bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A DNA Segment Spanning the Mouse Tnfsf11 Transcription Unit and Its Upstream Regulatory Domain Rescues the Pleiotropic Biologic Phenotype of the RANKL Null Mouse
Authors: Onal Melda , Bishop Kathleen A , St. John Hillary C , Danielson Allison L , Riley Erin M , Piemontese Marilina , Xiong Jinhu , Goellner Joseph J , O'Brien Charles A , Pike J Wesley 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) is a TNFα-like cytokine that is produced by a diverse set of lineage-specific cells and is involved in a wide variety of physiological processes that include skeletal remodeling, lymph node organogenesis, mammary gland development, and thermal regulation. Consistent with these diverse functions, control of RANKL expression is accomplished in a cell-specific fashion via a set of at least 10 regulatory enhancers that are located up to 170 kb upstream of the gene's transcriptional start site. Here we examined the in vivo consequence of introducing a contiguous DNA segment containing these components into a genetically deleted RANKL null mouse strain. In contrast to RANKL null littermates, null mice containing the transgene exhibited normalized body size, skeletal development, and bone mass as well as normal bone marrow cavities, normalized spleen weights, and the presence of developed lymph nodes. These mice also manifested normalized reproductive capacity, including the ability to lactate and to produce normal healthy litters. Consistent with this, the transgene restored endogenous-like RANKL transcript levels in several RANKL-expressing tissues. Most importantly, restoration of RANKL expression from this segment of DNA was fully capable of rescuing the complex aberrant skeletal and immune phenotype of the RANKL null mouse. RANKL also restored appropriate levels of B220+IgM+ and B220+IgD+ B cells in spleen. Finally, we found that RANKL expression from this transgene was regulated by exogenously administered 1,25(OH)2D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), thus recapitulating the ability of these same factors to regulate the endogenous gene. These findings fully highlight the properties of the Tnfsf11 gene locus predicted through previous in vitro dissection. We conclude that the mouse Tnfsf11 gene locus identified originally through unbiased chromatin immunoprecipitation with DNA microarray (ChIP-chip) analysis contains the necessary genetic information to direct appropriate tissue-specific and factor-regulated RANKL expression in vivo. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Reactive extraction of amino acids mixture in hydrolysate from cottonseed meal with di(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Shunxi , Yang Xinni , Qiu Ling , Gao Bing , Li Rui , Chen Jiwang 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn recent years there has been a noticeable growth of amino acid utilization throughout the world. How to separate and purify amino acids from fermentation broths or protein hydrolysates in an effective and low cost way is increasingly becoming an urgent problem. The utilization of solvent extraction technology for amino acids separation offers one solution.RESULTSExtractions of individual amino acids in aqueous solution with di(2‐ethyl‐hexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EPHA) are dominated by aqueous pH and their hydrophobicity. The degree of extraction of amino acids increases with increasing pH (1.0<pH<3.0), but changes only slightly in the range 3.0<pH<7.0. Amino acids with a longer carbon chain or cyclic structure have higher degrees of extraction, while those with additional polar groups have lower degrees of extraction. Protein hydrolysate from cottonseed meal was obtained by combination of microbial fermentation and HCl hydrolysis. The greatest extraction of amino acids from the hydrolysate was found at initial feed pH 6.5, and byproducts (e.g. reducing sugars and sodium chloride) were completely retained in raffinate. Amino acids loading the organic phase can be completely stripped by using an aqueous solution having an equal volume of 0.5 mol L−1 HCl.CONCLUSIONUse of D2EPHA reactive extraction enabled avoidance of a sequence of purification stages and provided purer back‐extracts. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioactive compounds and advanced processing technology: Phaleria macrocarpa (sheff.) Boerl, a review
Authors: Easmin Mst. Sabina , Sarker Md. Zaidul Islam , Ferdosh Sahena , Shamsudin Siti Hadijah , Yunus Kamaruzzaman Bin , Uddin Md. Salim , Sarker Md. Moklesur Rahman , Akanda Md. Jahurul Haque , Hossain Md. Sohrab , Khalil HPS Abdul 
Published: November 2014

AbstractRecent technological advances and the development of new methods has provided an opportunity to obtain highly purified natural bioactive compound extracts with potential for the treatment and prevention of human diseases. The use of hazardous and toxic solvents for the extraction and processing of bioactive compounds from plant materials is considered a problem for health, safety and environmental pollution. Advanced technology aims to increase production of the desired compounds and find an alternative to using toxic solvents in the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials. The ever growing interest in plant bioactive compounds and today's concerns about environment issues have led to an increased need for an efficient and green extraction method. This review is focused on the extraction of bioactive compounds from plants using advanced and environment‐friendly methods such as supercritical fluid extraction, microwave‐assisted extraction, ultrasound‐assisted extraction and similar techniques that can extract rapidly and free from organic residues. An updated overview of the bioactive compounds present in the plant Phaleria macrocarpa and its extraction, fractionation, purification and isolation is provided. The advantages and disadvantages of both conventional and non‐conventional extraction methods are also discussed in this review. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
