bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salts affect the interaction of ZnO or CuO nanoparticles with wheat
Authors: Stewart Jacob , Hansen Trevor , McLean Joan E. , McManus Paul , Das Siddhartha , Britt David W. , Anderson Anne J. , Dimkpa Christian O. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) that release metals with potential phytotoxicity could pose problems in agriculture. The authors of the present study used growth in a model growth matrix, sand, to examine the influence of 5 mmol/kg of Na, K, or Ca (added as Cl salts) and root exudates on transformation and changes to the bioactivity of copper(II) oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs on wheat. These salt levels are found in saline agricultural soils. After 14 d of seedling growth, particles with crystallinity typical of CuO or ZnO remained in the aqueous fraction from the sand; particles had negative surface charges that differed with NP type and salt, but salt did not alter particle agglomeration. Reduction in shoot and root elongation and lateral root induction by ZnO NPs were mitigated by all salts. However, whereas Na and K promoted Zn loading into shoots, Ca reduced loading, suggesting that competition with Zn ions for uptake occurred. With CuO NPs, plant growth and loading was modified equally by all salts, consistent with major interaction with the plant with CuO rather than Cu ions. Thus, for both NPs, loading into plant tissues was not solely dependent on ion solubility. These findings indicated that salts in agricultural soils could modify the phytotoxicity of NPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2116–2125. © 2015 SETAC
Effect of methyl cellulose coating on physicochemical properties, porosity, and surface diameter of pistachio hull
Authors: Moslehi Zainab , Garmakhany Amir Daraei , Araghi Maryam , Moslehi Marzie 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPistachio is a nut with high consumption that can be affected by aflatoxin contamination. Regarding influence of this fungus on global trade, broad studies in this area seem to be necessary. In this research, pistachio nuts were coated with methyl cellulose at different concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% by immersion method. Samples were stored in an incubator (25°C) for 4 months. Imaging was performed by electron microscope using SEM method and chemical changes (moisture, iodine, peroxide, and acidic value) were investigated during storage periods. Results showed that variations in storage time and methyl cellulose concentration had significant effect on moisture content and peroxide value (P < 0.05). Also, in case of acidic value, a significant difference was observed between treatments so that pistachio at concentration of 2% showed the highest acidic value. The highest iodine value loss was related to a concentration of 0.1% and the lowest value was observed in the control sample.
Corrective Taxes and Cigarette Characteristics
Authors: Calcott Paul , Petkov Vladimir 
Published: April 2015

SummaryIf cigarette design was exogenous, inefficiencies arising from smoking could be addressed either with a tax per packet or with an ad valorem tax. However, it is well known that the consequences of these two instruments differ when product characteristics are endogenous. We consider three such characteristics: nicotine, tar, and flavor. Implementation of the first‐best social optimum typically requires the capacity to tax or regulate harmful ingredients. Without such a capacity, the next‐best policy often combines a per‐unit tax on cigarettes with an ad valorem subsidy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convallaria keiskei as a novel therapeutic alternative for salivary gland cancer treatment by targeting myeloid cell leukemia‐1
Authors: Lee Haeng‐Eun , Nam Jeong‐Seok , Shin Ji‐Ae , Hong In‐Sun , Yang In‐Hyoung , You Myung‐Jo , Cho Sung‐Dae 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundVarious chemotherapeutic agents have been used largely for the treatment of salivary gland cancer. However, results are disappointing, and these agents can cause some serious side effects. Therefore, recent studies have focused on the possible roles of natural products to overcome these limitations.MethodsSalivary gland cancer cells treated with or without Convallaria keiskei (MECK) for 24 hours. Apoptotic changes were evaluated by live/dead assay, immunoblotting, and expression levels of caspase‐3 and B‐cell lymphoma‐2 family member.ResultsMECK significantly inhibited salivary gland cancer growth. At the molecular level, MECK dramatically reduced myeloid cell leukemia‐1 (Mcl‐1) in a translation‐dependent manner and thereby induced apoptosis through Bax/Bid. Furthermore, we found that Mcl‐1 could be a potential therapeutic target of MECK‐induced apoptosis and its stability is regulated by extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) signalingConclusionMECK can be used as a safe and efficient therapeutic alternative for the treatment of salivary gland cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E761–E770, 2016
Predictors of mucositis in oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancer in patients treated with volumetric modulated radiation treatment: A dose–volume analysis
