bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc Gallogermanate Solid Solution: A Novel Photocatalyst for Efficiently Converting CO2 into Solar Fuels
Authors: Yan Shicheng , Wang Jiajia , Gao Honglin , Wang Nanyan , Yu He , Li Zhaosheng , Zhou Yong , Zou Zhigang 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAs global energy demand continues to grow, the need to find a carbon‐neutral and sustainable energy source for future generations has become imperative. An especially attractive solution is to store solar energy in the form of chemical fuel via artificial photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons. An artificial photosynthesis system is introduced based on a zinc gallogermanate solid solution photocatalyst that can convert the carbon dioxide and water into methane. The solid solution of cubic spinel ZnGa2O4 and pseudocubic inverse spinel Zn2GeO4 is successfully synthesized by hydrothermal ion exchange reaction. Introducing Zn2GeO4 into ZnGa2O4 can effectively narrow band gap by the upshift of valence band edge from the enhanced p‐d (O2p‐Zn3d) repulsion effect by incorporating s and p orbitals of Ge, and the downshift of conduction band edge by introducing the low‐energy s orbital of Ge. The zinc gallogermanate solid solution has a light‐hole effective mass, which is beneficial to improving hole mobility, and thus enhancing the ability of photocatalyst in water oxidation to provide protons for CO2 photoreduction. As a result of band gap narrowing and high hole mobility, the zinc gallogermanate solid solution exhibits high activity in converting CO2 and H2O into CH4 and O2.
Surface Bound Amine Functional Group Density Influences Embryonic Stem Cell Maintenance
Authors: Harding Frances , Goreham Renee , Short Robert , Vasilev Krasimir , Voelcker Nicolas H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractGradient surfaces are highly effective tools to screen and optimize cell– surface interactions. Here, the response of embryonic stem (ES) cell colonies to plasma polymer gradient surfaces is investigated. Surface chemistry ranged from pure allylamine (AA) plasma polymer on one end of the gradient to pure octadiene (OD) plasma polymer on the other end. Optimal surface chemistry conditions for retention of pluripotency were identified. Expression of the stem cell markers alkaline phosphatase (AP) and Oct4 varied with the position of the ES cell colonies across the OD‐AA plasma polymer gradient. Both markers were more strongly retained on the OD plasma polymer rich regions of the gradients. The observed variation of expression across the plasma polymer gradient increased with duration of stem cell culture. While maximum cell adhesion to the gradient substrate occurred at a nitrogen‐ to‐carbon (N/C ratio) of approximately 0.1, Oct4 and AP expression was best retained at an N/C ratio < 0.04. Stem cell marker expression correlated with colony size and morphology: more compact, multilayered colonies with prominent F‐actin staining arose as the N/C ratio decreased. Disruption of actin polymerization using Y‐27632 ROCK inhibitor resulted in a collapse of the multilayer colony structure into monolayers with limited cell–cell contact. A corresponding decrease in expression of AP and Oct4 was observed. Oct4 expression along with 3D colony morphology was partially rescued on the OD plasma polymer rich regions of the gradient.
Nanospiderwebs: Artificial 3D Extracellular Matrix from Nanofibers by Novel Clinical Grade Electrospinning for Stem Cell Delivery
Authors: Alamein Mohammad A. , Liu Qin , Stephens Sebastien , Skabo Stuart , Warnke Frauke , Bourke Robert , Heiner Peter , Warnke Patrick H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNovel clinical grade electrospinning methods could provide three‐dimensional (3D) nanostructured biomaterials comprising of synthetic or natural biopolymer nanofibers. Such advanced materials could potentially mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) accurately and may provide superior niche‐like spaces on the subcellular scale for optimal stem‐cell attachment and individual cell homing in regenerative therapies. The goal of this study was to design several novel “nanofibrous extracellular matrices” (NF‐ECMs) with a natural mesh‐like 3D architecture through a unique needle‐free multi‐jet electrospinning method in highly controlled manner to comply with good manufacturing practices (GMP) for the production of advanced healthcare materials for regenerative medicine, and to test cellular behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs) on these.Biopolymers manufactured as 3D NF‐ECM meshes under clinical grade GMP‐like conditions show higher intrinsic cytobiocompatibility with superior cell integration and proliferation if compared to their 2D counterparts or a clinically‐approved collagen membrane.