MRT Letter: Two‐photon excitation‐based 2pi Light‐sheet system for nano‐lithography
Authors: Mohan Kavya , Mondal Partha Pratim 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTWe propose two‐photon excitation‐based light‐sheet technique for nano‐lithography. The system consists of 2
‐configured cylindrical lens system with a common geometrical focus. Upon superposition, the phase‐matched counter‐propagating light‐sheets result in the generation of identical and equi spaced nano‐bump pattern. Study shows a feature size of as small as few tens of nanometers with a inter‐bump distance of few hundred nanometers. This technique overcomes some of the limitations of existing nano‐lithography techniques, thereby, may pave the way for mass‐production of nano‐structures. Potential applications can also be found in optical microscopy, plasmonics, and nano‐electronics. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1–7, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphology‐function relationships and repeatability in the sperm of Passer sparrows
Authors: Cramer Emily R.A. , Laskemoen Terje , Stensrud Even , Rowe Melissah , Haas Fredrik , Lifjeld Jan T. , Sætre Glenn‐Peter , Johnsen Arild 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTSperm performance is likely to be an important determinant of male reproductive success, especially when females copulate with multiple males. Understanding sperm performance is therefore crucial to fully understand the evolution of male reproductive strategies. In this study, we examined the repeatability of sperm morphology and motility measures over three breeding seasons, and we studied relationships between sperm morphology and function. We conducted this study in wild‐derived captive house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and Spanish sparrows (P. hispaniolensis). Results for the two species were similar. As predicted from results in other passerine species, total sperm length was highly repeatable across ejaculates, and repeatability for the length of other components was moderate. The repeatability of sperm swimming speed across ejaculates was lower, but statistically significant, suggesting that sperm velocity may be a relatively dynamic trait. Surprisingly, swimming speed did not correlate with the relative length of the midpiece, and it correlated negatively with the relative length of the flagellum and with total sperm length. This pattern is the opposite of what theory predicts and differs from what has been found in house sparrows before. Also contrary to previous work, we found no evidence that total sperm length correlates with sperm longevity. These results therefore highlight the need for a better understanding of relationships between sperm morphology and function in passerine birds. J. Morphol. 276:370–377, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ontogeny of an iridescent nanostructure composed of hollow melanosomes
Authors: Shawkey Matthew D. , D'Alba Liliana , Xiao Ming , Schutte Matthew , Buchholz Richard 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTIridescent colors in feathers are some of the brightest in nature, and are produced by coherent light scattering from periodic arrangements of melanosomes (melanin‐containing organelles). Hollow melanosomes, an evolutionary innovation largely restricted to birds, contain an optically powerful combination of high and low refractive indices (from the melanin and air, respectively) that enables production of brighter and more saturated colors than solid melanosomes. However, despite their significance to avian color and potential utility as optical biomaterials, little is known about the ontogeny of either the melanosomes themselves or the nanostructures they comprise. We used light and electron microscopy to characterize nanostructural development in regenerating feathers of wild turkeys, a species with iridescent color produced by a hexagonally close‐packed array of hollow melanosomes. We found that melanosomes form as solid bodies in melanocytes. Later in development, largely after placement in developing barbules, their interiors dissolve and leave hollow cores. These now hollow melanosomes are initially disorganized in the barbule, but become close‐packed as they are pulled to the edge of the barbule, likely through a combination of forces including depletion–attraction. These data suggest that these structurally colored tissues are self‐assembled and represent novel pathways of development. J. Morphol. 276:378–384, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emulsion stability, thermo‐rheology and quality characteristics of ground pork patties prepared with soy protein isolate and carrageenan
Authors: Gao Xue‐qin , Zhang Wan‐gang , Zhou Guang‐hong 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDPlant proteins and polysaccharides are often utilised in ground meat products as meat binders, gelling agents, texture stabilisers or fat substitutes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the incorporation of 57 g kg−1 soy protein isolate (SPI), 7 g kg−1 carrageenan (CAR) and SPI/CAR mixture on the quality of ground pork patties.RESULTSGround pork patties with individual SPI and CAR or SPI/CAR mixture showed either retained or improved emulsion stability, physicochemical properties and dynamic rheology compared with control samples. Although there were no significant colour differences among treatments, samples with SPI/CAR mixture presented higher texture profile values for hardness and chewiness compared with other treatments (P < 0.05). Patties with additives showed significantly lower cooking loss and better thermal emulsion stability than control samples owing to a lower release rate of water and fat (P < 0.05). Compared with control samples or those with individual SPI and CAR, patties with SPI/CAR mixture formed a smoother and more continuous structure with a more compact protein matrix.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that a mixture of SPI and CAR can be effectively used as a functional ingredient to improve the quality of ground pork patties. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