Authors: Mazzola Rosario , Ricchetti Francesco , Fersino Sergio , Fiorentino Alba , Giaj Levra Niccolò , Di Paola Gioacchino , Ruggieri Ruggero , Alongi Filippo 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess predictors of mucositis in oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancer after definitive or adjuvant volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) +/− chemotherapy.MethodsFifty patients were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed for the following parameters as potential predictors of mucositis ≥ G2: total oral mucosa and oral mucosa minus target high‐low radiation dose regions (planning target volumes [PTVs]), mean dose (Dmean), maximum dose (Dmax), chemotherapy, weight loss, and dysphagia.ResultsMucositis ≥ G2 was found to be statistically related to chemotherapy, weight loss, dysphagia ≥ G2, total oral mucosa Dmean ≥50 Gy and Dmax ≥65 Gy, V45 Gy >40%, V50 Gy >30%, and V55 Gy >20% of the oral mucosa minus target PTVs. A ratio between total oral mucosa and oral mucosa minus target PTVs >2.5 is related to G3 mucositis (p = .03).ConclusionNew parameters were found as predictors of moderate‐severe mucositis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E815–E819, 2016
Establishing Biomechanical Mechanisms in Mouse Models: Practical Guidelines for Systematically Evaluating Phenotypic Changes in the Diaphyses of Long Bones
Authors: Jepsen Karl J , Silva Matthew J , Vashishth Deepak , Guo X Edward , van der Meulen Marjolein CH 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Mice are widely used in studies of skeletal biology, and assessment of their bones by mechanical testing is a critical step when evaluating the functional effects of an experimental perturbation. For example, a gene knockout may target a pathway important in bone formation and result in a “low bone mass” phenotype. But how well does the skeleton bear functional loads; eg, how much do bones deform during loading and how resistant are bones to fracture? By systematic evaluation of bone morphological, densitometric, and mechanical properties, investigators can establish the “biomechanical mechanisms” whereby an experimental perturbation alters whole-bone mechanical function. The goal of this review is to clarify these biomechanical mechanisms and to make recommendations for systematically evaluating phenotypic changes in mouse bones, with a focus on long-bone diaphyses and cortical bone. Further, minimum reportable standards for testing conditions and outcome variables are suggested that will improve the comparison of data across studies. Basic biomechanical principles are reviewed, followed by a description of the cross-sectional morphological properties that best inform the net cellular effects of a given experimental perturbation and are most relevant to biomechanical function. Although morphology is critical, whole-bone mechanical properties can only be determined accurately by a mechanical test. The functional importance of stiffness, maximum load, postyield displacement, and work-to-fracture are reviewed. Because bone and body size are often strongly related, strategies to adjust whole-bone properties for body mass are detailed. Finally, a comprehensive framework is presented using real data, and several examples from the literature are reviewed to illustrate how to synthesize morphological, tissue-level, and whole-bone mechanical properties of mouse long bones. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
The p27 Pathway Modulates the Regulation of Skeletal Growth and Osteoblastic Bone Formation by Parathyroid Hormone–Related Peptide
Authors: Zhu Min , Zhang Jing , Dong Zhan , Zhang Ying , Wang Rong , Karaplis Andrew , Goltzman David , Miao Dengshun 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Parathyroid hormone–related peptide (PTHrP) 1–84 knock-in mice (Pthrp KI) develop skeletal growth retardation and defective osteoblastic bone formation. To further examine the mechanisms underlying this phenotype, microarray analyses of differential gene expression profiles were performed in long bone extracts from Pthrp KI mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates. We found that the expression levels of p27, p16, and p53 were significantly upregulated in Pthrp KI mice relative to WT littermates. To determine whether p27 was involved in the regulation by PTHrP of skeletal growth and development in vivo, we generated compound mutant mice, which were homozygous for both p27 deletion and the Pthrp KI mutation (p27-/-Pthrp KI). We then compared p27-/-Pthrp KI mice with p27-/-, Pthrp KI, and WT littermates. Deletion of p27 in Pthrp KI mice resulted in a longer lifespan, increased body weight, and improvement in skeletal growth. At 2 weeks of age, skeletal parameters, including length of long bones, size of epiphyses, numbers of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive chondrocytes, bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume, osteoblast numbers, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-, type I collagen-, and osteocalcin-positive bone areas were increased in p27-/- mice and reduced in both Pthrp KI and p27-/-Pthrp KI mice compared with WT mice; however, these parameters were increased in p27-/-Pthrp KI mice compared with Pthrp KI mice. As well, protein expression levels of PTHR, IGF-1, and Bmi-1, and the numbers of total colony-forming unit fibroblastic (CFU-f) and ALP-positive CFU-f were similarly increased in p27-/-Pthrp KI mice compared with Pthrp KI mice. Our results demonstrate that deletion of p27 in Pthrp KI mice can partially rescue defects in skeletal growth and osteoblastic bone formation by enhancing endochondral bone formation and osteogenesis. These studies, therefore, indicate that the p27 pathway may function downstream in the action of PTHrP to regulate skeletal growth and development. