bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Norepinephrine Inhibition of Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Chondrogenic Progenitor Cell Chondrogenesis and Acceleration of Chondrogenic Hypertrophy
Authors: Jenei‐Lanzl Zsuzsa , Grässel Susanne , Pongratz Georg , Kees Frieder , Miosge Nicolai , Angele Peter , Straub Rainer H. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveMesenchymal progenitor cell chondrogenesis is the biologic platform for the generation or regeneration of cartilage, but the external influence of the sympathetic nervous system on this process is not yet known. Sympathetic nerve fibers are present in articular tissue, and the sympathetic nervous system influences the musculoskeletal system by, for example, increasing osteoclastogenesis. This study was initiated to explore the role of the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)–dependent and cartilage progenitor cell (CPC)–dependent chondrogenesis.MethodsUsing human MSCs or CPCs, chondrogenic differentiation was induced in the presence of NE, the specific β‐adrenergic receptor (β‐AR) agonist isoproterenol, and the specific β‐AR antagonist nadolol. We studied sympathetic nerve fibers, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, catecholamine biosynthesis, and synovial fluid levels in human joints, as well as cartilage‐specific matrix deposition during differentiation.ResultsTH+ sympathetic nerve fibers were present in the synovial tissue, meniscus, and subchondral bone marrow. In addition, synovial fluid from patients with knee trauma demonstrated high concentrations of NE. During MSC or CPC chondrogenesis, β‐AR were expressed. Chondrogenic aggregates treated with NE or isoproterenol synthesized lower amounts of type II collagen and glycosaminoglycans. NE and isoproterenol treatment dose‐dependently increased the levels of cartilage hypertrophy markers (type X collagen and matrix metalloproteinase 13). Nadolol reversed the inhibition of chondrogenesis and the up‐regulation of cartilage hypertrophy.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate NE‐dependent inhibition of chondrogenesis and acceleration of hypertrophic differentiation. By inhibiting cartilage repair, these sympathetic influences can be important after joint trauma. These findings may be a basis for novel neurochondrogenic therapeutic options.
The Discoidin Domain Receptor 2/Annexin A2/Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 Loop Promotes Joint Destruction in Arthritis Through Promoting Migration and Invasion of Fibroblast‐like Synoviocytes
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Cun , Shi Man , Zhang Jian , Li Meng , Xue Xiaochang , Zhang Zhao , Shu Zhen , Zhu Jinyu , Mu Nan , Li Weina , Hao Qiang , Wang Zhijun , Gong Li , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yingqi 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveDiscoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR‐2)/matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) signaling is an important pathway involved in cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the molecular mechanisms of this pathway have not been clearly identified. This study was undertaken to screen key molecules involved in this pathway and evaluate their biologic functions in synovium invasion of RA.MethodsDDR‐2–interacting proteins were examined in vitro by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, and annexin A2 was acquired. The effects of annexin A2 on fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (FLS) migration were evaluated using a Transwell invasion assay and an Erasion trace test. In Ddr2−/− mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemical analysis, and Western blot analysis were used to assess expression of DDR‐2, annexin A2, and MMP‐13, as well as synovial hyperplasia. Rats with CIA were treated with lentivirus annexin A2 small interfering RNA (siRNA), and annexin A2 siRNA effects on joint damage were analyzed based upon arthritis index scores and results of micro–computed tomography and H&E staining. The differences between annexin A2 expression in clinical samples from RA and osteoarthritis patients were compared using Western blotting.ResultsAnnexin 2 was identified for the first time as a DDR‐2 binding protein. It may be phosphorylated by phospho–DDR‐2, leading to MMP‐13 secretion. The annexin A2 phosphorylation level and MMP‐13 expression level were decreased and collagen‐induced joint damage greatly reduced in Ddr2−/− mice. Joint damage in rats with CIA was significantly ameliorated when annexin A2 was down‐regulated. Annexin A2 expression and phosphorylation were elevated in human RA synovial tissue.ConclusionAnnexin A2 is a key molecule in the DDR‐2/annexin A2/MMP‐13 loop, the activation of which contributes to joint destruction in RA, mainly through promoting invasion of FLS. Annexin A2 might therefore become a novel clinical target for RA treatment.