CERES‐Maize model‐based simulation of climate change impacts on maize yields and potential adaptive measures in Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Lin Yumei , Wu Wenxiang , Ge Quansheng 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDClimate change would cause negative impacts on future agricultural production and food security. Adaptive measures should be taken to mitigate the adverse effects. The objectives of this study were to simulate the potential effects of climate change on maize yields in Heilongjiang Province and to evaluate two selected typical household‐level autonomous adaptive measures (cultivar changes and planting time adjustments) for mitigating the risks of climate change based on the CERES‐Maize model.RESULTSThe results showed that flowering duration and maturity duration of maize would be shortened in the future climate and thus maize yield would reduce by 11–46% during 2011–2099 relative to 1981–2010. Increased CO2 concentration would not benefit maize production significantly. However, substituting local cultivars with later‐maturing ones and delaying the planting date could increase yields as the climate changes.CONCLUSIONThe results provide insight regarding the likely impacts of climate change on maize yields and the efficacy of selected adaptive measures by presenting evidence‐based implications and mitigation strategies for the potential negative impacts of future climate change. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality attributes of pistachio nuts as affected by rootstock and deficit irrigation
Authors: Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A , Memmi Houssem , Noguera‐Artiaga Luis , Gijón‐López María del Carmen , Ciapa Rafał , Pérez‐López David 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn this work, the influence of two regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) treatments and three different rootstocks on the quality of pistachios was evaluated by analyzing different parameters: morphological analysis, physicochemical analysis and sensory analysis.RESULTSThe results obtained in terms of the choice of rootstock revealed that Pistacia atlantica had increased production yields, nut weight, mineral content, higher intensities of characteristic sensory attributes and a higher degree of consumer satisfaction, than the other rootstocks studied. Moreover, the results established that the application of RDI on pistachio cultivation had no significant influence on production yield, weight, size, colour, water activity or mineral composition. Furthermore, T1 treatment (stem water potential < −1.3 MPa) resulted in higher intensities of characteristic sensory attributes and a greater level of satisfaction among international consumers.CONCLUSIONThese results confirm that the application of deficit irrigation (T1) contributes to an increase in overall product quality. Furthermore, Pistacia atlantica rootstock provided better yield and quality than the other rootstocks studied. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Nursery‐Box Total Fertilization Technology (NBTF) Application for Increasing Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Chinese Irrigated Riceland: N–Soil Interactions
Authors: Zhang Aiping , Gao Ji , Liu Ruliang , Chen Zhe , Yang Shiqi , Yang Zhengli , Shao Hongbo , Zhang Qingwen , Yoshikazu Nagai 
Published: November 2014

AbstractHigh N fertilizer and flooding irrigation applied to rice in anthropogenic‐alluvial soil often result in N leaching and low use efficiency of applied fertilizer N from the rice field in Ningxia irrigation region in the upper reaches of the Yellow River. Sound N management practices need to be established to improve N use efficiency while sustaining high grain yield levels and minimize fertilizer N loss to the environment. We investigated the effects of Nursery Box Total Fertilization technology (NBTF) on N leaching at different rice growing stages, N use efficiency and rice yield in 2010 and 2011. The four fertilizer N treatments were 300 kg N ha−1 (CU, Conventional treatment of urea at 300 kg N ha−1), 120 kg N ha−1 (NBTF120, NBTF treatment of controlled‐release N fertilizer at 120 kg N ha−1), 80 kgN ha−1 (NBTF80, NBTF treatment of controlled‐release N fertilizer at 80 kg N ha−1) and no N fertilizer application treatment (CK). The results showed that the NBTF120 treatment increased N use efficiency, maintained crop yields and substantially reduced N losses to the environment. Under the CU treatment, the rice yield was 9634 and 7098 kg ha−1, the N use efficiency was 31·6% and 34·8% and the leaching losses of TN were 44·51 and 39·89 kg ha−1; NH4+‐N was 5·26 and 5·49 kg ha−1, and NO3−‐N was 27·94 and 26·22 kg ha−1 during the rice whole growing period in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Compared with CU, NBTF120 significantly increased the N use efficiency and decreased the N losses from the paddy field. Under NBTF120, the N use efficiency was 56·3% and 51·4%, which was 24·7% and 16·6% higher than that of CU, and the conventional fertilizer application rate could be reduced by 60% without lowering the rice yield while decreasing the leaching losses of TN by 16·27 and 14·36 kg ha−1, NH4+‐N by 0·90 and 1·84 kg ha−1, NO3−‐N by 110·6 and 10·14 kg ha−1 in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Our results indicate that the CU treatment resulted in relatively high N leaching losses, and that alternative practice of NBTF which synchronized fertilizer application with crop demand substantially reduced these losses. We therefore suggest the NBTF120 be a fertilizer application alternative which leads to high food production but low environmental impact. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion resistance of titanium dioxide anodic coatings on Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Vera M. L. , Linardi E. , Lanzani L. , Mendez C. , Schvezov C. E. , Ares A. E. 