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Interexamination repeatability and spatial heterogeneity of liver iron and fat quantification using MRI‐based multistep adaptive fitting algorithm
Authors: Sofue Keitaro , Mileto Achille , Dale Brian M. , Zhong Xiaodong , Bashir Mustafa R. 
Published: April 2015

PurposeTo assess the interexamination repeatability and spatial heterogeneity of liver iron and fat measurements using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based multistep adaptive fitting algorithm.Materials and MethodsThis prospective observational study was Institutional Review Board‐approved and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act‐compliant. Written informed consent was waived. In all, 150 subjects were imaged on 3T MRI systems. A whole‐liver volume acquisition was performed twice using a six‐echo 3D spoiled gradient echo sequence during two immediately adjacent examinations. Colocalized regions of interest (ROIs) in three different hepatic segments were placed for R2* and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) measurements by two readers independently. Mean R2* and PDFF values between readers and acquisitions were compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), linear regression, Bland–Altman analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsThe mean R2* and PDFF values across all ROIs and measurements were 51.2 ± 25.2 s−1 and 6.9 ± 6.4%, respectively. Mean R2* and PDFF values showed no significant differences between the two acquisitions (P = 0.05–0.87). Between the two acquisitions, R2* and PDFF values demonstrated almost perfect agreement (ICCs = 0.979–0.994) and excellent correlation (R2 = 0.958–0.989). Bland–Altman analysis also demonstrated excellent agreement. In the ANOVA, the individual patient and ROI location were significant effects for both R2* and PDFF values (P < 0.05).ConclusionMRI‐based R2* and PDFF measurements are repeatable between examinations. Between‐measurement changes in R2* of more than 10.1 s−1 and in PDFF of more than 1.7% are likely due to actual tissue changes. Liver iron and fat content are variable between hepatic segments. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1281–1290.
Mr‐derived cerebral spinal fluid hydrodynamics as a marker and a risk factor for intracranial hypertension in astronauts exposed to microgravity
Authors: Kramer Larry A. , Hasan Khader M. , Sargsyan Ashot E. , Wolinsky Jerry S. , Hamilton Douglas R. , Riascos Roy F. , Carson William K. , Heimbigner Jared , Patel Vipulkumar S. , Romo Seferino , Otto Christian 
Published: April 2015

PurposeTo quantify the change in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) production rate and maximum systolic velocity in astronauts before and after exposure to microgravity and identify any physiologic trend and/or risk factor related to intracranial hypertension.Materials and MethodsFollowing Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, with waiver of informed consent, a retrospective review of 27 astronauts imaged at 3T was done. Qualitative analysis was performed on T2‐weighted axial images through the orbits for degree of flattening of the posterior globe according to the following grades: 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = severe. One grade level change postflight was considered significant for exposure to intracranial hypertension. CSF production rate and maximum systolic velocity was calculated from cine phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging and compared to seven healthy controls.ResultsFourteen astronauts were studied. The preflight CSF production rate in astronauts was similar to controls (P = 0.83). Six astronauts with significant posterior globe flattening demonstrated a 70% increase in CSF production rate postflight compared to baseline (P = 0.01). There was a significant increase in CSF maximum systolic velocity in the subgroup without posterior globe flattening (P = 0.01).ConclusionThe increased postflight CSF production rate in astronauts with positive flattening is compatible with the hypothesis of microgravity‐induced intracranial hypertension inferring downregulation in CSF production in microgravity that is upregulated upon return to normal gravity. Increased postflight CSF maximum systolic velocity in astronauts with negative flattening suggests increased craniospinal compliance and a potential negative risk factor to microgravity‐induced intracranial hypertension. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1560–1571.