Managing Magnetic Nanoparticle Aggregation and Cellular Uptake: a Precondition for Efficient Stem‐Cell Differentiation and MRI Tracking
Authors: Fayol Delphine , Luciani Nathalie , Lartigue Lenaic , Gazeau Florence , Wilhelm Claire 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe labeling of stem cells with iron oxide nanoparticles is increasingly used to enable MRI cell tracking and magnetic cell manipulation, stimulating the fields of tissue engineering and cell therapy. However, the impact of magnetic labeling on stem‐cell differentiation is still controversial. One compromising factor for successful differentiation may arise from early interactions of nanoparticles with cells during the labeling procedure. It is hypothesized that the lack of control over nanoparticle colloidal stability in biological media may lead to undesirable nanoparticle localization, overestimation of cellular uptake, misleading MRI cell tracking, and further impairment of differentiation. Herein a method is described for labeling mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), in which the physical state of citrate‐coated nanoparticles (dispersed versus aggregated) can be kinetically tuned through electrostatic and magnetic triggers, as monitored by diffusion light scattering in the extracellular medium and by optical and electronic microscopy in cells. A set of statistical cell‐by‐cell measurements (flow cytometry, single‐cell magnetophoresis, and high‐resolution MRI cellular detection) is used to independently quantify the nanoparticle cell uptake and the effects of nanoparticle aggregation. Such aggregation confounds MRI cell detection as well as global iron quantification and has adverse effects on chondrogenetic differentiation. Magnetic labeling conditions with perfectly stable nanoparticles—suitable for obtaining differentiation‐capable magnetic stem cells for use in cell therapy—are subsequently identified.
Rational Design of Hybrid Nanostructures for Advanced Photocatalysis
Authors: Rawalekar Sachin , Mokari Taleb 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNanocatalysis has been a growing field over the past few decades with significant developments in understanding the surface properties of nanocatalysts. With recent advances in synthetic methods, size, shape and composition of the nanoparticles can be controlled in a well defined manner which facilitates achieving selective reaction products in multipath reactions. Nanoparticles with specific exposed crystal facets can have different reactivity than other facets for reaction intermediates, which favours selective pathways during the course of reaction. Heterogeneous catalysts have been studied extensively; nano‐sized metal particles are absorbed on mesoporus supports, facilitating access to the large surface area of the nanoparticles and hence exposure of more catalytic sites. Photocatalysis is attractive area of catalysis, in which photoinduced charge carriers are used for a variety of catalytic applications. More interestingly, clean and renewable liquid fuels energy sources such as hydrogen and methyl alcohol can be generated using photocatalysts through water splitting and CO2 reduction, respectively. Herein, we highlight the progress of nanocatalysis through metal, bimetallic nanoparticle, metal‐semiconductor hybrid nanostructures and oxide nanoparticles for various reactions.
