bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐365 Inhibits the Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Targeting Cyclin D1
Authors: Kim Myung‐Hyun , Ham Onju , Lee Se‐Yeon , Choi Eunmi , Lee Chang Youn , Park Jun‐Hee , Lee Jiyun , Seo Hyang‐Hee , Seung Minji , Choi Eunhyun , Min Pil‐Ki , Hwang Ki‐Chul 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTAbnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a common feature of disease progression in atherosclerosis. Cell proliferation is regulated by cell cycle regulatory proteins. MicroRNAs (miR) have been reported to act as important gene regulators and play essential roles in the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in a cardiovascular disease. However, the roles and mechanisms of miRs in VSMCs and neointimal formation are far from being fully understood. In this study, cell cycle‐specific cyclin D1 was found to be a potential target of miR‐365 by direct binding. Through an in vitro experiment, we showed that exogenous miR‐365 overexpression reduced VSMC proliferation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression, while miR‐365 was observed to block G1/S transition in platelet‐derived growth factor‐bb (PDGF‐bb)‐induced VSMCs. In addition, the proliferation of VSMCs by various stimuli, including PDGF‐bb, angiotensin II (Ang II), and serum, led to the downregulation of miR‐365 expression levels. The expression of miR‐365 was confirmed in balloon‐injured carotid arteries. Taken together, our results suggest an anti‐proliferative role for miR‐365 in VSMC proliferation, at least partly via modulating the expression of cyclin D1. Therefore, miR‐365 may influence neointimal formation in atherosclerosis patients. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1752–1761, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of microfluidic devices in solvent extraction
Authors: Ciceri Davide , Perera Jilska M. , Stevens Geoffrey W. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSolvent extraction (SX) is an important separation method with countless applications in the chemical industry. The water/oil interface is an essential feature of SX systems. Microfluidic technology is ideally suited for exploitation in SX due to intrinsic advantages of the micro dimensions that result in laminar flow conditions, high surface‐to‐volume ratio and the reduced chemical quantities needed. This review describes the use of microfluidic devices in SX. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.
The repertoire of nitrogen assimilation in Rhodococcus: catalysis, pathways and relevance in biotechnology and bioremediation
Authors: Foster Alexander , Barnes Nicole , Speight Robert , Keane Mark A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe Rhodococcus genus exhibits diverse enzymatic activity that can be exploited in the conversion of natural and anthropogenic nitrogenous compounds. This catalytic response provides a selective advantage in terms of available nutrients while also serving to remove otherwise harmful xenobiotics. This review provides a critical assessment of the literature on bioconversion of organo‐nitrogen compounds with a consideration of applications in bioremediation and commercial biotechnology. By examining the major nitro‐organic compounds (amino acids, amines, nitriles, amides and nitroaromatics) in turn, the considerable repertoire of Rhodococcus spp. is established. The available published enzyme reaction data is coupled with genomic characterisation to provide a molecular basis for Rhodococcus enzyme activity with an assessment of the cellular properties that aid substrate accessibility and ensure stability. The metabolic gene clusters associated with the observed reaction pathways are identified and future directions in enzyme optimisation and metabolic engineering are assessed. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of phase modifiers on boron removal by solvent extraction using 1,3 diolic compounds
Authors: Fortuny Agustin , Coll Maria Teresa , Kedari Chandrashekhar S. , Sastre Ana Maria 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDAmong the polyols, 1,3 diols are selective and efficient extractants for boron but significant solubility of these into aqueous solutions restricts their application in large scale separation processes. Solvent modifiers can be used to reduce extractant loss to the aqueous phase. Efficiency of the diolic extractants for boron separation have been tested in the presence of different solvent modifiers.RESULTSCompared with other modifiers studied, decanol gives better stability to diolic molecules in the Kerosene phase and exhibits a reduced negative effect on the extraction of boron. Next to decanol, the low viscous 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐heptanone can be used as solvent modifier.In successive extraction studies, 2‐butyl‐2‐ethyl‐1,3‐propanediol (BEPD) showed better stability among the diols studied in the presence of decanol in the organic phase.CONCLUSIONQuantitative removal of boron was achieved from industrial waste solutions such as a spent phosphate passivation bath and a cutting fluid, using 0.6 mol L−1 BEPD and 0.6 mol L−1 2,2,4‐trimethyl‐1,3‐pentanediol (TMPD) in 25% decanol/Kerosene organic phase. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.
