bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of BCLXL in Osteoblasts Inhibits Osteoblast Apoptosis and Increases Bone Volume and Strength
Authors: Moriishi Takeshi , Fukuyama Ryo , Miyazaki Toshihiro , Furuichi Tatsuya , Ito Masako , Komori Toshihisa 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

The Bcl2 family proteins, Bcl2 and BclXL, suppress apoptosis by preventing the release of caspase activators from mitochondria through the inhibition of Bax subfamily proteins. We reported that BCL2 overexpression in osteoblasts using the 2.3 kb Col1a1 promoter increased osteoblast proliferation, failed to reduce osteoblast apoptosis, inhibited osteoblast maturation, and reduced the number of osteocyte processes, leading to massive osteocyte death. We generated BCLXL (BCL2L1) transgenic mice using the same promoter to investigate BCLXL functions in bone development and maintenance. Bone mineral density in the trabecular bone of femurs was increased, whereas that in the cortical bone was similar to that in wild-type mice. Osteocyte process formation was unaffected and bone structures were similar to those in wild-type mice. A micro-CT analysis showed that trabecular bone volume in femurs and vertebrae and the cortical thickness of femurs were increased. A dynamic bone histomorphometric analysis revealed that the mineralizing surface was larger in trabecular bone, and the bone-formation rate was increased in cortical bone. Serum osteocalcin but not TRAP5b was increased, BrdU-positive osteoblastic cell numbers were increased, TUNEL-positive osteoblastic cell numbers were reduced, and osteoblast marker gene expression was enhanced in BCLXL transgenic mice. The three-point bending test indicated that femurs were stronger in BCLXL transgenic mice than in wild-type mice. The frequency of TUNEL-positive primary osteoblasts was lower in BCLXL transgenic mice than in wild-type mice during cultivation, and osteoblast differentiation was enhanced but depended on cell density, indicating that enhanced differentiation was mainly owing to reduced apoptosis. Increased trabecular and cortical bone volumes were maintained during aging in male and female mice. These results indicate that BCLXL overexpression in osteoblasts increased the trabecular and cortical bone volumes with normal structures and maintained them majorly by preventing osteoblast apoptosis, implicating BCLXL as a therapeutic target of osteoporosis. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Nitric Oxide Prevents Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation Through Regulation of Gene Expression, Cell Signaling, and Control of Cell Proliferation
Authors: Tapia‐Limonchi Rafael , Cahuana Gladys M. , Caballano‐Infantes Estefania , Salguero‐Aranda Carmen , Beltran‐Povea Amparo , Hitos Ana B. , Hmadcha Abdelkrim , Martin Franz , Soria Bernat , Bedoya Francisco J. , Tejedo Juan R. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTNitric oxide (NO) delays mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) differentiation by regulating genes linked to pluripotency and differentiation. Nevertheless, no profound study has been conducted on cell differentiation regulation by this molecule through signaling on essential biological functions. We sought to demonstrate that NO positively regulates the pluripotency transcriptional core, enforcing changes in the chromatin structure, in addition to regulating cell proliferation, and signaling pathways with key roles in stemness. Culturing mESCs with 2 μM of the NO donor diethylenetriamine/NO (DETA/NO) in the absence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) induced significant changes in the expression of 16 genes of the pluripotency transcriptional core. Furthermore, treatment with DETA/NO resulted in a high occupancy of activating H3K4me3 at the Oct4 and Nanog promoters and repressive H3K9me3 and H3k27me3 at the Brachyury promoter. Additionally, the activation of signaling pathways involved in pluripotency, such as Gsk3‐β/β‐catenin, was observed, in addition to activation of PI3 K/Akt, which is consistent with the protection of mESCs from cell death. Finally, a decrease in cell proliferation coincides with cell cycle arrest in G2/M. Our results provide novel insights into NO‐mediated gene regulation and cell proliferation and suggest that NO is necessary but not sufficient for the maintenance of pluripotency and the prevention of cell differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2078–2088, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micro‐coagulation effects on direct ultrafiltration of challenging raw river water
