bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic hydrolysis of loblolly pine: effects of cellulose crystallinity and delignification
Authors: Agarwal Umesh P. , Zhu J.Y. , Ralph Sally A. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Hydrolysis experiments with commercial cellulases have been performed to understand the effects of cell wall crystallinity and lignin on the process. In the focus of the paper are loblolly pine wood samples, which were systematically delignified and partly ball-milled, and, for comparison, Whatman CC31 cellulose samples with different crystallinities. In pure cellulose samples, the percentage of cellulose hydrolysis was inversely proportional to the degree of crystallinity. For the loblolly pine samples, the extent of hydrolysis was low for the fraction with 74- to 149-μm particle size, but the ball-milled fraction was hydrolyzed easily. The impact of lignin removal was also influential as demonstrated on progressively delignified wood, i.e., the degree of saccharification increased with lignin removal. On the basis of data of 72 h hydrolysis time on materials with similar crystallinity, the cell wall was found to be eight times less hydrolyzable than Whatman CC31 cellulose. Taken together, cellulose crystallinity and composition are not as important as the ultrastructural changes caused by the disruption of the tightly packed regions of the cell wall that ensued upon acid chlorite delignification.
Inverse gas chromatography and XPS of extracted kraft pulps
Authors: Gamelas José A.F. , Duarte Gustavo V. , Ferreira Paulo J. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Kraft pulps at the κ number level of 15 obtained from Acer saccharum (sugar maple) and Eucalyptus globulus prepared with and without hot water extraction (HWE) were analyzed by inverse gas chromatography (IGC) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In the case of A. saccharum pulps, the dispersive component of the surface energy (γ
s
d) at 40°C determined by IGC was 39.8 mJ m-2 (control pulp without HWE) and 36.7 mJ m-2 (HWE pulp). Eucalyptus globulus pulps resulted in γ
s
d values of 30.8 mJ m-2 (control) and 34.9 mJ m-2 (HWE). The higher values of γ
s
d for sugar maple pulps were interpreted as the influence of lower amounts of extractives or lignin at their surface, as revealed by XPS. It is also discussed why the acid-base character of the sugar maple pulp surface was slightly reduced with previous HWE, whereas, for E. globulus, it was greatly enhanced.
A new lignan glycoside and phenolics from the branch wood of Pinus banksiana Lambert
Authors: Si Chuan-Ling , Jiang Ju-Zheng , Liu Shi-Chao , Hu Hai-Yan , Ren Xiao-Dan , Yu Guo-Jing , Xu Guang-Hui 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Phytochemical investigation of branch wood of Pinus banksiana Lambert resulted in the isolation of a new lignan glycoside, which was named phillyrin-6″-α-rhamnoside. The structure of the new compound was mainly elucidated by chemical and spectral evidence including 2D nuclear magnetic resonance studies. In addition, four known phenolics, including a phenylpropanoid glucoside (trans-isoconiferin), a phenolic acid (caffeic acid), a neolignan (cedrusin), and a lignan glucoside (phillyrin), were reported for the first time to be present in P. banksiana.
SH3-mediated targeting of Wrch1/RhoU by multiple adaptor proteins
Authors: Risse Sarah L. , Vaz Belen , Burton Matthew F. , Aspenström Pontus , Piekorz Roland P. , Brunsveld Luc , Ahmadian Mohammad R. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Wrch1/RhoU is an atypical member of the Rho family. A major structural difference is the extended N-terminus of Wrch1 (nWrch1) containing three putative SH3 domain-binding motifs whose specificities are unknown. To define the impact of this extended region on coupling Wrch1 to cellular signaling, we analyzed in this study nWrch1 interaction with Src homology 3 (SH3) domains of different adaptor proteins. Using sedimentation and isothermal titration calorimetric (ITC) measurements, we identified isolated SH3 domains of growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), noncatalytic region of tyrosine kinase adaptor protein 1 (Nck1), c-Src, chicken tumor virus no. 10 (CT 10) regulator kinase 1 (Crk1), and p120 as low-affinity Wrch1-binding partners. Interestingly, under cell-based conditions, nWrch1 bound tightly to endogenous Grb2 and Nck, but not to Crk, c-Src, or p120. Consistent with this, a very tight nWrch1 interaction with full-length Grb2 and Nck1 was confirmed in vitro by ITC measurements indicating that high avidity of the adaptor proteins can compensate for the low affinity of their SH3 domains. Peptide analysis revealed that the central PxxP motif of nWrch1, which employs a minimal consensus sequence of eight amino acids with an essential arginine next to the PxxP motif, is responsible for these interactions. Thus, novel functional insights from this study suggest that multiple upstream signals may converge on Wrch1 directly through its SH3 domain-binding properties.