Sex‐Related Shape Dimorphism in the Human Radiocarpal and Midcarpal Joints
Authors: Kivell Tracy L. , Guimont Isabelle , Wall Christine E. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPrevious research has revealed significant size differences between human male and female carpal bones but it is unknown if there are significant shape differences as well. This study investigated sex‐related shape variation and allometric patterns in five carpal bones that make up the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints in modern humans. We found that many aspects of carpal shape (76% of all variables quantified) were similar between males and females, despite variation in size. However, 10 of the shape ratios were significantly different between males and females, with at least one significant shape difference observed in each carpal bone. Within‐sex standard major axis regressions (SMA) of the numerator (i.e., the linear variables) on the denominator (i.e., the geometric mean) for each significantly different shape ratio indicated that most linear variables scaled with positive allometry in both males and females, and that for eight of the shape ratios, sex‐related shape variation is associated with statistically similar sex‐specific scaling relationships. Only the length of the scaphoid body and the height of the lunate triquetrum facet showed a significantly higher SMA slope in females compared with males. These findings indicate that the significant differences in the majority of the shape ratios are a function of subtle (i.e., not statistically significant) scaling differences between males and females. There are a number of potential developmental, functional, and evolutionary factors that may cause sex‐related shape differences in the human carpus. The results highlight the potential for subtle differences in scaling to result in functionally significant differences in shape. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological Variation of Primary Reproductive Structures in Males of Five Families of Neotropical Bats
Authors: Beguelini Mateus R. , Puga Cíntia C. I. , Martins Fabiane F. , Betoli AndrÉ H. S. , Taboga Sebastião R. , Morielle‐Versute Eliana 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBats present unique features among mammals with respect to reproduction, and although neotropical bats do not have a hibernation period, many of their reproductive characteristics vary seasonally and interspecifically. Thus, this work aimed to examine the reproductive structures of 18 species belonging to five families of Brazilian bats. The gross anatomy of the testes varied little; however, the epididymis of Emballonuridae and Vespertilionidae showed exceptional structures with a large elongation of the caudal region. We observed a wide variation in the positioning of the testes: Phyllostomidae and Noctilionidae presented external testes; Emballonuridae and Molossidae presented migratory testes that may be in intra‐abdominal or external positions; and Vespertilionidae displayed scrotal testes. In the histological evaluation, we observed a different pattern in vespertilionid species, with testicular regression and sperm retention/storage in the cauda epididymis in the five species analyzed. Similar testicular regression was observed in Molossops temminckii; however, sperm retention/storage was not observed in this species. These data suggest that although the species analyzed are tropical species that do not present a prolonged period of torpor (hibernation), they still maintain a period of seminiferous tubule regression and sperm storage very similar to that observed in hibernating bats. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of sleep problems in central pain processing in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lee Yvonne C. , Lu Bing , Edwards Robert R. , Wasan Ajay D. , Nassikas Nicholas J. , Clauw Daniel J. , Solomon Daniel H. , Karlson Elizabeth W. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveAmong rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, the intensity of pain may be out of proportion to the severity of peripheral inflammation. This observation suggests that mechanisms of central nervous system pain amplification, such as diminished conditioned pain modulation (CPM), may play a role in enhancing pain perception among some RA patients. This study was undertaken to examine the level of CPM, pressure–pain threshold, and pressure–pain tolerance among RA patients compared to healthy controls.MethodsFifty‐eight female RA patients and 54 age‐matched female control subjects without chronic pain underwent quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess CPM levels, pressure–pain thresholds, and pressure–pain tolerance levels. CPM was induced using a cold water bath, and the pain threshold (when patients first felt pain) and pain tolerance (when pain was too much to bear) were assessed with an algometer. Associations between RA and each QST outcome were analyzed using linear regression. Sleep problems, mental health, and inflammation were assessed as mediators of the relationship between RA and QST outcomes.ResultsThe median CPM level was 0.5 kg/cm2 (interquartile range [IQR] −0.1, 1.6) among RA patients, compared to a median of 1.5 kg/cm2 (IQR −0.1, 2.5) among controls (P = 0.04). RA patients, compared to controls, had a lower pain threshold and lower pain tolerance at the wrists (each P ≤ 0.05). In addition, RA patients had greater problems with sleep, pain catastrophizing, depression, and anxiety (P < 0.0001 versus controls). Results of mediation analyses suggested that low CPM levels might be attributed, in part, to sleep disturbance (P = 0.04).ConclusionRA patients have impaired CPM when compared to pain‐free control subjects. Sleep problems may mediate the association between RA and attenuated CPM.