Top‐Up Fabrication of Gold Nanorings
Authors: Scheeler Sebastian P. , Lehr Dennis , Kley Ernst‐Bernhard , Pacholski Claudia 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA simple method for the fabrication of gold nanorings with reliable material composition and reproducible morphology that relies on a combination of top‐down and bottom‐up techniques is presented. Here, lithographically defined hole arrays are used as templates for the deposition of gold nanoparticles. The resulting gold nanoparticle rings are joined by electroless deposition of gold, thereby leading to the formation of gold nanoring arrays that show plasmonic resonance in their optical spectra at theoretically predicted wavelengths. In addition, the gold nanorings can be released from the template by extensive rinsing with water, thereby enabling their further functionalization or assembly and the re‐use of the template for the preparation of more nanorings.
Power Control for Cellular Communications with Time‐Varying Channel Uncertainties
Authors: Subramanian Sankrith , Shea John M. , Dixon Warren E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPower control in a code‐division multiple access (CDMA) based cellular network is a challenging problem because the communication channels change rapidly because of multipath fading. These rapid fluctuations cause detrimental effects on the control efforts required to regulate the signal‐to‐interference plus noise ratios (SINRs) to the desired level. Thus, there is a need for power‐control algorithms that can adapt to rapid changes in the channel gain caused by multipath fading. Much of the previous work has either neglected the effects of fast fading, assumed that the fading is known, or assumed that all the link gains are known. In this paper, we model the effects of fast fading and develop practical strategies for robust power control based on SINR measurements in the presence of the fading. We develop a controller for the reverse link of a CDMA cellular system, and use a Lyapunov‐based analysis to prove that the SINR error is globally uniformly ultimately bounded. We also utilize a linear prediction filter that utilizes local SINR measurements and estimates of the Doppler frequency that can be derived from local SINR measurements to improve the estimate of the channel fading used in the controller. The power‐control algorithm is simulated for a cellular network with multiple cells, and the results indicate that the controller regulates the SINRs of all the mobile terminals (MTs) with low outage probability. In addition, a pulse‐code‐modulation technique is applied to allow the control command to be quantized for feedback to the transmitter. Simulation results indicate that the outage probabilities of all the MTs are still within the acceptable range if at least 3‐bit quantization is employed. Comparisons to a standard algorithm illustrate the improved performance of the predictive controller.
2013 feedstock supply and price projections and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Langholtz Matthew , Eaton Laurence , Turhollow Anthony , Hilliard Michael 
Published: May 2014

AbstractFarmgate prices (i.e. price delivered roadside ready for loading and transport) for biomass feedstocks directly influence biofuel prices. Using the latest available data, marginal (i.e. price for the last ton) farmgate prices of $51, $63, and $67 dry ton−1 ($2011) are projected as necessary to provide 21 billion gallons of biofuels from about 250 million dry tons of terrestrial feedstocks in 2022 under price‐run deterministic, demand‐run deterministic, and stochastic simulations, respectively. Sources of uncertainty in these feedstock supply and price projections include conversion efficiency, global market impacts on crop price projections, crop yields, no‐till adoption, and climate. Under a set of low, high, and reference assumptions, these variables introduce an average of +/– $11 dry ton−1 (~15%) uncertainty of feedstock prices needed to meet EISA targets of 21 billion gallons of biofuels produced with 250 million dry tons of biomass in 2022. Market uncertainty justifies the need for fairly frequent (i.e. annual or biennial) re‐assessment of feedstock price projections to inform strategies toward commercialization of biofuels. Published in 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Single flexible nanofiber to achieve simultaneous photoluminescence–electrical conductivity bifunctionality