Carboxypeptidase M augments kinin B1 receptor signaling by conformational crosstalk and enhances endothelial nitric oxide output
Authors: Zhang Xianming , Tan Fulong , Brovkovych Viktor , Zhang Yongkang , Lowry Jessica L. , Skidgel Randal A. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of membrane proteins that play key roles in transducing extracellular signals to intracellular proteins to generate cellular responses. The kinin GPCRs, named B1 (B1R) and B2 (B2R), are responsible for mediating the biological responses to kinin peptides released from the precursor kininogens. Bradykinin (BK) or kallidin (KD) are agonists for B2Rs, whereas their carboxypeptidase (CP)-generated metabolites, des-Arg9-BK or des-Arg10-KD, are specific agonists for B1Rs. Here, we review the evidence for a critical role of membrane-bound CPM in facilitating B1R signaling by its ability to directly activate the receptor via conformational crosstalk as well as generate its specific agonist. In endothelial cells, the CPM/B1R interaction facilitates B1R-dependent high-output nitric oxide under inflammatory conditions.
A genetic variant in the promoter region of miR-34b/c is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Gao Lin-Bo , Li Li-Juan , Pan Xin-Min , Li Zhao-Hui , Liang Wei-Bo , Bai Peng , Zhu Yin-Hua , Zhang Lin 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The miR-34 family members, described as potential tumor suppressors, were downregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC). Loss of miR-34 impairs TP53-mediated cell death, while overexpression of miR-34 induces apoptosis. A potentially functional polymorphism (i.e., rs4938723T/C) in the promoter region of pri-miR-34b/c was predicted to influence the GATA-X binding sites. We aimed to investigate the association between miR-34b/c rs4938723 and TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphisms and the risk of CRC. We genotyped the two polymorphisms in 347 CRC patients and 488 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing assay. We found that the CC genotype and C allele of the miR-34b/c rs4938723 were associated with a significantly decreased risk of CRC compared with the TT genotype and T allele (CC vs. TT: adjusted OR=0.56; 95% CI, 0.34–0.91; C vs. T: adjusted OR=0.78; 95% CI, 0.64–0.97). In combined analysis, a borderline significance was also observed in subjects carrying the rs4938723 CT/CC and TP53 GG genotypes (adjusted OR=0.66; 95% CI, 0.43–0.99). These findings indicate that the rs4938723 in the promoter region of pri-miR-34b/c was a protective factor for the development of CRC. As the significance is marginal, further replication studies are warranted to confirm these results.
Numerical Simulation of Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in a Horizontally Placed Hydrophobic Rectangular Channel (Part 2, Influence of Abrupt Contraction)
Authors: Ueda Y. , Nakajima T. , Ishii T. , Tsujino R. , Iguchi M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper computationally visualizes two-phase flow patterns through a horizontally placed hydrophilic or hydrophobic rectangular channel with an abrupt contraction. The rectangular duct used in this study has a thickness narrower than the Laplace constant so that the surface tension governs the fluid system rather than the inertia force. In particular, the computed bubble behavior at the abrupt contraction seemed to be a similar nature against the preliminary experimental result.
