bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β‐Ecdysterone Suppresses Interleukin‐1β‐Induced Apoptosis and Inflammation in Rat Chondrocytes via Inhibition of NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Xu Xianxiang , Xu Tao , Qin Si 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Preclinical Research

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a loss of articular cartilage accompanied with inflammation of synovium. β‐Ecdysterone (Ecd), a major component of several Chinese herbal medicines, e.g., Achyranthes bidentata BL., has been used for the prevention and treatment of OA. Ecd is an estrogen analog and is likely to have similar pharmacological effects including the effect of protective chondrocytes. This study investigated the effects of Ecd on interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐induced apoptosis and inflammation in rat chondrocytes. Ecd protected chondrocytes from IL‐1β‐induced injury by inhibiting expression of Bax, p53 phosphorylation, and promoting expression of Bcl‐xL. Simultaneously, Ecd reduced caspase 3 activity. IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and matrix degration were also prevented by Ecd via down‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinases MMP 3, MMP 9, and cyclooxygenase‐2 expression. Additionally, Ecd inhibited Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, and phosphorylation in IL‐1β‐induced rat chondrocytes. These results suggested Ecd exerted anti‐apoptosis and anti‐inflammation in IL‐1β‐induced rat chondrocytes, which might be related to NF‐κB signal pathway.
Modelling the distribution of Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos tea): implications of climate change for livelihoods dependent on both cultivation and harvesting from the wild
Authors: Lötter Daleen , le Maitre David 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAspalathus linearis (Burm. f.) R. Dahlgren (rooibos) is endemic to the Fynbos Biome of South Africa, which is an internationally recognized biodiversity hot spot. Rooibos is both an invaluable wild resource and commercially cultivated crop in suitable areas. Climate change predictions for the region indicate a significant warming scenario coupled with a decline in winter rainfall. First estimates of possible consequences for biodiversity point to species extinctions of 23% in the long term in the Fynbos Biome. Bioclimatic modelling using the maximum entropy method was used to develop an estimate of the realized niche of wild rooibos and the current geographic distribution of areas suitable for commercially production. The distribution modelling provided a good match to the known distribution and production area of A. linearis. An ensemble of global climate models that assume the A2 emissions scenario of high energy requirements was applied to develop possible scenarios of range/suitability shift under future climate conditions. When these were extrapolated to a future climate (2041–2070) both wild and cultivated tea exhibited substantial range contraction with some range shifts southeastwards and upslope. Most of the areas where range expansion was indicated are located in existing conservation areas or include conservation worthy vegetation. These findings will be critical in directing conservation efforts as well as developing strategies for farmers to cope with and adapt to climate change.
Binary Lithium Indides Li22–xIn8+x (x = 0.1), Li11–xIn4+x (x = 1.05), and Li10–xIn2+x (x = 1.59) with Clusters
Authors: Chumak Ihor , Pavlyuk Volodymyr , Ehrenberg Helmut 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe synthesis, structural characterization, and chemical bonding peculiarities of three new binary Li–In intermetallides are reported. The crystal structures of these compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The compositions obtained after structure refinements were Li22–xIn8+x (x = 0.1) [new structure type, monoclinic crystal system, Pearson symbol mS30, space group C2/m, a = 14.156(3), b = 4.729(1), c = 8.617(2) Å, β = 105.89(1)°, R1 = 0.0279, wR2 = 0.0583 for 669 reflections], Li11–xIn4+x (x = 1.05) [new structure type, trigonal, P$\bar {3}$m1, hP15, a = 4.7480(7), c = 14.283(3) Å, R1 = 0.0323, wR2 = 0.0741 for 277 reflections], and Li10–xIn2+x (x = 1.59) [new structure type, hexagonal, P6/mmm, hP12, a = 4.6975(7), c = 11.526(2) Å, R1 = 0.0680, wR2 = 0.1358 for 127 reflections]. The Li22–xIn8+x (x = 0.1) structure is related to the structure of lithium (W‐type). The structure of Li11–xIn4+x (x = 1.05) can be described as a derivative of the CdI2 type. Li10–xIn2+x (x = 1.59) can be derived from the Li2Pt structure. [In2@Li20] clusters composed of 20 lithium atoms, which surround a In–In pair, are detected in the structure of all three investigated compounds. TB‐LMTO (Tight‐Binding Linear Muffin‐Tin Orbital) calculations indicate strong covalent In–In interactions and the presence of [In2@Li20] clusters in these new binary indides.