Authors: Sheng Shujuan , Ma Qianli , Dong Xiangting , Lv Nan , Wang Jinxian , Yu Wensheng , Liu Guixia 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn order to develop new‐type multifunctional composite nanofibers, Eu(BA)3phen/PANI/PVP bifunctional composite nanofibers with simultaneous photoluminescence and electrical conductivity have been successfully fabricated via electrospinning technology. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is used as a matrix to construct composite nanofibers containing different amounts of Eu(BA)3phen and polyaniline (PANI). X‐Ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), fluorescence spectroscopy and a Hall effect measurement system are used to characterize the morphology and properties of the composite nanofibers. The results indicate that the bifunctional composite nanofibers simultaneously possess excellent photoluminescence and electrical conductivity. Fluorescence emission peaks of Eu3+ ions are observed in the Eu(BA)3phen/PANI/PVP photoluminescence–electrical conductivity bifunctional composite nanofibers. The electrical conductivity reaches up to the order of 10−3 S/cm. The luminescent intensity and electrical conductivity of the composite nanofibers can be tuned by adjusting the amounts of Eu(BA)3phen and PANI. The obtained photoluminescence–electrical conductivity bifunctional composite nanofibers are expected to possess many potential applications in areas such as microwave absorption, molecular electronics, biomedicine and future nanomechanics. More importantly, the design concept and construction technique are of universal significance to fabricate other bifunctional one‐dimensional naonomaterials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of prognostic scores in predicting long-term outcome following resection of colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Roberts K J , White A , Cockbain A , Hodson J , Hidalgo E , Toogood G J , Lodge J P A 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Ten-year survival appears to define cure following resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). Various scores exist to predict outcome at 5 years. This study applied several scores to a patient cohort with 10 years of actual follow-up to assess their performance beyond 5 years.

Methods
The study included consecutive patients who underwent liver resection at a single institution between 1992 and 2001. The ability of eight prognostic scoring systems to predict disease-free (DFS) and disease-specific (DSS) survival was analysed using the C-statistic.

Results
Among 286 patients, the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year actual DSS rates were 86·6, 58·3, 39·5 and 24·5 per cent respectively. Seventy patients underwent 105 further resections for recurrent disease, of which 84·8 per cent were within 5 years of follow-up. Analysis of C-statistics showed only one score – the Rees postoperative index – to be a significant predictor of DFS and DSS at all time points. The remaining scores performed less well, and regularly showed no significant improvement in predictive accuracy over what would be expected by chance alone. No score yielded a C-statistic in excess of 0·8 at any time point.

Conclusion
Although available risk scores can predict DFS and DSS, none does so with sufficient discriminatory accuracy to identify all episodes of recurrent disease. A non-negligible proportion of patients develop recurrent disease beyond 5 years of follow-up and so surveillance beyond this point may be advantageous.
Metabolism of Nω‐methylserotonin, a serotonergic constituent of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa, L. (Nutt.)), by human liver microsomes
Authors: Nikolić Dejan , Li Jinghu , van Breemen Richard B. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe roots/rhizomes of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa L. (Nutt.) (syn. Actaea racemosa L.) are a popular dietary supplements among women for management of menopausal symptoms. Although not estrogenic, Nω‐methylserotonin has been identified in black cohosh as a potent agonist of serotonin 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT7 receptors. In the present study, in vitro metabolism of Nω‐methylserotonin was investigated to gain insights into aspects of the bioavailability of this compound. The major metabolic pathway was determined to be conversion into 5‐hydroxyindole acetaldehyde catalyzed by the monoamine oxidase A (MAO‐A). 5‐Hydroxyindole acetaldehyde could be further oxidized to form 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid by the action of microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase or reduced to 5‐hydroxy tryptophol by the action of aldehyde reductase. The cytochrome P450 enzymes had only a minor role in the metabolism of Nω‐methylserotonin and then only when MAO‐A was inhibited. In many aspects, the metabolism of Nω‐methylserotonin was similar to the metabolism of serotonin, suggesting that this compound is unlikely to elicit CNS effects due to rapid metabolism by the widely distributed MAO‐A. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An optimized HPLC/MS/MS method for quantification of excitatory amino acids in rat hippocampus and its application in brain ischemia/reperfusion research