Unified Tensile Work Hardening Behaviour of Thin Section Plate and Forged Thick Section 9Cr-1Mo Ferritic Steel
Authors: Choudhary B.K. , Samuel E. Isaac , Palaparti D.P. Rao , Christopher J. , Mathew M.D. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractDetailed investigation has been performed on tensile work hardening behaviour in terms of the variations of instantaneous work hardening rate (θ = dσ/dεp, where σ is true stress and εp is true plastic strain) with stress and true plastic strain rate (ε̇p) for temperature range 300–873 K in two different material conditions, (i) normalised and tempered plate and (ii) quenched and tempered tubeplate forging of 9Cr-1Mo ferritic steel. Both plate and tubeplate forging exhibited two-stage work hardening and three different temperature regimes in the variation of θ with σ. The variations of θ with respect to ε̇p exhibited unified work hardening in terms of a single master curve independent of temperature and initial microstructure. θ varied linearly with reciprocal of plastic strain rate, i.e. 1/ε̇p, and as a consequence, linear correlation between the rate of change of true stress and true plastic strain rate independent of temperature and microstructure has been obtained.
Sex-related perceptions associated with sexual activity status among Japanese adolescents who heavily use text messaging
Authors: Kawamura Yoko 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
This study examines the relationship between sex-related perceptions and engagement in sexual intercourse among adolescents in Japan who were heavy users of text massaging. Using the data from the 6th National Survey on Youth Sexual Behavior of 548 high school students who heavily use text messaging, multinomial logistic regression analyses on variables constructing sexual norms and gender-role attitudes were conducted to assess the relationship with sexual activity status as the first step. A backward stepwise elimination method of multinomial logistic regression was used as the second step at which variables for each set of two factors were tested, and as the third step at which variables of two factors were simultaneously tested. The study results showed that perceptions were related to engagement in sexual intercourse among adolescents who heavily used text messaging. In particular, those who perceived that sex is an act to be engaged in at an earlier stage of a relationship and that men have a stronger sex drive tended to be sexually active or have experienced sexual intercourse. These findings could be utilized to design more effective sexual health education messages for Japanese adolescents who are at an elevated risk.
Addressing the needs of adolescent mothers and their offspring in Nigeria: a community-based study
Authors: Olusanya Bolajoko O. , Ebuehi Olufunke M. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the perinatal profile of adolescent mothers with surviving offspring against the backdrop of limited community-based data on the outcomes of adolescent pregnancy in low-income countries.
Methods: A case-control study of adolescent mothers (13–19 years) attending four community-based clinics for routine childhood immunization from July 2005 to March 2008 in Lagos, Nigeria, matched for infant age and sex. Maternal and infant factors associated with adolescent mothers were determined using unconditional and conditional multivariable logistic regression analyses.
Results: A total of 241 adolescent mothers (mean age, 18.2±1.2 years) were consecutively recruited over the study period and matched with 1205 controls (mean age, 27.3±3.9 years). Adolescent mothers in this population were significantly more likely to be unmarried, of the Hausa ethnic tribe, without postsecondary education, unemployed, and primiparous. Although all received antenatal care, they were also more likely to deliver outside hospital without skilled attendants, and their offspring were likely to be undernourished.
Conclusions: Socio-demographic profile of adolescent girls who become pregnant is likely to have a significant influence on their health-seeking behavior for obstetric services. Teenagers especially from the most vulnerable ethnic groups in resource-poor countries should be educated on the developmental risks of early childbearing in their surviving offspring.