Acetic Acid Mediated Synthesis of Phosphonate‐Substituted Titanium Oxo Clusters
Authors: Czakler Matthias , Artner Christine , Schubert Ulrich 
Published: March 2014

AbstractNew phosphonate/acetate‐substituted titanium oxo/alkoxo clusters were prepared from Ti(OiPr)4 and bis(trimethylsilyl) phosphonates in the presence of acetic acid, which served to generate water in situ through ester formation. The process led to clusters with a higher degree of condensation than in previously known phosphonate‐substituted titanium oxo clusters. The clusters [Ti6O4(OiPr)10(OAc)2(O3PR)2] (OAc = acetate) were obtained for a large variety of functional and non‐functional groups R under a range of reaction conditions. This cluster type, which is also retained in solution, therefore appears to be very robust. Two other clusters, [Ti5O(OiPr)11(OAc)(O3PCH2CH2CH2Br)3] and [Ti5O3(OiPr)6(OAc)4(O3P‐xylyl)2], were only isolated in special cases.
Flame retardants and heat release: review of traditional studies on products and on groups of polymers
Authors: Hirschler Marcelo M. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThis is part of a project considering whether flame retardants affect polymer heat release, a critical issue to assess whether adding flame retardants decreases fire hazard. The work investigated the following. (1) Fire properties affecting fire hazard, confirming that heat release rate is the key fire property most strongly influencing fire hazard. (2) Ways to assess heat release and whether full‐scale fire heat release rate can be predicted from small‐scale test results, confirming that cone calorimeter and Ohio State University data are adequate to predict full‐scale heat release. (3) Analysis of key 1988 NBS/NIST study comparing the fire hazard of flame retarded products versus non‐flame retarded products for the same application. This confirmed that the study demonstrated that flame retardants lower fire hazard and that the levels of additives in the flame retarded products used were not excessive. (4) Review of studies investigating effects of flame retardants on various polymeric systems. The overall conclusion is that flame retardants does indeed improve fire safety (when used appropriately) primarily because they decrease heat release. Part 2 of the project (separately) considers the key polymers that need to be potentially flame retarded and reviews recent studies on effects of flame retardants on heat released by such polymers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature distribution of steel columns protected by sprayed fire retardant coatings with three sides exposed to fire
Authors: Wang Peijun , Xia Jinhuan , Du Qiudi 
Published: March 2014

SummaryTemperature gradient will occur when the steel framed column is heated from three sides in a fire. Current design codes provide the design equations to calculate the temperature elevation of the steel column unevenly heated in a fire. However, the design equation is based on the assumption that the temperature is uniformly distributed across the section. The temperature field of a steel column protected by sprayed fire retardant coating with three sided exposed to fire is analyzed using a verified finite element model. Parameters that affect the temperature distribution across the section are investigated, which include the section height, the web thickness, and the fire protection thickness. The coded equations based on the element factor approach are modified according to the finite element simulation results. Different temperature distribution profiles are proposed through using the heated flange temperature, the web temperature, and the protected flange temperature. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between the angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and first‐episode patients with schizophrenia in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Hui Li , Wu Jing Qin , Zhang Xuan , Lv Jie , Du Wei Li , Kou Chang Gui , Yu Ya Qin , Lv Meng Han , Chen Da Chun , Zhang Xiang Yang 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundAngiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme of the renin–angiotensin system, can modulate dopamine turnover in the midbrain. Previous studies have revealed an association between ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and chronic schizophrenia, yet results are conflicting.