Palladium(II) extraction from nitric acid solutions byLIX34
Authors: Elizalde María , Menoyo Begoña , Ocio Argune , Rúa María del Sol 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDSulphur‐containing reagents are known to extract Pd(II) very efficiently. Among them, 8‐(alkarylsulphonamido)quinolines have shown a high extractive ability towards several metal ions. In this work, the distribution equilibria of Pd(II) from nitric acid solutions of 1.0 mol L−1ionic strength byLIX34 dissolved in toluene have been studied as a function of both extractant and metal concentration, equilibriumpHand nitrate ion concentration. The effect of the alkyl chain length of the extractant molecule on the extraction of Pd(II) has also been investigated.RESULTSThe extraction of Pd(II) from acidic solutions byLIX34 is slow but low concentrations of the extractant are required for quantitative extraction. It does not depend onpHin the 1–2.3 range whereas nitrate ion concentration has little influence on the extraction process. The synthesized compound 4‐methyl‐N‐8‐quinolinylbenzenesulphonamide, which presents a structure very close to 4‐dodecyl‐N‐8‐quinolinylbenzenesulphonamide, which is the active component inLIX34, shows the same extraction ability towards palladium.CONCLUSIONSThe experimental data have been treated numerically and can be explained by assuming the formation of the complexesPdL2(logk020 = 10.46 ± 0.12) and Pd(NO3)L (logk110 = 4.99 ± 0.18), the former being the predominant species. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.
Emulsion liquid membranes for recovery of ibuprofen from aqueous solutions
Authors: Razo‐Lazcano Teresa Alejandra , Stambouli Moncef , González‐Muñoz María del Pilar , Pareau Dominique , Ávila‐Rodríguez Mario 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis work involved a systematic study of the recovery of ibuprofen (IBP) from aqueous solutions by emulsion liquid membranes (ELM).RESULTSA preliminary liquid–liquid extraction study was performed in order to determine the most appropriate system to extract the IBP. The results show that Parleam 4 and NaOH work very well as extractant and strippant, respectively. The conditions for preparing the ELMs were established. The influence of parameters such as the agitation speed, preparation time and composition of the ELM were evaluated for membrane stability (by laser diffraction) and for IBP recovery efficiency. It was also shown that the influence of trioctylamine (TOA) in the ELM is such that only a low concentration is required to obtain stable and highly efficient membranes.CONCLUSIONThe membrane prepared with Parleam 4 + TOA 0.1% w/V + Abil EM 90 at 5% w/V as organic phase, and NaOH 0.05 mol L‐1, as internal aqueous phase, showed the highest recovery percentages (> 99%) with a very fast kinetic transfer (5 minutes of contact). © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.
Copper removal from aqueous solutions by means of ionic liquids containing a β‐diketone and the recovery of metal complexes by supercritical fluid extraction
Authors: Sepúlveda Rossana , Romero Julio , Sánchez José 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis work is focused on the removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions by means of different hydrophobic imidazolium‐based ionic liquids containing 1,1,1‐trifluoro‐2,4‐pentanedione (TFA) as extractant and the subsequent extraction of the metal complexes formed in the IL by means of supercritical fluid extraction.RESULTSSolutions containing between 250 and 500 mg L‐1 of Cu(II) ions were contacted with [bmim][PF6], [hmim][PF6] and [bmim][Tf2N] containing TFA. After liquid–liquid extraction, both phases were analysed, verifying the formation of neutral complex Cu(TFA)2 as the predominant extraction mechanism in [bmim][PF6] and [bmim][Tf2N]. Meanwhile, the extraction of Cu(II) in [bmim][PF6] was strongly influenced by the direct interaction between the metal ion and the IL. ILs used in L–L extractions were regenerated using supercritical CO2 at 18 MPa and 40°C. [bmim][Tf2N] showed the highest accumulative extraction percentage (≈ 80%) after sequential loads of Cu(II) ions.CONCLUSIONFrom these tests, [bmim][Tf2N] was the solvent that showed the best performance in terms of accumulative extraction and recycling capacity in sequential extraction cycles mediated by regeneration with supercritical CO2. This study demonstrates that this process could be considered an alternative separation technique for metal ions using green solvents, and with extractant requirements lower than in conventional solvent extraction operations. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.
Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as new adsorption materials for arsenic removal from polluted waters
Authors: Saiz Juan , Bringas Eugenio , Ortiz Inmaculada 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDOne of the most harmful pollutants to human health present in natural water is arsenic. In this work magnetic silica/magnetite nanoparticles functionalized with aminopropyl groups incorporating Fe3+ (S1‐F3) were investigated for their suitability as materials to adsorb As5+ and As3+ from polluted groundwater.RESULTSMagnetite nanoparticles obtained by a co‐precipitation method were coated with a mesoporous silica layer generated by hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate. The resultant material was grafted with amino derivatives coordinated with Fe3+. The synthesis was confirmed by FT‐IR, TGA and BET analyses. After analysis of the affinity of solids with different degrees of functionalization towards arsenate and arsenite species, the material S1‐F3 resulted in maximum arsenic adsorption capacities (14.7 ± 0.3 mg As3+g‐1 and 121 ± 4.1 mg As5+g‐1). The adsorption equilibrium was satisfactorily described by the Langmuir model and exhibited low sensitivity to temperatures in the range 288–308K. Kinetic data were correlated with a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model based on solid capacity that considers the rate of the surface reaction as the rate‐limiting step.CONCLUSIONThe promising results confirm that the material S1‐F3 is an effective adsorbent for the removal of arsenate from polluted water. More research is being conducted to analyse the influence of competing anions and sorbent regeneration. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.
Separation of naphthenic acid from an oil‐phase using novel magnetic composite particles
Authors: Akhtar Zatoun , Waters Julian A , Pérez de Ortiz E Susana 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDIon exchange has been reported as a feasible process for naphthenic acid (NA) separation from distillate fractions of acidic crude oil. In this work a cross‐linked polymer functionalised with amino groups was designed for NA separation from organic solvents and the derived nanoparticles (PP) were used in the preparation of magnetic composite particles (MCP). Particles were characterised for size, zeta potential and amino group concentration; equilibrium and kinetic results were obtained over a wide range of conditions.RESULTSLoading capacity of MCP was higher than that of PP. Both particles extracted 80–92% NA; extraction using MCP reached equilibrium in less than 10 min whereas PP required hours. MCP loading capacity was an order of magnitude higher than that of commercial particles and equilibration time more than one order of magnitude lower. Kinetics of extraction, particle loading and the mechanism of extraction are discussed in terms of particle characteristics. Recovery of NA from MCP reached 98% and particles could be reused.CONCLUSIONSMCP extracted more than 90% NA in a few minutes and their loading capacity was an order of magnitude higher than that of commercial particles. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.
Diagnostic accuracy of transient hepatic attenuation differences on computed tomography scans for acute cholangitis in patients with malignant disease
Authors: Sugishita Toshiya , Higuchi Ryota , Morita Satoru , Ota Takehiro , Yamamoto Masakazu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundFew reports have assessed the accuracy of transient hepatic attenuation differences (THAD) in the arterial phase of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing acute cholangitis (AC). We examined the diagnostic accuracy of THAD in AC in patients with malignant disease.MethodsWe retrospectively examined the records of 123 consecutive patients (73 men, 50 women; mean age, 69 [range, 43–91] years) who underwent dynamic CT 3 days before biliary drainage for malignant hepatobiliary disease between 2006 and 2011. We examined the diagnostic ability of THAD for AC and assessed the relationship between THAD and AC severity.ResultsAcute cholangitis was present in 45% of patients. The sensitivity and specificity of THAD for AC were 93% and 39%, respectively. Diffuse, hemi‐hepatic, and segmental THAD for AC were seen in 84%, 4%, and 9%, respectively. In all, 64% of patients were diagnosed with severe AC and 29% with mild AC, depending on the intensity of THAD, but the patterns and degree of intensity of THAD and AC severity were not related.ConclusionAlthough the pattern and the degree of intensity of THAD and AC severity were not related, THAD might be useful in diagnosing AC. Thus, THAD should be considered a diagnostic criterion for AC.
