for a higher incidence of cataracts. Gross pathology, hematoxylin and eosin, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining analysis also showed that FCVBs had good biocompatibility, and that all quadrants of the capsular wall fitted well with the retina. This study demonstrated that PEG injected into FCVB can serve as a long‐term vitreous substitute and has potential clinical use. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 2538–2547, 2013.
Cucurbitane Triterpenoids from the Fruit Pulp of Momordica charantia and Their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Liao Yun‐Wen , Chen Chiy‐Rong , Chuu Jiunn‐Jye , Huang Hui‐Chi , Hsu Jue‐Liang , Huang Tzou‐Chi , Kuoe Yueh‐Hsiung , Chang Chi‐I
Published: January 2013

Two new cucurbitane‐type triterpenes, 25‐methoxycucurbita‐5,23(E)‐diene‐3β,19‐diol (1) and 7β‐ethoxy‐3β‐hydroxy‐25‐methoxycucurbita‐5,23(E)‐dien‐19‐al (2), together with three known cucurbitane‐type triterpenes, 3β,7β,25‐trihydroxycucurbita‐5,23(E)‐dien‐19‐al (3), (23E)‐3β‐hydroxy‐7β,25‐dimethoxycucurbita‐5,23‐dien‐19‐al (4), and 3β‐hydroxy‐25‐methoxycucurbita‐6,23(E)‐dien‐19,5β‐olide (5), were isolated from the fruit pulp of Momordica charantia. The structures of two new compounds were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR, MS, IR, optical rotation. Among these isolates, compounds 1, 2, and 5 showed slight cytotoxic activity against the SK‐Hep 1 cell line with IC50 values of 33.1, 24.3, and 38.7 μM, respectively.
TGFβ‐induced PI 3 kinase‐dependent Mnk‐1 activation is necessary for Ser‐209 phosphorylation of eIF4E and mesangial cell hypertrophy
Authors: Das Falguni , Ghosh‐Choudhury Nandini , Bera Amit , Kasinath Balakuntalam S. , Choudhury Goutam Ghosh
Published: January 2013

Transforming growth factorβ (TGFβ)‐induced canonical signal transduction is involved in glomerular mesangial cell hypertrophy; however, the role played by the noncanonical TGFβ signaling remains largely unexplored. TGFβ time‐dependently stimulated eIF4E phosphorylation at Ser‐209 concomitant with enhanced phosphorylation of Erk1/2 (extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2) and MEK (mitogen‐activated and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase kinase) in mesangial cells. Inhibition of Erk1/2 by MEK inhibitor or by expression of dominant negative Erk2 blocked eIF4E phosphorylation, resulting in attenuation of TGFβ‐induced protein synthesis and mesangial cell hypertrophy. Expression of constitutively active (CA) MEK was sufficient to induce protein synthesis and hypertrophy similar to those induced by TGFβ. Pharmacological or dominant negative inhibition of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3 kinase decreased MEK/Erk1/2 phosphorylation leading to suppression of eIF4E phosphorylation. Inducible phosphorylation of eIF4E at Ser‐209 is mediated by Mnk‐1 (mitogen‐activated protein kinase signal‐integrating kinase‐1). Both PI 3 kinase and Erk1/2 promoted phosphorylation of Mnk‐1 in response to TGFβ. Dominant negative Mnk‐1 significantly inhibited TGFβ‐stimulated protein synthesis and hypertrophy. Interestingly, inhibition of mTORC1 activity, which blocks dissociation of eIF4E‐4EBP‐1 complex, decreased TGFβ‐stimulated phosphorylation of eIF4E without any effect on Mnk‐1 phosphorylation. Furthermore, mutant eIF4E S209D, which mimics phosphorylated eIF4E, promoted protein synthesis and hypertrophy similar to TGFβ. These results were confirmed using phosphorylation deficient mutant of eIF4E. Together our results highlight a significant role of dissociation of 4EBP‐1‐eIF4E complex for Mnk‐1‐mediated phosphorylation of eIF4E. Moreover, we conclude that TGFβ‐induced noncanonical signaling circuit involving PI 3 kinase‐dependent Mnk‐1‐mediated phosphorylation of eIF4E at Ser‐209 is required to facilitate mesangial cell hypertrophy. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1617–1626, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SIRT1 silencing confers neuroprotection through IGF‐1 pathway activation
Authors: Sansone Luigi , Reali Valentina , Pellegrini Laura , Villanova Lidia , Aventaggiato Michele , Marfe Gabriella , Rosa Roberta , Nebbioso Marcella , Tafani Marco , Fini Massimo , Russo Matteo A. , Pucci Bruna
Published: January 2013