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to examine whether the ACE gene I/D polymorphism is associated with first‐episode patients with schizophrenia (FEP) in a Chinese Han population.MethodsThe presence of the polymorphism was determined in 220 FEP and 538 healthy controls using a case–control design. We assessed the psychopathology in 212 FEP using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).ResultsThe allelic and genotypic frequencies of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism did not significantly differ between FEP and healthy controls (both p > 0.05). However, the negative PANSS symptom was significantly higher in FEP with the D/D genotype than those with I/D and I/I genotypes (all p < 0.05) even after Bonferroni corrections (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, the D allele of the ACE gene was associated with higher negative PANSS symptom score in FEP.ConclusionsOur results indicated that even though the ACE gene I/D polymorphism did not associate with FEP, it may play a role in susceptibility to the negative PANSS symptom of FEP in a Chinese Han population. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of cathodic polarization and simulated inflammation on titanium electrochemistry
Authors: Brooks Emily , Tobias Menachem , Krautsak Kevin , Ehrensberger Mark 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study evaluated the influence of simulated inflammation and cathodic polarization on the electrochemical properties of commercially pure titanium (CpTi) and titanium–6%aluminum–4%vanadium (Ti6Al4V). Normal conditions immersed the metals in phosphate buffered saline at open circuit potential (OCP). Inflammatory conditions immersed the metals in a 150 mMhydrogen peroxide titrated to pH = 5.0 at OCP. Cathodic inflammatory conditions immersed the metals in the inflammatory electrolyte at −1 V versus Ag/AgCl. Cathodic polarization scans revealed a more electropositive corrosion potential (Ecorr) and an increased corrosion current density (Icorr) for both metals after incubation at inflammatory conditions (CpTi:Ecorr = 171 mV,Icorr = 147 nA/cm2and Ti6Al4V:Ecorr = 241 mV andIcorr = 413 nA/cm2) as compared to normal conditions (CpTi:Ecorr = −249 mV,Icorr = 19 nA/cm2and Ti6Al4V:Ecorr = −263 mV andIcorr = 11 nA/cm2). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed the polarization resistance (Rp) decreases and constant phase element (CPE) magnitude increases for both metals when comparing normal (CpTi:Rp = 3.5 MΩ cm2, CPE = 35 µS sα/cm2and Ti6Al4V:Rp = 6.5 MΩ cm2and CPE = 30 µS sα/cm2) to inflammatory (CpTi:Rp = 79 kΩ cm2, CPE = 55 µS sα/cm2and Ti6Al4V:Rp = 230 kΩ cm2and CPE = 56 µS sα/cm2) to cathodic inflammatory (CpTi:Rp=24 kΩ cm2, CPE = 290 µS sα/cm2and Ti6Al4V:Rp = 12 kΩ cm2and CPE = 250 µS sα/cm2) conditions. These observed changes are consistent with the formation of a thin and defective oxide film. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy revealed that inflammatory conditions increased dissolution of both metals and that the addition of cathodic potential significantly increased the dissolution of the beta phase elements of Ti6Al4V. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1445–1453, 2014.
A mechanism for the enhanced attachment and proliferation of fibroblasts on anodized 316L stainless steel with nano‐pit arrays
Authors: Ni Siyu , Sun Linlin , Ercan Batur , Liu Luting , Ziemer Katherine , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this study, 316L stainless steel with tunable nanometer pit sizes (0, 25, 50, and 60 nm) were fabricated by an anodization procedure in an ethylene glycol electrolyte solution containing 5 vol % perchloric acid. The surface morphology and elemental composition of the 316L stainless steel were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The nano‐pit arrays on all of the 316L stainless steel samples were in a regular arrangement. The surface properties of the 316L stainless steel nano‐pit surface showed improved wettability properties as compared with the untreated 316L stainless steel, as demonstrated by the lower contact angles which dropped from 83.0° to 28.6 to 45.4°. The anodized 316L stainless steel surfaces with 50 nm and 60 nm diameter pits were also more rough at the nanoscale. According to MTT assays, compared with unanodized (that is, nano‐smooth) surfaces, the 50 and 60 nm diameter nano‐pit surfaces dramatically enhanced initial human dermal fibroblast attachment and growth for up to 3 days in culture. Mechanistically, this study also provided the first evidence of greater select protein adsorption (specifically, vitronectin and fibronectin which have been shown to enhance fibroblast adhesion) on the anodized 316L stainless steel compared with unanodized stainless steel. Such nano‐pit surfaces can be designed to support fibroblast growth and, thus, improve the use of 316L stainless steel for various implant applications (such as for enhanced skin healing for amputee devices and for percutaneous implants). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1297–1303, 2014.