Authors: Ferrer Olga , Dekker Remon , Mesa Jose , Martín‐Alonso Jordi , Cortina José L , Gibert Oriol 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe feasibility and competitiveness of substituting the conventional pre‐treatment of drinking water treatment plants (dioxichlorination, coagulation/flocculation, settling, sand filtration) by raw river water direct ultrafiltration (UF) was addressed.RESULTSA full scale UF module was operated continuously for 2 years, treating highly variable surface water. The sustainable hydraulic conditions leading to a greater water yield from the direct UF treatment scheme under different scenarios were defined. Summer periods enabled the attainment of higher filtration fluxes, although raw river water showed greater turbidity and total suspended solids content. Winter periods presented higher dissolved organic carbon concentration, with greater biopolymers content, which have been claimed as main membrane foulants. A preliminary micro‐coagulation of FeCl3 (<1.5 mg Fe(III) L−1) enabled supporting harsher hydraulic conditions and thus, implementing similar conditions throughout the year. Impacts of micro‐coagulation were more pronounced on filtration, particularly in winter, but a positive effect was also noticed in hydraulic and chemical cleaning stages, increasing the efficiency of the former and decreasing by half the frequency of the latter.CONCLUSIONDirect UF proved to be competitive with the current conventional pre‐treatment, leading to a significant reduction in reagents needs and sludge production and an increased and more stable product water quality. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Specimen preparation by ion beam slope cutting for characterization of ductile damage by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Besserer Hans‐Bernward , Gerstein Gregory , Maier Hans Jürgen , Nürnberger Florian 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTTo investigate ductile damage in parts made by cold sheet‐bulk metal forming a suited specimen preparation is required to observe the microstructure and defects such as voids by electron microscopy. By means of ion beam slope cutting both a targeted material removal can be applied and mechanical or thermal influences during preparation avoided. In combination with scanning electron microscopy this method allows to examine voids in the submicron range and thus to analyze early stages of ductile damage. In addition, a relief structure is formed by the selectivity of the ion bombardment, which depends on grain orientation and microstructural defects. The formation of these relief structures is studied using scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction and the use of this side effect to interpret the microstructural mechanisms of voids formation by plastic deformation is discussed. A comprehensive investigation of the suitability of ion beam milling to analyze ductile damage is given at the examples of a ferritic deep drawing steel and a dual phase steel.Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:321–327, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MR neurographic orthopantomogram: Ultrashort echo‐time imaging of mandibular bone and teeth complemented with high‐resolution morphological and functional MR neurography
Authors: Manoliu Andrei , Ho Michael , Nanz Daniel , Dappa Evelyn , Boss Andreas , Grodzki David M. , Liu Wei , Chhabra Avneesh , Andreisek Gustav , Kuhn Felix P. 
Published: February 2016

PurposePanoramical radiographs or cone‐beam computed tomography (CT) are the standard‐of‐care in dental imaging to assess teeth, mandible, and mandibular canal pathologies, but do not allow assessment of the inferior alveolar nerve itself nor of its branches. We propose a new technique for “MR neurographic orthopantomograms” exploiting ultrashort echo‐time (UTE) imaging of bone and teeth complemented with high‐resolution morphological and functional MR neurography.Materials and MethodsThe Institutional Review Board approved the study in 10 healthy volunteers. Imaging of the subjects mandibles at 3.0T (Magnetom Skyra, Siemens‐Healthcare) using a 64‐channel head coil with isotropic spatial resolution for subsequent multiplanar reformatting, was performed. Bone images were acquired using a 3D PETRA sequence (TE, 0.07 msec). Morphological nerve imaging was performed using a dedicated 3D PSIF and 3D SPACE STIR sequence. Functional MR neurography was accomplished using a new accelerated diffusion‐tensor‐imaging (DTI) prototype sequence (2D SMS‐accelerated RESOLVE). Qualitative and quantitative image analysis was performed and descriptive statistics are provided.ResultsImage acquisition and subsequent postprocessing into the MR neurographic orthopantomogram by overlay of morphological and functional images were feasible in all 10 volunteers without artifacts. All mandibular bones and mandibular nerves were assessable and considered normal. Fiber tractography with quantitative evaluation of physiological diffusion properties of mandibular nerves yielded the following mean ± SD values: fractional anisotropy, 0.43 ± 0.07; mean diffusivity (mm2/s), 0.0014 ± 0.0002; axial diffusivity, 0.0020 ± 0.0002, and radial diffusivity, 0.0011 ± 0.0001.ConclusionThe proposed technique of MR neurographic orthopantomogram exploiting UTE imaging complemented with high‐resolution morphological and functional MR neurography was feasible and allowed comprehensive assessment of osseous texture and neural microarchitecture in a single examination. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:393–400.