The following study demonstrated that, in in vitro differentiated neurons, SIRT1 silencing induced an increase of IGF‐1 protein expression and secretion and of IGF‐1R protein levels which, in turn, prolonged neuronal cell survival in presence of an apoptotic insult. On the contrary, SIRT1 overexpression increased cell death. In particular, IGF‐1 and IGF‐1R expression levels were negatively regulated by SIRT1. In SIRT1 silenced cells, the increase in IGF‐1 and IGF‐1R expression was associated to an increase in AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Moreover, neuronal differentiation was reduced in SIRT1 overexpressing cells and increased in SIRT1 silenced cells. We conclude that SIRT1 silenced neurons appear more committed to differentiation and more resistant to cell death through the activation of IGF‐1 survival pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1754–1761, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RKIP: Much more than Raf Kinase inhibitory protein
Authors: Al‐Mulla Fahd , Bitar Milad S. , Taqi Zainab , Yeung Kam C.
Published: January 2013

From its discovery as a phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein in bovine brain to its designation as a physiological inhibitor of Raf kinase protein, RKIP has emerged as a critical molecule for maintaining subdued, well‐orchestrated cellular responses to stimuli. The disruption of RKIP in a wide range of pathologies, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and pancreatitis, makes it an exciting target for individualized therapy and disease‐specific interventions. This review attempts to highlight recent advances in the RKIP field underscoring its potential role as a master modulator of many pivotal intracellular signaling cascades that control cellular growth, motility, apoptosis, genomic integrity, and therapeutic resistance. Specific biological and functional niches are highlighted to focus future research towards an enhanced understanding of the multiple roles of RKIP in health and disease. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1688–1702, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human Ng2+ adipose stem cells loaded in vivo on a new crosslinked hyaluronic acid‐lys scaffold fabricate a skeletal muscle tissue
Authors: Desiderio Vincenzo , De Francesco Francesco , Schiraldi Chiara , De Rosa Alfredo , La Gatta Annalisa , Paino Francesca , d'Aquino Riccardo , Ferraro Giuseppe Andrea , Tirino Virginia , Papaccio Gianpaolo
Published: January 2013

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy holds promise for treating diseases and tissue repair. Regeneration of skeletal muscle tissue that is lost during pathological muscle degeneration or after injuries is sustained by the production of new myofibers. Human Adipose stem cells (ASCs) have been reported to regenerate muscle fibers and reconstitute the pericytic cell pool after myogenic differentiation in vitro. Our aim was to evaluate the differentiation potential of constructs made from a new cross‐linked hyaluronic acid (XHA) scaffold on which different sorted subpopulations of ASCs were loaded. Thirty days after engraftment in mice, we found that NG2+ ASCs underwent a complete myogenic differentiation, fabricating a human skeletal muscle tissue, while NG2− ASCs merely formed a human adipose tissue. Myogenic differentiation was confirmed by the expression of MyoD, MF20, laminin, and lamin A/C by immunofluorescence and/or RT‐PCR. In contrast, adipose differentiation was confirmed by the expression of adiponectin, Glut‐4, and PPAR‐γ. Both tissues formed expressed Class I HLA, confirming their human origin and excluding any contamination by murine cells. In conclusion, our study provides novel evidence that NG2+ ASCs loaded on XHA scaffolds are able to fabricate a human skeletal muscle tissue in vivo without the need of a myogenic pre‐differentiation step in vitro. We emphasize the translational significance of our findings for human skeletal muscle regeneration. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1762–1773, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.