On‐line Concentration and Separation of Parabens by Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography Using Polymer Solutions
Authors: Wu Chien‐Wei , Lee Jan‐Yee , Hu Cho‐Chun , Chiu Tai‐Chia 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSimultaneous separation and quantification of seven parabens commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic products, by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with a stacking technique has been demonstrated. An effective on‐line concentration strategy involving a combination of sweeping and the use of polymer solutions is a key feature of the proposed method, which successfully determined individual parabens. The analysis parameters such as injection time, pH and concentration of phosphate solution, and concentration of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were examined. The optimum conditions were found to be as follows: a 15 mM phosphate solution (pH 9.5) containing 20 mM SDS for filling the capillary, and for the separation electrolytes, 0.100% PEO (8 MDa) added to the phosphate and SDS solution of the same composition as for the capillary. The entire analysis process was completed in 13 min and a 930‐2200‐fold enhancement factor was achieved. The LODs (S/N = 3) for this approach were in the range from 4.32 to 7.78 nM. The linear range for each paraben was between 50 nM and 5.0 μM (R2 > 0.990). The optimized method was then successfully applied to the determination of parabens in commercial cosmetic products.
Distribution of CGRP in the minipig brainstem
Authors: Lisardo Sánchez Manuel , Vecino Elena , Coveñas Rafael 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTFor the first time, an in‐depth study has been made of the distribution of fibers and cell bodies containing calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in the minipig brainstem using an indirect immunoperoxidase technique. The animals studied were not treated with colchicine. Cell bodies containing CGRP were found in 20 nuclei/regions of the brainstem. These perikarya were located in somatomotor, brachiomotor and raphae nuclei, nucleus ambiguus, substantia nigra, nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis, nucleus prepositus hypoglossi, nuclei olivaris inferior and superior, nuclei pontis, formatio reticularis, nucleus dorsalis tegmenti of Gudden, and in the nucleus reticularis lateralis. Fourteen of the 20 brainstem nuclei showed a high density of immunoreactive cell bodies. In comparison with other species, the minipig, together with the rat, show the most widespread distribution of cell bodies containing CGRP in the mammalian brainstem. Immunoreactive fibers were also observed in the brainstem. However, in the minipig brainstem the density of these fibers is low, as in many brainstem nuclei only single immunoreactive fibers were observed. A high density of immunoreactive fibers was only observed in the pars caudalis of the nucleus tractus spinalis nervi trigemini and in the nucleus ventralis tegmenti of Gudden. According to the observed anatomical distribution of the immunoreactive structures containing CGRP, the peptide could be involved in motor, somatosensory, gustative, and autonomic mechanisms. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:374–384, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MR and applanation tonometry derived aortic impedance: Association with aging and left ventricular remodeling
Authors: Bargiotas Ioannis , Bollache Emilie , Mousseaux Elie , Giron Alain , de Cesare Alain , Redheuil Alban , Kachenoura Nadjia 
Published: March 2014

PurposeWe sought to noninvasively estimate aortic impedance indices from MR and tonometric data.Materials and MethodsMR aortic velocity‐encoded and carotid applanation tonometry pressure data of 70 healthy subjects (19–79 years) were used to calculate the following indices from impedance spectrum: (i) characteristic impedance (Zc) reflecting pulsatile component of left ventricular (LV) afterload, (ii) frequency of the minimal impedance magnitude related to arterial compliance (FMIN), (iii) total peripheral resistance (TPR) related to steady LV load, (iv) impedance oscillatory index (ZINDEX) related to proximal reflections, and (v) reflection magnitude (RM). Associations with age and LV remodeling (LV mass/end‐diastolic volume) were investigated using multivariate analysis.ResultsAll indices except Zc were associated with age independent of subjects characteristics and systolic blood pressures. They were all significantly associated with the well‐established carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (r ≥ 0.29; P < 0.01). However, such associations were not independent of age. Pulsatile index Zc was independently associated with carotid pulse pressure (r = 0.53, P < 0.001). Moreover, conversely to conventional stiffness indices, Zc and TPR were independently associated with LV remodeling (r = 0.30, r = 0.43, respectively, P < 0.01).ConclusionWe estimated aortic impedance from velocity‐encoded MR and tonometry data resulting in reliable impedance and reflection indices as confirmed by their significant and independent associations with age and LV remodeling. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:781–787. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implicit Theories of Creativity in Computer Science in the United States and China