Impact of age, sex, and indexation method on MR left ventricular reference values in the framingham heart study offspring cohort
Authors: Yeon Susan B. , Salton Carol J. , Gona Philimon , Chuang Michael L. , Blease Susan J. , Han Yuchi , Tsao Connie W. , Danias Peter G. , Levy Daniel , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Manning Warren J. 
Published: May 2014

PurposeTo determine normative values for left ventricular (LV) volumes, mass, concentricity, and ejection fraction (EF) and investigate associations between sex, age, and body size with LV parameters in community‐dwelling adults.Materials and MethodsIn all, 1794 Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort members underwent LV short‐axis oriented, contiguous multislice cine steady‐state free precession MR of the left ventricle; from these a healthy referent group (n = 852, 61 ± 9 years, 40% men) free of clinical cardiac disease and hypertension (SBP < 140, DBP < 90 mmHg, never used antihypertensive medication ≥30 years prior to scanning) was identified. Referent participants were stratified by sex and age group (≤55, 56–65, >65 years); LV parameters were indexed to measures of body size.ResultsMen have greater LV volumes and mass than women both before and after indexation to height, powers of height, and body surface area (P < 0.01 all), but indexation to fat‐free mass yielded greater LV volume and mass in women. In both sexes, LV volumes and mass decrease with advancing age, although indexation attenuates this association. LVEF is greater in women than men (68 ± 5% vs. 66 ± 5%, P < 0.01) and increases with age in both sexes (P < 0.05).ConclusionAmong nonhypertensive adults free of cardiac disease, men have greater LV volumes and mass with sex differences generally persisting after indexation to body size. LV volumes and mass tend to decrease with greater age in both sexes. Female sex and advanced age were both associated with greater LVEF. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1038–1045. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatiotemporal variations of pan evaporation in China during 1960–2005: changing patterns and causes
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Qi Tianyao , Li Jianfeng , Singh Vijay P. , Wang Zongzhi 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTObserved pan evaporation data from 588 stations covering the entire territory of China are analysed using the modified Mann–Kendall trend test method. Fuzzy C‐Means clustering is conducted for regionalization. Sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the principal influencing factors. Results indicate that: (1) the entire country can be categorized into three parts, i.e. A: southern, central and southwestern China; B: northwestern China and C: strip zone extending from northeastern to southwestern China; (2) significant decreasing pan evaporation can be identified in southern, central, southwestern, eastern and northwestern China. Stations with significant increasing pan evaporation seem to be scattered sporadically across China. Besides, the strip zone extending in the NE‐SW direction is dominated by significant and also nonsignificant increasing trends of pan evaporation and (3) sensitivity analysis indicates that relative humidity is the principal influencing factor for pan evaporation, especially in northwestern, northern and northeastern China. Generally, in northwestern, northern and northeastern China, relative humidity has an adverse relation with pan evaporation, implying pan evaporation paradox and also intensifying hydrological cycle in these regions. In southeastern China, particularly the middle and lower Yangtze River basin and the Pearl River basin, relations between pan evaporation and relative humidity are relatively complex, showing that other factors in addition to relative humidity can have impacts on pan evaporation changes, such as cloud coverage, temperature and aerosol concentration. Local features of aerodynamic and radiative drivers of the hydrological cycle and their regional responses to climate changes, and also different features of ground surface may play considerable roles in pan evaporation changes.