Soil bacterial community response to sulfadiazine in the soil–root zone
Authors: Reichel Rüdiger , Michelini Lucia , Ghisi Rossella , Thiele‐Bruhn Sören 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSulfonamide antibiotics reach soil via manure and adversely affect microbial diversity. Clear effects of these bacteriostatic, growth‐inhibiting antibiotics occur in the presence of a parallel input of microbial activity stimulating manure. Natural hot spots with already increased soil microbial activity are located in the rhizosphere, comprising microorganism such as Pseudomonas with plant growth promoting and pathogenic strains. The hypothesis was therefore that the antibiotic activity of sulfonamides is promoted in the rhizosphere even in the absence of manure, followed by shifts of the natural plant‐specific microbial community structure. This was evaluated by a laboratory experiment with Salix fragilis L. and Zea mays L. After 40 d of incubation, sub‐areas such as non‐rhizosphere soil, rhizosphere soil and plant roots were sampled. Effects on microbial community structure were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene fragment patterns of total bacteria community and Pseudomonas. Selected exoenzymes of N‐, P‐, and C‐cycling were used to test effects on microbial functions. Compared to the factors soil sub‐area and sulfadiazine (SDZ) content, plant species had the largest influence on the bacterial community structure and soil exoenzyme activity pattern. This was also reflected by an up to 1.5‐fold higher acid phosphatase activity in samples from maize‐ compared to willow‐planted soil. We conclude that antibiotic effects on the bacterial community structures are influenced by the antibiotic concentration and root influence.
Feasibility of human lung ventilation imaging using highly polarized naturally abundant xenon and optimized three‐dimensional steady‐state free precession
Authors: Stewart Neil J. , Norquay Graham , Griffiths Paul D. , Wild Jim M. 
Published: April 2015

PurposeTo demonstrate the potential for high quality MRI of pulmonary ventilation using naturally abundant xenon (NAXe) gas.MethodsMRI was performed at 1.5 Tesla (T) and 3 T on one healthy smoker and two healthy never‐smokers. 129Xe gas was polarized to ∼25% using an in‐house spin‐exchange optical pumping polarizer fitted with a laser diode array with integrated volume holographic grating and optical train system. Volunteers inhaled 1 L of NAXe for an 8 to 15 s breathhold while MR images were acquired with full‐lung coverage using a three‐dimensional steady‐state free precession sequence, optimized for maximum signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at a given spatial resolution. For the purpose of image quality comparison, the MR acquisition was repeated at 1.5 T with 400 mL enriched xenon and 200 mL 3He.ResultsAll NAXe lung images were of high quality, with mean SNRs of 25–40 (voxel 4.2 × 4.2 × 8/10 mm3) and ∼30% improvement at 3 T versus 1.5 T. The high SNR permitted identification of minor ventilation defects in the healthy smoker's lungs. NAXe images were of comparable SNR to those obtained with enriched xenon and 3He.ConclusionOptimization of MR pulse sequences and advances in polarization technology have facilitated high quality pulmonary ventilation imaging with inexpensive NAXe gas. Magn Reson Med 74:346–352, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tumor‐specific expression and detection of a CEST reporter gene
Authors: Minn Il , Bar‐Shir Amnon , Yarlagadda Keerthi , Bulte Jeff W. M. , Fisher Paul B. , Wang Hao , Gilad Assaf A. , Pomper Martin G. 