Interleukin‐17A stimulates granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor release by murine osteoblasts in the presence of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and inhibits murine osteoclast development in vitro
Authors: Balani Deepak , Aeberli Daniel , Hofstetter Willy , Seitz Michael 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) on osteoclastogenesis in vitro.MethodsBone marrow cells (BMCs) were isolated from the excised tibia and femora of wild‐type C57BL/6J mice, and osteoblasts were obtained by sequential digestion of the calvariae of ddY, C57BL/6J, and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor–knockout (GM‐CSF−/−) mice. Monocultures of BMCs or cocultures of BMCs and osteoblasts were supplemented with or without 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3), recombinant human macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF), RANKL, and IL‐17A. After 5–6 days, the cultures were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and subsequently stained for the osteoclast marker enzyme tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and GM‐CSF expression were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and transcripts for RANK and RANKL were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsIn both culture systems, IL‐17A alone did not affect the development of osteoclasts. However, the addition of IL‐17A plus 1,25(OH)2D3 to cocultures inhibited early osteoclast development within the first 3 days of culture and induced release of GM‐CSF into the culture supernatants. Furthermore, in cocultures of GM‐CSF−/− mouse osteoblasts and wild‐type mouse BMCs, IL‐17A did not affect osteoclast development, corroborating the role of GM‐CSF as the mediator of the observed inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by IL‐17A.ConclusionThese findings suggest that IL‐17A interferes with the differentiation of osteoclast precursors by inducing the release of GM‐CSF from osteoblasts.
PLD4 as a novel susceptibility gene for systemic sclerosis in a Japanese population
Authors: Terao Chikashi , Ohmura Koichiro , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Nishimoto Tetsuya , Kawasaki Aya , Takehara Kazuhiko , Furukawa Hiroshi , Kochi Yuta , Ota Yuko , Ikari Katsunori , Sato Shinichi , Tohma Shigeto , Yamada Ryo , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Kubo Michiaki , Yamanaka Hisashi , Kuwana Masataka , Tsuchiya Naoyuki , Matsuda Fumihiko , Mimori Tsuneyo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease for which multiple susceptibility genes have been reported. Genome‐wide association studies have shown that large numbers of susceptibility genes are shared among autoimmune diseases. Recently, our group identified 9 novel susceptibility genes associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a Japanese population. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether the 18 genes that displayed associations or suggestive associations for RA in our previous study are associated with SSc in Japanese.MethodsWe performed an association study that included 415 patients with SSc and 16,891 control subjects, followed by a replication study that included 315 patients and 21,054 control subjects. The 18 markers reported to display association with RA were analyzed for their associations with SSc in the first study, and 5 markers were further analyzed in the replication study. The inverse variance method was used to evaluate the associations of these markers with SSc in a combined study.ResultsIn the phospholipase D4 gene (PLD4), rs2841277 displayed a significant association with SSc in Japanese patients (P = 0.00017). We observed that rs2841280 in exon 2 of PLD4 was in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs2841277 and introduced an amino acid alteration. We also observed associations between SSc and rs6932056 in TNFAIP3 and rs2280381 in IRF8 (P = 0.0000095 and P = 0.0030, respectively), both of which displayed associations with SSc in a European population.ConclusionWe determined that PLD4 is a novel susceptibility gene for SSc in Japanese, thus confirming the involvement of PLD4 in autoimmunity. Associations between SSc and TNFAIP3 or IRF8 were also detected in our Japanese population. SSc and RA appear to share relatively large proportions of their genetic backgrounds.