Trend analysis of rainfall in four meteorological subdivisions of southern India using nonparametric methods and discrete wavelet transforms
Authors: Adarsh S. , Janga Reddy M. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIn recent times, trend analysis and change point detection in hydroclimatic variables receiving significant attention due to climate change and its socioeconomic consequences. In this study, long‐term trends of rainfall in four subdivisions of southern India namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu, North Interior (NI) Karnataka and Telangana regions are analysed using linear regression, nonparametric Mann–Kendall (MK) test and Sen's slope estimator methods. Trend analysis of annual rainfall time series shows an increasing trend in three subdivisions – Tamil Nadu, NI Karnataka and Telangana, and a decreasing trend in Kerala subdivision. Further the sequential change in trend of annual and seasonal rainfalls in the four subdivisions is conducted using sequential MK (SQMK) method. The SQMK analysis shows an early divergence of progressive and retrograde modes of post‐monsoon rainfall of Kerala and winter rainfall of Telangana subdivisions. Further it is observed that among different seasonal rainfalls, the post‐monsoon rainfall of Kerala subdivision shows a statistically significant increase in the recent past. Then the trend analysis based on discrete wavelet transform (DWT) in conjunction with SQMK method is performed on the post‐monsoon rainfall time series of Kerala subdivision, and the results show that there is a dominancy of short‐term periodicity of less than a decade in the subdivision.
Soil microbiological properties and its stratification ratios for soil quality assessment under different cover crop management systems in a semiarid vineyard
Authors: Peregrina Fernando , Pilar Pérez‐Álvarez Eva , García‐Escudero Enrique 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn vineyards in Spain, tillage and semiarid Mediterranean climatic conditions accelerate organic matter loss from the soil. Cover crops are a conservation management practice that can provoke changes in soil quality which requires evaluation. Stratification ratios of soil properties such as soil organic C and labile C fractions have been proposed for the assessment of soil quality under different soil management systems. Our objective was to study the effect of different cover crop management on various soil parameters and their stratification ratios. We evaluated three different soil managements in a Typic Haploxerept from NE Spain: conventional tillage (CT); 5‐y continuous cover crop of resident vegetation (RV); and 4‐y continuous cover crop of Festuca longifolia Thuill., followed by 1‐y Bromus catharticus L. after resowing (BV). We monitored soil organic C, particulate organic C, water soluble C, potentially mineralizable N, microbial biomass C, β‐glucosidase and urease enzymatic activities, and water stable aggregates at 0–2.5, 2.5–5, 5–15, 15–25, and 25–45 cm soil depths. We calculated soil depth stratification ratios of those soil properties. Resident cover crop increased microbiological properties, labile C fractions, and aggregation with respect to conventional tillage at 0–2.5 and 2.5–5 cm soil depths. However, for Bromus cover crop the same soil properties were lower than for the resident cover crop at 0–2.5 cm depth. Stratification ratios of β‐glucosidase and urease enzymatic activities, and particulate organic C showed a higher sensitivity than other soil properties; therefore, they would be the best indicators for soil quality assessment in semiarid Mediterranean vineyards.
Location of small cochlear lesions by phase contrast microscopy prior to thin sectioning
Authors: Bohne Barbara A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA new technique for the study of the inner ear is described. Cochleae are fixed, dehydrated and infiltrated with plastic while their bony walls are intact except for small holes at the third turn and near the round window. After the plastic polymerizes, the cochlear bone is removed so that half turns of cochlear duct can be separated from the modiolus. These specimens are re‐embedded in a thin layer of plastic after trimming so that their basilar membrane sides lie close to the surface of the plastic layer.Using phase contrast microscopy, the entire organ of Corti is examined by focusing through the surface of the plastic and through the specimens from the basilar membrane up to the tectorial membrane.Segments of organ of Corti containing small lesions are divided in such a way that cross‐sections of those areas for study by light and electron microscopy are obtained readily using an ultrotome.
Treatment of parotid duct injuries
Authors: Abramson Maxwell 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSeven patients with acute injuries of the parotid duct have been treated in the Department of Otolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Iowa in the last five years. Two patients had lacerations of the buccal region of the duct and were treated successfully by reimplantation of the remaining duct into the oral cavity. The five patients with lacerations of the masseter portion underwent primary anastomosis. Two of these five patients demonstrated salivary flow from Stenson's duct on follow‐up. Of the three remaining patients, one healed but failed to show salivary flow at follow‐up; one patient had deliberate proximal duct ligation because of a large gap in the duct after excision of a basal carcinoma, and one patient developed a salivary fistula requiring radiation therapy for gland suppression. A technique for primary anastomosis of the parotid duct is described.