Published: April 2015

PurposeTo develop an imaging tool that enables the detection of malignant tissue with enhanced specificity using the exquisite spatial resolution of MRI.MethodsTwo mammalian gene expression vectors were created for the expression of the lysine‐rich protein (LRP) under the control of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter and the progression elevated gene‐3 promoter (PEG‐3 promoter) for constitutive and tumor‐specific expression of LRP, respectively. Using those vectors, stable cell lines of rat 9L glioma, 9LCMV‐LRP and 9LPEG‐LRP, were established and tested for CEST contrast in vitro and in vivo.Results9LPEG‐LRP cells showed increased CEST contrast compared with 9L cells in vitro. Both 9LCMV‐LRP and 9LPEG‐LRP cells were capable of generating tumors in the brains of mice, with a similar growth rate to tumors derived from wild‐type 9L cells. An increase in CEST contrast was clearly visible in tumors derived from both 9LCMV‐LRP and 9LPEG‐LRP cells at 3.4 ppm.ConclusionThe PEG‐3 promoter:LRP system can be used as a cancer‐specific, molecular‐genetic imaging reporter system in vivo. Because of the ubiquity of MR imaging in clinical practice, sensors of this class can be used to translate molecular‐genetic imaging rapidly. Magn Reson Med 74:544–549, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A protocol to correct for intra‐ and interspecific variation in tail hair growth to align isotope signatures of segmentally cut tail hair to a common time line
Authors: Burnik Šturm Martina , Pukazhenthi Budhan , Reed Dolores , Ganbaatar Oyunsaikhan , Sušnik Stane , Haymerle Agnes , Voigt Christian C. , Kaczensky Petra 
Published: April 2015

RationaleIn recent years, segmental stable isotope analysis of hair has been a focus of research in animal dietary ecology and migration. To correctly assign tail hair segments to seasons or even Julian dates, information on tail hair growth rates is a key parameter, but is lacking for most species.MethodsWe (a) reviewed the literature on tail hair growth rates in mammals; b) made own measurements of three captive equid species; (c) measured δ2H, δ13C and δ15N values in sequentially cut tail hairs of three sympatric, free‐ranging equids from the Mongolian Gobi, using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS); and (d) collected environmental background data on seasonal variation by measuring δ2H values in precipitation by IRMS and by compiling pasture productivity measured by remote sensing via the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI).ResultsTail hair growth rates showed significant inter‐ and intra‐specific variation making temporal alignment problematic. In the Mongolian Gobi, high seasonal variation of δ2H values in precipitation results in winter lows and summer highs of δ2H values of available water sources. In water‐dependent equids, this seasonality is reflected in the isotope signatures of sequentially cut tails hairs.ConclusionsIn regions which are subject to strong seasonal patterns we suggest identifying key isotopes which show strong seasonal variation in the environment and can be expected to be reflected in the animal tissue. The known interval between the maxima and minima of these isotope values can then be used to correctly temporally align the segmental stable isotope signature for each individual animal. © 2015 The Authors. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Direct detection and quantification of malondialdehyde vapour in humid air using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry supported by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Shestivska Violetta , Antonowicz Stefan S , Dryahina Kseniya , Kubišta Jiří , Smith David , Španěl Patrik 
Published: April 2015

RationaleIt has been proposed that malondialdehyde (MDA) reflects free oxygen‐radical lipid peroxidation and can be useful as a biomarker to track this process. For the analysis of MDA molecules in humid air by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS), the rate coefficients and the ion product distributions for the reactions of the SIFT‐MS reagent ions with volatile MDA in the presence of water vapour are required.MethodsThe SIFT technique has been used to determine the rate coefficients and ion product distributions for the reactions of H3O+, NO+ and O2+• with gas‐phase MDA. In support of the SIFT‐MS analysis of MDA, solid‐phase microextraction, SPME, coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, GC/MS, has been used to confirm the identification of MDA.ResultsThe primary product ions have been identified for the reactions of H3O+, NO+ and O2+• with MDA and the formation of their hydrates formed in humid samples is described. The following combinations of reagent and the analyte ions (given as m/z values) have been adopted for SIFT‐MS analyses of MDA in the gas phase: H3O+: 109; NO+: 89, 102; O2+•: 72, 90, 108, 126. The detection and quantification of MDA released by a cell culture by SIFT‐MS are demonstrated.ConclusionsThis detailed study has provided the kinetics data required for the SIFT‐MS analysis of MDA in humid air, including exhaled breath and the headspace of liquid‐phase biogenic media. The detection and quantification by SIFT‐MS of MDA released by a cell culture are demonstrated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.