Dilution reveals how viral lysis and grazing shape microbial communities
Authors: Cram Jacob A. , Parada Alma E. , Fuhrman Jed A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGrazing by protists and viral infection are the main known sources of marine bacterial mortality, and both processes shape the structure and ecology of microbial communities. We diluted planktonic microbial communities to determine how decreasing the encounter rate between bacteria, grazers, and viruses affects community structure. In experimental treatments, sea water was diluted 10‐fold in water from which protists and bacteria had been removed (0.2 μm filtered), or from which protists bacteria and viruses had been removed (0.02 μm filtered). In both dilution treatments, bacterial and protistan communities generally recovered within 3 d to near their original abundances, but viruses did not. The microbial community structure of bacteria in both diluted treatments was significantly different from untreated control communities, after 3 d, and significantly different between the 0.2 μm and 0.02 μm dilution treatments after 6 d. Diluted treatments were dominated by operational taxonomic units that are normally rare in near‐surface seawater, including some normally more abundant in the deep water at this location such as SAR324 and SAR406, while abundant surface taxa including SAR11 did not increase in abundance after dilution. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that microbes face a tradeoff between fast growth and resistance to predation and infection, and that microbes that are normally most abundant in the California coastal surface waters (such as SAR11 and Actinobacteria) are both more grazer resistant and slower growing than potentially opportunistic organisms that are rare in surface water but capable of fast net growth when grazers or viruses are removed.
Exploring the Compositional Heterogeneity of Vis‐Broken Impact Poly(propylene) Copolymers by Advanced Fractionation Methods
Authors: Phiri Mohau Justice , Pasch Harald 
Published: February 2016

Vis‐breaking or rheology control is an important technical process to improve the processability of impact poly(propylene) copolymers (IPCs). In the vis‐breaking process the molar mass and its dispersity are reduced and the crystallinity changes and polar carbonyl functionalities are introduced due to the reaction of the polymer with peroxide. Although the fundamental principles of vis‐breaking are well understood, not much research has been devoted to the investigation of the molecular changes brought about by the vis‐breaking process. In the present study, the effect of vis‐breaking on the molecular parameters of IPCs is elucidated using advanced fractionation methods. After the analysis of the bulk sample properties, the samples are fractionated using preparative temperature rising elution fractionation and the fractions are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, crystallization analysis fractionation, and high temperature high performance liquid chromatography techniques. For the first time, an effective multidimensional analytical approach is established to study compositional heterogeneities in vis‐broken IPC materials.image
A new analytical model for consolidation with multiple vertical drains
Authors: Lu Mengmeng , Sloan Scott W. , Indraratna Buddhima , Jing Hongwen , Xie Kanghe 
Published: February 2016

SummaryVarious analytical theories of consolidation for soils with vertical drains have been proposed in the past. Most conventional theories are based on a cylindrical unit cell that contains only a single vertical drain. This paper described a new analytical model where a vertical drain located at the centre (the ‘inner vertical drain’) and is surrounded by two or three vertical drains (the ‘outer vertical drains’), the number of which depends on whether the configuration is triangular or rectangular. Both types of drains are combined into a cylindrical unit cell, and the water is assumed to flow both inwards to the inner vertical drain and outwards to the outer vertical drains distributed around the circumference. The outer radial boundary of the unit cell is regarded as a permeable boundary, with a drainage capacity of two or three separate vertical drains for triangular and rectangular configurations, respectively. The smear effects and the drainage resistances for both the inner and outer vertical drains are considered in the analysis as well. In this way, the equations governing the consolidation process with multiple vertical drains are derived, and the corresponding analytical solutions are obtained for instantaneously loading, ramp loading and multi‐stage of instantaneously loading and multi‐stage of ramp loading. The present solutions are finally compared with several conventional solutions for a single vertical drain in the literature. The results show that the present model predicts the same average degree of consolidation as conventional models do, which verifies the correctness of this new model. Finally, the settlement predicted by the present solution is compared with the measured settlement from a field test at the Port of Brisbane, Australia, which shows a good agreement between them. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spline approximation, Kronecker products and multilinear forms