Authors: Xu Jia , Qian Zhonglian , Zhao Libo , Fang Yi 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTAn optimized HPLC/MS/MS method was established to quantify glutamate (Glu) and aspartic acid (Asp) in rat hippocampus with glutamate‐d5 (Glu‐d5) as internal standard. The mass spectrometry was operated under the multiple reaction monitoring mode using electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode for Glu and negative ion mode for Asp. The retention times of Glu, Asp and Glu‐d5 were 1.53, 2.07 and 1.52 min, respectively. The linearity of calibration curves was good, with r2 > 0.99 and a lower limit of quantitation of 10 ng/mL. The intra‐day precisions (relative standard deviation, RSD) of Glu and Asp were in the range of 3.61–8.17 and 4.22–10.09%, respectively; the inter‐day precisions (RSD) of Glu and Asp were in the range of 3.57–5.19 and 2.49–5.04%, respectively. The accuracies of Glu and Asp were in the range of −2.10–6.20 and −0.90–10.00%, respectively. The recovery rates of 10, 100 and 1000 ng/mL were found to be 0.89 ± 0.24, 1.01 ± 0.10 and 0.90 ± 0.12 for Glu and 0.99 ± 0.26, 0.93 ± 0.07 and 1.13 ± 0.13 for Asp, respectively. This optimized method was successfully applied to quantify the concentration of Glu and Asp in rat hippocampus in brain ischemia/reperfusion research. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide administration alone and combination with vitamin B6 in rats
Authors: Ma Bingjie , Zhang Yuanyuan , Gu Liqiang , Jiang Yu , Hou Pengyi , Zeng Yan , Zhang Lunhui , Ju Ping , Bi Kaishun , Chen Xiaohui 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTA fast and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of cyclophosphamide in rat plasma with and without the combination of vitamin B6. After addition of digoxin used as the internal standard (IS), plasma samples were extracted by protein precipitation with acetonitrile (1:1, v/v), and the analytes were separated by a Kromasil C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase of acetonitrile–0.1% formic acid water (40:60, v/v). The detection of the analyte was monitored in positive electrospray ionization by selected ion monitoringmode. The linear range was 0.01–40 µg/mL for cyclophosphamide. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy were all <15%. The extraction recoveries and matrix effects of the analyte and IS were all within acceptable range. The selectivity of the method was satisfactory with no endogenous interference. The results for stabilities of cyclophosphamide and IS under various conditions were all within the acceptance criteria. The validated method was successfully applied to evaluate the drug–drug interaction of cyclophosphamide and vitamin B6 in rat plasma. The results showed no differences of pharmacokinetic behaviors between cyclophosphamide administration with and without vitamin B6. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Multipoint Dosing Strategy in a Miniaturized Tubular Reactor: Nitration of Salicylic Acid
Authors: Debnath Soujoy , Kienle Achim , Kulkarni Amol A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA 2D non‐isothermal reaction engineering model for a tubular reactor was developed for a complex reaction network of salicylic acid nitration. The influence of different operating and design parameters was studied to minimize the amount of secondary nitration products and limit the maximum temperature inside the reactor. Critical temperature effects were observed for larger reaction tubes, whereas close to isothermal conditions were perceived in smaller tubes. With single‐point dosing of both reactants, complete conversion can be achieved but formation of secondary nitration products cannot be avoided. For a given number of dosing points, a suitable combination of the operating parameters allowed to achieve complete conversion and better yield of the desired product.