Published: November 2014

The Ti–6Al–4V alloy is used for biomedical implants due to its corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, associated with the spontaneous formation of TiO2 oxide. However, the native film may be flawed and after some time of implantation in the body it may release metal ions. Oxides of higher thickness than naturally grown can be produced by anodic oxidation.The objective of this study was to evaluate the corrosion resistance of anodic TiO2 coatings, evaluating the influence of the thickness and crystalline structure of the coatings. Amorphous coatings were obtained from 27 to 140 nm that crystallized in anatase and rutile phases by heat treatment. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by potentiodynamic measurements in 0.9% sodium chloride, which is the main component of physiological solution.Evaluation of the electrochemical parameters showed that anodic coatings are more efficient barrier than the natural TiO2 oxide.As the oxidation processes influenced the electrochemical properties of metals by altering the resistance to corrosion, therefore they become important to study the electrochemical behavior of the oxides by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Effects of electrical stimulation pattern on quadriceps isometric force and fatigue in individuals with spinal cord injury
Authors: Deley Gaelle , Denuziller Jeremy , Babault Nicolas , Taylor John Andrew 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTIntroductionVariable frequency trains (VFT) or train combinations have been suggested as useful strategies to offset the rapid fatigue induced by constant frequency trains (CFT) during electrical stimulation. However, most studies have been of short duration with limited functional application in those with spinal cord injury (SCI). We therefore tested force and fatigue in response to VFT, CFT, and combined patterns in strength training‐like conditions (6‐s contractions).MethodsTen SCI individuals underwent either CFT or VFT patterns until target torque was no longer produced and then switched immediately to the other pattern.ResultsTarget torque was reached more times when VFT was used first (VFT: 6.7 ± 0.8 vs. CFT: 3.5 ± 0.2 contractions, P < 0.05) and when it was followed by the CFT pattern (VFT‐CFT: 10.3 ± 1.2 vs. CFT‐VFT: 6.9 ± 1.2 contractions, P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that for the same initial forces the VFT pattern is less fatiguing than CFT and that when combining train types, VFT should be used first. Muscle Nerve 52: 260–264, 2015
Simultaneous UHPLC/DAD/(+/−)HESI–MS/MS Analysis of Phenolic Acids and Nepetalactones in Methanol Extracts of Nepeta Species: A Possible Application in Chemotaxonomic Studies
Authors: Mišić Danijela , Šiler Branislav , Gašić Uroš , Avramov Stevan , Živković Suzana , Nestorović Živković Jasmina , Milutinović Milica , Tešić Živoslav 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTIntroductionNepeta species contain a variety of secondary metabolites, including iridoid monoterpenes – nepetalactones and phenolic acids – that are considered the main bioactive constituents. This work represents the first attempt to comparatively explore variations in these two major groups of secondary metabolites within the genus.ObjectiveTo develop an efficient analytical methodology for simultaneous analysis of nepetalactones and phenolic acids in methanol extracts of selected Nepeta species, and to evaluate its potential application in chemotaxonomic studies.Material and methodsA UHPLC combined with linear‐trap quadrupole (LTQ) orbitrap MS method was used to characterise chemical diversity and complexity of phenolics among 12 selected Nepeta species. A targeted metabolomic approach using UHPLC coupled to a diode array detector (DAD) and combined with (+/−) heated electrospray ionisation (HESI) MS/MS was developed and validated for quantitative analysis of six hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and four nepetalactones.ResultsPhenolic profiling provided a valuable database of bioactive compounds in the plant group studied, including phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids) and flavonoids (flavones, flavonols and flavanones). Principal component analysis and cluster analysis suggested the applicability of 10 targeted compounds as chemomarkers for chemotaxonomic studies. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between metabolites involved in different biosynthetic pathways (phenylpropanoid or monoterpenoid).ConclusionThe described targeted metabolomic approach proved to be highly beneficial in designing a phytochemical overview of the genus Nepeta, and might have applications in further clarification of phylogenetic relations. Furthermore, it has the potential to be implemented in a routine quality control of plant material and herbal preparations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.