Authors: Lamping Frank , Peña Juan‐Manuel , Sauer Tomas 
Published: February 2016

SummarySums of Kronecker products occur naturally in high‐dimensional spline approximation problems, which arise, for example, in the numerical treatment of chemical reactions. In full matrix form, the resulting non‐sparse linear problems usually exceed the memory capacity of workstations. We present methods for the manipulation and numerical handling of Kronecker products in factorized form. Moreover, we analyze the problem of approximating a given matrix by sums of Kronecker products by making use of the equivalence to the problem of decomposing multilinear forms into sums of one‐forms. Greedy algorithms based on the maximization of multilinear forms over a torus are used to obtain such (finite and infinite) decompositions that can be used to solve the approximation problem. Moreover, we present numerical considerations for these algorithms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adverse family experiences during childhood and adolescent obesity
Authors: Heerman William J. , Krishnaswami Shanthi , Barkin Shari L. , McPheeters Melissa 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between adverse family experiences (AFEs) during childhood and adolescent obesity and to determine populations at highest risk for AFEs.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis was performed of the 2011‐2012 National Survey of Children's Health, including children aged 10‐17 years. Weighted estimates of 31,258,575 children were based on interviews with 42,239 caregivers. Caregiver reports of nine psychosocial risk factors measured AFEs during childhood. Adolescent overweight and obesity were derived by caregiver‐reported child height and weight.ResultsNearly one‐third (30.5%) of children had experienced ≥2 AFEs, with geographic variation by state. The prevalence of obesity among children experiencing ≥2 AFEs was 20.4%, when compared with 12.5% among children with 0 AFEs. Adjusted survey regression models were controlled for child, parent, household, and neighborhood characteristics. Children with ≥2 AFEs in childhood were more likely to have obesity (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.47‐2.17; P < 0.001) than those with no AFEs, with Non‐Hispanic, White children most affected.ConclusionsAdolescents in this national sample who were exposed to greater numbers of AFEs in childhood also had higher rates of overweight and obesity. Geographic variation and differential associations based on race/ethnicity identified children at greatest risk.
Responsiveness of PROMIS® Pediatric Measures to Hospitalizations for Sickle Pain and Subsequent Recovery
Authors: Dampier Carlton , Jaeger Byron , Gross Heather E. , Barry Vaughn , Edwards Lloyd , Lui Yang , DeWalt Darren A. , Reeve Bryce B. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundThe Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) created pediatric self‐report scales measuring a variety of health attributes (domains), but their responsiveness to changes in health status has not yet been determined in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).ProcedureA convenience cohort of symptomatic SCD children, aged 8–17 years, was asked to complete PROMIS pediatric scales at an initial clinic visit, at the end of a subsequent hospitalization for sickle pain, at a subsequent clinic visit or at home 2–3 weeks after hospitalization, and at a clinic visit 1–2 years after their initial assessment.ResultsA total of 121 participants (mean age 12.5 ± 3.1 years, 56.2% female) participated in the study. Pain interference and fatigue domain scores were elevated at baseline, increased substantially during hospitalization, and largely returned to baseline by the recovery period, whereas the depressive symptoms, anger, and anxiety domain scores displayed a less pronounced elevation during hospitalizations and a slower return to baseline levels. The two physical functioning scales showed a substantial decline in response to hospitalization, but only modest improvements at the recovery assessment, likely representing incomplete recovery.ConclusionsSeveral PROMIS pediatric measures were responsive to changes in health status associated with occurrence and resolution of acute vaso‐occlusive pain requiring hospitalization. The substantial differences in these domains during SCD‐related pain exacerbations support their potential usefulness in clinical research or in clinical practice. Further studies to characterize variations in symptom patterns over time may provide insights into strategies for more effective management of sickle pain.