Parental beliefs and knowledge about male human papillomavirus vaccination in the US: a survey of a pediatric clinic population
Authors: Griebeler Meridith , Feferman Helayne , Gupta Vibha , Patel Dilip 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to examine US parental knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) in males, views on vaccination, and correlation to vaccination rates. The survey was conducted of clinic population about parental knowledge and beliefs of male HPV health outcomes and vaccination. There were a total of 102 participants who completed the survey. Perceived parental knowledge about the virus was reported as “a lot” by 11%, “some” by 50%, and “very little/nothing” by 38% of the participants. However, knowledge of HPV was moderate, with only 14% of the respondents answering all knowledge questions correctly; 64% of the respondents correctly identified HPV as a cause of genital warts in males, 43% identified at least one HPV-related cancer, and 30% were unable to identify any health outcomes in males. There was a statistically significant correlation between perceived and actual knowledge, with >15% of the survey respondents correctly identifying that HPV does not clear up on its own (p=0.004). Of the participants who did not vaccinate, reasons included the following: 54% fulfilled the child’s wish not to be vaccinated, 38% reported belief vaccine is unsafe, and 38% indicated that their children are too young and/or expressed fear that the vaccine would negatively affect behavior. This study supports the fact that parental beliefs and attitudes are more important than actual knowledge about HPV or HPV vaccination. The implication to physicians is to tailor discussions to address fears about the dangers or complications, emphasize the safety of the vaccine, and address sources of misinformation.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer screening among Greek students: a short report
Authors: Bakogianni Giannoula D. , Goutsou Spiridoula C. , Liti Maria V. , Rizopoulou Sophia I. , Nikolakopoulos Konstantinos M. , Nikolakopoulou Nikoleta M. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Cervical cancer is a major cause of death in the developing world. The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is a screening test that detects abnormal cells before they advance to cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer screening among Greek students. A sample of 472 female students participated in the present study. Interviews were performed using a structured questionnaire. Of the participants, 94.07% were aware of the Pap test and 67.34% reported that the Pap test should be done yearly. The majority of them were informed about cervical cancer screening test by their parents. Of the participants, 44.82% had received Pap testing at least once in their life, whereas 36.2% had a Pap test yearly. The reported mean time of the respondents’ first Pap test was 13.3±10.6 months after their first sexual intercourse. The reasons given by the participants for being noncompliant were lack of appreciation of the importance of the screening, embarrassment, fear, and high cost. Of the participants, 9.23% declared that those who had been administered the human papillomavirus vaccine do not need a Pap test. The results highlight the need for additional education and health promotion regarding cervical cancer screening.
If I value myself, I value school: The protective effect of self-esteem among abused females
Authors: Chang Kelly B.T. , Jurecska Diomaris E. , Lee-Zorn Chloe E. , Merrick Joav 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Children who have been severely maltreated tend to perform significantly below their non-maltreated peers in standardized tests, earn lower grades and have the most discipline issues in the school setting. There is evidence that self-esteem (SE) may be a protective factor for youth with regard to negative emotional outcomes. The role of self-esteem needs to be explored further in more collectivistic cultures. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between physical abuse, SE and school attitudes. Participants included 14 females rescued from a city landfill in Nicaragua (ages 7–17 years, M=12.44), half of whom had reported being beaten. SE and attitude toward school (ATS) were assessed using the Spanish Behavior Assessment System for Children. Grade point average (GPA) was obtained from their schools. Females who were beaten had significantly lower SE and a more negative ATS. Their GPA was lower, but not significantly. When SE and abuse were considered together, the effect of abuse on school attitudes was non-significant, suggesting that SE is a protective factor for the effects of abuse on ATS.
The poverty puzzle: the surprising difference between wealthy and poor students for self-efficacy and academic achievement
Authors: Jurecska Diomaris E. , Chang Kelly B.T. , Peterson Mary A. , Lee-Zorn Chole E. , Merrick Joav , Sequeira Elizabeth 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
This study explored the relationship between intellectual ability, socioeconomic status (SES), academic achievement and self-efficacy in a cross-cultural sample. Data from 90 students (63 students from Central America and 27 from the US) showed that regardless of culture or IQ, students from low SES families had significantly lower grade point averages than students from medium- or high-SES families. Unexpectedly, data showed that regardless of culture or IQ, students from high-SES families had the lowest self-efficacy, but the highest academic performance. Results suggest that self-efficacy is likely to be related to expectations and self-perception beyond IQ or culture.