Authors: Tang Chaoying , Baer John , Kaufman James C. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTo study implicit concepts of creativity in computer science in the United States and mainland China, we first asked 308 Chinese computer scientists for adjectives that would describe a creative computer scientist. Computer scientists and non‐computer scientists from China (N = 1069) and the United States (N = 971) then rated how well those adjectives described creative computer scientists using a 5‐point Likert Scale. Factor analysis revealed that the concept of a creative computer scientist had four dimensions: (1) smart/effective, (2) outgoing, (3) creative thinking and (4) unsociable. Differences in the implicit concepts across disciplines, ethnicity, gender, age, and working experience were analyzed. We discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of the domain specificity of creativity.
Consumer Mindfulness and Marketing Implications
Authors: Ndubisi Nelson Oly 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to examine the role of mindfulness in consumer behavior and service marketing in Australia and Malaysia. Two studies were conducted; first to identify and characterize consumers on the basis of mindfulness, and to obtain data on the dimensions of relationship quality and consumer loyalty from the groups. Results from a standard analysis of data confirmed five of the six hypotheses tested. There are significant differences in the three dimensions of relationship quality (i.e., trust, satisfaction, and commitment), and in two of three dimensions of consumer loyalty (namely, attitudinal and behavioral loyalty) between the two consumer groups—high and low mindful consumers. There is no significant difference in consumer switching restraint between the groups. These findings lead to research and managerial implications that conclude the paper.
Causes and Consequences of Abusive Supervision in Sales Management: A Tale of Two Perspectives
Authors: Gabler Colin B. , Nagy Katy R. , Hill Ronald Paul 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTAbuse may characterize some most important relationships, and it is estimated that 20 million Americans face abusive work situations on a daily basis. Given this statistic, there is a clear need to investigate this topic within the marketing literature. As a result, the purpose of this study is to explore antecedents and outcomes of abusive supervision in sales management, where the performance‐driven nature of salesperson–sales manager relationships often creates a highly stressful situation. This research looks at several characteristics of sales managers from their perspectives as well as subordinates, and it considers how abuse influences professional and personal lives of both parties. Causes under investigation include leadership style, justice perceptions, negative affectivity, and experiences of abusive leadership by sales managers. Their impact is measured on salesperson and manager job satisfaction and organizational commitment. A model is used to help readers visualize the processes involved with both salespersons and sales managers, and theoretical and practical implications are provided in the close.
Topological Fingerprints as an Aid in Finding Structural Patterns for LRRK2 Inhibition
Authors: Kahn Iiris , Lomaka Andre , Karelson Mati 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMultiplet‐based fingerprint mapping has been used to analyse the relationship between the structural features of potential drug candidates and the enzyme LRRK2 inhibition expressed as the inhibition constant (pKi). For 198 structurally diverse compounds 4195 dimensional fingerprints were generated and mathematically manipulated using partial least squares (PLS) regression. A variation of PLS‐BETA technique was developed for the reduction of noise by eliminating excess variables that resulted in a 636 dimensional fingerprint related to pKi. The QSAR model for the training set of 170 compounds (R2=0.87, Q2=0.77 and SDEC=0.42) had four latent variables (PLS components) and it was validated by the external test set of 28 compounds (Qext2=0.63). The proposed model of LRRK2 inhibitory activity can be helpful in designing focused libraries enriched in LRRK2 inhibitors and identifying new active chemotypes in compound databases.