ABVD‐Based Therapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents: Lessons Learnt in a Tertiary Care Oncology Center in a Developing Country
Authors: Jain Sandeep , Kapoor Gauri , Bajpai Ram 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundAs Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a highly curable malignancy, most current pediatric trials focus on strategies aimed at reducing late effects of therapy. We report our results with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) therapy.ProcedureWe retrospectively analyzed 17 years (1996–2013) data of patients ≤18 years of age with HL. All patients received ABVD chemotherapy and involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) was reserved for those with bulky disease or partial response. The analysis was carried out to assess overall survival (OS) and freedom from treatment failure (FFTF) and factors predicting the events.ResultsOf 167 eligible patients, 72 (43.1%) had B symptoms, 28 (16.7%) had bulky disease, 31 (18.6%) had >4 lymph node regions, and 53 (31.8%) had advanced disease (stages III and IV). In all, 87% patients received six cycles of ABVD and IFRT was administered to 51 (30.5%) patients. The 5‐year OS and FFTF were 95.9% and 79%, respectively, and were similar in patients treated with or without IFRT. On multivariable analysis, advanced disease (stages III and IV), involvement of >4 lymph node regions, and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥500 IU/l at diagnosis were statistically significant factors for FFTF (P = 0.03, 0.003, 0.048, respectively).ConclusionsThe excellent survival of HL patients in the setting of a developing country reported in this retrospective analysis warrants treatment reduction, especially for early‐stage patients. The use of risk‐ and response‐based stratification incorporating disease stage, involved lymph node regions, and serum LDH, along with fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography‐based response, may guide development of effective and less toxic protocols.
Nutrient Insufficiencies/Deficiencies in Children With Sickle Cell Disease and Its Association With Increased Disease Severity
Authors: Martyres David J. , Vijenthira Abi , Barrowman Nick , Harris‐Janz Sydney , Chretien Christine , Klaassen Robert J. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is characteristically described as a disease of hemolytic anemia and vaso‐occlusive crises (VOCs). However, patients suffer from a multitude of other problems including impaired development, chronic pain, and increased susceptibility to infection. Nutritional deficiency has been implicated as a contributor to these issues.ProcedureWe reported the nutrition status with respect to vitamin D, zinc, B6, B12, folate, and homocysteine serum levels in Canadian children with SCD (n = 91). We also tested for associations between nutrients and markers of disease severity and growth.ResultsAlmost half the sample (42%) had multiple nutrient insufficiencies/deficiencies, and a further 27% had a single insufficiency/deficiency. The most common insufficiency/deficiency was zinc in 57% followed by calcidiol (25 dihydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)) (52%). Sixteen percent of patients had low vitamin B6 levels, while folate, calcitriol (1,25(OH)D), and homocysteine levels were normal. Increased number of vitamin insufficiencies/deficiencies was associated with increasing disease severity (P = 0.018). Zinc insufficiency/deficiency was significantly associated with an increased number of home pain crises (P = 0.001) and an increased incidence of hospitalizations for VOCs (P = 0.01).ConclusionsOur findings show that patients with SCD commonly have multiple nutrient insufficiencies/deficiencies and support the growing evidence for the link between low zinc and increased VOC. It also indicates that increased nutrient insufficiencies/deficiencies are associated with increased disease severity in SCD. Prospective studies with larger samples are needed to further elucidate the relationship between nutrient deficiencies and SCD, and to determine whether nutrient supplementation can improve the disease course.