Hospital use, associated costs, and payer status for infants born with spina bifida
Authors: Radcliff Elizabeth , Cassell Cynthia H. , Tanner Jean Paul , Kirby Russell S. , Watkins Sharon , Correia Jane , Peterson Cora , Grosse Scott D. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:Health care use and costs for children with spina bifida (SB) are significantly greater than those of unaffected children. Little is known about hospital use and costs across health insurance payer types. We examined hospitalizations and associated costs by sociodemographic characteristics and payer type during the first year of life among children with SB. We also examined changes in health insurance payer status.METHODS:This study was a retrospective, statewide population‐based analysis of infants with SB without anencephaly born in Florida during 1998–2007. Infants were identified by the Florida Birth Defects Registry and linked to hospital discharge records. Descriptive statistics on number of hospitalizations, length of stay, and estimated hospital costs per hospitalization and per infant were calculated during the first year of life. Results were stratified by selected sociodemographic variables and health insurance payer type.RESULTS:Among 615 infants with SB, mean and median numbers of hospitalizations per infant were 2.4 and 2.0, respectively. Mean and median total days of hospitalization per infant were 25.2 and 14.0 days, respectively. Approximately 18% of infants were hospitalized more than three times. Among infants with multiple hospitalizations, 16.7% had a mix of public and private health insurance payers. Almost 60% of hospitalizations for infants were paid by public payer sources. Mean and median estimated hospital costs per infant were $39,059 and $21,937, respectively.CONCLUSIONS:Results suggest a small percentage of infants with SB have multiple hospitalizations with high costs. Further analysis on factors associated with length of stay, hospitalizations, and costs is warranted. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BCL3 gene role in facial morphology
Authors: Lace Baiba , Kempa Inga , Klovins Janis , Stavusis Janis , Krumina Astrida , Akota Ilze , Barkane Biruta , Vieira Alexandre R. , Nagle Erika , Grinfelde Ieva , Maulina Ieva 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Cleft lip (CL) with or without palate (CLP) and isolated cleft palate (CP) are etiologically complex diseases with interactions among various environmental and genetic factors. The aim of the current study was to identify association with genetic markers and phenotypic craniofacial data in patients with CL/CLP/CP parents.METHODS: Posteroanterior and lateral digital radiographs of the cranium were obtained from 74 parents of patients with CL/CLP/CP. One hundred seventy‐three patients with CL/CLP/CP and 190 controls were enrolled in the study for the association test. Five genetic markers of the IRF6 gene and 14 markers of the 19q13 locus were genotyped. Linear regression analysis was performed for the relationship of cephalometric measurements with genotype data adjusted for age, gender, and cleft type. Chi‐square and transmission disequilibrium tests were performed to evaluate differences in alleles of the BCL3 gene. Positive findings were replicated in an independent sample (n = 95) of patients with CL/CLP/CP parents.RESULTS: Genetic markers of the BCL3 gene at 19q13, rs7257231, and rs1979377 in the familial association test and rs10401176 in the case‐control association test, were associated with craniofacial phenotype. Carriers of BCL3 allele rs7257231T had longer posterior cranial bases than noncarriers (padjusted = 0.0028), and in the familial‐based association test showed the statistically strongest relationship (padjusted = 0.05) to phenotype. Relation of rs7257231 to facial formation was confirmed in the replication group (p = 0.0024).CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that BCL3, which has functions related to cell adhesion and whose downregulation can cause disruption of ectodermal development, is likely to be important in facial formation. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ELF exposure system for live cell imaging
Authors: Capstick Myles , Schär Primo , Schuermann David , Romann Albert , Kuster Niels 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA programmable system has been developed for the study of both transient and persistent effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field exposure of cell cultures. This high‐precision exposure system enables experimental blinding and fully characterized exposure while simultaneously allowing live cell imaging. It is based on a live imaging cell around which two asymmetrical coils are wound in good thermal contact to a temperature‐controlled water jacket, and is mounted on a microscope stage insert. The applied B‐field uniformity of the active volume is better than 1.2% with an overall exposure uncertainty of less than 4.3% with very low transient field levels. The computer‐controlled apparatus allows signal waveforms that are sinusoidal or composed of several harmonics, blind protocols, and monitoring of exposure and environmental conditions. B‐fields up to 4 mT root mean square amplitude are possible with minimal temperature variation and no recognizable temperature differences between exposure and sham states. Sources of artifacts have been identified and quantified. There are no visible vibrations observable even at the highest magnifications and exposure levels. Bioelectromagnetics 34:231–239, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.