Improved Metal‐Adhesive Polymers from Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition
Authors: Accurso Adrian A. , Delaney Mac , O'Brien Jeff , Kim Hyonny , Iovine Peter M. , Díaz David Díaz , Finn M. G. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractElectrically conductive adhesive polymers offer many potential advantages relative to SnPb solders, including reduced toxicity, low cost, low processing temperatures, and the ability to make application‐specific formulations. Polymers generated from the copper(I)‐catalyzed cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction between multivalent azides and alkynes have previously been identified as strong metal‐binding adhesives. Herein we demonstrate that the performance of these materials can be remarkably improved by the incorporation of a flexibility‐inducing difunctionalized component and a tertiary amine additive in optimized concentrations. The best formulations were identified by means of rapid adhesion testing of a library of potential candidates by using a custom‐built instrument and validated in an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)‐standard lap‐shear test. Characteristic phase transitions were identified by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for adhesives with and without the additives as a function of curing temperature. The incorporation of flexible components was found to more than double the strength of the adhesive. Moreover, the adhesive was made electrically conductive by the inclusion of 20 wt % silver‐coated copper flakes and further improved in this regard by the incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the formulation.
Scale‐up Behaviour of Intensive Mixers for Lignite Granulation for Material Usage
Authors: Fehse Franz , Sperling Alexander , Herdegen Volker , Schröder Hans‐Werner , Naundorf Tom , Repke Jens‐Uwe 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDie stoffliche Nutzung der Braunkohle erfordert neue Verfahren für die Rohstoffaufbereitung. Um die im Labormaßstab entwickelte Granulierung von Braunkohle in den technischen Maßstab zu überführen, wurde die Übertragbarkeit in einem Intensivmischer verschiedener Baugrößen untersucht. Dabei können sich, bei gleichen Parametersätzen, Unterschiede in der Körnung einstellen. Mit dem Abrollweg wurde jedoch eine Übertragungskenngröße identifiziert, die durch Anpassung der Parametersätze an die Mischergröße ein Granulat gleichbleibender Qualität und damit eine Maßstabsübertragung ermöglicht.
The Non‐Aqueous Processing of Canadian Oil Sand
Authors: Schmidt Elisabeth , Wacker Bernd , Peuker Urs A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDie herkömmliche Aufbereitung des im Tagebau geförderten kanadischen Ölsands bedarf hohen energetischen Aufwands und birgt große ökologische Probleme. Daher wurde ein alternatives Aufbereitungsverfahren entwickelt, das die Folgekosten und Umweltrisiken umgeht. Das im Ölsand enthaltene Bitumen wird durch organische Lösungsmittel herausgelöst. Mithilfe einer durch einen Waschschritt erweiterten Dampf‐Druckfiltration werden die gelösten und festen Bestandteile voneinander getrennt. Damit wurde das Ziel erreicht, eine möglichst hohe Bitumenausbeute sowie einen deponierbaren Sand zu erhalten.
Optimisation of Tetrahydroisoquinoline‐Based Chimeric Microtubule Disruptors
Authors: Dohle Wolfgang , Leese Mathew P. , Jourdan Fabrice L. , Chapman Christopher J. , Hamel Ernest , Ferrandis Eric , Potter Barry V. L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ)‐based “chimeric” microtubule disruptors were optimised through modification of the N‐benzyl motif, in concert with changes at C3 and C7, resulting in the identification of compounds with improved in vitro antiproliferative activities (e.g. 15: GI50 20 nM in DU‐145). The broad anticancer activity of these novel structures was confirmed in the NCI 60‐cell line assay, with 12 e,f displaying MGM values in the 40 nM region. In addition, their profiles as inhibitors of tubulin polymerisation and colchicine binding to tubulin were confirmed. Compound 15, for example, inhibited tubulin polymerisation with an IC50 of 1.8 μM, close to that of the clinical drug combretastatin A‐4, and also proved effective at blocking colchicine binding. Additionally, compound 20 b was identified as the only phenol in the series to date showing both better in vitro antiproliferative properties than its corresponding sulfamate and excellent antitubulin data (IC50=1.6 μM). Compound 12 f was selected for in vivo evaluation at the NCI in the hollow fibre assay and showed very good activity and wide tissue distribution, illustrating the value of this template for further development.