Preclinical evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of Ipomoea digitata tuber in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Pandey Awanish Kumar , Gupta Prem Prakash , Lal Vijay Kumar 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background: The use of medicinal plants has turned out to be an alternative method for the treatment of diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. The recommendation of the World Health Organization Committee on Diabetes encouraging research on hypoglycemic agents of plant origin used in traditional medicine has greatly motivated research in this area. The hypoglycemic activity of Ipomoea digitata tuber extract was investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: An oral administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of I. digitata tuber (100 and 200 mg/kg) and glibenclamide was given for 28 days. Blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h in the acute study and at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in the chronic study. The weight of rats was recorded before and after the study period of 28 days.

Results: In the acute study, both doses of the extract showed a significant reduction in the blood glucose level compared with the control but less significant than glibenclamide. In the chronic study, all treatments showed a significant blood glucose reduction in diabetic rats. The extract and glibenclamide not only prevented a further body weight loss but also maintained the body weight during the study period.

Conclusions: The result of the study concluded that I. digitata exhibits a considerable hypoglycemic activity, which could be due to the presence of flavonoids and β-sitosterol as active principles, although the mechanism of action remains to be determined. Thus, the plant can be the key contributor in the treatment of diabetes as an alternative medicine.
Inverse problem for elliptic equation in a Banach space with Bitsadze–Samarsky boundary value conditions
Authors: Orlovsky Dmitry G. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract.
The two inverse problems of determining an unknown parameter in a nonhomogeneous
part of the equation for an abstract second-order elliptic equation in a Banach space with
boundary conditions of Bitsadze–Samarski type are considered. For the first problem we use the conditions
of Dirichlet, and for the second problem we use the conditions of Neumann.
Theorems of existence and uniqueness of solutions for both direct and inverse problems are proved.
Explicit formulas for the solutions are obtained.
New security notions and relations for public-key encryption
Authors: Sepahi Reza , Pieprzyk Josef , Shahandashti Siamak F. , Schoenmakers Berry 
Published: November 2012

Abstract.
Since their introduction, the notions of indistinguishability and non-malleability have been changed and extended by different authors to support different goals. In this paper, we propose new flavors of these notions, investigate their relative strengths with respect to previous notions, and provide the full picture of relationships (i.e., implications and separations) among the security notions for public-key encryption schemes. We take into account the two general security goals of indistinguishability and non-malleability, each in the message space, key space, and hybrid message-key space to find six specific goals, a couple of them, namely complete indistinguishability and key non-malleability, are new. Then for each pair of goals, coming from the indistinguishability or non-malleability classes, we prove either an implication or a separation, completing the full picture of relationships among all these security notions. The implications and separations are respectively supported by formal proofs (i.e., reductions) in the concrete-security framework and by counterexamples.
Differential proteolysis of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) in pregnancy
Authors: Hills Frank A. , Iles Ray K. , Sullivan Mark H. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins are important for placental and foetal growth. In this study, we have investigated the presence of proteolytic activity directed against insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) in pregnancy. In addition, the effect of protease activity on IGFBP-1 immunoreactivity and IGF binding was characterised. 125I-IGFBP-1 was incubated with maternal and foetal serum, amniotic fluid and placental extracts. Breakdown of 125I-IGFBP-1 was determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The size distribution of endogenous IGFBP-1 was determined by Western immunoblotting. Protease inhibitor studies characterised the proteolytic activity, and Western ligand blotting with 125I-IGF-I was used to determine IGF binding capacity of proteolysed IGFBP-1. Amniotic fluid samples collected after labour onset contained proteolytic activity that generated 12- and 19-kDa IGFBP-1 fragments that did not bind to 125I-IGF-I. This activity was not detected in amniotic fluid collected prior to labour onset or in other tissues. Activity was blocked by aprotinin, leupeptin, phenyl methyl sulphonyl fluoride, and Kunitz soybean trypsin inhibitor but not by ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid or pepstatin. Incubation of IGFBP-1 with trypsin generated fragments of a similar size to the amniotic fluid protease. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the presence in vivo of a trypsin-like proteolytic activity that alters the IGF-binding function of IGFBP-1 in pregnancy.